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Posted by: computers4kids Dec 6 2009, 10:49 PM

1975 914 Automatic...original paint and in amazing shape, ithe interior is in fantastic condition. The only area that needs adressing are a few spots of surface rust on the fenders, trunks, hell hole, longs are perfect.

I just couldn't resist....when I saw this car come up for sale by the owner who has had it for the last 8 years, I had to buy it. When the second owner's, husband passed, the surving wife drove the car for years. As she could no longer continue to manage a clutch car, she paid a Porsche shop to convert it to an automatic using an Audi transmission.

After receiving pictures from the owner, I couldn't believe how nice the the car was for the price. It wasn't until I went to see it was I shocked at the professional job the shop did converting it to an automatic. Other than the shift mechanism in the car the rest of it looks like it belongs. I'll have to massage the shifter look in the car, but other than that. I'm not to sure what I'm going to do with the car, but for now fix the little rust and drive it??


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Posted by: ahdoman Dec 6 2009, 10:59 PM

Mark - How about documenting what was done to make it the automatic. That is really interesting!

Posted by: quadracerx Dec 6 2009, 10:59 PM

Wow...thats cool...any idea what Audi trans they used? that looks really good....

Steve

Posted by: scotty Dec 6 2009, 11:05 PM

Wow indeed! Details! I agree that it would be interesting to see *how* they managed it.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 6 2009, 11:06 PM

When I get time, I will keep track of the the parts used. I don't plan on pulling it apart qute yet...but someday. The transmission is from an Audi 5000.

Posted by: markb Dec 6 2009, 11:09 PM

Is that the one from Los Osos that Franz did?

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 6 2009, 11:12 PM

Hi Mark. Not to sure who Franz is but the mechanic was "lou" from Performance. Yes from Los Osos.

Posted by: JRust Dec 6 2009, 11:12 PM

I'm curious how it drives too? How does the gearing feel? The whole console sits a little to high for my taste. Still for something that wasn't original . Not to bad

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 6 2009, 11:16 PM

I'm thinking I'll probably ditch the console for sure...won't look too bad then. I think the reason the mechanic left the console is because on the other side he customized it where the temp and amp gauge still shows...looks a bid odd from the passenger view. It's been sitting for a year...need to go through it before some real road testing.

Posted by: jim_hoyland Dec 7 2009, 07:59 AM

Very cool ! Is the mechanic that did the install still around ? I noticed those late bumpers don't have the mini tits, is there a metal bar with shocks behind the rubber ?

Posted by: Gint Dec 7 2009, 08:02 AM

Me too! That's cool.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 7 2009, 08:24 AM

Intersting enough, this conversion was done about 10 years ago and has been driven ever since up to about a year ago.

If it's light engough when I get home this week from work, I'll try to snap a couple pics of the conversion. They won't tell the story enough but it's a start. I know the 914 community could benefit from a "how to, what parts to use" conversion write-up, so as time passes I'll try to accumulate as much info as possible with part/application numbers as pass that along. I don't want to pull the tranny at this point to discover the flywheel setup, but perhaps there's an inspection plate under there somewhere were a can take a peek.

Jim, I hadn't even noticed the mini tits not being there...good eye. I don't see any holes but? Just picked-up the car yesterday, cleaned it a bit and did the full look over for rust, suspension etc etc check.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Dec 7 2009, 10:29 AM

really cool imo. there are still people that would love to have a automatic 914 for a DD I'm sure, and this would help them out!

Posted by: charliew Dec 7 2009, 11:38 AM

My 75 doesn't have the bumper tits they must have been a option.

For the t4 hp cars I bet the auto from the vw would work good. My friend used to drag race a 2100 t1 in a type 3 with a auto tranny. He still has it along with several auto trannys. They don't use a tranny cooler. I'm thinking the ring gear could be swapped since it's based on the t1 application. I'm sure the audi is a much stronger tranny though.

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 7 2009, 11:42 AM

"Tiny Tits™" are '76 only ...


Nice find!
Andy

Posted by: Ferg Dec 7 2009, 12:41 PM

That console shifter looks to be from a Vanagon.

Neat find.

Ferg

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Dec 7 2009, 02:16 PM

The late 'bumper horns' were for the 75-76 cars delivered to the states of CA and MD only. This from the 1975 model year S&T manual:


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Posted by: MDG Dec 7 2009, 04:52 PM

because, you know, the bumpers weren't big enough already.



cool find, can't wait to hear how it drives.

