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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Let's talk about "being stock" vs "having the car you want"
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 15 2012, 10:11 PM
When I was a kid I had a 914. I wanted 5-lug Fuchs, the Porsche rear reflector, the front badge. And quite frankly, if I could have done one of those ridiculous Beach Boys body kits (the kind that makes a 914 look like a Ferrari) I probably would have.
I was on a parts website, buying some side lenses, when I saw a sale on the rear reflector and put one in my cart. Then I took it out of the cart.
Why? I have a basically unmodified teener -- 99% stock. It's almost like I feel I have a responsibility to keep it stock. I'm going to upgrade the fuel lines, and the shift linkage. One's a safety issue and the other is an invisible upgrade. But I'm going to keep all the old parts so that I could "put it back to stock" if I ever wanted.
I never really liked the look of the vinyl sail. I prefer the B column to be the same color as the rest of the body. My car doesn't have sails. Obviously a previous owner agreed with me on that point. But I'm seriously thinking about putting sails back on, because, hey, that's the only thing that isn't stock on the car.
I always liked the look of having a front badge. To me, the car looks nude without a badge on the front. But that would require drilling two holes into a perfectly good hood. Sure, I could fill the holes if I ever wanted. But that's one less hood out there that's never been mucked with.
I don't really know where I'm going with this post, or even if there's a point to it. But I'd like to hear from people about the validity of "turning your car into YOUR car" vs. "there aren't many unmodified cars out there anymore, so keep it stock."
Where do you fall in that spectrum?
Posted by: Jeffs9146 Oct 15 2012, 10:18 PM
I have purchased at least 3 cars with the intent to put a 3.0L in (which I had), and decided they were too nice to put the 3.0L in! I finaly sold them all and got a chassis that had a blown motor and messed trans! I pulled the trigger and I think I am happier than if I had modified a good stock car! Now I don't have to worry about what I want to do to it....it's my toy!! 
Posted by: mharrison Oct 15 2012, 10:36 PM
If I felt like I couldn't do what I wanted with my car, I'd sell it and buy one that had already been "molested".
Although honestly, unless it was just a cherry, stock, numbers matching, 914, I'd make it the car I wanted.
My 2 cents.....
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 15 2012, 10:50 PM
Although honestly, unless it was just a cherry, stock, numbers matching, 914, I'd make it the car I wanted.
That's what I've got -- cherry, stock, matching numbers. It just doesn't feel right to muck around with it.
Posted by: kg6dxn Oct 15 2012, 10:55 PM
Keep all the original parts to put it back to stock...
Do what you want. I'm not even sure what stock is... 
Posted by: damesandhotrods Oct 15 2012, 10:57 PM
Well for me it’s more of matter of getting “having the car you want” out of my system in my teens and twenties. And now that I’m a little older I see the wisdom and appreciate “being stock”.
Posted by: moparrob Oct 15 2012, 10:59 PM
It is your car. Do what you please as you answer to no one.
One day we shall each depart from this earth and it will matter not how you chose to indulge your whims while you graced the planet with your presence.
Carpe diem!
Posted by: speed metal army Oct 15 2012, 11:00 PM
Aww heck,Its all reversible.I have a V8 in my car.If I feel he need to bring it back to stock( )I could.So could you!Its your car,and not the only bone stock one out there!Enjoy it man.
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 15 2012, 11:16 PM
Well, eventually the engine is going to quit. Then I may "upgrade" to something a little less messy. But even then I'd keep the old engine. Hell, I'd probably have the old one rebuilt, and put in a crate. And then zip around town with a Suby or similar.
But how about some numbers. Around 120K of these cars were made. How many are still on the road? Forty thousand? Less? And how many of them are basically rust-free stock? Twenty thousand? Probably more like ten. I'm just pulling numbers out of my ass. But there can't be a whole lot left. Or maybe there are. I don't know.
I like the look of the GT. When you get down to it, who doesn't? But it doesn't feel right to me to have flares welded on and drop a big engine into it just because I can. If I want a faster car, I can always just buy a 911 and go to town with that. To put things in perspective, I live in Las Vegas. It's a rare day when I DON'T see a Lamborghini zipping down Tropicana Ave. But I've only seen two 914s in five years. And one of them was because I was considering buying it. The other I saw in a parking lot, rusty as hell, with a for sale sign on it.
When I was a kid and had my first 914, there were a lot more of them out there. Hell, there were three in my neighborhood. I suppose that's why I wanted a slant-nose, badged, 3.0 liter Carrera 914. Just to separate myself from the "herd" of 914 owners. But today I'm older and wiser. And even though I could just open the checkbook and make the slant-nose 914 a reality, I don't see any good reason to do so.
Posted by: Krank Oct 15 2012, 11:57 PM
Funny you should post this. I also have one of those "numbers" relatively speaking and I have a slightly rusty body (car, not me). My intent was, and still is to leave one well enough alone and chop, cut, rebuild the spare body into the powerhouse toy each of us thinks about.
I also look at the time left to do this....
Some say we are only caretakers of our cars until the next owner. I think this is true to a point as the next owner will take care of whatever you pass on to them that is worth caring for.
BTW, here in central Canada, there are actually quite a few running, driving 914s especially considering our salt laden, car killer winters we have here. Probably not many (if any) are original purchases but...
Back to topic, the debate rages on. Personally I will probably just leave the one as a survivor and build up the other one.
