haapanen@watdcsu.UUCP (Tom Haapanen [DCS]) (11/04/85)
<...> I have just become the proud owner of a 1956 Porsche 356 engine (alas, the rest of the car was not included in the low, low price). I would like to rebuild this, and I have a few questions. This is a 1600 engine (serial 62195 as I recall), and looks to be reasonable except for a missing exhaust and distributor cap, and a rusted-out air cleaner. First, what is the best book to refer to for technical specs (like how much I should torque the nuts etc.)? I was contemplating ordering either "The ABC's of Porsche 356" or "The Secrets of the Inner Circle"; has anybody read these? Where can I buy reasonably priced parts for the 356? I expect to need at least a gasket set, piston rings, air cleaners and a carburator rebuild kit. What about the exhaust system: should I buy an extractor system or an Ansa-style exhaust? Can I get J-tubes to replace the (probably way overpriced) heater boxes? I assume this is a 6-volt engine. Is it possible to convert it to 12 volts? Thanks very much... \tom haapanen watmath!watdcsu!haapanen Don't cry, don't do anything No lies, back in the government No tears, party time is here again President Gas is up for president (c) Psychedelic Furs, 1982
saltiel@cdstar.UUCP (Jack Saltiel) (11/09/85)
Tom,
Secrets of the Inner Circle is an excellent book and has been
recomended to me. If you can find a copy of a Haynes 356 manual,
it will provide you with a lot of good information about the car
and its motor. It's the best of the mass market manuals.
Stoddard Imported Cars, in Willoughby, Ohio (216)951-1040
has a partnership arrangement with Porsche Cars of North America
which enables them to provide parts for virtually every out of
production Porsche available. As to the price of parts, those who
buy Porsche toys (like myself) should not argue about the price of
parts after they buy the toy. However, October 1, Porsche
drastically reduced the price of many parts imported into the US.
The only other bit of advice is to join the Porsche Club or the
356 Registry and there are lots of others who have had the same
problems. The only problem you face is that they might not let you
join without a chassis number!
--
Jack Saltiel
Cambridge Digital Systems
{wjh12,talcott}!cdstar!saltiel
"Here's to plain speaking and clear understanding."
"I like a man who likes to talk."