Posted by: rjames Dec 7 2009, 04:56 PM

My '75 has 'em. Car originally sold in Oregon but maybe came up from Cali?


Back on topic- Cool find Mark! Looking forward to seeing more details. My wife would love an automatic trans 914.

Posted by: kg6dxn Dec 7 2009, 08:58 PM

Awesome! Take some pics from the under side. I think we'd all like to see it.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 7 2009, 11:00 PM

Ok...crawled under the car tonight and took some pics the best I could. The shop used an Audi 5000 transaxle and as of this point this is what I belive the ratio to be.
1st = 2.71
2nd = 1.50
3rd = 1.00
Rev = 2.43
Final = 3.45

The only modificaton that invovled cutting, was due to starter location on an Audi transaxle...12:00. An inspection plate was installed in the trunk to gain the height for the starter.


Here's a rear shot

Motor mount

Passenger Side

Driver Side

ATF Filler tube going through backplate

Notice where they mounted the gauges...and checkout that pedal cluster. They must of wanted to make a wider brake pedal for the older lady who had the converion done for her.


Too dark to get a decent picture of the transaxle mating the motor...will have to wait.

Posted by: TC 914-8 Dec 7 2009, 11:40 PM

Hey Mark, Looks Good. I wonder what knid of torque the Audi 5000 can handle? Put it to the test with a trans brake on the V-8 car.

BTW, my 76 has tits on the front but none on the rear?
Antominicly correct?

Posted by: shelby/914 Dec 8 2009, 12:32 AM

Sorry to be OT but thought I'd answer the question above. My '76 had tits front and back before the backdate. It's not a California car since it has a sticker stating that it is non cat equiped. No COA so don't know where it was from origionally.

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 8 2009, 12:50 AM

It looks like the selector cable sheath is resting on the left CV
Cool find

Posted by: dw914er Dec 8 2009, 03:27 AM

very cool find!

Posted by: flipb Dec 8 2009, 07:51 AM

Definitely cool. As I often illustrate to my passengers, the joy of a 914 isn't its acceleration, nor shifting it... it's tearing through the twisties with confidence.

How does the speedometer work? Weren't the originals driven by the mechanical speedo drive from the rear of the transmission?

Posted by: carr914 Dec 8 2009, 09:06 AM

I'd be replacing those tranny mounts ASAP

And maybe you can replace the Breadbox around the shifter with a 930 rubber boot

Posted by: Ferg Dec 8 2009, 09:24 AM

Cool. That inspection plate looks like a cut up 2.7 CIS airbox cover.

Posted by: tracks914 Dec 8 2009, 07:31 PM

Too cool. I wonder if it bolts right up to the engine or if an adapter is required????

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 8 2009, 07:55 PM

Is that bolted directly to the block? Show the bolts for the bellhousing. Cool!

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 8 2009, 09:36 PM

I bet the mounts originally were made to bolt those "L" brackets directly to the floorboard, and then the installer decided the trans needed to drop another 1/2 inch and put those spacers in. The mounts are very stout except for the spacer part...even though they've lasted 10 years already, I'll probably re-fab the "L" long enough to bolt directly to the original 914 floor mount supports.

The shifter I think will definetly look better without the console, re-locate the gauges perhaps in the stock cluster gauges. Haven't had anytime to look closely at the shift box yet...would be nice to re-style it to look period correct, or drop it's height a bit. The 930 boot might work if I do some customizing...I would want to to keep the gear visible gear selection.

As soon as I have some free time, and give the car a good once over, I'd like to go for a drive and post a video.


Rick, no adapter plate...bolted right to engine. This weekend I'll have time to put the car in the air to get some better pics of the trans mating the block.
Edit: I stand corrected, there is a plate between the trans and block. I'll get some pics over the weekend.

Will check out speedo setup as well.


Question: I've owned a CA 75 before and it was a 2.0 with djet and air injection, as well as the unique late exhaust, header stubs and cat. This car is much different. It is a 1.8 LJet that looks original as they come, but has no air injection, has early exchangers and muffler. It also has no egr or cat button in the 3 gauge cluster. How can I tell if this car orignated a CA car or not? It appears that it's not, but I'm not sure at this point. Paperwork makes the car look like it was first purchased in CA. No smog sticker in driver's door jamb. The build date was 10/74.

