The Porsche 356 Carrera 2 is a rare and coveted classic, known for its lightweight construction and high-performance Fuhrmann engine. Restoring or maintaining one requires a deep understanding of its unique parts. This guide covers essential components, sourcing strategies, and practical advice for owners and enthusiasts.
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Understanding the Porsche 356 Carrera 2
The Carrera 2 was produced from 1962 to 1965, featuring the powerful 587/1 engine (later 587/2). It differs from standard 356 models in several critical areas, including brakes, transmission, and body reinforcements. Many parts are specific to this variant and can be challenging to find.
Key Parts That Require Special Attention
Engine Components
The 1.6-liter and 1.7-liter Fuhrmann engines use roller-bearing crankshafts and unique cylinder heads. Common wear items include:
- Crankshaft bearings: Roller bearings are no longer produced; aftermarket options or refurbished OEM parts are available.
- Cylinder liners and pistons: Mahle versions are preferred. New old stock (NOS) sometimes surfaces.
- Valves and valve guides: High-heat resistant parts are essential. Stainless steel replacements are a reliable upgrade.
- Camshaft and followers: Original grind patterns are critical for performance. Regrinding services exist.
Carburetors and Intake
Early Carrera 2s use dual Solex 40 PII-4 carburetors, later models may have Zenith 38 NDIX. Rebuilding kits are available, but finding original castings is harder. Weber carburetor conversions are common but affect authenticity.
Brakes
The Carrera 2 came with larger brake drums or optional disc brakes (ATE). Disc brake parts like calipers and rotors are nearly impossible to find new; refurbished or aftermarket replacements (e.g., 356 disc brake conversions) are the norm. Brake fluid type is critical—use DOT 3 or 4 only.
Suspension and Steering
Front suspension uses torsion bars and kingpins. Original shock absorbers (Koni) are still available as reproductions. Rear suspension shares parts with other 356s but be careful: Carrera 2 rear torsion bars are thicker. Steering boxes are rare; rebuild with help from specialists like ZF.
Body and Trim
Specific parts include the rear engine grille (wider than standard), front hood with oil filler door, and unique badges. Reproduction sheet metal for rust repair is available but often requires adjustment. Rubber seals for doors and windows are being reproduced by companies like Stoddard or Carrera-specific suppliers.
Electrical System
- Generator/Alternator: Original Bosch units can be rebuilt. Aftermarket alternator conversions are popular for reliability.
- Ignition: Distributor parts (e.g., breaker points, condensers) are shared but rotor and cap may differ. Electronic ignition upgrades are available.
- Wiring harnesses: Reproduction harnesses are made by specialists; ensure correct for Carrera 2 (e.g., headlight wiring thickness).
Where to Source Porsche 356 Carrera 2 Parts
Specialized Classic Porsche Parts Dealers
Companies like Stoddard (stoddard.com), Partwerkz, and Classicars are reliable for many common items. For Carrera-specific parts, try:
- EBS Racing (ebsracing.com) – Known for engine internals and rare components.
- Carrera Performance (carreraperformance.com) – Offers new old stock and rebuilt parts.
- Porsche Classic – Official source for some parts if still in production. Order through local dealerships.
Online Forums and Classifieds
The 356 Registry (356registry.org) and Early 911S Registry have dedicated buyers and sellers. Posts often list parts like cylinder heads or complete engines. Be prepared to negotiate and verify authenticity.
Swap Meets and Auctions
Events like Hershey (PCA) and Monterey Car Week attract vendors with rare parts. Bring cash and a parts list. eBay Motors and Bring a Trailer can yield results, but inspect carefully.
Machine Shops and Fabricators
For parts not available, consider custom fabrication. Shops like Competition Engineering (CA) can reproduce obsolete metal parts. Engine rebuilders like Willison & Ward (UK) source hard-to-find internals.
Practical Tips for Buying Carrera 2 Parts
- Verify fitment: Many parts look identical to standard 356 but Carrera 2 has unique offsets, thicknesses, and mounting points. Cross-reference part numbers.
- Buy from reputable sellers with returns: Avoid “as-is” on critical safety items.
- Consider upgrades with caution: Period-correct upgrades (e.g., disc brakes) are acceptable, but modern modifications may reduce value.
- Budget for shipping: Large parts like engine blocks weigh heavily; plan accordingly.
- Join a club: PCA’s 356 Chapter offers technical resources and member discounts.
Restoring vs. Maintaining: Parts Strategy
- Concours restoration: Seek NOS or perfect reproductions. Be prepared to wait months for rare items.
- Driver-quality restoration: Use rebuilt OEM parts or high-quality aftermarket. Prioritize function over originality.
- Daily maintenance: Stock up on common wear items (oil filters, gaskets) from dealers. Keep a spare distributor or carburetor.
Final Recommendation
For a successful Porsche 356 Carrera 2 project, focus on the powertrain first. Secure a running engine or rebuild kit from a trusted source like EBS Racing. Then, address brakes and suspension with period-correct upgrades. Use forums and registered parts dealers rather than random internet listings. Document every part number—future owners will thank you. And don’t forget the simple things: a good set of tools and a workshop manual (published by Porsche) are invaluable. With patience and the right sourcing, your Carrera 2 can remain a thrilling piece of automotive history.