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Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 01:55 AM

Hello All !

My name is Sean and I've been lurking here for a few hours and figured I'd best register since I just purchased my first 914 V8 conversion.

I live in Coos Bay Oregon as a Los Angeles escapee.

In my former life I was a machinery dealer and thankfully this has provided me with a full machine shop (kept the cream for myself). Hopefully this will help with that trials of owning this conversion.

I also have a custom Lotus Esprit S1 and a Toyota FJ-40. I've owned and converted several FJ's to V8's so I'm comfortable with tweaking and re-tweaking. I may at some point convert the Lotus, but the engine is fresh so it will wait.

In any case, here is a photo of the 914 conversion. I haven't gotten into it yet, but basically it's a 5.0 EFI conversion...let me know what you think?

Also, I am interested in hearing from the V8 guys (and gals) about the performance of their cars and any 91(8) advice that a newbie must know.

All the Best
Sean

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 02:08 AM

Here's a couple more photos...the car is dusty so please forgive.

Posted by: JB 914 Oct 21 2004, 02:12 AM

Welcome! Congrats on your purchase. I've got a V-8 a 2.6 and one for the glue factory!

Keep us posted on your project

Lot's of V-8 guys here. Guess it all depends on what you want to do. Here is what i have learned with my V8:

low torque=BAD
Proper installation of Tranny mounts is quite important

V8 914's are scary fast and fun!

Posted by: GWN7 Oct 21 2004, 02:36 AM

Welcome

Nice car...I even like the wing.

It looks like it's parked in your living room. Mine has seats in it too.

Nice body kit. Do you know who's it is?

Can't offer any help, I'm still building mine, but welcome.

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 03:05 AM

Bruce,
According to the previous owner, the molds were hand made and this is the only one that exists.
I get the impression that some wind tunnel testing was done since the PO could quote lift amounts achieved by wheel well ports...etc.
Dunno if any of that is true, but the PO seems on the up and up.

Joe, thanks and I love your Sig'! Did you mean low torque = bad, meaning the cars need torque, or low-end torque = bad, meaning the transaxle grenades?

I'd have to assume the later.

Owning and having owned mid-engine sports cars as well as big diesel trucks, I'm not a fan of stroke for small sports cars but it does have its place (towing).
Just my own personal preference but it is that the only thing that should sound like a Mangusta or Pantera should be a Mangusta or Pantera (I'm talking pointy cars, not Cobras). Inline 4 cyl GSX-Rs, formula 1 cars, and sewing machines all have the sound, throttle response, redline, and (less) torque that gets me going in cars where the letters "HP" are less important than "G's".
This 914 will probably eventually recieve a crossover exhaust and 2 in - 2 out muffler. Unknown if I will opt to de-stroke it at some point and go for the titanium valve springs...etc. It has zero miles on the powerplant/drivetrain, so I'll probably wait until something blows first.


Sean

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 03:12 AM

The rear...





Sean

Posted by: joea9146 Oct 21 2004, 04:16 AM

Welcome.... Very nice car. Great Garage...

Posted by: bob91403 Oct 21 2004, 04:43 AM

Nicest looking conversion I've ever seen. Most of them suck. Damn, your's looks great! Do you fit in the car? It looks like it's been chopped too far. Is the targa bar still functional as a roll bar, or does your head stick out above it? Can you drive it with the top on?

Posted by: Jeroen Oct 21 2004, 05:40 AM

Hey Sean,

Welcome to 914world.com

I'm not a real big fan of body-conversion kits, but this one looks very cool!
Can you post some pics of the engine-bay and/or with the rear hood open?

cheers,

Jeroen

Posted by: URY914 Oct 21 2004, 06:34 AM

Welcome to the club,

Show us a pic of the rear truck and engine lid open. Looks like the targa bar is one piece with the engine lid.

Also what size wheels are those? They are very deep.

I think you have one of the most radical 914 I've ever see. The body took a TON of time to make. Any idea who did it?

I can respect the work put into it.

PAul

Posted by: Ferg Oct 21 2004, 08:12 AM

Wow that is cool, must have more pics
Ferg

Posted by: mikerose Oct 21 2004, 08:17 AM

Posted by: Howard Oct 21 2004, 08:30 AM

Lovely! Welcome to the funny farm.

