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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ 914-6 2.7 Euro RS Twin Plug Project
Posted by: davehg Sep 19 2017, 06:57 PM
New member, long time lurker here. I'll be posting another 914-6 conversion project shortly, but posting a thanks for now for all the great info I've come across here.
I took the easy way into 914-6 ownership - I bought a completed car that was a track car whose PO had done the hard work. This car has a 3.2L engine, injected, with large riveted composite flares, and a pretty austere race-friendly interior with racing seats, roll cage, and little else - not even side windows or carpeting or panels. This car I refer to as the Outlaw - it's a middle finger to the purists and I absolutely love it.
But...I wanted a clean and pretty "cars and coffee" version. There's not a ton of value restoring the Outlaw. The Outlaw's body is fine, but it is purposely built.
I had bought a project from a local Porschephile who had too many nice projects (356, pre-73 911). his goal was originally to do a big Raby 4. He had stripped, prepped, and beautifully painted a really nice shell, and spent a small fortune getting the original bumpers and details correct. He had a set of mint Fuchs 14" wheels, bits and pieces from 2 interiors, and was really only missing the engine and some trim/interior bits. A deal was struck, trailer was hitched, boxes moved, and now it's my problem.
The conversion wisdom here seems to be to go big - 3.0l or more. But I have a big engine car. This is intended to be just a Sunday cruiser, no track time. Plus, I have access to perfectly nice prepped 2.7L that has case guards installed, a 911s cam, and the work mostly done, for a decent price, and it would sound just swell with PMOs. So I am heading this route. I am taking my time with the Pretty Car - not going to be concours but a great looking driver with super clean details, no flares, and more along the lines of an original -6 with a bit more oomph. I'll detail the suspension bits so it looks pretty on a lift, and I need to think through the oil cooling issues - it doesn't get super hot in the PNW but for a few days a year, and if I can avoid the expense of a front mounted cooler and running lines that would be just swell.
At least that's my current plan. We'll see where my budget leads. I have a good start - great primed and painted rust free shell, all the expensive body work complete, an engine lined up, and a clear vision of where I want to go.
Looking forward to the collective input and experience when I get started this winter.
Posted by: arne Sep 19 2017, 07:01 PM
As you already know, there is a whole pile of help available here.
Oh yeah...
Posted by: GeorgeRud Sep 19 2017, 07:08 PM
The 2.7 is a great engine for your conversion. Mine puts out 199 hp at the rear wheels, so no lack of grunt and a lighter, free revving engine. Sounds like yours has the right components to make it a good reliable engine.
However, figure on putting in a front oil cooler to properly cool anything larger than 2.4 liters.
Posted by: PanelBilly Sep 19 2017, 09:27 PM
I run my 3.0 with just the cooler on the engine. Works fine so far.
What part of the PNW are you in?
Posted by: davehg Sep 19 2017, 10:29 PM
I run my 3.0 with just the cooler on the engine. Works fine so far.
What part of the PNW are you in?
Just up the road from you near Issaquah.
I hear differing thoughts on the oil cooler. I snagged a vellios 2 piece tank on eBay before deciding I may not need it. Also scored all the gauges for a true 914-6 cockpit, including a tach! Bypassing the cooler will save bucks! I still need various interior trim pieces.
Pix of both to follow shortly.
Posted by: Larmo63 Sep 19 2017, 10:59 PM
There are a few of us here who have just crossed that happy bridge into /6 power. Read a few threads, look at some of the pics of what can be done, and......
Posted by: aharder Sep 20 2017, 03:51 AM
Posted by: mepstein Sep 20 2017, 05:32 AM
Try it without the cooler and add it if things get warm. Some engines run hotter than others.
Posted by: davehg Sep 20 2017, 10:22 AM
Oh yeah...
Here is the Outlaw:
And here is the Pretty Car project:
Posted by: mb911 Sep 20 2017, 10:43 AM
Very nice let me know if I can help. Check out my 914-6 conversion thread if you need to feel good about your starting point.. Miles ahead of mine.. But along the way I developed 1-5/8" heat exchangers and oil tanks so I think I have an excuse
Posted by: davehg Sep 20 2017, 09:59 PM
I love coming home to packages.
The Pretty Car came without gauges. Two weeks on eBay and I was able to separately source a 2 piece oil/fuel gauge, 150mph Speedo, and a 914-6 Tech that was new old stock, plus the bezel holding them all. Crossing my fingers the gauges don't require restoration.
Posted by: Mikey914 Sep 20 2017, 10:08 PM
Welcome Dave,
Where in the PNW are ya?
You may find Cary at Middlemotor a good resource as well as there are a few others I can point you at, Looking forward to seeing the project come together.