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 8 2009, 09:54 PM

You really need to do an Exellence type road report. We want all the details.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 8 2009, 11:49 PM

I found the shifter that was used in this conversion. It comes from Vanagons or Westfalias in the 80s.



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Posted by: oldschool Dec 9 2009, 12:10 AM

it looks like you cable (pos) is hitting the trans?

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 9 2009, 12:16 AM

Fix that before putting a battery in or you will be welding!

Posted by: jaxdream Dec 9 2009, 06:51 PM

Wonder about the cv's and axle shafts ?? What is the cv on the trans side and the wheel side ? Looks like six bolts on the trans with little plates under them?? I'm not asking to remove them for inspection , just curious . Also does it or would it use a trans fluid cooler ??

Jaxdream

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 9 2009, 07:37 PM

Yeah, the picture misrepresents how close that cable is...actually several inches away. The battery was out of the car during the pics...cables actually pull up much higher. I did go ahead and zip tie them up more anyway...nice to be safe than sorry.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 9 2009, 07:50 PM

When I bought this car it was not running, just turning over. They PO said it just wouldn't start one day and he put no effort into finding the problem. So after 8 years of driving it, it then just sat for a full year.

Well, I cleaned-up the battery connections and charged the battery, checked the oil and wires etc and I figured...what the heck lets see what happens.

Motor just turned and turned...no life. Being the experienced 914 owner that I am. I said...."I don't hear the fuel pump running and preceded to check the fuse on the relay board...nope it's good. Let's try replacing the relay... It roared to life instantly. I couldn't believe it. After letting it run for a few minutes I went around looking for fuel leaks...no leaks. The idle purred and didn't fluctuate....no air leaks...this is getting to good to be true.

So I took it off the jackstands and hopped in, turned the key and varrrooom. Went to push the clutch...oh yeah, don't have one, checked the brakes...nice and firm, dropped it into gear and ripped out of my garage and all over my neighborhood. Total trip...no shifting, very wierd and pretty peppy. I didn't want to press my luck with no plates so I headed back to the barn.
I can't wait to open this thing up on some twisties and see what it will do.

Only thing that doesn't seem to work is the speedo and a headlight beam...not bad. It's hard to believe this car has been driven for a decade without a speedo. Too dark to see if one is hooked-up some how and just not working.
Edit: Speedometer does work
Time for a

Posted by: kg6dxn Dec 9 2009, 08:09 PM

That's awesome! Your lucky you bought it when you did... I was in contact with him also... You beat me to it. Keep us posted on the progress.

Posted by: oldschool Dec 9 2009, 09:00 PM

Very good news, after 8 years no break problems?

Posted by: quadracerx Dec 9 2009, 09:16 PM

That is soo cool....good luck with the speedo...hope its something simple..

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 9 2009, 10:06 PM

When his ad came out the first time, he did not post any pics but I had contacted him anyway. We talked about me coming that weekend, even got pics, then I got real sick, H1N1 and life literally stopped for me for two weeks. When I was feeling better, I just assumed the car was sold, but then I saw he re-posted....and the rest was history. I still can't believe this car sat there for two weeks while I was sick without someone sealing the deal.

Posted by: oldschool Dec 9 2009, 10:19 PM

I was thinking of getting it, but how do tell the wife about the 3 914 not running

Posted by: dw914er Dec 9 2009, 11:32 PM

dude... that's awesome!

Posted by: charliew Dec 10 2009, 01:46 PM

I guess it was just meant to be yours. I think it's really a special car. That looks like a speedo cable going up over the top of the tranny under the fill tube by the motor to tranny seam but I don't see it near the rear anywhere. See if it's under the dash or pop the speedo out a little. I find it hard to believe a older lady could get by with the tach for the speed.

Posted by: charliew Dec 10 2009, 01:48 PM

My friend says he knows of a flared 914 thats been in storage a long time at a old hot rodders place but I really don't have a place for another project and I might have to promise not to change it up.

Posted by: iamchappy Dec 11 2009, 11:05 AM

It might even be possible to put the Audi 5000 manual transmission in a 914.
Sounds like the internals are 915
Interesting read, more uses for the Audi 5000 manuel transmission claims it can handle 450 + horsepower.

http://www.lambolounge.com/chassis/Transmission/5000/5000.asp
http://www.lambolounge.com/chassis/Transmission/Audi-915/index.asp

Posted by: ClayPerrine Dec 11 2009, 11:57 AM

Audi 5000 trans aka Porsche 944 Trans. They seem to get replaced alot......