Posted by: speed metal army Oct 16 2012, 12:10 AM
Funny you should post this. I also have one of those "numbers" relatively speaking and I have a slightly rusty body (car, not me). My intent was, and still is to leave one well enough alone and chop, cut, rebuild the spare body into the powerhouse toy each of us thinks about.
I also look at the time left to do this....
Some say we are only caretakers of our cars until the next owner. I think this is true to a point as the next owner will take care of whatever you pass on to them that is worth caring for.
BTW, here in central Canada, there are actually quite a few running, driving 914s especially considering our salt laden, car killer winters we have here. Probably not many (if any) are original purchases but...
Back to topic, the debate rages on. Personally I will probably just leave the one as a survivor and build up the other one.
Im actually amazed there are any in Winnipeg.Its hostile there weather wise.Last time I was there it was salty,dirty and Fu%$*ng COLD.
Again,almost nothing is irreversible.Do watcha like.
(Ya Humpty dance reference)Doot rrrr doot rrrr!
Posted by: oldschool Oct 16 2012, 12:47 AM
I'm the 2nd owner of my white car, And my Red car is for toying around.... 
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Posted by: ConeDodger Oct 16 2012, 03:19 AM
Say! You guys haven't been modifying your cars have you? 'Cause if Garvey finds out! 
Posted by: Rand Oct 16 2012, 03:27 AM
Say! You guys haven't been modifying your cars have you? 'Cause if Garvey finds out!
My '70 has a perfect rain tray, but everything else is modified.
Posted by: JawjaPorsche Oct 16 2012, 05:32 AM
There is no right or wrong to this discussion. Just like some of us like redheads, or brunettes, or blondes........or all of them.........
Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 16 2012, 06:58 AM
Have one of each. It's not like they are rare. Well not yet anyway. We do have rust issues but compared to other marks not so much. You see some cars rusted in half and others with nothing. Maybe 10 or 15 years from now we will be discussing the preservation aspect of the hobby. But for me right now, I plan to own both.
Posted by: SirAndy Oct 16 2012, 11:58 AM
Well for me it’s more of matter of getting “having the car you want” out of my system in my teens and twenties. And now that I’m a little older I see the wisdom and appreciate “being stock”.
When i bought mine it was already way beyond the "molested" phase. I don't feel bad adding to it since it
I'm all for keeping the nice stock ones unmolested.
No need to cut up a perfectly good car, there's plenty of hacked ones out there that you can use as a blank canvas for your customization.
![popcorn[1].gif](style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 16 2012, 12:01 PM
No need to cut up a perfectly good car, there's plenty of hacked ones out there that you can use as a blank canvas for your customization.
Well, unless it already looks like this:
Although I suppose you could take that down to the chassis and start from scratch.
Posted by: SirAndy Oct 16 2012, 12:08 PM
Well, unless it already looks like this:
How exactly does that qualify as "a perfectly good car"???
Posted by: G e o r g e Oct 16 2012, 12:24 PM
How exactly does that qualify as "a perfectly good car"???
Nice Miata
YMMV
Posted by: MDG Oct 16 2012, 12:26 PM
I have one of each. An all original '73 and a hot-rod GT car.
The 73 I purchased from the original owner. He had done a remarkable job of preserving it with the exception of a poorly done repaint (at least in the original colour) back in the late 80's. When I bought it I knew it needed to be be repainted so I completely took it apart, took the shell down to the metal, fixed the very minor rust areas and had it once again shot in it's proper Phoenix Red. I did not find a single non-original part on the car. The only things changed were parts that were damaged. And I spent a couple of years (and way too much money) sourcing NOS parts to replace the few items that needed it.
The '76 was in really tough shape, some awful prior bodywork, paint that was flaking off, the interior was a mess and the 2.0 had already been blown and replaced with a 1.8 . . . yeah, I had zero issues using it as the tub to "build the car I want." In fact, that's exactly why I bought it.
If I was to only have one? That's not an easy answer for me but I tend to think I'd keep the '73. But maybe not. No - I would. Maybe. -ish.
I'd better keep both.
Posted by: turk22 Oct 16 2012, 01:29 PM
I'm in same boat as Scoop.
I had a 914 in the mid 80's, and did everything 'wrong' with that car, took off the FI, replaced with single carb, low budget wheels and tires. I just didn't know any better, and there was no internet to resource to help me out.
So now I have a 99% original 73 2.0L and I'm trying to decide which is an acceptable usabiity upgrade (like a petronix ignition vs the points) or something that may well lower the cars value in years to come, instead of improve it.
I've heard some people talk about the car's 'patina' but it just looks tired to me. It needs new seat covers and carpet, the dash is badly cracked, the paint is... tired. But all that stuff is original.
So I'll decide as I go, but my plan is to from an engine standpoint, keep it fairly stock for the time being, and see if I can live with it. I'll freshen the interior because by the time I'm ready to part with it, it have that patina again 
Having two is a cool option, and believe me part of me would love a 914-8, but that kinda is not realistic for me at this point.
Turk
Posted by: JawjaPorsche Oct 16 2012, 02:13 PM
I "freshen" my interior this year and it has really made a big difference! Got rid on my outdated cassette player for old school radio!
I'm in same boat as Scoop.
I had a 914 in the mid 80's, and did everything 'wrong' with that car, took off the FI, replaced with single carb, low budget wheels and tires. I just didn't know any better, and there was no internet to resource to help me out.