Posted by: skline Oct 21 2004, 08:43 AM

I guess I will chime in too, yes, Joe meant low end torque is bad, if you look at the time he posted, he was already asleep. I like the body comversion, not that many people here like it when you radically change the appearance of a 914. Then again, not everyone likes the look of a stock 914 body. I like both and can appreciate them all. It does look like someone spent a lot of time on that car. I like having a one of a kind automobile, it sets me away from the crowd. Welcome to the club and I hope some day I get to see your car in person.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Oct 21 2004, 09:39 AM

Welcome to the club !! The V8 guy's are welcomed here with "open minds". I'm a big fan of the conversions and have gone round and round with "makers" of the conversion parts.

I really like the chopped Targa bar and windshield look.


B

Posted by: aircooledboy Oct 21 2004, 09:50 AM

Dood!!!!!!,

There is a car in your living room Tried that once, man was my wife pissed

Welcome.That is a beautiful car. Obviously none of us have ever seen anything like it, being a one of a kind, but that is a head turner.
Clearly you know a thing or two about cars, but as a guy who got his 914-8 on the road about 4 weeks ago, I gotta say this is the funnest car I have ever driven. You will quickly find that even with the conversion, you will be able to find lots of input on any question you have here. Oh, and I am definitely with the others: MORE PICTURES PLEEEZ.

Posted by: boxstr Oct 21 2004, 10:05 AM

Sean welcome. Excellent looking conversion. If you get up to the Portland area give me a call and I will meet you at CAMP 914. I will show my 914-8 and other 914s, and stuff.

Craig C. Laughlin 503-799-5794

Posted by: Rhodes71/914 Oct 21 2004, 10:07 AM

Thought I would pop in and say hi. I don't have a v8 conv just a little ol 1.7 that I have yet to get out of the neighborhood with, but since your just across the mountains from me You should get some heads turning in Coos Bay I think they are more used to seeing stuff like your Toyota FJ40 with a 4" lift of course. But I'm getting off the subject.

Very cool car, would love to check it out sometime.

Sean R (seems like there are a few Sean's around here)


PS: I have to ask, Los Angeles to Coos Bay ???

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 10:51 AM

Thanks Everyone!

Of course it feels good to hear people say they like (or at least can tolerate) the car you just bought.

My Lotus Esprit S1 has body mod's which keep the angular look but gently smooth out the lines. It has the flavor of an S2...almost breaching the V8 look (sorry but this will only make sense to Lotus people).
Lancruiser conversions to V8 are very common (and I've done a few) but still break the hearts of hardcore keep-it-stock folks.
Point is, I'm aware of the distaste often involved in messing with the body/engine of a classic car.

Personally I'm not polarized in this regard. My criteria is that it makes the car *better* than it was going to be otherwise. I'd hate to see a super condition classic get converted, but I also hate to see a car that could get attention from someone who converts go to the junk yard instead because it really will never find a purist who is willing to invest that much money to restore *that* car. I have to say that you hear alot more purists groaning about modified cars than you see purists at the junkyard laying down cash to rescue these cars from the crusher.

For the thought on V8 owners treading lightly on this forum...I'm up for that.
For the record, I'm considering doing a V6/8 conversion on my Lotus if the engine ever dumps. The 914 guys have nowhere near the wrath of the Lotus folks in this arena...but then again, it doesn't usually cost $9+ to rebuild a 914 motor.

At least with the 914 you have the option to go Porsche-Porsche in a conversion. Buying a Lotus V8 to replace a Lotus 4 cyl' is close to impossible from almost every angle.

For me, if I were doing it, I'd probably have gone with the 911 3.0 or 3.6 conversion, but the 5.0 EFI Ford is how the car came so I'll find the positive aspects of that route and enjoy them.

Now to answer a few questions...

First, that is not my garage LOL! That is the showroom of the PO who sells aftermarket parts mostly for street racers (read "tuners") Sort of the Boyd Coddington of my town...wears plaid lumberjack shirts instead of flower print Hawaians tho' (this *is* Oregon ya know? ) He builds/customizes/restores and he built this 914 himself ground up (and it is ground up).
Don't be too disappointed, I think you will like my "garage" almost as much. It's 8500sqft with a full machine shop. No hardwood tho'

I have not taken delivery of the car yet since it is raining and he and I are both finishing up some other projects.
Weather providing, I will have a lot more pic's and info in the next week or two.