Posted by: quadracerx Dec 11 2009, 02:55 PM

In the risk of sounding stupid....Which I tend to be....why cant we just use a 944 Trans....will it bolt in a 914 for the most part?

Posted by: iamchappy Dec 11 2009, 03:00 PM

They connect with a drive shaft........

Posted by: dlo914 Dec 11 2009, 03:11 PM

I'm guessing it's similar to the use of 2WD to AWD subaru transmissions. The 2WD trans you don't have to worry about blocking/disabling the the other drive portion of the trans. While the AWD trans you have to purchase a kit to disable and block off the rear drive section of the trans.

What i meant was the 944 trans is located at the rear of the car w/ a driveshaft coming from the front of the car from the engine. While the Audi 5000 version is attached to the engine (like the 914) and there's no messing w/ blocking off the input hole for the driveshaft.

Porsche 928


Audi 5000 (ignore the V8)

Posted by: ClayPerrine Dec 11 2009, 03:58 PM

The 944 trans doesn't have a throwout bearing or arm. It has a tube for the shift linkage to run through the bell housing. The rest of the trans is identical. The driveshaft is clamped to the input shaft on the trans, and a big plate is bolted to the bell housing, adapting it down to the torque tube.

For the most part, the audi and 944 transmissions are interchangeable.

Posted by: Cupomeat Dec 11 2009, 04:44 PM

I think that is "Ignore the V12". Nice BMW V12...

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 12 2009, 04:12 PM

I decided to go ahead and clean-up the look of the shifter inside the 914. I removed the the modified console and as you can see further down the end result is a much cleaner look...at least I like it. The gauges will end-up being intergrated into the 3 gauge dash cluster.
Before Picture



As you can see, the shifter is raised up about 1/2 inch, levers from the shifter actually protrude down into the tunnel.



If I wanted, I could cut the shifter mechanism tube that sticks upward and lower it about 4inches without too much problem. I would then either have to shorten the plastic shift mechanism cover or get a large boot. For now, I think I'm going to leave it be.



In this picture you see where normally a CA 75 has an EGR valve placed where the speedometer goes to and then leaves to be routed to the transmission. The cable coming from the Audi transmission is "Audi" and travels up the tunnel to this connector in the passenger foam cutout. The other side of the connector is a porsche speedo cable that travels up to the speedometer. I'm not to sure what this "connector" is but it makes the transfer from Audi part to Porsche part.



The new look... Eventually, I'll put a carpet kit in the car and it should look pretty good.

Posted by: Rico Suave Dec 12 2009, 08:21 PM

Why don't you have an uphostery shop make a leather boot and remove that big plastic uglee thingy.....not like you don't know what gear it's in.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 12 2009, 08:49 PM

It was raining but wanted to go for a spin around the block. Not quite the "twisty" video that I hoped to first post, but at least it will give you a peak. Next time I'll have to figure out a better way of positioning a camera that will take some bumps...kept loosing the camera's focus from bumps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UN2gZ-nYLA

Posted by: oldschool Dec 12 2009, 09:48 PM

Dude! that's so sweet I think I'm going to make a custom T-Shirt just for you, what app. is that,and I now I know were to put my iphone
any rain inside the car after the drive?

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 12 2009, 09:55 PM

The iphone app is "speed-o-meter"...it's either free or $1, I can't remember. It's pretty darn accurate.

Posted by: zx-niner Dec 12 2009, 10:08 PM

This is so cool! Good for you.

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 12 2009, 10:53 PM

Porsche missed a market segment with that one! Very Cool!

Posted by: tat2dphreak Dec 13 2009, 11:11 AM

that's awesome, I'm so cutting an iphone jack into my ashtray, now!

Posted by: jaxdream Dec 13 2009, 11:49 AM

Dude , I think you may be able to find a shifter setup that will get it down closer to the tunnel , after all it's just standard automatic shift pattern PRND21 , with some adjusting , you could get it to work. Just take a trip to the Pick& pulls , scope out a shifter , maybe console combo to get the whole mechanisim down some, unless you're totally happy with what you have . My $.02.

