Engines!

skunkpussy · Post by **skunkpussy** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 10:17 pm

Hi

New to this forum and 912's so bear with me.

I am considering buying a 912 which needs work to the engine as its very tired and worn are 912 motors easy to come by second hand, does anyone know anyone who may have one for sale?

Finally if I have to get the existing one rebuilt any idea of a good midlands based builder and what might it cost?

Looking forward to reading all the replies!

Ian Gunney · Post by **Ian Gunney** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 9:42 pm

How much does a '12 motor cost to rebuild - well that all depends on a number of factors

a) how much hp you want
b) whether you want a standard 1600
c) what the internals are like

Some initial factors to consider - Pistons and cylinders cost around about £1000 for new ones (a lot more if you go for the original Mahle's)

You may or may not want the crankcase line bored (depends on your builders thoughts....)

Crank regrind most likely

If the heads need to be worked on you can add a few hundred quid plus the cost of valves, springs

Carbs - whilst you are doing it, it would be a shame for it to have a flat spot so you will probably want those rebuilt - don't go down the Weber route regardless what some people may say - keep the solexes - when they have been rebuilt properly they are better than the Weber's - cost around £360 for rebuild.

Don't go into a project thinking that it will be a cheap build - the parts alone will be expensive - Andy Prill in London is the chap that most people use to rebuild 356 / 912 motors - not sure what the going rate is for a rebuild but a fair element will be labour too.

Hope i haven't put you off - a 912 is a lovely thing - but the motor needs to be right and one last point don't think that is just a warmed over VW unit - they aren't!

skunkpussy · Post by **skunkpussy** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:20 pm

Thanks for this considered reply!

I am talking to Andy Prill, he seems like a good bloke.

I am about to loose my BMW company car and fancy something a bit different as my daily local run around, these 912's seem to fit the bill.

Are they practical for this kind of use?

Ian Gunney · Post by **Ian Gunney** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 9:23 pm

Not sure I'd fancy using one every day (except in California) - but no real reason why not (must be better than a BMW anyway

)

I'm sure that Andy would be a good person to speak to about using one daily.

rich · Post by **rich** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:54 am

I use my 1966 912 daily - about 60 miles a day - done 12,000 miles in last year and only hiccup was a starter motor (it was the original) failure, the car has an Andy Prill rebuilt engine and is very responsive. I would highly recommend Andy's business.

I would reco' you put in good seat belts though, and keep a leather cloth for demisting as the heating takes a while to bite!!

Driving a 912 makes the commute so much more enjoyable…

Good luck
Rich

skunkpussy · Post by **skunkpussy** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:30 pm

Thanks Rich

Thats more like it having driven some very well made but very boring cars for the last 10 years I want to begin driving again!

Andy Prill seems to have a good reputation and seems a good guy (although we have only spoken on the phone at the mo!).

Cloth for demisting.......check!

Seatbelts, bit important to get right. The car appears to have some, any recomendations on replacments (ie where to get them and what sort?)

Finally, what MPG are you getting and how often are you having to service (do you do this yourself or do you get a specialist involved?)

Glad this thread is provoking responses after a slow start!

Ben

louis356 · Post by **louis356** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:15 pm

I use mine every day round trip of 120 miles

better than a cumfy eurobox. Trundle along at 70 quite hapily.

Demisting is the biggest problem now it's getting cold. mines a '66 so no blower.

Hat gloves scarf all help with the heating.

Big smile every day

rich · Post by **rich** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:19 am

Ben, I do the simple stuff every 3k myself, so Oil, Plugs, Filters etc. Then used AJP for the carb's and tweaking, they just fitted a new exhaust. Im not sure its rocket science, I just dont have the time and cant afford the car to be off the road to do the other bits. Have also been to Autofarm in Oxforshire after I bought it, they were good, but expensive, for me AJP pips it.

Regarding fuel I guess I do about 300 mile on 50L. Though I spend 50% of the time hacking along the M4 at 90 and the remainder carving the B roads so it could be alot better if I tried (bit like my school reports).

Belts I got from Quickfit in London, as I wanted the kids in the car I got inertia reels front and back. If you search this site on Seat Belts there are lots of threads on the subject. They did a good job and I recall offer DDk'ers a discount.

Cheers
Rich

skunkpussy · Post by **skunkpussy** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:06 pm

Blimey there are some hard core people on here (12am and 2 am!)

I dont have a great deal of skill but changing oil, plugs and filters cant be that hard to do and if its every 3k miles then thats not too bad either.

I suppose being aircooled things like valve clearances,carb settings and oil are critical if you want to have a healthy engine. Oxfordshire isnt a million miles away from me (40 mins down the M40) so I may get this chaps details from you Rich!

I cant wait to see what Andy Prill has to say about this car now, very exciting!

I have read a lot of good things about Quickfit Seatbelts so will give them a call, I too have two small children and would be quite worried about taking them in it but I suppose a 10 min journey up the road with good quality belts wouldnt be so bad if I had to do it!

Thanks for the input guys its all very valuable! Keep it coming!

Final question for now, who's good to insure with?

Thanks

Mike Smith · Post by **Mike Smith** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:24 pm

Try AON - I use the the Farnborough Branch (01252 768 000) and have absolutley no complaints in 20 years - although I have never had to make a significant claim

With that said Carol Nash supports PCGB very Royally and we should support those that support us - 0800 781 9309

Mike at PR
www.prs356.com

rich · Post by **rich** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:09 pm

For Insurance I use Footman James, about £170 unlimited mileage, fully comp, that is with PCGB discount.....

rich · Post by **rich** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:12 pm

http://www.autofarm.co.uk/

Cheers
Rich

912uk · Post by **912uk** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:25 pm

Aon...

rafiki · Post by **rafiki** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 6:19 pm

rich wrote:For Insurance I use Footman James, about £170 unlimited mileage, fully comp, that is with PCGB discount.....

Snap!

Der Fudgemeister · Post by **Der Fudgemeister** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:07 pm

I use AON,

Because when i tried to insure Fudge with the other usual suspects all i got was "A Porsche 912E! Whats that?"

KTF