I do know that the chop is 3" and the windscreen is moved forward and canted back to provide this...which makes for a trick in engineering the door windows to roll up. Apparently this has all been worked out. The car is in the stage where it was totally engineered, built, tested, and is now 90% reassembled after paint...owner got bored I guess.

The PO must be 6'3 and claims his head doesn't touch the top. I would tend to believe him since we now live in the same *small* town and BS comes back around pretty quick.

The Targa "bar" by the way is removeable for the complete convertable look...nicely done too, clean and not hacked.

Anyway, I really appreciate the welcome and I suppose I'll be around here pretty often, so nice to meet all of you!

Sean

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 11:14 AM

Oh, for those who asked, this is the only engine photo I have...excuse the dust.
The engine is installed, but now needs the throttle body/computer installed, wiring (actually the whole car needs wiring), brake lines...etc.
The car is in the "final approach" stage of a ground up, so theirs lots of tedious little junk to complete.

Anyway, here's the motor photo I have...



Sean

Posted by: aircooledboy Oct 21 2004, 11:31 AM

Don't tell Jake that!

Posted by: neo914-6 Oct 21 2004, 12:42 PM

Welcome Sean!
If you get to the Bay Area, we have a V8 Porsche group. The body on your car looks well executed. How do you manage water going into the inlets/outlets?
I had a Jensen Healy with the 907 motor and a TC Europa. Nice cars, I'd probably convert your Esprit to a modern 6 or turbo. I'm not sure which tranny you have but that is a major consideration for the V8 conversion at least for those budget oriented.
Felix

Posted by: JB 914 Oct 21 2004, 01:40 PM

Hey Sean,

Yea, i was talking about Low torque = bad

unless you have beefed up the stock tranny or upgraded to a 915 tranny.

my tranny is stock and it works great. But, i don't use 1st gear and i dont jump on 2nd gear. have not had any problems.

My tranny mount comment was a bit tongue and cheek. the PO of my v8 failed to install them with all the hardware and we had the tranny drop in a parking lot at a recent fun run!! At least there was no damage to the tranny. just scraped up the mufflers a little.

Welcome and keep posting your progress and questions. that's how i learn!

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 04:07 PM

Felix,
Both the 914 and the Lotus have the stock trannies (can't remember the number on the Brit car).

Hard to say whether I'll go over 300hp on either...it's nice to fantasize. Even if I did go nuts on a custom build, I'd destroke it enough to keep the torque quite low and get the throttle response to be blink fast. 400HP with 250lbft sounds like a nice motor to me on either car. So many other cool cars make better platforms for cheap dragging fun. Without even having started this car I'm sure to be dissapointed with the rumping exhaust note it is sure to have. This car, and especially with this body style deserve something that screams over 7K and narely vibrates at idle.
On a side note, in town our speed limit is 45 at best and even 20 in some places. Believe it or not, my FJ40 with its built 327 and 4:10 rear will toast most Porsches and Asians between lights or up to that magic 45mph (yes that is supposed to be at least mildly funny). Gotta take the hard top and doors off for those hopped up cars though

I read one...maybe two articles on the 915/930 tranny conversions...
I'm not sure that makes sense to me. Without being knowledgeable I'd sure try to stuff a ZF or Mendeola in there before I spent 10 grand on an upside-down modified turbo transaxle.

Nah, I think these cars will a pampered testiment to my mid life crisis...besides, the fastest car around is almost always gonna be....a motorcycle!

Cheers!
Sean (Ducati....Hmmmmmmm!)

Posted by: Jeroen Oct 21 2004, 04:24 PM

Excuse my ignorance
but what is a FJ40???

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 04:32 PM

Joe, stuff falling out the bottom of your car always seems to directly coordinate with plenty of people watching...I feel your pain!

The PO of this car, and now a few different posts I've read mention not using first gear at all. That's a shame in my opinion. I'd be curious to learn about what mod's are available to beef up the stock tranny and especially any that return all 5 speeds to the driver again. I can hear "it costs as much as swapping in a different tranny" coming down the road but I have to ask.

There seems to be a gap tranny options...

