Porsche 356SC Type 616/16 Engine | 1964 Performance Build

This is a meticulously rebuilt Type 616/16 flat-four, originally the top-tier pushrod engine for the 1964 Porsche 356SC. Acquired and restored in 2021, this unit has been professionally upgraded to 1,720cc, blending matching-numbers provenance with high-performance “Big Bore” internals. This engine represents the absolute peak of air-cooled pushrod development, offering a “turn-key” solution for a Concours restoration, a spirited weekend driver, or a high-spec Outlaw build.

Technical Specifications

Detailed Build & Provenance Summary

• The 1,720cc Advantage: By utilizing an 86mm bore kit from Stoddard, this engine achieves a significant increase in mid-range torque and top-end horsepower without the overheating issues common in larger displacements. It is widely considered the “sweet spot” for the 356 platform.

• Structural Integrity: The “630” assembly stamps across the three primary case components verify that this is a factory-matched set. This ensures the main bearing journals are perfectly concentric, providing a smooth-running bottom end capable of sustained high-RPM use.

• Valvetrain Excellence: The engine features genuine SC heads, which utilize larger intake valves and revised porting compared to “Normal” or “Super” variants. These are paired with a Neutek SX1 camshaft, specifically chosen to widen the powerband and improve throttle response when paired with Solex 40PII-4 carburetors.

• Period-Correct Aesthetics: Every ancillary component—from the Knecht mesh filters to the Fram oil canister—has been curated to ensure the engine looks as authentic as it performs. The addition of the Monza exhaust provides a sophisticated, aggressive boxer note that defines the 356 driving experience.