3.0 motor in SWB w/901 transmission?

[68911USA]

So I am now thinking of putting a stock 3.0 engine w/Webers in my '68 coupe. I really would like to only do a "bolt in" mod to the car, so that in the future the original 2.0 could go back in it, and I have not hacked up the car in any way. Am I correct that I could use the 901 gearbox with a stock type 3.0 engine? I know there are some clearance issues with the 915 box, and I'd rather not do any hammering under there to get it to fit. Plus, I think the "over and down" first gear is interesting, and I'd like to keep that. Is this folly, or a good path to take? I'm not looking to make a road racer out of it, I just think this would be a fun project. I've pretty much dealt with stock engine configurations on my two SWB cars, so moving away from that takes me into some uncharted waters.

[MarkS]

Go for it, not a problem just avoid 1'st gear clutch dumps. There are many vintage race cars producing more power/torque than your stock 3 liter using 901/911 trasaxle W/O problems.

[VintageExcellen]

Your 901 will work with a 3.0L. Just know that reverse is your weakest gear and 1st gear is weak as well but the other gears will hold the power no problem. Overall that transmission is perfectly drivable with a 3.0L. MarkS is right - no clutch dumping, no tire spinning from a stand still.

Kennedy Engineered Products sold me a conversion flywheel for something like $250 - 9 bolt crank to 901 transmission. I put a 3.0L with Webers in my 914 a while ago, worked awesome. You could use a heavy duty Kennedy clutch or a stock 901 Sachs clutch.

[RSwannabe]

Yup, 3.0's are hooked up to 901 tranny's in 911's and 914's all the time. As noted above you will need a conversion flywheel to mate to the 901, but that is easy to get. I would recommend you use the Sach's sport clutch. It has very good clamping force (I use it with my 2.8 race motor), progressive actions, and light pedal feel. I really like this clutch.

[68911USA]

Thanks folks, it's good to get confirmation! I think this will be a fun car over the next few years. My plans are shaping up like this:

-fix rusty bits (spot under the bottom of the drivers side longitudinal, bottom corner of smuggler's boot)

-smooth out the used steel fenders I bought and replace the fiberglass ones on it

-swap motor, keep the original one for originality's sake

-have some fun modifying the gauges a bit to 911S plus some extras

-Paint

-Find a full set of 5.5 inch Fuchs at a garage sale for $200

Poll: Which one of the above is the least likely to happen?

[304065]

Thanks folks, it's good to get confirmation! I think this will be a fun car over the next few years. My plans are shaping up like this:

-fix rusty bits (spot under the bottom of the drivers side longitudinal, bottom corner of smuggler's boot)

-smooth out the used steel fenders I bought and replace the fiberglass ones on it

-swap motor, keep the original one for originality's sake

-have some fun modifying the gauges a bit to 911S plus some extras

-Paint

-Find a full set of 5.5 inch Fuchs at a garage sale for $200

Poll: Which one of the above is the least likely to happen?

"fix rusty bits." What do I win?

[Will 1967]

"fix rusty bits." What do I win?

I was about to say the same. As its SWB, there is definately more rust. (don't ask how I know )

[68911USA]

I know what you guys are saying on the rust, but so far that's all I've found. Pans were clean, rear seat area clean, gas tank support and battery area clean, etc. But, never say never I guess. Oh, forgot to add these:

-Wood wheel (per COA, it was delivered with one, but it's strangely not present in the car.)

-H4's- I think they look so much better than the US lights it's just no comparison.

-2 out exhaust of some kind.

Might as well throw in some dream items such as a set of those sport seats with the houndstooth insert I've seen on the board...absolutely beautiful.

I just sold my '55 Willys to help fund some things on the car, but what I got for it will most likely not even cover the cost of the used 3.0 motor. Maybe one day those old Marelli T distributors in my attic will be worth millions!

[haycait911]

I went the 3.0/915 route, mostly because I had a 915, cost of the kennedy flywheel, and fear of transmission breakage. now my weakest link is the CV's, which is what I wanted. the hammering to fit the 915 is very minor, mine was literally a couple of hits with a deadblow. didn't even break the undercoating.

look here - http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...&highlight=swb

FWIW it's a stupid amount of fun.
haven't dynoed the engine yet but I expect about 200 hp at the wheels.

[304065]

Let me go back to your original question and give you some of my perspective.

I own a '66 911, #304065, which came stock with a 130 hp 2,0 liter engine. I thought long and hard about "updates" that would be "invisible" such as Nickies cylinders in 87.5mm and a 70.4 crank for a fat 2,5.

Here's the problem with that approach-- and my guidance for your '68-- the factory didn't put oil coolers in the street cars until 1969, so you would have to add aftermarket oil cooling, and there's not really a good way to do that and preserve originality and keep the weight down. There's also no good airflow behind the horn grills (which is why the 911r got rid of the grills and went to ducts for its dual coolers).

I have a 172 row setrab in the chin spoiler of my 911E-- installing the -16AN plumbing for it was a VERY complicated and expensive task. The lines run inside the driving compartment (controversial) and forward through the car-- this required a lot of cutting which is why old race cars always look like swiss cheese after decades of each successive owner's go-fast ideas.

3,0 liter motors put out a lot of power. They also make a lot of HEAT. The old 2,7 cooling loop of engine cooler back to tank was inadequate for the 2,7 (167 hp) and is certainly not adequate for a 3,0. So that is another expensive and complicated system to add on.

Ultimately I concluded that I would do a mild bump in compression and cam and leave the cooling system stock. . . this has the advantage of being original appearing.

The thing is, with SWB cars, they are time machines, a throwback to Butzi's pure slab-sided design, more in common with 356 than 996. People don't value them due to the wide tires and huge power. . . and you can have a LOT of fun with a warmed over 2,0 liter. . .

Here is a link to my further thoughts on the subject for your consideration. . .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=221927

Good luck!