You have stock...300hp on 4 gears which does not allow you to drive the car as it is meant to be driven (ie drop the clutch once in awhile).

You have the 915 which can take 500hp (according to Renegade) but has the wrong gearing (is that wrong for a stock 914 or wrong for a 500hp 914?).

Then you have the 930 @ 700hp...which is really no longer a streetable car of any fashion. It couldn't be a driver's car at this point....unless you are a kevlar and halon driver.

Soooo...what is missing is....

The 300-400hp reliable (and hopefully affordable) transaxle which hopefully would be built on the stock case and have correct gearing (stock?) and all 5 speeds. A tranny that will forgive a little abuse...whether accidental or intentional.
I don't know if this exists, but I hope so.

Sean

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 04:34 PM

Jeroen, sorry...

An FJ40 is the old Toyota Landcruisers that have a similar wheelbase to a Jeep CJ.


...only mentioned here as a reference to V8 conversions (they comes stock as a straight 6 and are commonly converted).

Sean

Posted by: Mueller Oct 21 2004, 05:21 PM

Hi Sean....

stock 914 transmisson has a weak 1st gear due to the design, it is not supported on both sides....it can be used with a V8 with out a doubt, however, people lock out 1st or try not to use it more so as a preventitive measure (stall car, get pissed off and dump the clutch...who knows??)

1st gear is very low, in fact even with a stock /4 motor, once in a while I'll start off in 2nd gear since one is not in 1st gear for very long...with a V8, you don't need the low 1st gear to get rolling, but it would be nice to have for sitting in traffic/getting onto a trailer, etc, etc....drive a stock /4 and you'll see how low is (damn near like driving a big rig, 1st is used just to get the vehicle moving)

If you have a V8 with the RPM range than matches or betters (higher rpm) than a six, the 915 would be perfect, however, most V8's are not high rpm motors...it sounds like you want to build a high RPM motor...I like that idea

...you are totally missing the point of using this transmission..if it can handle 750hp, then using this transmission behind a 400hp or so engine should be worry free...sure it might be overkill, but to some people its piece-of-mind knowing that they can beat the living daylights out of thier car and the transmission should be the last thing to give up the ghost.

Posted by: andys Oct 21 2004, 05:30 PM

Sean,

I don't think small block Chevy, 400HP, and 250 lbft are a realistic combination that's easy to attain. If that's where you're headed, then perhaps another type power plant is in your future. OTOH, the 300/300 Chevy with four gears is quite well matched, and allows for good use of wide gear spacing with a relatively high torque low RPM motor package in a light car, IMHO. The 911 turbo employed a similar philosophy (though with higher RPM capacity) with great success.

On my V8 project, I'll be going low torque and a 6 speed at the expense of complexity. It would be much easier to go the standard route, but I just gotta have it my way, and pay!

Andy

Posted by: Mueller Oct 21 2004, 05:43 PM

Andy.....he already has a 5.0 (Ford) motor in his car...many ways to up the rpms and lower the torque

not "everyone" uses the stink'n Chevy, LOL

Posted by: neo914-6 Oct 21 2004, 05:57 PM

This topic has been discussed and argued in depth if you search on this list and pors-chev.com bbs.
The ZF transaxle from Panteras has been used for >500hp power 914s. I rode in one that could be launched from a street light. Since the cost to convert a 915 cost as much as a stronger 930 then the choice is clear. Of course if you can score a deal and do some work yourself, the choice may be different. For <300hp motors, a rebuilt stock 914 transaxle holds up well and is still the most economical to replace. Renegade, HPH, RSH and others modify the stock tranny for taller gearing and strength. You can see an example in http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=2911&hl=bitchin+tranny
Felix

Posted by: andys Oct 21 2004, 06:00 PM

Mike,

Thanks for the heads up. I thought long and hard about the 5.0 SBF myself. Very nice power package for the 914, light weight, 3.00" stroke, and they're real cheap. Used HO's are everywhere! I'd like to see what Sean did to clear the distributor.....or did he use the Explorer EEC-V with the crank trigger and coil pack? Hey Sean, WE NEED SOME PIC'S!! The Ford EFI is very good, with lot's of performace and tuning knowlege out there. The 345HP FMS crate motor @ $3K brand new is a heck of a deal!

