2,2S or 2,7RS engine?

[Anatol]

Gentlemen,
after a long search for a vintage 911, I am narrowing my choices down to two cars. One is a 1971 911S with its original 2,2S engine. The other is also a 1971 911S but fitted with a 2,7l RS engine and 915 gearbox.

Which of the two cars would you take? Prices and condition are identical.

I plan to use the car for historic rallying like Tour Auto, Cento Ore or Ennstal Classic. Most likely in the regularity class, so FIA papers are not a must.

Thank you very much for your insight!

[berettafan]

Is 2.7 built to RS specs (MFI?) or an actual RS engine?

Assuming built to RS specs (and not actual RS motor) the more valuable car is the one with the original engine.

Haven't driven a 2.7 RS spec car (anybody care to fix that problem for me?) so can't comment on driving experience.

[ajwans]

Is it a real RS engine?

andy

[kenikh]

Take the 2.2S car - more valuable!

[jaudette3]

Take the 2.2S car - more valuable!

True - and probably always will be. If value is the most important criterion to you then it's no contest. But if driving characteristics is most important, then it's a huge contest. Almost a religious issue among early 911 fanatics.

The 2.2 delivers torque in a relatively narrow band and it starts loving life at relatively high RPM's. And the 901 transmission, with it's dogleg first gear, is an acquired taste.

The 2.7, especially a real MFI 2.7RS , has a lot of torque and delivers it across a broad RPM range - it's really something special. And while it has a lot of torque, it also loves to rev. And the 915 transmission is more conventional, probably smoother, and definitely stronger than most 901's.

For me there is no contest between a 2.2 and a 2.7RS - I much prefer the 2.7. But a lot of folks really love the rowdy revvy 2.2's.

Sounds like you have one of life's better choices.

Cheers,
JohnA

[a911s]

Yeah, those are two of the best motors you could choose from. Drive both and then decide.

[sithot]

Take whichever has the original engine if you're paying top dolllar. The car with the mis-matched engine could be, but not necessarily, the "less cared for" of the pair during its life. Original is hard to beat.

In any event I like a 2.2 for it's screaming state of tune. It was the most powerful Porsche "production engine"/litre in it's time. High compression pistons and the lovely 901 gearbox which imho never got any better. Like a hot knife through butter.

Good luck,

Tom

[kenikh]

2.2S is the most "characterful" motor IMO. I prefer it to the 2.7, even if the 2.7 is faster.

[jaudette3]

My perfect setup is a engine built to 2.7RS specs with PMO's and bolted to a short gear 901. But a 2.2S combined with a short gear 901 is a hoot. Neither is especially genteel.

Cheers,
JohnA

[hbrand]

I drive a 2.2S targa a lot, and it is the most fun, even with the 901. The engine is alive and hauls ass all the way to 7000RPM+
Have driven 2.4S, 2.7RS MFI etc.
See at www.dreamsonwheels.com