So now I have a 99% original 73 2.0L and I'm trying to decide which is an acceptable usabiity upgrade (like a petronix ignition vs the points) or something that may well lower the cars value in years to come, instead of improve it.
I've heard some people talk about the car's 'patina' but it just looks tired to me. It needs new seat covers and carpet, the dash is badly cracked, the paint is... tired. But all that stuff is original.
So I'll decide as I go, but my plan is to from an engine standpoint, keep it fairly stock for the time being, and see if I can live with it. I'll freshen the interior because by the time I'm ready to part with it, it have that patina again
Having two is a cool option, and believe me part of me would love a 914-8, but that kinda is not realistic for me at this point.
Turk
Posted by: r_towle Oct 16 2012, 02:29 PM
mine will never be show cars, and that goes for everyone of them except maybe the 356....
Everything else I have no guilt about customizing to my needs and desire...then I actually enjoy driving them.
Rich
Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 16 2012, 03:54 PM
I built the car I wanted.
Then I changed it.
Then I changed it.
Then I changed it.
Its still the "car I wanted" but I keep changing it and have not driven it in nearly 2 years. Boooo!
Zach
Posted by: DBCooper Oct 16 2012, 04:08 PM
Cars are like sex. For some the missionary position is all they need. Other people want more. Then they get old and for a lot of them it's all missionary again. Others never go back. So who's right? Who's wrong? Who knows? Who cares? But just like sex what you do is your business, not mine.
Posted by: naro914 Oct 16 2012, 04:35 PM
I believe in keeping the cars bone stock...like mine are...
Posted by: r_towle Oct 16 2012, 04:39 PM
I believe in keeping the cars bone stock...like mine are...
Posted by: Andyrew Oct 16 2012, 04:57 PM
I've never been able to not tinker with something....
Hell I unbolted the rear muffler off of Jerikas new car while she was asleep because I couldnt take it any longer
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 16 2012, 05:01 PM
Cars are like sex. For some the missionary position is all they need. Other people want more. Then they get old and for a lot of them it's all missionary again. Others never go back. So who's right? Who's wrong? Who knows? Who cares? But just like sex what you do is your business, not mine.
I disagree with the analogy. It would be more like, "if you try a new position, you can never go back to missionary -- you're now stuck with that position." Or something like that.
I wouldn't exactly call stock 914s "plentiful." There's still enough of them that someone can buy one for not a whole lot of money. My new toy is a perfect case in point. But as more and more people rip out the four cylinder engine and replace it with a Suby or SBC, and as more and more people weld in flares and change the suspension to a 911 RSR, it will be harder and harder to find a "vanilla" 914.
It's probably a good thing that I was strapped for cash as a kid. Otherwise, I would have turned my 914 into something that belonged on the cover of VW Porsche magazine (are they even still in print?). It seemed back then that everyone wanted a Chalon body kit and the interior out of a 911SC.
I think I find myself agreeing with one of the general consensuses that if you're going to mod the hell out of a 914, buy a beater or one that has already been modded. Although I can certainly see the point of the "it's your car, do what you want," I think we're approaching the point with these cars that we're just caretakers for the next generation.
Of course, as more and more people turn their 914s into V8 screamers, my cherry teener will become more and more rare, and thus more and more valuable.
Erm...
Uh...
Oops, I've been looking at this the wrong way. Mod away!
Posted by: bigkensteele Oct 16 2012, 06:07 PM
My car has that patina being discussed earlier, and it was much more popular at the last couple of Porsche shows than I would have imagined. It is also very close to stock, which is not really what I want. However, it also needs the hell hole fixed, new paint, AND it is a '75 1.8. Even if prices go through the roof, the '75 1.8 will always be at the bottom of everyone's wish list. Therefore, I don't feel too bad about all of the modifications I am going to make when I have the time and the funds.
Posted by: raw1298 Oct 16 2012, 08:20 PM
Mine was a wrecked rolling chasis one day from the crusher, I'm doing what I want!
Posted by: kg6dxn Oct 16 2012, 08:27 PM
I bought on already modified. I can't leave well enough alone...
If I had an all original 914, I may leave it like that. Not sure...
I had a 65 mustang that was so original, I felt I had to restore it to stock, original condition. At the same time a I had a 69 Dodge Super Bee set up as a pro touring car. I prefer to go fast and stop fast! A stock 914 does not fit that bill 100%...
Posted by: naro914 Oct 16 2012, 08:31 PM
I believe in keeping the cars bone stock...like mine are...
You laugh?
On Huey, the windshield, side mirrors, doors, front/rear/engine decklids, dashboard, and chassis are stock.
On Papa Smurf, the dashboard....and...um... oh hell, never mind. Well, if you're going to nit pick here, I guess my definition of Bone Stock and yours are a bit different now aren't they?
Posted by: speed metal army Oct 16 2012, 09:16 PM
I bought on already modified. I can't leave well enough alone...
If I had an all original 914, I may leave it like that. Not sure...
I had a 65 mustang that was so original, I felt I had to restore it to stock, original condition. At the same time a I had a 69 Dodge Super Bee set up as a pro touring car. I prefer to go fast and stop fast! A stock 914 does not fit that bill 100%...
This is wrong.This car couldnt possibly be more fun than a bone stock 914.Change it back.