Andy

Posted by: neo914-6 Oct 21 2004, 07:20 PM

Yeah so where's the Pors-Ford.com or PoRoush.com site?
Felix

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 21 2004, 07:21 PM

All good advice.
We are planning the delievery of the car for Friday or Saturday. Until then, I'm shy on custom requested photos.
After that, I'll probably still be a month deciphering the conversion. Remember, I didn't start this conversion, I'll just be finishing it.

Unknown what the distributer arrangement is...possibly crank or cam triggered... I'll know soon.

Sadly I'm not an engine builder and trannies bewilder me. My machine shop with me at the helm consists of making brackets, shaving a few thou' off this or that, fabrication/welding...etc.

I do know that none of the umpteen V8's I've owned would breath well enough, nor have enough RPM for what would make me happy in a little fiberglass car.

For example, I love Panteras and Mangustas (driven both)...the raw torque is a kick, but the Lotus with it's little 210hp N/A 2.0 springs to life with the vengence of a aggrevated wasp. This motor is nothing like the Pantera...the throttle response is absolutely crotch rocketesque (a new word). Yes, you will stall it if you don't hit a couple grand at a light before letting the clutch go, but it continues on winding from mild to wailing...you decide when to shift.

A much different experience indeed, and I like it. For twisties, this lets you hold a gear much longer and has a very long curve between gears as opposed to something that twists the chassis and and breaks loose the tires on shifts.

This is just my personal opinion...on driving. The thoughts derived here are from countless hours considering a V8 Lotus conversion. I wanted to (and still do) want to have a motor I can get minor parts for at Pep Boys, but not turn a a Lotus into a Pantera. The same now holds true for the 914. When the time (and money) comes to do an engine build, I would attempt to increase the bore, shorten the stroke, and use the lightest engine components possible to gain RPM and throttle response.

Of course this is not that unique. Super car builders do it all the time. Ever wonder why a $250,000 super car has 450hp and you can buy a 450hp crate engine for a few grand? This is two engines that will dyno at 450hp but that is where the similarities end.

The trick is not to get more horsepower, the trick is to get the maximum driveable horsepower that the car should have and then make that horsepower an extension of the car and operator. My experience is that this is not often done with V8's, and done even less in conversions since converters are often very HP minded ("mine goes to 11").
However, I don't see why an American V8 cannot be a decent platform for such a motor...at least for an economical compromise that makes a good attempt at it.


By the way, I just sold my Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo... 300hp stock, 400 with minor mod's. The car weighs a bit over 3200 as I recall. That 300hp even in that "heavy" car was darned fast and a pleasure to drive. 300hp in the little 914 must already be bordering on the point where you spend more thought trying to control the car than drive it...so realistically I'm sure I'd be happy with 300hp and probably *less* torque than the 5.0EFI comes with...if I could get that 5.0 to feel and respond more like a Porsche (or other supercar) engine as the tradeoff.

Humble opinions expressed above.

Please forgive me by the way if I accidentally re-hash ideas that have been gone over a zillion times on the board. I know how it is to moderate and I know how it is to be the newbie. I'll probably be doing the newbie thing for awhile here and I know it can be frustrating for the vetrans...again...please forgive.

Sean S

Posted by: anderssj Oct 21 2004, 08:04 PM

Excellent photos. Hadn't seen a 5.0 in a 914 before, but it looks like a good fit. What year is it? Is it an HO version? I've got some experience with these, as shown below (I put this 5.0 in wife.gov's Volvo about 9 years ago).

Seeing what it has done for our 3000 lb wagon, I can hardly imagine it in a 914 . . . .

Best,

Steve A-


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: neo914-6 Oct 21 2004, 09:15 PM

No forgiveness necessary, the forum is a place to rehash and share ideas. You can post the same question every week and probably get a new and different answer each time. Every single person has a limited amount of experience with their car but the combined knowledge of this forum is immense. I can't wait to learn more from yours...

Felix

Posted by: aircooledboy Oct 21 2004, 09:47 PM

Posted by: Racer Chris Oct 22 2004, 06:43 AM

Sean,
I think the body of your teener looks awesome, one of the coolest "body kits" I've ever seen.
I can't wait to see fresh pics and to read about you completing the project.
Welcome to the club! Very few of us are purists in the way British car guys are. A 914 is the perfect car for modifications. Post all you want, there are no moderators that will shut you down here. The only caveat is to alert people in the title if you post a topic that is R or X rated. Oh, and no politics or religion!

