without dragging out the references (particularly Ludvigsen's "EWE", Maltby's "356 & RS Spyders" & Scrogham's "356 Carrera"), I seem to recall that the 587 was the final evolution of Fuhrmann's design, even though it was begun years earlier (thus the project designation #). It had plain bearings & easier valve adjustment procedure... not to mention more hp as a 2 liter. I think the 692 & earlier motors cost more to rebuild, but am not certain & that is not neccessarily confirmation of the "better" engine from the owner-user's pov (operational flexability, maintainance & longevity being critical factors as well).
Discussions w/ a Carrera 2 owner in Germany led me to believe that engine (the 587) was preferred.
A friend has a Willhoit twin plug 616 motor (Webers) in his A Coupe & it offers fantastic driving experience. Expensive, yes, but far less so than a 4cam, quite usable & basically simple to care for. As to engine mechanical & exhaust note I am with ya - that's why going to the Rennsport Reunions has been such a blast (literally!) - along w/ all the other sound reasons.
The next yr or 2 may be the "last chance" to get a "great deal" on 356s & swb 901s... A solid chassis w/ all the parts but "some mechanical issues" (thus driving down the price further) is a good point of entry.
cheers!
|