Posted by: larryM Oct 16 2012, 09:42 PM
re: Porsche personalization (a.k.a hotrodding)
Automobilemag.com - August 2010 - ("R_Gruppe - Bad Boy Porsches"):
quote
" ... it's worth remembering that Porsche was founded as a manufacturer of nothing but sports cars, and racing has always been part of its DNA. ....
Porsche published manuals that detailed exactly how they (privateers) could modify their cars to maximize performance.
Porsche titled the books, ""Information Regarding PORSCHE Vehicles Used for Sports Purposes."
In America, of course, we call this hot-rodding. ....
Huergas (says) " Those sports-purpose manuals told me that I could do anything I wanted."
. http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1008_bad_boy_porsches_r_gruppe_car_club/viewall.html
fyi - 914 references: Porsche publication ""Information Regarding PORSCHE Vehicles Used for Sports Purposes. 4890.20-200-03-72 2. Edition from Model 1970" and "Ersatzteilliste Marz 1970 Best. Nr. 6024.14"
.
Posted by: RickS Oct 16 2012, 10:14 PM
I swear this is a repeat question from the 911 boards about 10 years ago.
My teener came pre-modded, with a 2.0 rather than a 1.7, Fuchs instead of steals. sails off, non-original wheel, rear reflector, and Porsche crest on front hood, Appbiz carpeting, and a big woofer in the consol and more. So, there was nothing to preserve.
So I decided to build a mild resto-mod which would meet my needs. So out came the 2.0 and in came the 3.0. the tail shifter gave way to a side unit. the rear fenders were mildly flaired to accomodate 7" 5 lug Fuchs, '72 911S alloy front calipers, front oil cooler, new seats an back pad, sliding passanger seat, chasis reinforcement kits and blah blah.
The car scoots, corners even better, and gets plenty of looks. As for value of a modded car, I was offered 30K for it and happily turned it down. I want to enjoy if for a while and perhaps make it more to my taste.
Posted by: ScoopLV Oct 16 2012, 10:26 PM
I swear this is a repeat question from the 911 boards about 10 years ago.
My teener came pre-modded, with a 2.0 rather than a 1.7, Fuchs instead of steals. sails off, non-original wheel, rear reflector, and Porsche crest on front hood, Appbiz carpeting, and a big woofer in the consol and more. So, there was nothing to preserve.
So I decided to build a mild resto-mod which would meet my needs. So out came the 2.0 and in came the 3.0. the tail shifter gave way to a side unit. the rear fenders were mildly flaired to accomodate 7" 5 lug Fuchs, '72 911S alloy front calipers, front oil cooler, new seats an back pad, sliding passanger seat, chasis reinforcement kits and blah blah.
The car scoots, corners even better, and gets plenty of looks. As for value of a modded car, I was offered 30K for it and happily turned it down. I want to enjoy if for a while and perhaps make it more to my taste.
That sounds excellent. But I have a feeling when the "go faster" bug bites me, I'll just buy a 911SC cabrio and go to town on that. That way I already have the 911 brakes, wheels and suspension. I've seen some nice SCs going for cheap around here.
Posted by: RickS Oct 16 2012, 10:45 PM
Yup you can buy a nice SC between 15 and 22K with all the bells and whistles and it will be a lot more comfortable too. I wanted a 914-6 for the pure driving dynamics that only a middey can provide, but driving a 911 well gives a whole different level of satisfaction. I have owned a couple of early 911s and they are great. Good luck on your quest.
Posted by: JmuRiz Oct 17 2012, 08:25 AM
Obviously I'm all for building the car like you want it.
But, when I did buy my car I got one that was already running a carb'd 4-cyl and had some other minor mods on it. That made it OK in my mind to go all out and do what I wanted.
11+ years later I'm finally getting around to doing it.
Posted by: Cupomeat Oct 17 2012, 08:46 AM
Yeah, I have this sort of "perfection paralysis" as well, if you can call stock "perfect"...
On my 914 I've restored it to a close to stock state and can't imagine doing ANY serious mod, especially things like carbs or anything that take more time from driving.
On my 993, it is so clean and pretty that I won't alter anything that isn't a wear item or can't be put back to stock in no time.
Heck, my last house in NJ was built in 1941 and was of such incredibly fantastic workmanship and quality that I had a hard time putting holes in the lovely walls or replace the original elgin steel kitchen cabinets.
I suppose I need to get over that all and worry less.
Posted by: rnellums Oct 17 2012, 03:00 PM
In my opinion, a car that is perfectly stock is a rare find indeed. It is very rare to find one that hasn't had foolish modifications or a repaint to a different color. If you want to do a heavily modded car, sell the original one for a profit and buy one that is already headed to modded direction. Above all though do whatever you want with it.
Posted by: Madswede Oct 17 2012, 04:21 PM
I bought my 914 with all the malice of foresight! 
I had always intended to put in a 911/6 of some kind in there, and steel flares.
I did want to keep the original color, though, after I saw how the New Mexico sun and sunsets made the Phoenix Red color so beautiful. 
I even kept the original seats, though I had them bolstered. Steering wheel had to go, I'm too big for stock. Rennshift as well.
Having said that, the custom tail lights Joe O'Brien did are fantastic, as is the magic he's working with the upgraded 3.2. Yeah, this is a driver's car, through and through.
