Numbers mismatching '63 356 S90 - what should I do?

[Chris Lemuel]

Hi- I recently took my 1963 356 B T6 to my local porsche classic dealer for a CTC. The information back from Porsche was a bit surprising in that the car was not a regular Karmann T6 like I thought when I purchased it 20 years ago. It is apparently an S90. The transmission is original but the engine is a replacement. Based on the engine serial number, 74338, the engine seems to be from a 1959 1600/A using the link below:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClu ... e%2FHnE%3D

I am inclined to pull the engine and search for an appropriate engine (616/7?) to at least bring it back in line with the Super 90 configuration.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with such a project or situation or if it's really even worthwhile to do such a project?

Ultimately, I only did the CTC because I was looking to build an outlaw and didn't want to "ruin" what might have been a numbers matching car. Now that I know it's an S90 but not numbers matching (or an s90 engine), I am not sure what to do with the vehicle aside from put in the correct engine model.

Thanks
Chris

[Mike Wilson]

Chris, a better source of info on your 356 is the Kardex. That will give you the original engine number and much more info like key codes, etc. Finding the original is like finding a needle in a haystack but some have actually found the needle. A lot of us have engines not original to our cars. In my case, I did't try to find an engine within the range of the original but, using a 912 case and heads and other upgraded parts, had a 1720 cc engine built. The bottom line is that you have a lot of options to replace the A engine.

Mike

[Doug McDonnell]

First of all, Welcome! A super 90 engine, non matching, would be fine but I would prefer a later C/SC or 912 based engine. Just personal preference. Of course look for the original engine. there is a list of engines for sale and wanted on this site. maybe you will get lucky. A stock 912 engine has the same 90 HP as an S90. All C/SC and 912 heads have the same valve sizes and for economy sake a C engine built to 1720 with a good Cam would be my 1st choice. This assumes you can buy a C engine cheaper than an SC or 912 engine. PS your current engine is a 59 Normal so would have 60HP originally.

[Chris Lemuel]

Thanks- it seems like there is little value in pursuing the "correct" engine for the car. There is some value is getting the Kardex and trying to reunite with the original engine (long shot) but otherwise, seems like pursuing an "outlaw" build with this vehicle isn't going to change it's value much from where it currently likely stands.

[Mike Wilson]

A good analysis, Chris.

Mike

[Jules Dielen]

A 912 engine with a big bore will certainly increase the smile on your face when driving.

[Chris Lemuel]

Any recommendations for shops that specialize in this sort of thing? In the Northeast would be bonus points.

Thank You
Chris

[Doug McDonnell]

Gaswerks Garage in Paramus NJ or The Paterek Brothers in Chatham,NJ

[Chris Lemuel]

ty! Taking the car to the Paterek Brothers tomorrow for a once over. We'll see what is suggested/comes of it.

[Doug McDonnell]

They know their stuff. I think you will enjoy them. Many moons ago I went to a talk at a PCA Parade in Traverse City, Michigan and they gave a talk.

[Sean O'Donnell]

The Patereks do fantastic work. What work are you looking to have done specifically?