Posted by: Perry Kiehl Sep 21 2017, 11:37 AM
Looks like a very worth chassis. I do engine harnesses for 6 conversions so let me know if I can help with that.
I've done a few 6 conversions, so hit me up any time for free advice.
Posted by: JOEPROPER Sep 21 2017, 12:19 PM
Looks like a very worth chassis. I do engine harnesses for 6 conversions so let me know if I can help with that.
I've done a few 6 conversions, so hit me up any time for free advice.
Good to know.
Posted by: davehg Sep 21 2017, 02:01 PM
Thanks Perry and Mikey. I am just outside of Seattle.
Here's where I am thinking about general gameplan - first by starting with a list of what I have and what I will need at various stages:
1. Get a working roller. This entails pulling the suspension bits off the body (they are just there for rolling the body). Take the 911 S front end suspension I got with the project and clean it up, same with the rears (trying to locate two rear 5 lug hubs - either aftermarket or if I can source a 911 rear). Nail down steering rack. Take those pieces and get them powder-coated/plated. Probably will stick with stock shocks/struts and not pursue coil overs. Clean and powdercoat fuel tank.
2. Simultaneously, work on getting the 2.7L ready. It needs top end work, and ditch the CIS for a set of PMOs tweaked to match the engine (it has an S cam).
3. Figure out the oil cooling system. I have a 2 part Vellios tank I got off ebay, but thinking to buck up for the Pelican tank or something similar. I need a complete system - lines, fittings, etc. Will hold off on a front oil cooler - for the drives and climate in the PNW, not sure it's worth the extra $$$.
4. Assemble the roller - suspension - steering - brake - pedal bits. Basically, a true roller. Install power train and connect fuel/oil/brake lines. Finish electrical wiring. Essentially, get a running roller with only interior to finish.
5. Finish interior/trim/glass/rubber. I'll need a new dash top, reupholster stock seats (tartan plaid inserts maybe!), and finish interior with RS style interior - new RS door panels, grey carpet, many misc. bits. Glass and trim finished too. I think I need lots of rubber.
6. Watch as this project sucks all my free cash, but smile when it's done!
Posted by: mb911 Sep 21 2017, 02:07 PM
The 2 piece tanks off ebay take some specialty tools. I have a few tanks I bought off folks who gave up on them and traded them in on my completed tanks. Plus they are really heavy.
I will have to look at pelican as they are supposed to be carrying my tanks now as well.
Posted by: davehg Sep 21 2017, 02:07 PM
Very nice let me know if I can help. Check out my 914-6 conversion thread if you need to feel good about your starting point.. Miles ahead of mine.. But along the way I developed 1-5/8" heat exchangers and oil tanks so I think I have an excuse
I may need to chat. Oil tank is on the short list. I am starting from ground zero on the oil tank and fittings. No front cooler at this point. Heat exchangers I need to revisit as part of the exhaust review - not sure what the 2.7 comes with. It gets cold in the PNW and windshields fog up, so heat is a necessity.
Posted by: Drums66 Sep 21 2017, 02:39 PM
.....WELCOME! 
Posted by: mb911 Sep 21 2017, 04:20 PM
Very nice let me know if I can help. Check out my 914-6 conversion thread if you need to feel good about your starting point.. Miles ahead of mine.. But along the way I developed 1-5/8" heat exchangers and oil tanks so I think I have an excuse
I may need to chat. Oil tank is on the short list. I am starting from ground zero on the oil tank and fittings. No front cooler at this point. Heat exchangers I need to revisit as part of the exhaust review - not sure what the 2.7 comes with. It gets cold in the PNW and windshields fog up, so heat is a necessity.
I make both oil tanks and heatexchangers..
I actually listed a few oil tanks in the classifieds at a really good discount because I have a few too many in stock right now..
Posted by: Cairo94507 Sep 22 2017, 07:03 AM
Looks like you got two nice cars there. Way to jump into the pool. Lots of great information on this site that you can take advantage of. 
Posted by: Dave_Darling Sep 22 2017, 02:20 PM
You will need to do some finagling with the drive axles if you use 911 hubs. The spline count is different on the stub axles than on the 914.
Ping the folks at PMB Performance. They should have all the stuff you need. Most especially all of your brake needs.
--DD
Posted by: davehg Sep 28 2017, 03:10 PM
The first few weeks into this project and I feel like a Costco customer who forgot to eat before he went shopping. Everything looked great, but without a plan, I'd be walking out with a shopping cart full of odds and sods - 5lb pecans, ramen, patio furniture, and a vegamatic.
So I've regrouped and decided to plan and attack this a bit more methodically. Basically - I have a mint body that needs now to be completely reassembled with all the 914 bits, and I have boxes and bins of stuff not tagged or organized, in varying degrees of restored state. Most everything needs to be cleaned, coated zinc or whatever), organized and identified, and installed in the most efficient order.
