By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, RCN Classifieds

Some of the best projects start with an interesting detail or power plant that the whole project is designed around. When it comes to Porsche replicas, the air-cooled VW flat-four is hard to beat. It’s cheap, plentiful and offers great period-correct performance when enhanced by its vast aftermarket. But if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, consider this 3.6-liter 911 mill currently for sale on the RCN Classifieds.

Based on its unique 3.6-liter displacement and 1990 model year, we can say this engine was likely lifted from Porsche Type 964 911 Carrera 2 or Carrera 4 model. The air/oil-cooled flat-six features dry-sump oiling, a forged crankshaft and one single overhead cam per engine bank. Stock outputs ranged from 247 hp up to 260 hp in the Carrera RS variants.

The engine for sale here was assembled by Mat Lowrance of Reno Rennsport with new gaskets, bearing and timing chains. (Lowrance has an impressive résumé at Reno Rennsport which can be seen here on their website.) 50mm PMO carburetors were used in place of the original fuel injection system, and custom-ground camshafts were installed. The seller reports a dyno-verified output of 321 hp at the crank, and the engine has yet to see street use since assembly.

But all this begs the question, how would you utilize this sweet singing Porsche flat-six? Sure, there’s likely a lowly Carrera 2 or 4 out there in need of a fresh power plant, but we can also imagine a few more creative applications. There’s a great Beck 904 roller that just sold on BringaTrailer.com for $65,000 that would haul the mail with this engine, with a few modifications that is. But my first inclination is a hot custom 356 coupe from JPS Motorsports, Seduction or Kitman. I envision a heavily reinforced chassis with coil over suspension and black wide-five wheels over machined hubs. Splash on some slate-colored paint, and you’d have one nasty and unassuming little coupe. But the possibilities are literally endless with this engine, so let us know what you’d do with it in the comments below.

Check out the 3.6-liter here on the RCN Classifieds.