When the opportunity presented itself financially, and Joe described to me the options and benefits, I decided I wanted 2000's technology with an 80's Porsche flat six, in my 70's Porsche-VW chassis. So yeah, I did what I wanted.
Posted by: Jgilliam914 Oct 17 2012, 04:57 PM
Ive had 2 914s one was completely stock and the other one never was while i have owned it.
I felt that with having one bone stock that it was my duty to preserve.
The other was my toy, the one I played with the one I autocrossed and have changed virtually every component on the car.
I no longer have the original one but I am drawn to ones that still are.
I would love a numbers matching 6 with a 110 hp to take into my old age but a 1.7 with a appearance package could easily suffice.
Posted by: bembry Oct 17 2012, 06:22 PM
I like the stock look. Mine started out thrashed with a bunch of non-stock parts (worn out rivieras, cut door panels, hole in the dash, homemade carpet, destroyed center console, cheapie aftermarket steering wheel, antenna, and mirror, and cracked fiberglass from air dam) and a horrible oxidized maroon respray.
I took it back to stock light ivory with a cheap paint job, got stock fuchs alloys, a stock steering wheel, period Becker radio, and better back pad and door panels, and center console out of the junkyard. The departure from stock right now is the 2056 with dual carbs. I did save the stock FI and associated parts though.
I'm slowly going back to what I think my car should be, which in my case is mainly stock. Interior, rubber weather seals, and better paint job are down the road. Mikey's fiberglass bumper tops are on order. I also found a stock front valence, and put a dash cap on. I don't mind using things like the dash cap and fiberglass bumper tops. This car will never be concours.
Posted by: rex66m Oct 17 2012, 06:28 PM
I am in the stock, but to each his own. I have certainly seen some performance mods that look appealing.
One thing you can say about stock (especially re: appearance), on a good car it always stands the test of time.
Posted by: JawjaPorsche Oct 17 2012, 06:35 PM
Wow! Looks like Cujo got a hold of the driver's seat! My teener seats were fried too but I was very fortunate to find newly upholstered seats on Craiglist! I was very lucky. Putting it back to stock is neat! It takes time and a lot of green!
I like the stock look. Mine started out thrashed with a bunch of non-stock parts (worn out rivieras, cut door panels, hole in the dash, homemade carpet, destroyed center console, cheapie aftermarket steering wheel, antenna, and mirror, and cracked fiberglass from air dam) and a horrible oxidized maroon respray.
I took it back to stock light ivory with a cheap paint job, got stock fuchs alloys, a stock steering wheel, period Becker radio, and better back pad and door panels, and center console out of the junkyard. The departure from stock right now is the 2056 with dual carbs. I did save the stock FI and associated parts though.
I'm slowly going back to what I think my car should be, which in my case is mainly stock. Interior, rubber weather seals, and better paint job are down the road. Mikey's fiberglass bumper tops are on order. I also found a stock front valence, and put a dash cap on. I don't mind using things like the dash cap and fiberglass bumper tops. This car will never be concours.
Posted by: bembry Oct 17 2012, 07:17 PM
Yeah--the seat is pretty rough. Seat covers from well known place are $200 extra for corduroy inserts which I want--yikes.
Posted by: iamchappy Oct 17 2012, 07:45 PM
For me it was all about having the car i want....had a stock one for 30 years.
Now i have the car i always dreamed my 914 to be....
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Posted by: somd914 Oct 17 2012, 08:41 PM
There is no right or wrong in my opinion, nor do I believe 914s will ever be in the big buck range even for "stock" specimens.
I appreciate the few stock 914s I've seen, but they are not something I want to own - I'll stick with my 2056, 5 bolt Fuchs, lowered suspension, body-color targa top, 904 multi-guage, Momo wheel, custom console, fuel door inthe hood, and a few other goodies. Looking forward to more mods... But do what makes you happy, that's what matters.
Posted by: CCE Feb 17 2023, 12:07 AM
I like very much the stock design of the 74 US spec car, but I definitely do like more the euro versions, without the side markers and thick bumper guards, add the 5 lug 16”x6” fuchs, it’s (to me) cleaner, more the original design and what I always wanted.
I respect the position of everyone, and I think your car should be what you like…
if you can do it in a way that it can be undone, maintain the essence, better.
Stock form will always be best if you need a new home for it.
Just have fun with it, and with the process.
I love my 2.2L, my 44mm twin webers, Bilstein’s, Mp3 Blaupunkt, golden Porsche lettering and specially my MOMO prototipo… which are not stock but in my mind are not far off the stock form in image.
Posted by: mihai914 Feb 17 2023, 06:30 AM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=26203
You realize that you replied to a 10 year old thread. Many things have changed since then.
Posted by: Cairo94507 Feb 17 2023, 08:35 AM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=26203 - Your car looks great. Sending you a PM.
Posted by: Geezer914 Feb 17 2023, 08:35 AM
Every car I have ever owned has been modified either by engine mods or cosmetic. I don't plan on selling the car as it it going to be passed down to my grandson. The previous owner repainted the car Guards Red, back dated the bumpers, (car is a 1975), and removed the side marker lights. I added Bilstein shocks, 19mm front torsion bars and 140 lb. springs in the rear. Rebuilt 2056 motor, Renn shifter with Tangerine racing shift linkage. SS fuel lines, 50mm throttle body, 1.5 qt. oil sump and remote cooler. Corbeau seats with 5 point harnesses, and replaced the steering wheel. Ford Mustang billett aluminum fuel door recessed in the hood Sheridan 7" rear spoiler, front badge, SS heat exchangers, and Triad dual outlet muffler. No going back to stock here!
