carnut169

Am considering purchasing a RUF 3.4 liter engine which will produce 400+ hp. Question is what do you guys think about this? Would there be any problems installing this engine that I am unaware of? My engine is fine... 3.2 w/ 58K- all documented services, known history, etc. This engine has never been abused. What would my engine be worth? The RUF engine is a very low mileage engine. Lastly do you think my car would have more value w/ the RUF engine or the stock engine? Thanks all!

Chris Bennet

I wouldn't think a stock Cab would be the best platform for a 400 hp motor. I'm sure the Ruf Turbo cabs were reinforced and had larger brakes. -Chris

87slant-nose-cabriolet

THE RUF MOTOR IS LIKE ANY OTHER NORMALLY
ASPIRATED MOTOR MADE. TO INCREASE HORSEPOWER
YOU HAVE TO INCREASE DISPLACEMENT AND OR RAISE THE OPERATING RPM. IE, YOU MAKE MORE
HP BUT ITS AT A HIGHER RPM. THINK HOW OFTEN
YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE IN THAT RPM BAND. THE
BIGGEST TROUBLE MOST PEOPLE MAKE IS TO INSTALL CAM SHAFTS TO GET THE HIGHER RPM BUT
DON,T UPGRADE THE REST OF THE COMPONENTS TO
MATCH. RUF REPORTEDLY DOES THE COMPLETE
PACKAGE, BUT AT WHAT COST IN DURABLITY.

Bill Gregory

Your G50 transmission should be able to handle the power - you might want/need to add a limited slip differential if you don't have one already. Depending how you'll use your 911, you may need to add a cooler and pump to the transmission. You'll probably want to upgrade your rear torsion bars 1mm-2mm with sport shocks, but might want to consider upgrading to a turbo rear suspension to handle the power application. If you have the stock 3.2 cooler in the right front fender, it will probably be inadequate - you may need to go to a new front valance and valance-mounted cooler. If you do that, you should add a rear spoiler, if you don't have one already, to keep the aerodynamic balance. You should have at least 9" rims with 245's on the rear, and might consider 7" or 8" rims on the front. With that much power, I'd consider 8's. If the '87 Turbo had different CV joints or axles, you'd want to upgrade to those. Don't know if there are any emissions considerations for you. I'd consider a brake upgrade too, to Turbo, C2's, 944's, big reds, or others. Big reds, maybe others, would require 17" wheels.

carnut169

Bill- I already have the 17" wheels, I guess I could see how the stock cooling system is working, then upgrade. Do you have any idea what my engine would be worth or how the addition would effect the value of my car? Thanks!

Bill Gregory

I'd check out Rennlist or Pano classifieds to see what 3.2's are going for. Maybe $6K?

You need to have a bunch of dollars for this project. As Chris pointed out, to do this right you would reinforce the chassis (cost ??). A limited slip would run you, new, $1400-$1700 plus labor to install, bigger brakes would be $2000-$3500 plus labor to install, rear suspension work would be $500 - ?? depending on what you did, a new front valance and cooler would be $1200 - $1900 in parts plus painting, rear spoiler $500-$800 plus prep and painting, and etc.

In terms of what this would do for value...my two cents is just dropping the engine in with no other changes would reduce your cab's value. Power is nice, but unusable power is not worth alot, even with the RUF name. Spend another $8K-$10K+ for body, suspension, and engine prep, and you'll add value, but may not recoup your total costs. If you want to maximize the value of your 87 cab, keep it absolutely original and in top condition.

carnut169

Bill- thanks. I hear what you are saying and really did not want to put that much $$ into the car at once. I just want more power! The car is almost perfect- and w/ another 200hp it would be perfect. I thought that if I could get the engine for $12,000- and sell mine for around $6,000- then my out of pocket would be $6,000. I thought that if the value of my car went up a couple thousand when associated with the RUF name then my actual cost would be only a few thousand- worth it (cheap actually) for the hp. I might need to think about selling my pristine cab and buying a 930..... just hate to do that. Anyway, back to the drawing board. Thanks to all those who replied! Sean.

Jay H

I have to agree with Bill's post above. Keeping your cab stock and in good condition is the best way to keep the most value in your car. The '87-'89 Carrera's seem to be really holding their value now in the used market. A stock, clean '87 Cab will appeal to more potential buyers than a modified '87 Cab. Once modified, it may be harder to sell since everyone wants to buy an original 911 (and do their own mods after buying).

If you feel you want/need the 400 hp, you may want to search for and buy a car that has been modified already with a high hp motor. If you find a car that is correctly modified, that may be the less expensive route to go in the long run.

Just my $.02...

Jay