Suggestions appreciated (and thanks to mb111 for some great insights and advice). Here is the plan (in some order):
1. Body is back from the painter without any parts except headlight assembly and suspension bits to make a roller. Now is the time to nail down:
A. Internal brake lines (replace with new stainless) and Master Cylinder (19MM upgrade) - PMB is the likely source.
B. Internal Fuel lines (stainless - PMB?)
C. Oil tank - covered thanks to Ben!
2. Suspension. The car has front control arms/towers/hubs on it, and rear arms and hubs, but just enough to wheel around (no steering rack or sway bar installed). I have a separate 911 front end that I will tear down, clean/blast, and powdercoat the front control arms and rear arms, and replace various bushings. Source front struts, rear shocks. Obtain new axle shafts (PMB?) I have front 5 lug hubs , but need to deal with rears (probably drill the existing hubs/rotors - maybe PMB or Patrick).
3. Brakes - get front and rear caliper rebuilds from PMB, misc. braided lines. Replaced reservoir. Tear down, blast, powdercoat and reassemble pedal assembly. Source any replacement eBrake cables.
4. Engine. Having a 2.7 rebuilt by a mechanic friend working with a known builder, who will replace crank, rebuild top end and tweak 911s cam, and distributor. Source engine sheet metal, add PMOs. Basically get a working engine together. Already have the flywheel and 11 blade fan, need to source ignition. Likely to add mb111's stainless headers/heat exchanges and exhaust.
5. Driveline - Pretty sure I have a sideshift 901 but address any bushings/linkage.
6. Electrical - I think I need a fusebox - wiring harness looks to be complete. Lights good, windshield wiper motors need to be installed, possibly some work on gauges (Palo Alto or Hollywood Speed).
I am leaving cosmetics (trim, interior, rubber, glass, door mechanisms) alone for now until I get driveable runner, and will tackle that last. Here are some misc. bits I will need later:
1. Mirrors (right and left)
2. RS style door panels
3. Dash top (or custom)
4. basket weave
5. stock radio
6. bar to mount 4 point harness (not doing a full roll cage)
7. Carpet
8. Steering wheel (Proto Tipo), and turn signal switches.
9. Various dash, door, roof trim pieces - I have bits and pieces from 2 interiors - early and late model. The body is a 71 but I've got 2 seats from a later model and the passenger half-seat from an earlier model so I'd like to figure out that part. I might be later tempted to do GT style seats and carpeted panel instead of the original rear seat back, but again, I'll figure that out when the car is a runner.
The good news - a lift gets installed in my shop next week!
Posted by: mb911 Sep 28 2017, 09:06 PM
Dave sounds like a good list.. If Eric@pmb can't do rear rotors and hubs for you then try bruce stone or a914guy@aol.com.. Last stop is me as I have a fixture and can do this but these other guys should be 1st stops..
I can also make you engine sheet metal if you have no other alternatives..
Posted by: PanelBilly Sep 28 2017, 10:29 PM
Get the engine started. Work on everything else after in engine is on being worked on. Did you have a plan for the engine mount? I don't remember you saying anything about it
Posted by: davehg Oct 5 2017, 10:09 PM
Ok, the engine is getting started - it will be happening in parallel (by a builder friend, not me). Got sorted with a full 911 SC front end, and had the front and rear suspension pieces pulled, stripped, cleaned, and sent off to be powder coated. They should be back next week for a complete R&R. I am thinking of using the Patrick motor mount, but I need to also check to see that Ben (MB111)'s heat exchangers won't block portions of the mount. Panel Billy, would love to see yours. PM me if you are able - I'm just up Hwy 18 from you.
Sorted out the misc bits, and will be ringing PMB for lines, master, and rebuilding the front and rear calipers.
Lift delivered and installed today. It's a massive Benpak 14XL 4 poster - I would have preferred a smaller lift but I also have a large crew cab Cummins diesel long bed to lift that is way too big to put on a 9k lift (plus my concrete floors are only about 6 inches, rebar, but not enough for a 2post lift).
At 22 ft long. it consumes almost the full width of my 30x50 ft shop:
To get cars off the ramp, I added a cool 7k lb air powered scissor lift - the lift slides in the middle between the ramps and when weighted, it locks down into place. I added a flat metal cross member that also slides and will hold floor jacks/bottle jacks (it's the black panel by the ramps), so I just lift the car, place the jack stands, and then lift the other end. You can add two lifts and link them via an air hose kit to lift the entire car off the ramps - I will probably add another air lift but wanted to try it out first. The middle box is a 15 gallon capacity oil tray for doing oil and transmission fluid changes.
The ramps are like 20 feet long - I can almost place 2 914's on the lift! It's total overkill. 