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 28 2004, 10:00 PM

Update:

Well all, the car is in the driveway now so I can take photos and answer questions better if anyone still has interest.

All the Best
Sean

Posted by: GWN7 Oct 28 2004, 10:04 PM

shoot away...we all love to see pictures...post what you find so we all can enjoy them

Posted by: skline Oct 28 2004, 10:13 PM

I want to see as many pictures you can post. I would like to see the radiator setup, how the hoses were ran, how the engine was mounted and what kit was used to do it.

Posted by: Jeff Bowlsby Oct 28 2004, 10:22 PM

Welcome to the 914CLub...

That car is not a 914...its a...uh...a...uh...fantasy.

Ok you're busted...those fotos are of a model...in a diorama...

Show us something to believe its a real car... like a human person for scale or todays newspaper headline...

Posted by: 914GT Oct 28 2004, 10:28 PM

Sean

I absolutely LOVE my V8 914. I have close to 1000 miles on it now, and it's nearly perfect. It is smooth as silk and fast! It runs cool and cruises much quieter than the four (except when I let her go - then those Magnaflows sound great!) Anyhow, I'm ready to build another one before long. I have another car in my sites - another POS to build from. I'd never convert a 914 that's already in nice condition though. Anyhow, good luck on the car and have a blast with it!

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 28 2004, 10:47 PM

Well it's a little dark outside for photos. I just wanted to see what in particular I might try to shoot.

I did learn that the dist' is next to the firewall...plenty of clearance.

The whole engine is in a very nice cradle...even the mufflers and such are integrated into the cradle design...pic's to come on this.

The wheels are 12's in the rear and 10's in the front. The rear tire size is 345... exact numbers to come.

I think you guys will enjoy how clean it is as a full convertable...again...pic's tomorrow. Hard to believe that the top still fits with the 3" chop done by canting the windshield...you'll see soon.

The trunks (hoods?) are both glass as are the external door skins. This wasn't grafted onto the exterior of the doors but instead the doors were "split" down the middle so what the panel screws into is metal and the exterior is also glass (does that make sense).

The PO put in "painless" wiring for most of the car, but it has a Ford harness for engine management which I have to figure out. This would be a piece of cake for a FI experienced person to get on the road, but I'll have to suffer a bit of a learning curve to do it.

At 5' 10", I have an inch to spare with the factory seat sat in place. Not gonna be a bunch of room for those sofa chairs I'm so fond of unless I wear a helmet.

More soon...
Sean

Posted by: Mission Beach Oct 28 2004, 10:49 PM

Hi all:

I spent hours last night looking at the pictures of your cars, 60 pages to go... Very cool site. I just signed up.

I found a little old lady (she is awesome) who had this old Porsche in her garage. A friend of mine sent me to see her. It turned out to be a stock 914-6 that she bought new. Tool kit, owners manual, purchase receipt and every other receipt to current day. I told her I would buy the car if she would leave it covered in her garage for 6 months. It had been sitting in her garage for the past 10 years under a cover, so I figured another 6 months wouldn't bother her. I needed the 6 months to figure out how to tell my wife. I made the deal with the seller before I asked her how much she wanted for the car. It was pretty funny....I was smitten.

The car was orange (signal ?) and absolutely stock.

The old gal went for the deal and I came back 6 months later and bought it. The car has been a blast, and worth every bit of trouble my wife gave me for buying it. I'll send some pics after I figure out how to work my way around the site.

Regards,

Marc

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 28 2004, 10:53 PM

Oh by the way... you guys will get a kick out of this...

The (currently out of car) cooling "routing" is via hard steel pipes welded to shape and fixtured for bolting to the bottom of the car.

Imagine going to the hardware store and getting gavanized plumbing pipe...welding it for the bends you want, making brackets so it bolts flush to the undercarriage, and then going an powercoating the whole thing? Weird.

The water pump is an external deal out some Olds or something which has about a 3/4" ID. Truth is, I cannot see why you wouldn't run the same 3/4" through the original heater ducts to the front. Hydrodynamics would lean that there is very little to gain (an possible loss) in running a larger ID than the water pump orfice has.

