The season starts soon.

[Chris Huck]

I know nothing about Porsche drivetrains but wondered if one could fit in an air-cooled flat 6 from the 911? 917s are right up there with me but have never considered one as I imagined the expense of running the proper flat 12 would make it an unrealistic proposition.

Yes, you could very easily! Graham's car has an air cooled flat 6 in it, I am putting a 3.4ltr Direct Injection flat 6 in mine (from a Cayman S)and transaxle too. I think with an air cooled engine you'd be looking at using a G50 transaxle.
You could fit any engine in to be honest as there is a lot of room
I know of someone who is planning on putting a BMW M5 engine in his 917…!! That'll certainly be an interesting ride!!

 

[Graham T]

As my 917K is an outright race car, and in order to comply to "historic" type regulations in various series I have to run an aircooled Porsche engine. Mine is a "breathed upon" 3.6 ltr (964) engine and mated to a 915 gearbox for lightness. The G50 type are way heavier, and weight, or lack of, is everything in racing, especially with the 917, and the last place I want extra weight is on the tail end. Having to run silencers for most meetings does not help its balance, although I do remove the dog before a meeting !!!!!!!