P.S. I'm very interested in this setup , as it gives another option for a transmission in a 914.

Jaxdream

Posted by: pktzygt Dec 13 2009, 06:48 PM

I agree, it would have been neat to see how a properly engineered factory auto would have turned out. I think George has/had one of the sport-o-matic ones though.

Posted by: kg6dxn Dec 13 2009, 07:14 PM

I bet a B&M ratchet shifter would fit in there. it comes with adjustable shift arms for the tranny side.

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 25 2009, 12:04 AM

After not being able to find a suitable shifter replacement, I decided to redesign the tall vanagon one that was used. I literally took a good 7 inches off the old shifter. I took several inches off the middle of the bracket and some off the extension rod. It actually was more difficult than I first thought, especially keeping the geometry and throw the same. Anyway, good for now.

I had called Jeggs and it turns out that all the generic shifters they sell, i.e Hurst, B&M are made for American cars and transmissions.


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Posted by: kg6dxn Dec 25 2009, 12:22 AM

Looks much better. I like it!

Posted by: Rand Dec 25 2009, 11:17 AM

My bike doesn't have a speedo, so I tried several of the iphone apps. My favorite is called "SpeedBox."

Very nice find Mark! One of the most unique 914s around, in a cool way.

I agree, a nice leather boot would be the perfect finish.

Posted by: JRust Dec 25 2009, 01:30 PM

Very nicely done Mark. That looks much better. Still doesn't quite look like it belongs but is closer. How does it drive & shift?

Posted by: TC 914-8 Dec 25 2009, 02:11 PM

Hey Mark, Great work, Great find.

Posted by: jaxdream Dec 25 2009, 02:12 PM

Not too bad !! I am interested in this conversion , as I would like to do this so the little woman could drive it, besides an automatic 914 would be cool !!

Jack / Jaxdream

Posted by: computers4kids Dec 25 2009, 02:42 PM

Now that the shifter is cut down, a 930 boot will fit nicely if I decide to go that route. I
hesitate losing the gear selector--it's part of the novelty. I'm not to sure anything is going to look correct, as 914 owners we just don't have any schema for an automati 914. I wonder what Ferry would have designed?

Posted by: ahdoman Dec 25 2009, 09:40 PM

Mark - It looks like you've got it down just a little taller than a stock center console. Why not just try to put one around it and build from there?

Posted by: Rand Dec 25 2009, 09:52 PM

Ferry would have said, lose the plastic console! And one million other peeps here agree! Leather boot!
Hint hint.

Posted by: morph Jan 22 2010, 11:59 PM

i like it
james

Posted by: faux916 Jan 23 2010, 12:52 PM

I had tiny tits on my 75 and it was original. I bought it from the original owner and it was never modified in any way.

Posted by: computers4kids Jan 24 2010, 10:02 PM

I decided to pull the black cover in the trunk today which is where the starter is located at 12:00. Normally there is no starter normally located at 12:00, but the only location that would work in a 914/4--Audi transaxle conversion. I was curious if I could learn more how they made the starter work.

As you can see a "stock 914" starter was used. It was bolted to an adapter that looks like it was custom made. The starter connects to the adapter and the adapter bolts to the adapter plate mated to the 914 motor.


Here you can see the two 19mm bolts that secure the starter from the back side of the adapter plate (engine compartment). You can also see the shaft of the bendix gear rides on protruding through part of the adapter plate and part of the edge of the 914 case.


An hole was opened-up on the top side of the transmission to expose the teeth on the torque converter. You can see the two bolts that secure the starter. You can't see the bendix shaft hole. If you look at 10:00, you'll see where the starter is normally on this Audi 5000 application.


These next two pictures show how an extension was made to space the bendix gear at the right distance so to engage the torque converter teeth properly. You'll also notice the teeth on the bendix gear on the 914 starter is different than the end that meets the torque converter teeth. The extension is held on by three allen bolts. A notch for each of the bolts was cut in the actual 914 bosch starter bendix gear.to lock the extension in place.



I still don't know how the torque converter connects to the 914 crankshaft.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 24 2010, 10:18 PM

Very crude looking construction but I really really like it! This was clearly built and designed by a true free thinker. This is how real men build stuff. Just imagine how well this has werked for the former women owner. Pure mechanical function!

