Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi:

FWIW,...the rod bolts can be changed without splitting the case halves apart. All one needs to do is remove the top end and pistons and cylinders.

I would always rebuild the rods when this is done,as well.

ZCAT3

Steve W -

It seems like your ultimate 930 street turbo engine (that costs 20-22K) is something that could be done at the rebuilding stage? Is this true and if so would it increase the cost substantially?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Bill:

You are absolutely correct, Sir. These sorts of things are normally done when the engine MUST come apart. Its foolish to disassemble a perfectly good running car unless there is a problem or its simply tired.

The vast majority of the total costs are the parts, hardware, and some machine work. When Turbos' need to be rebuilt, one discards many things due to heat stress.

The total costs I mentioned include the complete rebuild parts & labor.

pig4bill

Still, a couple thousand in labor to pull the engine and pull the top end down. Then the bolts themselves and new rod bearings at a minimum, bolt it all back up and put it back in the car. Three thousand total, maybe four? Although the modification itself is small, it costs as much as a crank or custom rods for other cars.

ZCAT3

pig -

Why not find a 930 you like, spend a few thousand on bolt-on mods (if necessary), such as new headers, upgraded turbo, 1 bar spring, etc. If you love the car, drive it until the engine needs a rebuild and then get Steve's dream engine on the rebuild.

pig4bill

Zcat, yeah, that's a possibility I suppose. Although paying for a 930 rebuild is about the last thing I want to do.

pig4bill

Zcat, I've found a 78 930 with a blown motor, and suddenly your idea has appeal. My understanding is that the 78 is the 3.3, intercooled, etc. Are there substantial differences between the 78 and the late 80's 930's?

ZCAT3

pig4bill - check out http://www.911turbo.com/turboclub/hi...ry_930_78.html for a brief overview of the 78 - 89 911 Turbo. I am no expert, but other than interior (and minor exterior) cosmetic changes (i.e. 87,changed headlights and headlight rings; 86, changed climate control system and vents; 84, changed steering wheel, seats, etc.) the 78 is very close to the late 80s cars. In fact, for CA, the 78 may be a better car for you as far as mods as I believe it is CAT converter exempt.

pig4bill

Ooh, no cats, that sounds tempting. Is that because no cats came on the 78 or because 78 is old enough to fall off the smog radar?

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

The 78-79 Turbos did not have any cats from the factory and these cars are lighter than their successors.

ZCAT3

I am not sure about smog requirements - perhaps someone with a 78 or 79 930 in CA can enlighten you (or you can go to your local smog station and ask them). I have read somewhere that the 78-79 turbos were faster than the 84-89 US version (due mostly to the emissions issues - but as Steve points out, weight must be a factor as well).

garrickl

I have a modified 1978 US 930 and it came with thermal reactors and is not smog exempt. Right now Calif exempts 1974 and older cars ..... hopefully in a few years 1978 will also be exempt.