Question Solex cams

[Jesse-911E 1969]

Hi all,

Is it true that the early 911 engines had center lube cams, and that Porsche switched over to spray bar with engine number 903070, in November 1965?
(As per this post: http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...01-center-lube)

And are these the correct early center lube ones?














Thanks for your help!

[NeunElf]

They certainly look like center-lubricated cams although all I can see are the little oil exit holes--you haven't shown the inlets in the ends. Those are the correct part numbers for center-lubricated cams for a 901/01 engine.

From the little spec booklet:

The term "Solex cam" applies to the cam profile, both center-lubricated and splash (aka spray bar) lubricated. Solex cams also went into Weber-carbureted cars. When the 911S arrived in 1967 all 911s got new heat exchangers with near equal length pipes giving a 10 hp boost. At first, the 911 Normal had exhaust restrictors to keep a 30 hp difference between the Normal and Super, then the Normal got milder cams.

Last I visited Web Cam, I was told they can (and have) "cannon drilled" camshafts for center-lubrication. So, new center-lube camshafts can be had but I suspect that the extra work will make a hefty price. That's quite different from 356 camshafts where new ones are cheap enough that restoring old ones doesn't make sense.

[Jesse-911E 1969]

Thanks Jim!! That clarifies a lot.

Here are additional pictures:

[NeunElf]

While the cams could be reproduced if necessary, your "wobble nut" [901.105.171.05] for driving the tandem fuel pump from the left cam is pretty rare. ERPA in the Netherlands claims to have at least one and their asking price is € 300.00 (US$ 325.41).

[Jesse-911E 1969]

Thanks Jim! And there is only one "wobble nut" needed? On the left side for the Pierburg Pump?
Funny, I have planned a visit next Saturday to ERPA, and can check if he still has one / pricing.

Cheers,
Jesse

[NeunElf]

Thanks Jim! And there is only one "wobble nut" needed? On the left side for the Pierburg Pump?
Funny, I have planned a visit next Saturday to ERPA, and can check if he still has one / pricing.

Cheers,
Jesse

Exactly. The wobble nut is left side only.

It's difficult for normal wrenches to get a good seat on that nut and the camshaft nuts take a lot of torque. I've broken several of the special sockets that grip the camshaft.

Are you sure ERPA will be open next Saturday? That's the day of the Lit Meet here in Los Angeles and many European Porsche-related business attend.

[Jesse-911E 1969]

Yes, they are open

[Jesse-911E 1969]

I have two other cams as well, the stamping seems to be in a different font. They seem to have the oil holes. Also correct for the early engines?

[NeunElf]

I've only ever handled the one pair of cams that came in my car but I see no reason those two sets shouldn't be interchangeable.

The fact that one pair has a raised area for the part number may mean they were cast at different times, or at least the molds were different.

[Jesse-911E 1969]

Ok thanks! Maybe only a different mold than.