Four vs Six, comparison questions Options

[johnmhudson111]

I am sure ths has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything using the search. So, has there been a comparison done between a 911 six and big four, like Jake Raby's engines? Looking at:
1. Overall cost of engine (plus consideration of the cost of the conversion to a six from a four)
2. power hp/tq
3. engine life
4. other issues?

[Brian Mifsud]

John,

Did you mention if you wanted the car for street only, or autocrossing/racing??

Best bang for buck I'm sure is the already converted (but not raced) six. You won't be able to avoid maintenance costs, but at least you aren't paying a premium on initial investment (and won't be physically and mentally worn out from building the car)

I got 3/4 the way into buying all the "right" parts for a six conversion:

True Low mileage '83 3.0 Six (60K miles verified, great head studs, great compression)
Rich Johnson Bulkhead Mount
911 Front Suspension
911 Master Cylinder and Brakes
True 914/6 rear hubs
etc.

Even with a couple of "lucky" finds and great deals it became really clear what further money needed to be spent
(Already $4500 in the hole at this point, but realize without "luck" I'd be more like $6K down the road).

That was without the fender flares and nice wheels, rollcage, and nice paintjob as future "wishlists".

Also, frequent rebuilds of the 901 are to expected with a 3.0 or bigger.

If figured I needed to spend another $5-7 grand for the car to be up to what I really wanted. At that point, I'm up to the price of a new modest sports sedan with way better reliability and fuel economy. I decided to bail. Good news is that Porsche resale prices on parts is great..