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Posted by: CCE Feb 17 2023, 10:04 AM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=26203 - Your car looks great. Sending you a PM.
Yes
Posted by: Steve Feb 17 2023, 10:41 AM
I'm happy for the guys and gals that are happy with stock cars, but I am to impatient to drive something that cannot get to 80 mph before getting on the freeway. There was a killer deal on a stock Karmann Ghia and I passed it up, because I knew I wouldn't be happy with it and have to modify it.
My first 914 back in 1980 i upgraded it to a 2.4 four. This car was rear ended and totaled on the avenue in 1981. Next car was out of college in 1986. Still have the car. Started off with a 2.7 six, then a 3.2 and next a 3.6. The brakes, suspension, flairs has also been a slow journey over time. Money and time also come into play when building your dream car. My tastes have also changed over time. I also bought a V8 914 already done. Only improvements i am making on this car is Boxster brakes and higher gearing. Maybe heating and air...
Posted by: CCE Feb 17 2023, 10:54 AM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=26203
You realize that you replied to a 10 year old thread. Many things have changed since then.
Yes, I was looking for ideas on how to install an amp and woofer, (not that I’m gonna, just looking around.) there are a lot of new options for smaller and more powerful accessories now.
Posted by: Root_Werks Feb 17 2023, 11:17 AM
As myself and the 914's get older, would say leave a stock 914 stock. It's why I bought an already converted 914-6. I didn't want to modify a nice, stock 914.
Others have said it, your money and time, ensure you get something you want.
Posted by: 914sgofast2 Feb 17 2023, 12:28 PM
(1) If the car is totally stock & original when you acquire it, then keep it that way.
(2) If the car has has suffered the attentions of ham-fisted owners & mechanics by the time you acquire it, then apply the "My Money, My Rules" principle and make/repair the car the way you want it to be in order to suit your personal taste.
Posted by: pgollender Feb 18 2023, 08:40 AM
For me it’s a Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde thing.
Restoring a 50 year-old fuel injected mid-engine German made sports car and getting it to run properly is every bit as fun as asking yourself …(and then doing)…What is this car really capable of becoming?
It’s like …..the 914 mid-engine layout was accidentally designed as an open source project.
My solution has been the 914 x 2 option.
I wear my pressed white shirt and slacks by day, and carry my Karambit blade under my overalls at night.
Posted by: ClayPerrine Feb 18 2023, 09:24 AM
After two separate wrecks, my 914.. the big six, started out with the concept "What could Porsche done with the 914 in 1973 by raiding the parts bin for all the good, go fast parts?" So I started off with a 2.4S MFI motor, a 71 911 transmission for the pull clutch, 911 S front and rear brakes, with a 911 park brake conversion, and 15 by 7 front fuchs, and 15 x8 rears, factory Porsche GT flares, and a 911 style dash.
Well, the real world, and my horsepower obsession interfered. I found the 951 Fuchs on Ebay with all of 12 miles on them and bought them. Then I found 944 turbo calipers for the brakes. So the suspension was already changed. Later I changed to Boxster calipers and a 23mm master cylinder.
I have since changed the 2.4 for a 4.0 monster with a Cayman 6 speed behind it. And I am working on the flat fan/MS3Pro setup for the engine.
On the other hand, the factory six is going exactly the opposite way. I have removed the Rennshifter and put a stock shifter back on it. I have put a stock steering wheel with the correct date code back on it. We have redone the door pads back to stock. I have repaired the carbs and put the stock air cleaner back on. I took the 16x6 Fuchs off and put on the 5 lug Mahle Gas burners. The only thing left is to have the body work done and get it repainted in the original blue (which sucks because we really like the Boxster blue that's on it) and remove the rear trunk gas strut kit and put the torsion bars back on. The only non stock parts on it are the LED lights, and those are reversible, and they make the car much safer on the road.
One is a highly modified monster, and one is a bone stock 914-6. Both are going to be very nice cars when they are completed. The bottom line to all of this is what you do to your 914 depends on what you think should be done. It is your car. If you want to put a Gnome Type N air cooled radial engine in it, then more power to you. And I want to see it when it's done.
Posted by: Van B Feb 18 2023, 02:38 PM
Having been a guest of Clay’s, I am confident the man knows the left and right limits of where to take a 914. And after seeing his beauties, there is definitely a lot you can do with a 914 and still retain the unique 914 look and feel.
Posted by: emerygt350 Feb 18 2023, 02:46 PM
I was looking up slantnose 911s for my son yesterday. I had no clue they were so rare and kind of a special order deal. I guess my slantnose 914 is probably even rarer than the 911s though. 
Posted by: Van B Feb 18 2023, 03:02 PM
I was looking up slantnose 911s for my son yesterday. I had no clue they were so rare and kind of a special order deal. I guess my slantnose 914 is probably even rarer than the 911s though.
Hell yeah it is!
Posted by: Cairo94507 Feb 18 2023, 03:32 PM
It is super-duper rare.
Posted by: Olympic 914 Feb 18 2023, 05:59 PM
I guess my slantnose 914 is probably even rarer than the 911s though.
But they are out there.
