Rebuilding my 912 engine...

BILLY GRUFF · 12-29-2002, 03:56 PM

... i am planning an engine rebuild for my stock 912 engine can anyone give me any tips on increasing the h/p? I am going to get the complete 912 guide by duane spencer but a few pointers on what to get wouldnt go amiss, i am planning to spend around £1000 (about $1500!)

Cheers,
Bill

C. Clark · C. Clark's Garage

Bill
In my opinion your on the right track getting Duane Spencers book, it's the definative book on the 912 engine, he gives advice, vendors and expertise, that said Harry Pellows knows his stuff also, check out his book, it's pretty good, he's got a web site, I have a new computer so his address is not at my finger tips, some one will chime in I'm sure. I would consider a big bore kit if I was into more hp, a cam, new ignition and updated carbs. I would do a full flow oil filter system and perhaps a external cooler too.It can get pricey though.
Good luck and have fun,
Chas.
69/912

Jeff Trask · 12-29-2002, 04:56 PM

First tip...spend more. Your machining, powder coating and parts (bearings, gaskets, etc...) will cost you near your $1500. If your going to add some juice, you'll want Duane's big bore kit and a mild cam and a nice distributor (.050), so you can add another $1500 to that. Lots to think about and lots to spend money on. I've just gone through the process and it was worth every penny! Your in the right place for advice, so ask as many questions as you can. There are some smart guys on this board that are willing to help.

Good luck!

Green 912 · 12-29-2002, 06:32 PM

What do you have now, carbs and the like, and what is bad on the present motor? What work do you plan to do yourself and what do you plan to have donr for you?

1000 quid might not be enough for a motor rebuild much less a upgrade. With that in mind the most bang for the buck or Pound in this case is a big bore kit with a little bit hotter cam (288 to 290 deg with a little increase in lift) good carbs and a Bursh header. Even doing much of your own work this will with all the required stuff like bearings and gaskets and all the other booring bits added in will run a Yank about $3000. You might be able to get away without the oil cooler in the UK but the full flow filter is a very good thing to add and should pay for itself in increased motor life.

If you are on a true fixed buget I bet even a stock rebuild will feel like a more powerfull motor just from being brought back to full power. Gasket/ bearing sets and ring sets are not expensive and even with some compromises you can rebuild and get back on the road for a small amount. Much depends on what is good and bad on the motor now.

Give us some details on what have now and I bet the pelican 912ers can help.

BILLY GRUFF · 12-30-2002, 03:23 AM

as far as i know all the parts on the car are original apart from the dual webers, all the machining i can get done fairly cheap and all the mechanic stuff me and my brother (a vw mechanic) will do so basically all i need to know is which are the best parts to upgrade to get the most power (bearing in mind my budget) and is it worth doing (how much extra power will i actually feel?)?

cheers for the help,
Bill

BILLY GRUFF · 12-30-2002, 03:24 AM

ps would it be cheaper just to get a 911? (though i dont want to do this because looks wise my 912 is a real headturner!)

peach · 12-31-2002, 06:31 PM

One of the simplest things I did was add an electronic egnition system (around $350). This increased my fule burning capacity between 1200-4000 rpm range. The next thing is too take off those trumpet air filters and replace with some K&N type. You will get more air. I agree with everyone else about the big bore kit. 1750 (1720). You will notice the differance. Good luck!