My 210hp Lotus (which is a hot engine) uses only about 3/4" ID hose from the front to back in it works fine (as it should).

I'll have pic's of this coming too, but I guess I'll be changing that or learning why I should leave the PO's design.

Sean

Posted by: bernbomb914 Oct 28 2004, 10:57 PM

some people have all the luck! Sean I like your ideas on what a car should do. please keep your info coming as fast as your car will be. You have gotten the best responce that I have witnessed on this board over a body conversion and rightly so. Looking forward to more from you about this car.

Bernie

Posted by: skline Oct 29 2004, 12:10 AM

I would love to find an old lady with an original car she bought new with all the reciepts to current. I noticed you didnt say what you got it for. I respect that. Lots of people here dont tell what they paid for thier cars in case they decide to sell someday. Please do post some pictures of both cars, the 6 and the awesome 8

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 01:56 PM

WARNING WARNING WARNING HIGH BANDWIDTH PHOTOS AHEAD !!!





.

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 01:57 PM

WARNING WARNING WARNING HIGH BANDWIDTH PHOTOS AHEAD !!!





.

Posted by: Jeff Bonanno Oct 29 2004, 01:57 PM

welcome Mission!

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 01:57 PM

WARNING WARNING WARNING HIGH BANDWIDTH PHOTOS AHEAD !!!











.

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:07 PM

OK, here goes...

Top on




Targa




All off





More....

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:10 PM

More...

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:13 PM

More...

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:15 PM

More...

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:16 PM

OK, that's all for now!

Sean

Posted by: Mueller Oct 29 2004, 02:26 PM

I "love" the use of the forklift


very neat car (except for the ugly rims in my humble opinion )
I like the subframe for the engine and transmission, very similar to Reddawg racing conversions

Summit Racing will be a good source for some of the items needed (dual fans, Ford 5.0 hop-up parts)

Posted by: GWN7 Oct 29 2004, 02:27 PM

Interesting engine bar...More!!

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:29 PM

Wheels have gotta go...I agree. Kinda shows you what was in style way back when the PO started this project.

I'll replace them with Centerline "Champ 500's" , which is a more classic 5 hole.


(More????....ya gotta be kidding!)

Sean

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 02:30 PM

Well, in my first post I mentioned that I used to be a machinery dealer. No 2000 pound piece of fiberglass is gonna slow me down .

Seriously...the forklift is the center of my universe.

Sean

Posted by: Mueller Oct 29 2004, 02:31 PM

those KYB shocks suck as well......Champ 500's...my favorite Centerline wheel

I could have used one of those when I moved my Bridgeport Series 1 with Boss controller into my back yard

Posted by: GTeener Oct 29 2004, 02:35 PM

Snazzy racer ya got there. So what part is 914?

Posted by: GWN7 Oct 29 2004, 02:41 PM

Yes more....it is very unlikely I will get to Coos Bay to see it all in it's details....unless you bring it down to the WWC05?

Posted by: 3d914 Oct 29 2004, 02:55 PM

Sean,

All I can say is DAMNN - TOO COOOOL!!!

Enjoy it man!

Posted by: FriarJohn Oct 29 2004, 03:54 PM

Sean,

How is the targa bar attached back on the car? It looks like it's just two bolts. Can I assume the targa top still attaches using stock latches? I've been thinking of doing something like that myself, sans chop, of course. I barely fit in the car to begin with.

John

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 04:01 PM

The targa bar is attached via two stainless "alignment pins" at the rear and two knobs at the front. Because of this, it really has no roll protection value but keeps the top on and the cockpit dry just fine.

The top still uses the factory clamps...all 4.


Eventually I will have a pair of "headrest" type roll bars fabricated (fortunately I know a good bender in the area), and I may fabricate a "cam-in" style mount for the bar as well (as you would find in minivans that have removeable seats).

Sean

Posted by: neo914-6 Oct 29 2004, 04:42 PM

Sean,
The previous owner did quite alot of work on this car. How much time did this project take? Did he do the work or contract services? I wonder how much money he spent.
Felix

Posted by: Sean_S Oct 29 2004, 07:35 PM

Felix,
It might take me awhile to wrench that out of the PO. It's not something I'm sure I want to ask him so soon after him delivering it.

He did mention something about this project substituting for the company of his wife...post divorce.