I was thinking about installing it myself but at 2600lbs shipped, I figured I'd bite the bullet, pay for the install, and save my back. It was the best money I've spent in a while.
Posted by: davehg Oct 5 2017, 10:19 PM
Here's a question - air compressors? I am needing something more than my tiny pumpkin compressor to handle both the air jacks, the lift, and likely a bench top blasting cabinet. Probably won't be doing any painting. Will run air tools as well as an air powered tire changer. I can run on 220 lines and have a dedicated shop panel.
I was looking at a Quincy QT5 a 2 stage 80 gallon model - it seems to fit the bill but has one drawback - only rated at 17.5 CFM. The next model up is 23CFM and considerably bigger heavier, requires an 80 amp circuit, and costs a bunch more. Even the QT5 is pretty heavy, but it's way closer to my budget.
Opinions? If it weren't for the sandblasting, the QT5 would be perfect.
Posted by: Larmo63 Oct 5 2017, 10:49 PM
I'm partial to the Patrick motor mount, and I would recommend the AppBiz (on eBay) door panels if you want RS style, they do really nice stuff.
Not many good tire choices for 14" Fuchs, btw.
914 Rubber for dash top and, etc, etc, etc.......
Posted by: mb911 Oct 6 2017, 05:16 AM
Ok, the engine is getting started - it will be happening in parallel (by a builder friend, not me). Got sorted with a full 911 SC front end, and had the front and rear suspension pieces pulled, stripped, cleaned, and sent off to be powder coated. They should be back next week for a complete R&R. I am thinking of using the Patrick motor mount, but I need to also check to see that Ben (MB111)'s heat exchangers won't block portions of the mount. Panel Billy, would love to see yours. PM me if you are able - I'm just up Hwy 18 from you.
Sorted out the misc bits, and will be ringing PMB for lines, master, and rebuilding the front and rear calipers.
Lift delivered and installed today. It's a massive Benpak 14XL 4 poster - I would have preferred a smaller lift but I also have a large crew cab Cummins diesel long bed to lift that is way too big to put on a 9k lift (plus my concrete floors are only about 6 inches, rebar, but not enough for a 2post lift).
At 22 ft long. it consumes almost the full width of my 30x50 ft shop:
To get cars off the ramp, I added a cool 7k lb air powered scissor lift - the lift slides in the middle between the ramps and when weighted, it locks down into place. I added a flat metal cross member that also slides and will hold floor jacks/bottle jacks (it's the black panel by the ramps), so I just lift the car, place the jack stands, and then lift the other end. You can add two lifts and link them via an air hose kit to lift the entire car off the ramps - I will probably add another air lift but wanted to try it out first. The middle box is a 15 gallon capacity oil tray for doing oil and transmission fluid changes.
The ramps are like 20 feet long - I can almost place 2 914's on the lift! It's total overkill.
I was thinking about installing it myself but at 2600lbs shipped, I figured I'd bite the bullet, pay for the install, and save my back. It was the best money I've spent in a while.
My heat exchangers are dimensionally the same as the oem so there. Would be no reason the PMS mount would cause any issues..
Posted by: davehg Oct 6 2017, 02:41 PM
I'm partial to the Patrick motor mount, and I would recommend the AppBiz (on eBay) door panels if you want RS style, they do really nice stuff.
Not many good tire choices for 14" Fuchs, btw.
914 Rubber for dash top and, etc, etc, etc.......
Thanks for the tip on the door panels. I am looking at something like this:
The guy locally who is doing the suspension build is working on one of the most amazing GT tributes I've seen - based on a real -6 body. I am leaning towards this look for the interior - very subdued and tasteful - even though I don't have this customer's budget.
The rest of the car is fantastic! Real, unobtanium oil tank/cooler lines etc used, no expense spared. The car will be phenomenal when done. Wish I had the budget.
I hear you on the limitations of tires for the 14" Fuchs. Again, I have an outlaw 914-6 conversion with the 3.2L and it is running 9" & 8" knock-off Fuchs with Toyo tires that have amazing grip. But for this build, I really want a stock looking sleeper car - and it's not being built to autocross but just as a clean Sunday driver.
Posted by: gms Oct 6 2017, 05:02 PM
Looks like Bernie's work
Posted by: mepstein Oct 6 2017, 06:35 PM
Ok, the engine is getting started - it will be happening in parallel (by a builder friend, not me). Got sorted with a full 911 SC front end, and had the front and rear suspension pieces pulled, stripped, cleaned, and sent off to be powder coated. They should be back next week for a complete R&R. I am thinking of using the Patrick motor mount, but I need to also check to see that Ben (MB111)'s heat exchangers won't block portions of the mount. Panel Billy, would love to see yours. PM me if you are able - I'm just up Hwy 18 from you.