Posted by: cali914 Feb 18 2023, 06:14 PM
The Journey is more important than final product.
Posted by: targa72e Feb 21 2023, 10:56 PM
I also had trouble doing big mods to a nice original car. I was looking for another car to do my second -6 conversion and found a nice 914 that turned out to be a really cool survivor. Instead of modifying it I cleaned it up, repaired it and sold it to someone that appreciated its "stockness".
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=353126&hl=white++car
Luckily for me they are local and I still get to see the car, they have added some factory upgrades that have only made the car nicer.
I found another car that was a roller and mostly rust free to become my next -6 conversion. In the end much happier to be modifying a car that I am also saving vs cutting up a survivor.
john
Posted by: r_towle Feb 21 2023, 11:01 PM
never drive stock.
Posted by: mepstein Feb 21 2023, 11:12 PM
I was looking up slantnose 911s for my son yesterday. I had no clue they were so rare and kind of a special order deal. I guess my slantnose 914 is probably even rarer than the 911s though.
We just put 3 non factory slantnose 911's back to stock. One was an early turbo. It's a value killer unless it's factory. Still, if it makes you happy, go for it.
Posted by: tpines Dec 29 2023, 06:47 PM
When I was a kid I had a 914. I wanted 5-lug Fuchs, the Porsche rear reflector, the front badge. And quite frankly, if I could have done one of those ridiculous Beach Boys body kits (the kind that makes a 914 look like a Ferrari) I probably would have.
I was on a parts website, buying some side lenses, when I saw a sale on the rear reflector and put one in my cart. Then I took it out of the cart.
Why? I have a basically unmodified teener -- 99% stock. It's almost like I feel I have a responsibility to keep it stock. I'm going to upgrade the fuel lines, and the shift linkage. One's a safety issue and the other is an invisible upgrade. But I'm going to keep all the old parts so that I could "put it back to stock" if I ever wanted.
I never really liked the look of the vinyl sail. I prefer the B column to be the same color as the rest of the body. My car doesn't have sails. Obviously a previous owner agreed with me on that point. But I'm seriously thinking about putting sails back on, because, hey, that's the only thing that isn't stock on the car.
I always liked the look of having a front badge. To me, the car looks nude without a badge on the front. But that would require drilling two holes into a perfectly good hood. Sure, I could fill the holes if I ever wanted. But that's one less hood out there that's never been mucked with.
I don't really know where I'm going with this post, or even if there's a point to it. But I'd like to hear from people about the validity of "turning your car into YOUR car" vs. "there aren't many unmodified cars out there anymore, so keep it stock."
Where do you fall in that spectrum?
Just was looking at this post. If you want a hood badge put a decal on that you can always take off later. Happy New Year!
Posted by: technicalninja Dec 29 2023, 07:59 PM
I hadn't seen this thread before today.
I have two cars I'm building.
A stupid nice, low mileage, 75 1.8 with the least rust I've ever seen in a 50-year-old car.
Never been hit, horrible repaint (silver), completely virgin, unmolested example.
I'm experienced in import car restoration and can tell if others have taken stuff apart in the past. On most of my tear down I'm sure I'm the first and all of the hardware is in its proper place!!!
It's the least valuable of the breed (so I think) and it's the heaviest, lowest power version made.
It's not staying stock, but...
It's nice enough that I am limiting myself as to HOW it is modified.
I'm NOT allowed to make a single new hole in the body. No sheet metal mods at all.
Anything is allowed as long as it "bolts in" and the original is kept in storage.
As this car did not come with factory sway bars this is a point of contention for me.
I already own a complete 914 factory sway bar set up, both front and rear.
I have the weld in kits.
I also have most of a 911 underbody front bar.
Leaning "make holes" on this one.
Devil on one side, angel on the other...
No changes to the wiring loom. If a circuit has to be modified it has to be done with removable wiring "taps" at an original wiring connector. No cutting any wires!
I'll end up with a large displacement T4 at some point, this will be serious.
The 1.8 has a brand new 2bl on it, all the original FI in a box.
I've already sourced a complete 1.8L-jet system with new wiring harness/injectors taken off a running car at the installation of an aftermarket system.
I'll return the car to FI, verify the 1.8L is decent, get a dyno run to test power/torque.
We'll use it stock while I build the bigger engine.
I'll replace the entire set up at once. Pickle the original engine and box it up.
If I get it right, I'll be able to simply "plug it in" to the original points.
I'm keeping the option of "return to stock easily" open.
The 76 916 clone in fiberglass is WIDE OPEN. No rules at all!
I can't screw it up worse than it is now. I'll be restoring a mutilated corpse to life.
I won't be the mutilator myself.
But if things go as I'd like, I'll be hunting you at some point @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=1143
Posted by: flat4guy Dec 29 2023, 09:30 PM
My first 2 were 4 cylinder totally stock cars - loved them. My 3rd is a great tribute - flared fenders, 3.2L, 915 trans, Boxster brakes, etc..... A lot of fun and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Posted by: peteinjp Dec 29 2023, 10:07 PM
I think I’m striking a good balance with the car I choose. It was a super rusty 1.7 that was fully restored body wise and had all kinds or trick mods but all within period stuff more or less. No flares so switch out the seats, steering wheel, put on the gas burners and stock shifter and it sits looks like a stock car. Throw back in the GTS Watkins Glens seats, 370mm ST steering wheel, Ats classic wheels with 205 sticky rubber, and rennshift and with the 2.7mfi and close ratio transaxle its ready to fly down the mountain roads.