Posted by: kg6dxn Jan 24 2010, 10:23 PM

That's not bad backyard fabrication. I bet you could buy something to work today. The shop that did the work deffinately has a "thinker" working for them.

Very cool.

I've been thinking about an automatic for my 14. I'm not sure I could fab that trick starter set up. Not sure I would want to.

Posted by: zx-niner Jan 24 2010, 10:44 PM

Is that a booster relay in there?

Posted by: computers4kids Jan 24 2010, 10:51 PM

Hi Steve!
No, I believe it's connected to the Park/Neutral safety switch on the automatic shifter selector. Essentially it disables the starter when not in park or neutral.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 26 2010, 12:35 AM

Great car! Post more photos when you get them.

Posted by: computers4kids Jan 30 2010, 08:39 PM

The mechanic that did the pedal cluster conversion did do a pretty nice job creating the double brake pedal, but I was pretty happy with the ebay auction that I won for $41. AutoAtlanta was selling off what look like a NOS Sportomatc pedal cluster for 914-6. Perfect! I was glad to see the auction didn't get much attention. It was a gold find for me. James from Morphenspectra is going to make a carpet kit for me without the clutch pedal slot and no hole for the piece that goes over the tunnel for the shifter. All in all, it should clean up the look nicely.

Haven't decided what to do for a brake pedal pad.


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Posted by: markb Jan 31 2010, 02:06 AM

See if the pad from a VW sporto pedal will fit.

Posted by: Coy Feb 1 2010, 12:36 AM

Very cool Car Mark. How do you like driving it?

Posted by: rdauenhauer Feb 1 2010, 02:34 AM

This is one cool thread!

Posted by: computers4kids Feb 15 2010, 08:14 PM

Boy, I just can't seem to get time to work on this car...too many things going. I did however get the sportomatic pedal cluster installed. Works beautifully.

What's wrong with this one...
The worst thing, one of our boy's car died and we gave him our Honda to get him through his last couple years of school. Consequently, we needed a car so we went out and bought a new Honda. OK...so I have a two car garage, one sbc914 goes insided and guess whose project car got kicked outside...yep this red one.


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Posted by: rick 918-S Feb 15 2010, 11:28 PM

That thing is bitchin! I second the VW sporto pad. Or maybe Mark Whitsell can make you a custom one!

Posted by: hwgunner Feb 19 2010, 11:12 AM

Very cool Mark, very cool!

Posted by: G Man Mar 2 2010, 04:23 PM

Very cool and thanks for sharing. I know nothing about Audi's. Do you know what year's of Audi 5000 this transaxle is from. This is really interesting to me.

Posted by: computers4kids Mar 2 2010, 10:22 PM

The transaxle is from an 85 Audi 5000, while the shifter they used was from a vanagon, which I never liked. I just recently had purchased an actual 85 Audi 5000 shifter from a wrecking yard because it looked like it would work much better than the tall vanagon shifter.

With some minor modification the shifter fit perfectly and works beautifully, which really has me a bit baffled why it wasn't used in the first place.

Normally the shifter would be pushing and pulling linkage going from the shifter forward to the transaxle in the Audi. By removing the guide bracket on the shifter that allows for the linkage to push and pull the same but now the linkage goes from the shifter back the transaxle towards the rear of the 914. Essentially the principal it works on is the same. All the gears hit perfectly with this setup.

The shifter now is mounted very close to the tunnel and looks like it belongs. As soon as the carpet kit arrives I'll snap a completed picture with it mounted.

Posted by: JRust Mar 2 2010, 10:53 PM

I think you should drive it to Route 66 next week just to show me in person

This is probably one of those total photoshoped threads. I bet this car doesn't even exist

Posted by: computers4kids Mar 18 2010, 10:26 PM

I finally had some time this week to completely give the interior a make-over. Installed the 85 Audi shifter, gutted the interior, media blasted everthing that could be refurbished, repainted, new custom carpet kit by morph, and new seals where appropriate. I'm very please with how well it all cleaned-up and shifts beautifully. You can see how the Audi shifter fits perfectly in the 914 tunnel. I tried a 930 boot just for fun but it's a bit to tight to go over the mechanism. Anyway, whether I have a boot made or stay with the plastic cover, the interior is done. I also added a combo gauge in the dash.

Posted by: Andyrew Mar 18 2010, 10:29 PM

Looks fantastic!!!