Sorted out the misc bits, and will be ringing PMB for lines, master, and rebuilding the front and rear calipers.
Lift delivered and installed today. It's a massive Benpak 14XL 4 poster - I would have preferred a smaller lift but I also have a large crew cab Cummins diesel long bed to lift that is way too big to put on a 9k lift (plus my concrete floors are only about 6 inches, rebar, but not enough for a 2post lift).
At 22 ft long. it consumes almost the full width of my 30x50 ft shop:
To get cars off the ramp, I added a cool 7k lb air powered scissor lift - the lift slides in the middle between the ramps and when weighted, it locks down into place. I added a flat metal cross member that also slides and will hold floor jacks/bottle jacks (it's the black panel by the ramps), so I just lift the car, place the jack stands, and then lift the other end. You can add two lifts and link them via an air hose kit to lift the entire car off the ramps - I will probably add another air lift but wanted to try it out first. The middle box is a 15 gallon capacity oil tray for doing oil and transmission fluid changes.
The ramps are like 20 feet long - I can almost place 2 914's on the lift! It's total overkill.
I was thinking about installing it myself but at 2600lbs shipped, I figured I'd bite the bullet, pay for the install, and save my back. It was the best money I've spent in a while.
My heat exchangers are dimensionally the same as the oem so there. Would be no reason the PMS mount would cause any issues..
Looking great.
Posted by: davehg Oct 6 2017, 11:03 PM
You guessed it, my project is “feeling the Bern.” He’s a pretty awesome builder. The 911S he did for the prior owner of my project was gorgeous!
Thanks for the info on the exchangers, glad to know they will work.
Posted by: GeorgeRud Oct 7 2017, 02:32 PM
Ben’s exchangers and oil tanks will fit right in without issues. Beautiful pieces and nicer than the Vellios parts, though I give George Vellios a lot of credit for trying all the neat things he did. I wish I would have kept his catalog of things he had available back in the day.
Posted by: davehg Oct 18 2017, 10:44 PM
Good parts day today! Ben’s oil tank arrived (nifty!!) and the suspension bits are back from the powder coater. Found a nice gas tank too, the original was not so pristine inside.
The killer score was a mint pair of Webers and a new set of 2.7 RS pistons for the engine rebuild. It hurt to write the check but happy I am moving forward. About 3 weeks out from a true steerable runner with a complete suspension.
Panel Billy was a prince and showed up in his sweet 3.0 and we went out for a short ride. His conversion looks and sounds wonderful - those PMOs are intoxicating.
Headed to CA soon to check out my engine and put some miles on the Outlaw car. I need the inspiration to see this through. Plus the dollars : I put the Z4M coupe on the block. A wonderful and rare car but not a Porsche.
Posted by: mb911 Oct 19 2017, 05:35 AM
Thats great news.. I was able to find someone now to bend the GT oil lines if you decide to go that route..
Posted by: JOEPROPER Oct 19 2017, 08:07 AM
Thats great news.. I was able to find someone now to bend the GT oil lines if you decide to go that route..
Ben, Are those going to be similar to the Elephant Racing lines?
Posted by: jcambo7 Oct 19 2017, 09:49 AM
I’m in Graham a little south of you. If you need a hand or help with something let me know. I would love to drop by to meet you or help.
Posted by: mb911 Oct 19 2017, 09:54 AM
Thats great news.. I was able to find someone now to bend the GT oil lines if you decide to go that route..
Ben, Are those going to be similar to the Elephant Racing lines?
Yes but allot cheaper.. Probably going with steel though..
Posted by: JOEPROPER Oct 19 2017, 10:06 AM
Thats great news.. I was able to find someone now to bend the GT oil lines if you decide to go that route..
Ben, Are those going to be similar to the Elephant Racing lines?
Yes but allot cheaper.. Probably going with steel though..
Yes, I see this in another thread. I don't mean to be redundant.
Looking forward to the outcome.
Posted by: davehg Oct 25 2017, 09:49 PM
Got a bunch of goodie boxes from PMB today! Calipers, brake lines, and a master cylinder. Excited to get underway with installing the suspension, steering and brake bits and finishing the steerable roller!
Headed down to SoCal soon to inspect the long block.
Posted by: RickS Oct 26 2017, 09:14 AM
I live literally live across the river from Bernie and have been watching this phenomenal build from the get-go. His attention to detail is extraordinary and build quality can’t be bested. The car is getting close to delivery. Am hoping to ride shotgun on one of the shake down runs.