I'll be sure to get what details I can over time though.

Sean

Posted by: Dr. Roger Feb 26 2006, 05:26 PM

mmmmmmm, good. =-)

love the custom fab'd bodywork.

QUOTE

substituting for the company of his wife...post divorce.

I think that's how I ended up here...

131 days to the West Coast Classic!!!! U going???

Posted by: turboman808 Feb 26 2006, 05:55 PM

HAHA I love the fork lift. Think I will use the fork lift next time I am working on my car


Just kidding never even thought to pickup my car with the forklift.

really nice for a kit car.

Posted by: boxstr Feb 26 2006, 06:13 PM

Same body kit.
CCLINFARRERI


Attached image(s)

Posted by: Rand Feb 26 2006, 06:32 PM

Wow, haven't seen this thread in a while. Sean's last post was late 2004. I used to live in Coos Bay! I PMed him a couple/few months back but haven't heard anything.

Hey SEAN! You still around???

Posted by: porsha916 Feb 27 2006, 12:27 AM

Great Car, Let us know how it handles!

Posted by: tyler Feb 27 2006, 11:09 AM

QUOTE (Sean_S @ Oct 28 2004, 08:53 PM)

Oh by the way... you guys will get a kick out of this... The (currently out of car) cooling "routing" is via hard steel pipes welded to shape and fixtured for bolting to the bottom of the car. Imagine going to the hardware store and getting gavanized plumbing pipe...welding it for the bends you want, making brackets so it bolts flush to the undercarriage, and then going an powercoating the whole thing? Weird. The water pump is an external deal out some Olds or something which has about a 3/4" ID. Truth is, I cannot see why you wouldn't run the same 3/4" through the original heater ducts to the front. Hydrodynamics would lean that there is very little to gain (an possible loss) in running a larger ID than the water pump orfice has. My 210hp Lotus (which is a hot engine) uses only about 3/4" ID hose from the front to back in it works fine (as it should). I'll have pic's of this coming too, but I guess I'll be changing that or learning why I should leave the PO's design. Sean

Sean,
Great looking car. Since you've yet to do the cooling system, I'd suggest considering an electric water pump. It eliminates the belt, which is good, but more importantly it lets you have good circulation at idle. Looks like the Griffin radiator, which works great for me, is already there. But I'd get rid of the fill cap. All you need is the octagonal fill tank at the high point in the engine bay and an overflow container hooked up to it and all the air venting problems will go away.

Posted by: Brian Mifsud Feb 27 2006, 05:23 PM

Sean.. to complete the GT-40 theme (that's my first impression of what the car "want to be"..) Try a set of Halibrand Knockoffs on for size....

http://www.kars.com/showcase/halibrand/cobra.html

Cool to see a SBFord used

Posted by: turbo914v8 Feb 27 2006, 08:39 PM

Ok here goes. Welcome to the club and totally love your car. I am a 914 v8 conversion nut. My 914 has 1000hp and 1000lbs of torque. Twin turbo v8. Nuff said about me, it’s all about your car. Here is the low down on your ride. It was originally designed by a company called Keith Wright Enterprises. The official name of the kit was the F-Zero. It was sold as a re-body kit for the 914. The kit consisted of a fibreglass nose, tail, rocker panels, and door skins. The wheel wells will accept 285/40 ZR - 15 front and 345/35 - 15 rears. The basic kit included all of the above and was $3000.00. For and extra $800 you could upgrade to the deluxe kit that added a vented hood, front fenders extractors and a rear wing. It would seem as if you purchased the companies flag ship as it also had the Ford 302 conversion. The company has since gone buy buy but if you would like the contact information just PM me. I would be glad to give it to you.

Posted by: dwillouby Feb 27 2006, 09:50 PM

Damn, Very nice car.

David

Posted by: Mr.C Oct 30 2007, 09:13 PM

Anybody hear from Sean lately?

Posted by: Rand Oct 30 2007, 10:46 PM

Maybe an admin can check out his last login date. As far as I know he hasn't been here since late 2004.
I wish he would check in. I'll be going back down to Coos Bay for Thanksgiving. Would love to get some updates and fresh pics.

Posted by: type47fan Oct 30 2007, 11:31 PM

Looks like his last activity was on 12/01/05 at 05:35 pm.