# Possible engine swaps for 87' Porsche 911? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** 911, porsche\ **Created:** [October 4, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199 "2018-10-04T23:49:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![leitmotif](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/839c29/32.png) [@leitmotif](https://community.cartalk.com/u/leitmotif)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/1 "2018-10-04T23:49:34Z")
Is it possible to drop in a VW Type 1 or 4 aircooled engine in my project 911? I like the idea of ‘less is more’ horsepower, kind of 912esque. I also think the lighter engine would contribute to a better balanced car. I eventually will replace it with a proper 911 soul but I’m not too keen on spending a large chunk of my budget for this car on a new 3.2. My main thing is I don’t want to be breaking out the Sawzall at all on this. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 11:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/2 "2018-10-04T23:53:06Z")
I’m sorry , but this makes no sense to me . You have a collector vehicle and if you modify it to hold a VW engine and even return the right engine you will have lowered the value. ---
**Author:** ![leitmotif](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/839c29/32.png) [@leitmotif](https://community.cartalk.com/u/leitmotif)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/3 "2018-10-04T23:56:48Z")
My plan is to install the engine without modifying any Sheetmetal or the chassis. I’m not sure how this would effect the resale value when re-installing a stock motor. Ultimately, there would be no way of telling and I doubt anyone would really care. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2018, 11:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/4 "2018-10-04T23:59:45Z")
You said it is a project so what is the hurry . It sounds like you have time to rebuild the original motor. ---
**Author:** ![leitmotif](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/839c29/32.png) [@leitmotif](https://community.cartalk.com/u/leitmotif)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2018, 12:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/5 "2018-10-05T00:04:21Z")
That’s the sad part though, previous owner was the “Por$che=investment” type and deferred proper maintenance and it overheated and cracked the block and internals to toast. It’d cost me as much if not more to buy a new one versus rebuilding the toasty one. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2018, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/6 "2018-10-05T01:16:35Z")
I would make it my project to gradually acquired the needed parts from car shows/swap meets/recycle shops, etc. Go to a Porsche forum and ask around for ideas on how to get a running engine back in your 911. I bet you’ll find a number of enthusiasts willing to help. It doesn’t need to match the year, many 911 aircooled engines can swap. But the thought of putting a noisy wheezy VW engine in a 911 just is a no-go for me. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2018, 2:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/possible-engine-swaps-for-87-porsche-911/126199/7 "2018-10-05T02:09:37Z")
I’d start by finding a copy of the magazine _Dune Buggies and Hot VW’s_ They’ll have several advertisers who sell new VW type 1 compatible engines, intended as replacement engines for 1960’s and 70’s VW air cooled Beetles. Call up a few of the advertisers and ask your question. I expect they’ll know, or will direct you to somebody who does. If an 87 911 is air cooled, I expect the answer is “yes”, that will work, but may need some add’l adapter hardware. Expect some challenges. I have a friend who owns a 69 912, and every time I see him he goes on and on about his carburetors … lol …