Bernie, worked tirelessly getting my 73 S back to factory condition on all the mechanicals prior to sale and made it run and look factory new. He also did the 3.0 conversion on my teener using as many genuine 6 parts as he had stashed away (tin work, oil tank and plumbing, heat exchangers and on and on. Added a front GT oil cooler but through magic and trickery managed to keep the front end looking stock. When done, he declared the car a “torque monster” and I couldn’t agree more.
Any work done to Bernie standards will be work well done.
You guessed it, my project is “feeling the Bern.” He’s a pretty awesome builder. The 911S he did for the prior owner of my project was gorgeous!
Thanks for the info on the exchangers, glad to know they will work.
Posted by: davehg Nov 13 2017, 01:52 PM
I went to SoCal and had a chance to play with my black Outlaw 914 for a few days to get more inspiration for the current project. I drove with members of the SoCal RGruppe who had on hand about 50 various cool Porsche 911s and 912's. My friend with the 3.6 conversion and I were the only 914's on hand. 
I love this car - especially the attitude. Driving through the ritzier parts of Palm Springs, it was like an upraised middle finger to all the Aston Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris and such. My favorite part was pulling up to a super fancy country club and having the car snort, rip, and smoke (yes, I discovered I need a top end job finally).
We had a great drive with the RGruppe folks and then peeled off yesterday for some quicker runs up in the mountains.
I closed the deal on the 2.7 and will have that shipped back for a rebuild, using 2.7RS pistons, Solex cams, and decided we will do the oil cooler in front. I check out Rick's 3.0 which uses the same cooler setup and it's really stealth, just a bit of the front bumper and valance rolled back slightly to increase the gap and that is plenty for cooling.
Got home and my new stainless fuel lines were waiting for me. Can't wait to get busy!
Posted by: davehg Dec 11 2017, 02:37 PM
It's been raining parts lately - Appbiz sent over a set of RS door panels, and bits of stuff has been trickling in from 914rubber's black Friday sale.
I finally got the bushings and bars from Elephant racing, the stainless brake lines from PMB, and the fuel lines from Tangerine. The front and rear suspension is now ready for install as we got the powdercoated front bits back, and mated to a set of Bilsteins. These go on this week:
Posted by: mb911 Dec 11 2017, 02:49 PM
Awesome.. You should have heat exchangers by now and muffler this week. Here is a picture of your heat exchangers mounted on my engine..
Posted by: davehg Dec 16 2017, 11:00 PM
Woohoo!! I finally have a roller!
Front and rear suspension installed and looking great with the PMB brakes! I need to do the POR15 a bit better though as there are some bare spots.
Note the shiny new brake lines!
Bolted on the 14" fuchs - geez they are small! I'll live with them a while before looking at 15"s:
Before and after:
One odd thing - I was missing the guard for the front of the A-arm on the passenger site. Anyone have a spare? Here's the part:
As I post this, headed down to SoCal to pick up the 2.7. Ben's exhaust bits are in the shop waiting an engine, along with Rich Johnson's motor mounts and throttle linkage kit. Fingers crossed the engine doesn't need too much work before assembly.
I've decided to drill the heads for a twin plug arrangement too.
Posted by: Mark Henry Dec 17 2017, 03:46 PM
I run my 3.0 with just the cooler on the engine. Works fine so far.
What part of the PNW are you in?
I hear differing thoughts on the oil cooler. I snagged a vellios 2 piece tank on eBay before deciding I may not need it. Also scored all the gauges for a true 914-6 cockpit, including a tach! Bypassing the cooler will save bucks!
The cooler issue some are rabid about it, but you have to remember that they're often the southern boys who run their cars in some serious heat and bumper to bumper traffic. Or they're racers running high RPM constantly.
In cooler climates you may be able to run just a stock cooler. So it depends and you won't know till you get it on the road. My conversion is a mid/hi performance carbed 3.0, so far my temps seem normal, but it's a fresh build with only a month driving time and I haven't pushed it real hard yet.
Posted by: davehg Jan 19 2018, 12:33 AM
Long time since I last updated. I brought the 2.7 home and my engine builder looked it over. It needs...lots of machining. Sending off to Ollie's next week for about $3k in machine work - shuffle pin, oil return and other stuff for the case, port and machine heads, valves, guides, for the heads, media tumble etc. I have the case certs and studs, so I did manage to save some $$. Also, the cylinders were Mahles in mint shape, ready for a new set of RS pistons.
Decided now is the time to go Twin Plug. I am having the heads drilled to accommodate a twin plug and trying to steel myself for the significant extra costs of adding a distributor, CDI boxes, and the wiring and bits. I might go single plug to start if my budget doesn't allow, but how much more cool to launch as a twin plug!
While the engine is being rebuilt, I need to source some engine tins, and hoping Ben comes through on the cast oil lines!
I located the spare part depicted above, and managed to score a brand new Engleman and Jwest fuseboxes to upgrade. Leaning towards the Engleman simply because it looks better.
