1971 911t engine rebuild cost estimate

[jrm5657]

I am at a crossroad with my 71 911t, very cool car, signal orange slicktop, sport seats, COA, currently has a engine and tranny from another t in it that has weak compression. I have the complete original matching number engine and tranny per the COA that is disassembled for unknown reason.

I had planned to enjoy the car for a while and ultimately rebuild and install the original drive train at some future date, but I am hearing some ridiculous numbers to rebuild this little 2.2L engine. I have lots of experience building Corvette big and small blocks and honestly don't see where all the money goes in these little air cooled 6's.

So, I am at a decision point. I can find and buy a hot rod engine maybe a 2.4 or 2.7 to install and either sell or swap my spare 2.2 while retaining the original 2.2.

Or I can go ahead and rebuild the original 2.2 and sell the spare 2.2.

Or I can just sell the car as-is with both drive trains and all spare parts and move on. I have plenty of toys and don't necessarily need this one.

Appreciate any comments as well as any real and recent experience with rebuild cost breakdown between parts and labor.

[Matt Monson]

I'd try posting this on the Engine Rebuilding forum.

[thamlin000]

If you’re not really into the car, but you still want to keep it, don’t take on an engine rebuild project. Either buy a complete engine to drop in then sell the current 2.2 or just sell the car and move on to something you like better. But keep the original engine with the car.

Nice Stingray BTW.

[Flynt]

Going on that one photo and your text.. I'd either:
- Put the car together enough to drive it with the low compression 2.2 (how low are we talking?).. Drive it until the low compression becomes a real issue, or you decide you like it enough to build a good engine.
- Buy a known-good fun engine.. 2.5, 2.7, 3.2SS. Have fun, or don't and move on.

Not enough value added (fun or $$$-wise) in rebuilding the original 2.2 to make it worthwhile if you decide to move on. Sounds like it's staying with the car, regardless - which is always good.

[msort81]

DK the base price on core 2.2 T motor but selling the low compression one to offset some of the re build of the original motor makes sense. You might even find the original chassis on the early S, maybe someone wants their matching # motor

I like the way your car looks. Based on your pic it doesn't look like the car needs a huge amount of sorting. If you do decide to sell you will get more for a running driving matching #example than any other scenario. Re build it, lower it from the rally height, drive it. You will forget about the cost..

[Bigtoe32067]

Depends on what all needs to be done but I would guess 10-15k. Lots of expensive variables
Tony

[ficke]

Parts prices are on a scale that BBC or SBC parts are not even on, unless you are doing a nascar style build on the SBC. For instance on a SBC you bore the block for $500 and buy some new pistons from a huge selection for maybe $200 https://www.jegs.com/i/Sealed+Power/844/H580CP/10002/-1?msclkid=2bfa2cf6f7771e029d35717bd7dff0f8&utm_sou rce=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Merkle%20-%20BSC%20-%20All%20Products&utm_term=4579328492864333&utm_co ntent=All%20Products for all 8, total $700 to do the same on a 2.2T engine you buy new pistons and cylinders for $4,000.00 https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/5867/POR_5867_ENGPIS_pg1.htm
Cheapest way to go with 911 Porsches when you need a engine is roll the dice and buy a used motor for $8-12, because you will easily have that in the parts alone to rebuild one.

[specialtyoneinc]

At minimum $10k - $12k for the rebuild at a reputable shop but most likely more.

[jrm5657]

Thanks for all of the informative advice and price ranges, pretty much matching what I had discovered as well. I am going to tuck her away for the winter and keep my eye open for a nice running engine. I will keep my eye on the Pelican parts for sale ads, and check some other sources. In the meantime, if anyone has or knows of a potential engine, please let me know with a PM.
Thanks again Pelican!!