TorqueChap

A friend of the family knows I'm into Porsches and offered to sell me an engine that they've had for decades. They know little about it except that they belive it was bought in the 1950s.

I'd like to learn more about this engine as well as a fair buy/sell price.

It is a 616/20 engine. The engine tag says 1582cc with a date stamp of 1958. Interestingly the "8" looks like it was stamped at a later time. (Perhaps at the factory once it was sold?) I've been able to determine that it's an industrial engine but nothing more.

Hoping to learn more about the years of manufacture, OEM specs, carb type, etc. Also curious what market value is for the engine in need of a full rebuild (as it currently sits) and once restored.

Thanks!

TorqueChap

Anyone?

points

356 registry. Type in the engine number. What info is available will be there.

TorqueChap

Hi Pat Thanks for the assist.

Went pretty deep into the 356 Registry and there's very little information on the 616/20 for some reason. I can only determine from that site that it's an industry engine rated at 1500cc.

jcnesq

It is an industrial engine so you won't find much on the 356 Registry. Basic info (type only) here: http://www.356a.com/engine_identification.php.
What would you do with it if you bought it?

TorqueChap

Hi Jim,
That's the only information I can find on the 616/20. Here's a site that has detailed info on industrial engines by Porsche; however, no info on the /20.

http://derwhites356literature.com/Ne...ors50s60s.html

Got my eye on an early, historic 356 that is being sold sans engine

Steve Jensen

The later industrial engines were "C" spec. Good cores for rebuilds, but as an indie it is meant to run at a particular RPM for a particular purpose - generator, run a pump, etc. I recall lots of discussion on 356talk (email listserv precursor to 356registry.org forums) about using them to build up new engines.

TorqueChap

Steve, that's a great point I hadn't considered (or read about)! Thank you very much for raising it

jcnesq

I'm aware of Charlie White's site but didn't link it since no 616/20 info.

Why would you even consider putting an industrial engine in an early 356? It would substantially reduce the value, I think. Lots of proper 356 engines available out there.

TorqueChap

Thank you, Jim. Instead of letting the engine drive the car (decision), I'll instead now let the car drive the engine selection.

What's the going market rates for a 1955-1960 356 engine (1500cc)? And what does a 1600cc version run?

jcnesq

I think its a very good decision to let the car drive the engine.

Not an expert but I see later rebuilt engines for sale around for $8-10K (although at least one frequent seller on ebay has a terrible reputation despite feedback that would seem otherwise). I was just browsing the 356 Registry ads and saw a 51 rebuilt engine for $18.5K (http://porsche356registry.org/classi...500cc-eng.html).

Keep in mind a high quality rebuild by a pro might cost $7-12K.

Why don't you just buy a complete car? Usually buying someone else's restored car ends up being a lot cheaper than doing it yourself in the long run.

TorqueChap

Thanks, Jim. I'm being tempted by what's reportedly a factory-backed 356 race car. The potential history of this vehicle is tempting even though I agree that buying someone else's restored car is a savvy financial maneuver. Going to research the car further to see if it's legit.

Pablo Pedrocca

Hello TorqueChap,
I know it's been 7 years since you created this thread, but turns out I am looking for this engine. Did you ever get it? Or, do your friend still have it? Cheers,

Pablo

Mogar Dreon

616/20 engines are 150 cc and were sold by Porsche in the 50´ to an argentinien project named Justicialista. Around 200 engines, gearboxes, suspension and brakes. By the fall of the dictator Peron Justicialista closed and much of them were sold to 2 other companies, Zunder and Teram. So they built in Argentina more than 200 cars whith components sold directely by Porscche factory. This cars were named by Ing. Ferdinand Porsche "Indien Porsches". This is the origin of the name Indien. Nowadays they are very rare even in Argentina. So the 616/20 were realy made for cars, the same specs of the 356, although classified Industrial 'cause where not installed in 356. I Have one 616/20 engine brought from Argentina. Best regards

Mogar Dreon

Sorry, 616/20 are 1500 cc, 55 HP DIN