I also said goodbye to the Z4M Coupe which is being consigned for sale to finance completion of this build. I think I made the right choice but will likely add the Z4M to the list of cars I wish I still had. I don't plan on making that mistake with the 914 however....
Posted by: mepstein Jan 19 2018, 07:37 AM
The Engleman had an issue with shorting to the chassis. Just make sure that is worked out before you power up the car.
Posted by: tygaboy Jan 19 2018, 12:04 PM
Off topic but I have a buddy looking for a Z4M Coupe! I'll PM you for details.
Chris
Posted by: davehg Jan 19 2018, 12:48 PM
The Engleman had an issue with shorting to the chassis. Just make sure that is worked out before you power up the car.
Hmmm, thanks for this info. Was there a specific fix? I did find the following discussion on another old thread:
"The "Y" splitters can touch the metal fuse panel frame when bolted in place. Mine were very tight after the Engman/JWest upgrade. I had to loosen the factory wrap on the harness to allow for extra wire movement above the panel. Shrink tubing on the bare brass bits will help also.
NOTE: The constant power to the fuse panel and ignition switch is UN-FUSED at the battery. If you short the large red wires to ground/earth, the wire will melt everything from the battery to the short. It may cause a fire. Add 4 inline fuses at the battery 20 amps will due for each.
Now that you have modified the electrical system with the new fuse panel, this is an important issue for you. 40 years ago when the 914 rolled off the assembly line, the unfused wires were not a big deal. 40 years later, old insulation, previous owners, radio installs, hacked wiring, etc... Your electrical system is at risk."
Posted by: mepstein Jan 19 2018, 01:05 PM
The Engleman had an issue with shorting to the chassis. Just make sure that is worked out before you power up the car.
Hmmm, thanks for this info. Was there a specific fix?
I don't have one but I think it was the way it was mounted, some part on the back touched the dash.
Posted by: mb911 Jan 20 2018, 04:41 PM
Dave here is a teaser for you..
Posted by: davehg Jan 15 2019, 12:29 AM
Another update. Car is back at Bernie’s and Rich Johnston’s motor mounts are fitted and will be spot welded shortly. Oil lines, cooler, and fittings are beings installed. Them comes engine rebuild.
Posted by: davehg Jan 15 2019, 12:46 AM
Engine back from Ollie’s. Case was media blasted, shuffle pinned, decked, with oil bypass mods. Heads ported, Valves installed, extra spark plug hole drilled. Pistons coated. 
Posted by: PanelBilly Jan 15 2019, 09:45 AM
So many great looking parts. The engine is just around the corner.
Posted by: jd74914 Jan 15 2019, 10:23 AM
Decided now is the time to go Twin Plug. I am having the heads drilled to accommodate a twin plug and trying to steel myself for the significant extra costs of adding a distributor, CDI boxes, and the wiring and bits. I might go single plug to start if my budget doesn't allow, but how much more cool to launch as a twin plug!
If you don't mind the look (or lack of dizzy), it might be more cost effective to go crankfire. Certainly allows more spark tuning opportunities. Clewett Engineering makes a pretty nice complete package system for ~$1500-$1800 depending on options and there are lots of less expensive more-DIY options too.
Posted by: davehg Jan 15 2019, 12:06 PM
Too late now - I've already purchased a modified Bosch distributor and cap/rotor with Pertronix, as well as the MSD box. I think the all-in cost was probably another $1k over the Clewett package, when I factored in the parts, machine work, and extra wires.
Posted by: Lucky9146 Jan 15 2019, 12:57 PM
Too late now - I've already purchased a modified Bosch distributor and cap/rotor with Pertronix, as well as the MSD box. I think the all-in cost was probably another $1k over the Clewett package, when I factored in the parts, machine work, and extra wires.
Too cool on the twin plug! Very jealous
Posted by: davehg Feb 2 2020, 09:26 PM
So much work has been done since my last post. Here's a quick roundup:
Rebuilt the lower case, new bearings, oil bypass mods
Heads competed and engine assembled
Posted by: davehg Feb 2 2020, 09:41 PM
Distributor and cap installed, and engine finished. It looks amazing, and I can't wait to hear it.
Interior received some love. Instruments and harness wired in
Rear tail lamps added
Dash turned out great, thanks to 914Rubber
Access panel cut in the firewall to ease belt replacement
Front oil cooler installed with lines, and custom shroud finished
Still need to run oil engine lines back, and rebuild transmission. I am going to go with a Tangerine Racing shift kit, which I installed on my black car.
I've had the 3.2 rebuilt on the black car, so my funds have been dedicated towards getting a running 914-6, and the blue car will get some more love once my bank account recovers. Till then....
