356 B S90 Project
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 11:03 pm
Hey Everyone, so the reason I'm posting is because I'm looking for some input on a project I want to start. I recently got a 160K km 1962 356 B T6 S90 as a graduation present from my dad. He's the second owner and has had the car since 1981, so he knows it very well. We've done a few things but we also own a 56 Speedster and bought a 70 911E recently that have taken all of our attention lately. Its the S90's turn.
We've restored the suspension and brakes (the car was modified in 1964 to accommodate disc brakes) and replaced the matching numbers engine (we do have it though) with an industrial engine with 86 mm bore, AA cylinders and forged JE Pistons. Its also got new Webers and manifolds. My dad says its never been as fast, reliable and torquey.
I'm looking into some advice as in where to start fixing the car, little by little. I want it to be a drivable and reliable car I can use frequently. I also want to try and do most of the work myself, even though for complicated stuff I got a great mechanic that restored our 911 and Speedster in the last 5 years. I'll try and give you a good idea on the car's current state.
Even though the transmission works well, its got a squeaky sound in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear. Sometimes, there's a high-pitch sound that starts when I engage the clutch. Usually happens when its warm. However, even though gears are not entirely smooth, the gearbox has been working perfectly for many years. What's the most common issue with this type of transmissions? Should I start to look for a new one, or is it easier to restore the whole thing? I can upload some recordings I made on the sound it makes if someone is willing to listen and give me some insight on what it needs or what it might have wrong. All I know is we replaced synchro rings and bushings not too long ago.
I posted in a thread a couple months ago that I have an old '53 transmission (apparently in good shape) that I could trade for a repaired 741 transmission. Vic Skirmants confirmed authenticity but the condition should be determined in the next few weeks. I'm having it cleaned up and disassembled to determine its actual vlaue.
Also, as brakes get a little warm, they also start with a squeaky sound at low speeds (sound disappears as soon with slight brake pressure), but the car brakes pretty well. Since we restored the brakes, when we take long drives down-hill (40-50 km journeys down hill) they don't warm up and fail as they used to before. Braking power is good and there are no squeals while breaking.
Engine works wonderfully, although sometimes I think it might be nice to install electronic ignition. I put it on our 70 911E and the car runs amazing.
It really needs paint, new deco trim and new carpeting. Also, it could use some body work done in some areas.
Now, I want the car to be a little more sporty. Its matching numbers engine will be rebuilt in case we need to sell again, but it will probably won't be installed in the car for a while. Its got Koni Shocks and new transmission mounts for less than 5000 km.
These are the upgrades I was thinking about:
1. 5 1/2 inch wheels.
2. Performance sway/torsion bars & suspension - Probably Willhoit's sway bar and Skrimant's Z bar the S90 torsion bar is enough? Maybe the Elephant Racing bushings make a difference?
3. Acrylic/lightweight windows (rear quarter panels only?)
4. Short Shift Kit
5. Performance Exhaust - Bursch or Dansk? (no restrictions on emissions down here)
6. Replacement Grilled Engine Lid ( I would source a spare lid to modify it)
7. Bucket seats (replicas can be made from my speedster seats)
8. Roll Bar/Cage (real simple though, probably just Bolt in/off)
I hope I can hear as much as I can from you guys. Thanks for taking the time to read it through and hopefully I can get as much input as possible. Suggestions in Porsche literature and directions to other forums or content will be greatly appreciated.
I currently own Secrets of The Inner Circle, The Maestro's Workshop Manual and Dr. B Johnson's 356 - A restorer's guide to authenticity. I also own the original Porsche huge parts catalog (cloth cover, around 4-5 inches thick) and many old parts catalogs from Stoddard. Again, THANK YOU for reading and hopefully we can start a real interesting discussion to begin this project!
A video of our cars in a recent event: https://vimeo.com/192570713
We've restored the suspension and brakes (the car was modified in 1964 to accommodate disc brakes) and replaced the matching numbers engine (we do have it though) with an industrial engine with 86 mm bore, AA cylinders and forged JE Pistons. Its also got new Webers and manifolds. My dad says its never been as fast, reliable and torquey.
I'm looking into some advice as in where to start fixing the car, little by little. I want it to be a drivable and reliable car I can use frequently. I also want to try and do most of the work myself, even though for complicated stuff I got a great mechanic that restored our 911 and Speedster in the last 5 years. I'll try and give you a good idea on the car's current state.
Even though the transmission works well, its got a squeaky sound in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear. Sometimes, there's a high-pitch sound that starts when I engage the clutch. Usually happens when its warm. However, even though gears are not entirely smooth, the gearbox has been working perfectly for many years. What's the most common issue with this type of transmissions? Should I start to look for a new one, or is it easier to restore the whole thing? I can upload some recordings I made on the sound it makes if someone is willing to listen and give me some insight on what it needs or what it might have wrong. All I know is we replaced synchro rings and bushings not too long ago.
I posted in a thread a couple months ago that I have an old '53 transmission (apparently in good shape) that I could trade for a repaired 741 transmission. Vic Skirmants confirmed authenticity but the condition should be determined in the next few weeks. I'm having it cleaned up and disassembled to determine its actual vlaue.
Also, as brakes get a little warm, they also start with a squeaky sound at low speeds (sound disappears as soon with slight brake pressure), but the car brakes pretty well. Since we restored the brakes, when we take long drives down-hill (40-50 km journeys down hill) they don't warm up and fail as they used to before. Braking power is good and there are no squeals while breaking.
Engine works wonderfully, although sometimes I think it might be nice to install electronic ignition. I put it on our 70 911E and the car runs amazing.
It really needs paint, new deco trim and new carpeting. Also, it could use some body work done in some areas.
Now, I want the car to be a little more sporty. Its matching numbers engine will be rebuilt in case we need to sell again, but it will probably won't be installed in the car for a while. Its got Koni Shocks and new transmission mounts for less than 5000 km.
These are the upgrades I was thinking about:
1. 5 1/2 inch wheels.
2. Performance sway/torsion bars & suspension - Probably Willhoit's sway bar and Skrimant's Z bar the S90 torsion bar is enough? Maybe the Elephant Racing bushings make a difference?
3. Acrylic/lightweight windows (rear quarter panels only?)
4. Short Shift Kit
5. Performance Exhaust - Bursch or Dansk? (no restrictions on emissions down here)
6. Replacement Grilled Engine Lid ( I would source a spare lid to modify it)
7. Bucket seats (replicas can be made from my speedster seats)
8. Roll Bar/Cage (real simple though, probably just Bolt in/off)
I hope I can hear as much as I can from you guys. Thanks for taking the time to read it through and hopefully I can get as much input as possible. Suggestions in Porsche literature and directions to other forums or content will be greatly appreciated.
I currently own Secrets of The Inner Circle, The Maestro's Workshop Manual and Dr. B Johnson's 356 - A restorer's guide to authenticity. I also own the original Porsche huge parts catalog (cloth cover, around 4-5 inches thick) and many old parts catalogs from Stoddard. Again, THANK YOU for reading and hopefully we can start a real interesting discussion to begin this project!
A video of our cars in a recent event: https://vimeo.com/192570713