Posted by: markb Mar 18 2010, 10:39 PM

Nice job, Mark!

Posted by: Coy Mar 20 2010, 12:04 PM

That interior looks great!

Posted by: messix Mar 20 2010, 12:23 PM

please throw that plastic thing in the garbage.
this may work http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford-Racing/397/M-7277-A/10002/-1?parentProductId=757434

Posted by: kwales Mar 20 2010, 04:49 PM

That new shifter looks great.

A smaller plastic housing might look better but that is something you can be on the lookout for.

Drive it like you stole it.

Posted by: Jacob Mar 20 2010, 05:16 PM

That shifter looks so much better!

Posted by: Rand Mar 20 2010, 09:22 PM

Oh man, SOOOO much better, but yet just not quite there. I'm with Troy. Lose the plastic crapper rigid console and find a classy boot!! Close! So close to perfection. Soft boot all the way!!!! Dude, congrats on an epic cool 914!

Posted by: computers4kids Apr 4 2010, 06:32 PM

OK............OK
Finally found a real nice boot that would fit the 914 interior decor and work well with the automatic audi shifter. The boot is actually mounted with bolts through the carpet and onto a thin piece of sheet metal shaped to the width of the tunnel and about 27mm long. A hole for the shifter is cut in the sheet metal. You just lower the hole unit, carpet and all over the shifter shaft and down to meet the tunnel. The sheet metal attaches to the tunnel in three places under the carpet. It turned out very clean and allows for quick access to the tunnel (like lifting the hood of a car) if need be.

Summit Boot: Lokar X70BHRB - Lokar Midnight Series
Next, replacing all the brake pads and turning the rotors.

Posted by: kg6dxn Apr 4 2010, 06:39 PM

That looks really nice! Great Job!

Posted by: messix Apr 4 2010, 06:52 PM

DAMN!!!

nice job!!!

so much better than what was there!!!

Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 4 2010, 07:02 PM

Every time I see this car I like it more. Nice work! Your taking a good idea and refining it.

Posted by: Rand Apr 4 2010, 07:10 PM

Nicely done.

Posted by: JRust Apr 4 2010, 07:12 PM

The boot looks great Mark. Nice job as usual

Posted by: Garold Shaffer Apr 4 2010, 08:36 PM

Posted by: Lennies914 Jul 25 2010, 09:35 PM

Mark we need an update! How's progress?

Posted by: Cupomeat Jul 26 2010, 12:32 PM

Yes, this was a unique thread!

BTW, have you given any thought to a shift position indicator?

As you removed the physical one, you could put a small LCD unit in the dash cluster to tell you when you are in "2" instead of "D".

Posted by: computers4kids Jul 26 2010, 02:24 PM

As far as an indicator goes, Summit sells one for this particular shifter boot. The indicator attaches to one of the boot screws and has a cable that runs back to the gear box where you adjust which gear it displays. The kit's about $70.


Not to much to update...
Went through the brakes, changed the brake fluid, turned the rotors, and put new brake hoses on the car. Also added a new red top optima.

If you read earlier in the thread, you saw I lost my second parking spot in the garage to our new Honda (wife couldn't see two 914s in the garage (although I could) and the new Honda outside.

I would like to repaint the car, but in Visalia CA that wouldn't even make sense if it has to sit outside. I'm not to sure what to do with this car??? I wanted to keep it stock as possible, less of course the automatic change. I guess it really doesn't matter, either way its not original anymore...even though I really like it. Really don't want to take the Porsche engine out and do a conversion...it would just be another 914 with a conversion. It's pretty unique right now. Super fun car to drive!

Who knows...might even sell it, I was toying with the idea lately. If I had the garage space I'd drop a 2ltr in it and repaint the car.

Posted by: markb Jul 26 2010, 02:27 PM

Simple answer, Mark. Build a BIGGER GARAGE!

Posted by: rick 918-S Aug 28 2011, 10:18 PM

You still have the car? Any progress?

Posted by: computers4kids Aug 29 2011, 07:47 AM

Rick,
Sold it to a real nice guy, Larry (bay area as I recall). I just couldn't let it sit outside all the time--no garage space left. It's my understanding he is going to make it a v8 automatic.

Posted by: rick 918-S Aug 29 2011, 07:55 AM

Oh ya, I remember now. that's a shame. The car was cool the way it was.