The Official 356Talk Forum

Yeah Mark, that article by Ted Zombek was really nice. Sounds like Ken Dougherty had an unnumbered case tucked away, just waiting for its chance to be put into a Porsche Super.

As a general rule, most of the early 528 engines blew up. And at even a higher rate that the later roller crank engines. It was a big mistake to sell cars with 528 engines to non-racing drivers. But since they charged $4500 for those cars (compare to $3000 for a Speedster a year later), its no wonder Porsche did it. The American market wanted cars with the most power Porsche could give them.

My stats show that of the ~90 existing 1953 cars that originally had 528 (1500 Super) motors, about 1/3 of them have their original motors. Porsche was cranking 75hp out of a 25hp VW case. By early 1954, they were putting a pair of thru bolts through the case to help strengthen it, and they also used the stronger 36hp VW case in late '53 when it became available from VW. But those early Hirth roller cranks whipped like a jump rope, and the cases couldn't handle it.

James, those are some very interesting stats on 1500 Supers....In my case I can only hope that the plain bearing crank will help the motor live a long happy life...I just have to run it after spending years finding all the bits that go with it, what a job. I met a fellow with a 53 coupe 1500 Normal at the Palms to Pines this weekend....With his permission I will pass on his info for your data files....Is appears you are the keeper of 53 knowledge. When I unpack my garage I will add to the files as well....His car was earlier than mine, first one I had ever seen, very close in number to Charlie White's photo car....It is always fun to look at other pre-a cars.----Mark----

Interesting Mark! Feel free to pass along the info.

I think the plain bearing crank will definitely prolong the life of your engine. And the fact that Richard Miller rebuilt it will factor into it lasting pretty much forever. =]

What a nice project you have there. Your about in the same place I am.. ( well I have been for the last 14 years ops )

Thanks Mark.

This car has been sitting in its animated state as you see it since the mid-1980s when my father disassembled it. Before that it was in an assembled (non-running) animated state since the early 70s. So yeah, it will feel really good to get it back on the road.

James, great project. I am curious how it goes on.... lot of work to do. Respect! Do you have some new pictures?

Happy new year,
Olli

James

Any progress on this interesting project ???

Pascal Giai

Hi Pascal,

I haven't made a lot of progress on it over the past few years. We have it moved out of the barn and into the shop. And we've done more research on interior materials. I've mostly been focused on working on interior items at the moment. Rick Albro and others have helped me out tremendously here. But it's hard finding enough time to get a lot of work done consistently.

At some point I will have to start the metal work. Currently it is mostly stripped.

Here's the car getting some sunlight for the first time in 30 years.

Pascal, is that your red car? Tell me about it!

Hi James,
the first two colors Glasurit wants to reissue are fish silver grey and radium green.
Is your upholstery work finished?
Olli

No upholstery work is still stalled getting the right colors and fabrics.

Glasurit wants to reissue these colors? They are aware of the fact that they were not the original manufacturers of these colors, yes? =)

I kid. But it appears Lechler made them for Porsche. See below from a document Brett Johnson unearthed many years ago.

James, hope you find your way in your new pad soon. Then please get back on the 356 project:) here's a little motivator!