What makes a 1969 911 unique?

[beh911]

The great thing about the '69S is it's tiny 2.0L ...

Timely, brilliant write up, and a nice bump for the thread. I had been planning to do a summary later this week of all things discussed to date on this thread. Stay tuned...

[Macroni]

69S MFI has to be set up right

Amen brother!

[hoffman912]

3 bar engine grill 69 only. Correct me if i'm wrong on that one?

that was a mid production change in 68.

early 68s had the early grill, but most 68s (that i have seen) have the three bar grill. My 2/68 build 912 included.

[mimimemegna]

Love 1969

[Bummler]

Lots of white (Light Ivory) 69's around here...

[beh911]

This has been an interesting topic to research. Thanks to all the posts from other enthusiasts.

In doing my own research and going through the previous posts, I found many curious tidbits that spun me off into parts catalogs and books. Some of the data amount to very minor changes for the model year versus what I have classified as 'unique'. Sort of a gray area, but hey, the posts are still there to read through, plus lots of subjective opinions to boot on this very special model year!

It's also clear that many 69 cars came with 68 or earlier parts on them from the factory (mine included). There are also debatable subjects such as aluminum rear valences and decklids for 69 which this thread doesn't cover.

Some Superlatives
1. Lightest air cooled production 911 ever produced (S Owner's Manual shows DIN Curb Weight of 2194lb. Some period road tests show 995kg. Still needs official verification as 'lightest' though many of us think this)
2. Highest compression ratio of any air cooled production 911—9.9:1 (S)
3. Highest power/displacement of any air cooled production 911—170 DIN/190 SAE (S) equals DIN 85hp(SAE 95hp)/liter

The following posts are grouped together in a somewhat logical format. Please provide feedback... if there is one thing I've learned it's that many 'absolutes' in the earlier cars are subject to refinement based on the greater knowledge and ownership experience that exists out there. In the end, I'll be the messenger. Let's keep refining this thread.

Enjoy...

[beh911]

One Year Only
S – Clutch pressure plate
S – Clutch disk
2.0 liter engine with Mechanical Fuel Injection (MFI) for E and S
Cylinder head combination (S) --> 906 valves (45/39mm) + 2.0l + S ports + MFI
MFI pump with 2 solenoids on pump housing (enrichment and cutoff)
Cold start/enrichment wiring and switches --> crankcase breather cover has two threads for these switches
Fan shroud (no hole for ‘thru the fan’ MFI idle circuit adjustment adjustment)
MFI stack / throttle body combo
S – Intake trumpet size (46mm diameter opening vs. 42mm on 70-71. Molded plastic in 69, often replaced with metal ones)
Mounting bracket for fuel pump at tank for E and S models (901 356 501 00)
CD Box mounting location (forward the fuel filter console in back of engine compartment)
Metal airbox with single pipe elbow (70 had an extra pipe on the elbow for fuel tank emissions tank ventilation system)

Firsts
First year of MFI on production 911 (E and S)
CD ignition (E and S)
Oil cooler (69-71) in front right wheel well (S) opened via thermostat in engine compartment
Magnesium engine crankcase (saving 10kg/22lb over aluminum sandcast of earlier years)
Magnesium 901 transaxle housing (began in middle of MY production)
Gearing changed from generally AFMSX to AFMSZ (longer 5th)
Lobro half shafts/Rzeppa cv joints

First and Only
LWB car with 2.0 engine (the 'B' series)
Magnesium case 901 transmission (aluminum cases until mid MY 69)

Lasts
2.0 liter engine
Weber carbs (T)
Splash fed chain tensioners (changeover to hydraulic tensioners during mid MY)
Push type clutch actuating mechanism in 901 transmission
Numerical '901' designation for drivetrain type info - went to 911 in '70
Unpainted valve covers (black started in 70)

[beh911]

Firsts
Long wheel base (LWB), 2.24 inches longer than 65 – 68 cars. Stayed essentially 89.3 inches long through 1998 (last year of the air cooled 911)
Fixed front vent windows
Flared fenders, taking cue from 68 Sports Manual (flares remained from 69 to 73)
Smaller horn grills
Larger front turn signals
Replaceable front and rear turn signal assembly lenses
Rocker trim was wide aluminum panel for the 'S trim' cars (included on many E cars too)
Rear reflectors next to rear bumper overriders
Targa rear window offered in glass
Targa rollover hoop ventilation slots

Lasts
Push button latches on exterior door handles
3 bar engine grill (some 68 cars had this so not a 1 year only)
Unique rear decklid that began mid 68 - Grille opening has fewer mounting tabs compared to the 70+ version
Soft Window Targa (limited production of 11 units in '69)
Ungalvanized 911. Galvanization (rust proofing) of highly vulnerable undercarriage pieces in floorpan and wheel arches began in 70.
No rectangular door jamb VIN sticker outlining U.S. federal safety compliance (started with MY70)
Square federal compliance sticker for U.S. cars on A pillar (glued on in 69; riveted in 68)

Only
Unique for 69 font used in VIN # stamping on luggage compartment sheet metal
Paint code plaque in driver doorjamb in this format: ww-68xx-y without VIN on data plate
'B' series 911

[beh911]

1 Year Only
Dash (speaker grill has unique dimensions)
Unique cardboard blower cover in luggage compartment
Seat back release plastic knobs
Tool bag - smooth vinyl (non-basketweave) with unique tan interior
Maintenance record booklet - 911T 911E 911S 912

Firsts
Revised ventilation system, including 3 speed blower fan and heater ducts moved to dash from floor, so fresh air and heated air now mixed for first time
Hand throttle between seats as starting aid
Door pockets with fold out mechanism
VIN plate on driver side A pillar (beginning with Jan ’69 production cars)
Windshield mounted, glued on inside rear view mirror
Perlon carpet in trunk
Basket weave dash trim
Repa seat belts with new mounting points on seats and B pillar
Front seats - locking backs for first time + new seat mounts on floor + 2 screw mounts on hinges to seat backs
Electric windows as option
Steering column stickers for turn signals and wipers
Fuel vapor canister under cowl in luggage compartment
Ashtray integrated into kneepad under dash

Lasts
Front luggage compartment painted black by factory, while Karmann cars thru '70 also painted black
Leather straps for securing center section of luggage compartment carpet to blower cover ? (seen a few on 70 cars though, so...)
Hinges for luggage compartment hood and rear decklid painted black on factory built cars (Some Karmann cars thru 70 have black hinges)
Ivory plastic coat hangers and sun visor mounts (went to black later)
Engine sound pad surface pattern is series of faint circles, compared to '70+ randomized surface texture

[beh911]

1 Year Only
Wiring harness, including 3 pronged connector in front luggage compartment
4 gang connector bracket for 6 pole connectors in engine compartment
Hazard warning switch
Electrical/component panel in engine compartment

Firsts
Dual batteries as partial solution for weight redistribution over handling concerns of earlier cars
770w alternator to handle additional load of accessories (versus earlier 490w)
Hella 169 fog lights
Electrically heated rear window heater (without heater tubes)
Fuse box moved from luggage floor (by cowl) to side wall next to left battery

Lasts
Instruments mounted by thumb screw on brackets from back (versus rubber seal pressure mount from front on 70+)
Early style keys and ignition switch