912 converted to 911

[merbesfield]

So is it stupid to convert a 912 to a 911? I have a good 68 912 and want a 911. Should I just buy a 911 or consider converting my current 912? Flame away.

[Bill Simmeth]

I just looked at your Pelican thread. Based on that, I'd say don't convert that particular 912. It's well documented, matching numbers and has lots of original bits. If it was a stripped-down car or roller, I'd say go for it, but not in this case. My 2¢.

[Aldo]

Right on, Jones.

[merbesfield]

Yes it is well documented, but to play devil's advocate and teeter on heresy, the 912's in general do not seem to bring a lot of money for what they are. I guess some of it depends on if my old 912 engine will run and if so how well. "If" the engine requires work, maybe it would be better to just install a 911 engine? I think the main thing that concerns me would be the fact that the car started life as 912 and would that hurt future value? Would I be able to sell it someday and get my money out of it? I know our Porsche's are not to be looked at as investments, but I do not want to do the wrong thing.

[GTS]

well, it is right the 912 is not the money in the world.Having said that a well documented car in a great condition might be worth more in the future than a not so nice converted one into a 911.
Many 911 R stared their lifes as 912 and I think they bring far more when sold as the owner did very nice and detailed work and that a new buyer will appreciate.Which brings me to the key point..it always depends on the new buyer...once you want or have to sell it....some only go for the documented original cars either 912 or 911- so don't ..others don't mind the conversion if it is done right, nice and with the few extras they are looking for...
From the point of motorsport, according to the FIA no chance to compete with a converted 912..nada...in the most vintage classes throughout the US not such an big issue...
It all depends how much you are into the 912 and which improvements you have already made - with keeping the metal cutouts and the engine, nothing is ever final.....just my 2 Pfennigs

[tar356]

Sounds like....you think you might have a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

You don't.

What do you want to do with the car....sell it? Sounds like you might think it's worth more as a 911???

If you want to sell the car, I'd say it's worth more as it is.

If you want to drive or race the car, figure out what you want and do with it and do it.

Hope that helps.

p.s. you said "flame away".....

[gsjohnson]

If you're thinking of end values, a 912 converted to a 911 is not much better of a perceived value. If you want a 911, sell your 912 and buy a true 911 and you will be miles and dollars ahead.

[66S]

I converted a 65 to a 911 and would not recommend it unless it will be a race car.

[merbesfield]

Definitely no looking for a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. Just hate pissing money away on a project that will not be able to be sold some day. I tend to get bored with my cars so I am always thinking ahead. Plus, I too, do not like to bastardize a poor old 912 into a 911 when the little car was happy living life as a 912. I have had lots of fast Porsche's over the years, but never a slow one , so I am not sure I will like this 912 in the end once it is running. I just happened into this car, I was actually looking for a 911. But this seemed like a neat car with good history and was five miles down the road, so I bought it. What I really want is an early 911. So I will finish this car and keep my eyes open for a good 911. Having looked at lots looks of pics tho, I can tell you that this little 912 is almost exactly like a 911, except for the engine. That is why I posed the original question.

PS: 66S, what were your reasons for not recommending it?

[Macroni]

Sell it........ 912's are gaining in popularity.