I feel a 3.0 would have crossed a certain line…… The 7r case somehow seems to fit the spirit of the early 914 body.
I think the thing is about how you want to use the car- or if you want to use it for driving. or just have it and drive it. I choose the 914 because I wanted to experience the mid engine handling/layout in a light weight car. I already have an 964 and so the 914 meant less of a learning curve in terms of maintenance and workshop tools/nomenclature than, say a lotus (which i could never fit into anyway.) And I’m just can’t stand modern interiors and wanted to stay simple so the heavier Cayman/boxster were out.
Anyhooo yeah- drivers should make the car do what they want. Builders should build the car the think represent the spirit of the car. Collectors should keep it stock. Those of us inbetween have to find our own individual balance and it’s not always easy.
Pete
Posted by: fasthonda Dec 30 2023, 09:33 AM
2 is 1. Best case scenario is to have 2. Leave one totally original and a second to modify. For me building and developing the car is where I find all the joy. A stock car is like having sex with Grandma, while the type R is like a pornstar.
Posted by: Root_Werks Dec 30 2023, 11:55 AM
I bought an already converted six and made it my own. Wouldn't modify a nice stock 914 anymore.
15+ years ago, certainly modified my fair share of 914's.
Posted by: Shivers Dec 30 2023, 12:05 PM
I’ve had mine for 41 years. It was fun stock. But the more work I did on the engine and suspension, the more serious the fun became. It is now getting more suspension work, better brakes and 5 lug. Shifter is stock with a bit of internal work and a short shift kit and shift rod and shift console work. Flares for bigger tires was a must to me. Adding bolstering to the seats to keep my butt where it belongs. Nothing needs to be done to make them fun, I guess it depends on how much fun you want to have.
Posted by: windforfun Dec 30 2023, 01:21 PM
2 is 1. Best case scenario is to have 2. Leave one totally original and a second to modify. For me building and developing the car is where I find all the joy. A stock car is like having sex with Grandma, while the type R is like a pornstar.
I suppose you're referring to your Hondas?
Posted by: thomasotten Jan 1 2024, 07:51 AM
I often recall the words of Ferdinand Porsche:
Change is easy, improvement, that's more difficult.
Those words can be applied to business practices, phone upgrades, vehicle facelifts, politics, relationships, and, and, and... Because, in many ways, there is nothing new under the sun.
Whenever I look at a car that has been modified, I always ask, is this an improvement? Certain cars, like the Mk1 Audi TT, there is no body kit that can be added to it, that will not degrade its beautiful appearance. With the 914, and 911's there are certain things that can be done to improve it, after all some were budget builds from the factory, and the factory went cheap in the later years on the 914. My Porsches are modified. But I actively seek out dilapidated candidates for my projects.
Posted by: worn Jan 1 2024, 09:46 PM
Funny you should post this. I also have one of those "numbers" relatively speaking and I have a slightly rusty body (car, not me). My intent was, and still is to leave one well enough alone and chop, cut, rebuild the spare body into the powerhouse toy each of us thinks about.
I also look at the time left to do this....
Some say we are only caretakers of our cars until the next owner. I think this is true to a point as the next owner will take care of whatever you pass on to them that is worth caring for.
BTW, here in central Canada, there are actually quite a few running, driving 914s especially considering our salt laden, car killer winters we have here. Probably not many (if any) are original purchases but...
Back to topic, the debate rages on. Personally I will probably just leave the one as a survivor and build up the other one.
Im actually amazed there are any in Winnipeg.Its hostile there weather wise.Last time I was there it was salty,dirty and Fu%$*ng COLD.
Again,almost nothing is irreversible.Do watcha like.
(Ya Humpty dance reference)Doot rrrr doot rrrr!
Or maybe I’m just getting old,
But fuch I hate the cold.
Posted by: 914xr75 Jan 2 2024, 09:18 AM
I put a hood badge on my car, Euro tail lights and euro front turn signals, it had a monza exhaust and I love it. I even put a German 1973 small decorative plate in the rear window.
Oh, also a rear fog light. The car was just a project when I bought it, so I was able to make it look like my dad’s with the light ivory color and the hubcaps, then I added a few other things I really liked. I wouldn’t change a thing it’s perfect to me.
Posted by: Shivers Jan 2 2024, 09:34 AM
Most of the things I’m doing had been done to the sixes, or in my opinion should have been done by the factory. Darn windshield wipers park right in my field of view. I took them off for a while. Then saw a better way. 
Posted by: MikeK Jan 2 2024, 09:53 AM
Porsche has always been 'development over engineering'. Why else keep the same body style for decades? It's what separated them (and VW for that matter) from the constantly 'evolving' US car market.
Progressive refinement.
Posted by: flipb Jan 2 2024, 09:54 AM
Most of the things I’m doing had been done to the sixes, or in my opinion should have been done by the factory. Darn windshield wipers park right in my field of view. I took them off for a while. Then saw a better way.
When I bought my 914 (fourteen years ago!), the wiper "park" function didn't work. They just stop moving wherever they are when you turn them off.
It's very easy to time it to shut them off when they're at their lowest position on the passenger side.
Problem solved.
(I have no idea if the failure was a result of wear or a "fix" by a PO. But it works for me!)
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