Bebethe4th

Hello everybody!

I have been looking into buying and completely rebuilding a 964, the only problem is that I am quite used to having a lot of power and would like the same feeling in my rebuilt 964.

Looking at Singer who manages to push 500bhp, how would somebody go about creating a similar performance? Any tips on how to get started?

Jmw1234

Call jae lee @mirage.

Have him build a 4.4l

Quadcammer

Bring your second mortgage

sooner964

Hi @Bebethe4th and welcome!

I don’t want to sound negative, but if a big power number is what you want, I think you would be better served for your money with a new 911 turbo.

Building a high horsepower air cooled engine gets expensive very quickly, and honestly for not a lot of substantial gains.

I would say that while on paper the numbers are not exactly overwhelming, a stock 964 engine packs quite a punch. In the 7.5 years I’ve owned mine, I have never felt it was lacking in power. These cars are small and relatively lightweight so the power goes a long way. Modern cars need a lot of power to achieve performance because they are bloated and heavy. I’d drive a 964 as is first and then decide if you really need more power.

I think for the money with an air cooled 3.6 in the 964, going ultra lightweight by shedding as much weight as possible probably will have more impact than trying to build in more power.

All that being said, if money is no object, I’m sure there are builders who can get you where you want to be. Unfortunately I’m not the person to make a recommendation as I’ve never gone down that path. I think, though, unless you intend to spend Singer-esque money, a more obtainable target (for still a good amount of financial outlay) is around 300 hp, but I’m no expert on engine building. What I do know is that getting those big numbers on the air cooled engines starts to require some pretty special or “bespoke” solutions.

Out of curiosity, what is your frame of reference regarding big horsepower cars?

Regardless, I would say find a 964 and drive it for a while first. If you’re not satisfied, it’s a pretty route common to build a 3.8 engine with Motec engine management, individual throttle bodies, and exhaust. Big money, but that generally will start to go north of 300hp.

I’ll let others chime in with actual specifics but that’s my $0.02. Good luck on your journey! Get a 964, you’ll love it as is!

0luke1

I own both a 991.2 tt and a 964. The 964 is plenty of fun, it’s no 991, which is fine. When I want to bounce Lamborghinis, I know which car to take.

abarthguy

Just get a new Z06....

crg53

Read THIS that should get you where you want.

964Luftballoon

I'm going to say with a bit of sarcasm and trying my best to not be an @$$ but....Swap an LS engine and call it a day.....It will likely be the cheapest option.

Don't get me wrong I do love an engine build project for the huge horsepower bragging rights. But at the end of the day if you have and endless source of income then I don't think it's worth it.

darylbowden

While big power can be had in air cooled engines, it ain't gonna come cheap. You'll be into the six figures by the time everything is all said and done. Beyond just the cost of parts and labor, you're gonna have to do custom engine controlling, etc and tuning that gets expensive as well. For context, you could probably buy a 997 TT for the cost of the engine build you're likely looking at. Hell, a 991.2 GT3 engine brand new from Porsche is around 60k I believe. So, if you wanna do it, you need to really want to do it cause it'll cost you.

And there's the other reality, it changes the car. One just needs to look at how many of these giant spec, high HP air cooled builds end up on BAT or similar within a few hundred miles of completion. It's a totally different driving experience than the one you're used to and whether that's a good or a bad thing, only you can decide.

misterbeverlyhills

I have been down this road and eventually decided on a stock 3.6 motor rebuild. As @sooner964 pointed out very well, you can get a lot more out of a 3.8 IF you also get the required add ons, the total will be north of $60,000. A 3.8 on its own won't do much for you.

The 964 is not a drag car and never will be no matter what you do to it but you can have a lot of fun in the twisties and surprise a lot of newer higher HP cars. My best advice, repeated again from others above, is drive the car and let it tell you what it needs. Better yet, take it to a few DEs and see if you are even capable of wringing out what it already has; the cheapest power gains can be had with some good instruction.

Spokes

I can drive my 964 on our twisty back roads and through the mountain passes at 7/10th and have a wonderful time without breaking any road laws. I sold my 981GTS because it is just hard to enjoy the car fully and stay somewhere near the road laws. Even driving a 911S ‘72 it truly is a smiles per miles IMHO enjoy the era of the car. Buy something new if you want more HP.

Jmw1234

You can maintain the character and feel ; reduce weight regear add lwf itbs motec w kickass suspension upgrades

350 hp is plenty at 2600 pounds

kos11-12

Power is good but a light car is great feeling.

JP-"S"

^^^^This is exactly my goal!

luv2race

Well since others already shared their thoughts which are all valid I will answer your question and suggest a couple of builders without knowing your location or budget or limitations. Jeff at Rothsport Racing in the Pacific Northwest, Peter at Dawes Motorsport Development in Northeast PA, and Ed Pink Racing in CA. IMHO I would stick with a well built 3.6L or 3.8L and put a proper gearbox in the car.