A 356 model from RUF

[roy mawbey]

Have a look at this guys. I think? they are using the 4 cylinder Polo engine that has been inserted in the 356 before.

http://ruf-automobile.de/en/modell/ruf-r56-11/

Roy

[smallspeed]

I saw one of these engines on a site the other day (possibly the new Emmory build at SEMA?) but didn't 100% get it..
Is that Polo engine basically 2/3 of a 964 engine or similar? Appears to have much newer timing chain cases and things than any of the 4-cyl engines I've seen elsewhere

170bhp / 220nm presumably results in a fairly lively 356?!

[Bootsy]

Love that it keep steelies and hubcaps on it

[sladey]

I saw one of these engines on a site the other day (possibly the new Emmory build at SEMA?) but didn't 100% get it..
Is that Polo engine basically 2/3 of a 964 engine or similar? Appears to have much newer timing chain cases and things than any of the 4-cyl engines I've seen elsewhere

170bhp / 220nm presumably results in a fairly lively 356?!

MOre details here http://www.polomotor.com/#!polo-motor-kit/c1k7w

He started with first ones by cutting and shutting a 911 crankcase but now has them molded. So yes it’s essentially a 4 cylinder 911 engine. You can vary the capacity etc with the pistons and barrels you choose.

If I was minted I’d love to have one in a 356 hotrod

[mycar]

Lovely.

Though now I know how much a twin spark 2 litre from Prill costs I dread to think how much a Poloplus would be.

[smallspeed]

Thanks for the info - interesting stuff.. well out of my range but love learning about things like this

[jury]

Lovely.

Though now I know how much a twin spark 2 litre from Prill costs I dread to think how much a Poloplus would be.

Spoke to Dean Polopolus afew years ago when I was researching options for the ModRod...really nice guy but I wasn't getting any change out of 35K !! They do have that cool factor though and sound amazing...In Dean's words they are also a lot cheaper than a 4-cam

[mycar]

Ah, well... if you put it like that.

I'm sure saw the price for one of the new four cam engines that are just recently being produced. Over 100k I think.

I see Rod Emory has elected to install a Polo engine in his RS 356, looks marvelous but there're folk over on the Registry who consider the engine too heavy for a stock 356 and will spoil it's handling characteristics.



Perfect for a 912 tho'

[Lightweight_911]

Personally I think those sorts of power outputs would spoil the whole 356 experience.

To cope with/get the best out of those engines, everything else needs uprating/strengthening - transmission/clutch, brakes, wheels/tyres, suspension (including pick-up points), etc - &, unless the car has been totally restored, the original metalwork will start to suffer from stress-related problems ...

[Jonny Hart]

I got to see the 56.11 in person when I visited the Ruf factory earlier this year. Engine sounds amazing. It's Alois' own car and has 911 suspension. The engine is 911 with the centre cylinders removed. They have a whole bunch of bonkers and quite amazing expereimental stuff. No pictures allowed though.

Rod Emory's recent 4 cyclinder motors are based on the 964 engine but with a load of custom work including custom crank. Although similar in concept, they are no longer the same as the 'Polo' engine.

[Black Betty]

So what's wrong with a good Type IV engine?

It's reliable, there are (still) lots of those out there and can generate the same output as that Polo-engine...

Furthermore you can get that engine also look 'sexy'.

[hot66]

that emory 356 is also based on a 964 chassis so wil be a very different driving experience to an original shelled 356

[neilbardsley]

I can't find it on here now but Justin is putting a polo engine with 964 pistons into he 356 GT. Looks on abcgt.com. I think he is aiming for 220bhp! I have to agree a little with Andy that probably too much grunt for these cars. However, that is what some people want.

PS anybody follow http://www.dsdmotorwerks.com/ he has been posting on inst about a 2.4l 616 engine he has built??

[roy mawbey]

Yes, Neil is correct, Justin on abcgt.com is in the preparation stages of assembling and fitting his 4 cylinder 911 based engine into his 356A carrera car he has fully restored bodywork wise. This is a complex job, the sheet metal work alone is has proved to be very demanding to get right and look good.

Some of his engine items look fantastic and the costs are very high of course.

I agree to a point with Andy as I like original maybe a little too much, but Justin's work is proving to be exceptional and I reckon his car will look original and surprise many, that sit in the drivers seat when its finished. I think too, he will have considered the power in relation to the chassis and suspension.

It would though make my 75hp feel very tame I guess.

Roy

[smallspeed]

its all really interesting stuff, and its kind of settled my mind re: engine options for my wifes upcoming 356 rep build - i'm going the type4 route, and aiming for around 125-130bhp & lbft with lots of driveability and a nice flat torque curve, which i'm sure will be more than enough. I was considering more like 150-160bhp but I think that might be overkill and ruin the experience a bit

the emmory car based on a 964 chassis as already stated im sure is totally different to drive - it seems more like a "reshelled" uprated 964 from what I've seen of the build on instagram. that engine looks sexy as hell though - if I can achieve something as hot and period (sort of) looking as that I will be really really pleased - something so awesome about the raw yellow-ish fibreglass bits on it

the idea of 200+ bhp in a small car that weighs under a ton is fine (Caterham, radical, etc) but not so sure about it being a car from the 1950's.. it would need a lot of uprating but even then it might be a bit wayward. I guess this is exactly why emmory has gone the 964 route for their SEMA car