Trying to figure out which is the best engine for my 1967 911 SWB

[Paul k911]

Hello from sunny Bangkok, Thailand.

I have been slowly restoring a right hand drive 1967 911 short wheel base, chassis number 307999.

While the body is coming along nicely, i have decided to start planning for the engine, i have the following choices:

1. rebuild a 1972 2.2s engine with matching number 901 gearbox
2. rebuild a 2.7 MFI 1974 RS spec engine and mate it with a 915 gearbox
3. make a 3.0 to 3.2 short stroke with PMO Carb and use the 915 gearbox

while i kinda know what are the advantages of each option, my head points towards the 3.2 but my mind points towards the 2.2s. i am hesitant on using a magnesium case engine, my goal is to complete the restoration and enjoy the car for many years, so an aluminum case (like the 3.0) would be great!

I have tried to search but haven't really find the answer that i am looking for, so i decide to post it here and hoping that you guys can give me more concrete info.

I understand the casing for the 2.7 RS engine is magnesium, the 3.0 is aluminum, what about the 2.2s?

Heard it has steel casing?

if you were me, which one will you choose?

Thank you so much in advance for your valuable input.

I wouldn't have gone this far (as in acquiring should an old porsche and to restore it to the old glory days) if there is no knowledgable website like this one or the pelican parts forum.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Paul

[edmayo]

I would go with the 2.2 S as that is a more correct engine for the chassis (which by the way is a 70-71 engine not 72. 72 is 2.4) My feeling is that those bigger engines are too big for the rest of the chassis, such as brakes and wheel width, so you lose the overall balance to the car that Porsche always adhered to.

[Frank Beck]

Steel casing? Amazing what shows up online.

Unless this car is a total mutt I would recommend building a 2.7 on an aluminum '67 case. With some compression, cams, and PMO's 230+ HP and a scream to drive. Performance with period correct looks will protect resale value. And the 901 will handle it just fine.

[Paul k911]

Hi Frank, Hi Edmayo,

Thanks for the input, so what casing is the 2.2s made of? Aluminum? Magnesium? What about the 2.7 RS engine?
Sorry if i sounds 'stupid', these are too new to me and my ability to search info on these engines are very limited.



Paul

[csbush]

2.2 is magnesium, as is 2.4

[a911s]

If you don't have the original '67 case, then I would go with #1, like Ed said.

If you do have the original case, I would put it and the matching number 901 box on the shelf and go with #2.

#3 is too much motor for the platform IMO.

[Paul k911]

I don't have the matching engine case for this car.

My mind points toward the 2.2s as well, i want a high rev small engine for this car, but our mechanics a bit hesitant to work on magnesium case engines.

What to do what to do!?

[gsjohnson]

I don't have the matching engine case for this car.

My mind points toward the 2.2s as well, i want a high rev small engine for this car, but our mechanics a bit hesitant to work on magnesium case engines.

What to do what to do!?

Case savers

[super9064]

I would find a 66-68 aluminum case preferably a 67 and build a 2.2S spec motor. You will have the best motor Porsche never built. a super strong AL case and the song of a 2.2S.

Post a WTB for a Early Aluminum case, I know somebody on this forum has one stashed away.

[Paul k911]

Sounds like a workable idea!