Posted by: rgalla9146 Feb 3 2020, 10:51 AM
Beautiful work.
Where did you source the distributor, cap and rotor ?
Posted by: Mark Henry Feb 3 2020, 01:14 PM
Beautiful work.
Where did you source the distributor, cap and rotor ?
Is that a stock OE Jag cap? I could never find one, mine uses a aftermarket black cap. I've heard these can have issues but so far no problems.On thing that will piss you off is you can't see that beautiful dizzy once in the teen.
My 3.0
Posted by: davehg Feb 3 2020, 08:43 PM
Beautiful work.
Where did you source the distributor, cap and rotor ?
I’ll check with Bernie, he had the dizzy already but I think the cap and rotor were Bosch, not the Jag one.
Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 4 2020, 11:05 AM
One of my favorite colors lookin good 
Posted by: davehg Jan 16 2022, 12:31 AM
Long time since I’ve upgraded the thread.
Motor is in the car and transmission rebuilt with a Wavetrac LSD and tangerine racing shift rod kit. Oil lines complete, and the focus is now turning to finishing the interior.
Note Ben’s heat exchangers and muffler
Posted by: eric9144 Jan 17 2022, 12:25 PM
Wooow looking good! 
Posted by: raynekat Jan 18 2022, 12:59 AM
I did 914-6 conversion that I just sold last fall that was a narrow body with 2.7 MFI and no front oil cooler.
I'm in the Portland, OR area so like you, didn't have too many hot days to worry about.
The 2.7 engine put out almost 230 hp and sounds like a race car when you get on it.
Great little car.
Used a lot of factory 914-6, 911 parts in the build.
Your basic "no expense spared" adventure.
Here was my thread if you are interested.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=249327
Posted by: Jett Jan 18 2022, 09:52 AM
I did 914-6 conversion that I just sold last fall that was a narrow body with 2.7 MFI and no front oil cooler.
I'm in the Portland, OR area so like you, didn't have too many hot days to worry about.
The 2.7 engine put out almost 230 hp and sounds like a race car when you get on it.
Great little car.
Used a lot of factory 914-6, 911 parts in the build.
Your basic "no expense spared" adventure.
Here was my thread if you are interested.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=249327
I talk about this car at least once a week
. We are building a 6 conversion with a 69 911S motor, and constantly reference this build… great work!
Posted by: mepstein Jan 18 2022, 10:49 AM
I did 914-6 conversion that I just sold last fall that was a narrow body with 2.7 MFI and no front oil cooler.
I'm in the Portland, OR area so like you, didn't have too many hot days to worry about.
The 2.7 engine put out almost 230 hp and sounds like a race car when you get on it.
Great little car.
Used a lot of factory 914-6, 911 parts in the build.
Your basic "no expense spared" adventure.
Here was my thread if you are interested.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=249327
I talk about this car at least once a week
. We are building a 6 conversion with a 69 911S motor, and constantly reference this build… great work!Yes. A reference build for me.
Posted by: campbellcj Jan 18 2022, 11:39 AM
Beautiful work.
Where did you source the distributor, cap and rotor ?
Is that a stock OE Jag cap? I could never find one, mine uses a aftermarket black cap. I've heard these can have issues but so far no problems.On thing that will piss you off is you can't see that beautiful dizzy once in the teen.
FWIW my car has the JB Racing dizzy setup which has worked phenomenally. I have a spare cap and rotor in storage just in case. The caps are black though, not sure of brand.
http://jbracing.com/eng_porsche.php#ignition
Posted by: brant Jan 18 2022, 11:48 AM
Beautiful work.
Where did you source the distributor, cap and rotor ?
Is that a stock OE Jag cap? I could never find one, mine uses a aftermarket black cap. I've heard these can have issues but so far no problems.On thing that will piss you off is you can't see that beautiful dizzy once in the teen.
FWIW my car has the JB Racing dizzy setup which has worked phenomenally. I have a spare cap and rotor in storage just in case. The caps are black though, not sure of brand.
http://jbracing.com/eng_porsche.php#ignition
the picture of the black cap shows hardware that is identical to the Jaguar replacement made currently.
Posted by: colingreene Mar 23 2023, 11:04 AM
this thread needs updates
Posted by: BillJ Mar 23 2023, 12:39 PM
Was curious why twin plug? RS pistons are low compression and twin plug will really provide no additional value to performance in that config. Twin plug is normally only on over 10.5 cr to ensure full ignition across a very domed piston. Its cool for sure but if a normal 2.7 RS then overkill.
Posted by: horizontally-opposed Mar 23 2023, 12:45 PM
I did 914-6 conversion that I just sold last fall that was a narrow body with 2.7 MFI and no front oil cooler.
I'm in the Portland, OR area so like you, didn't have too many hot days to worry about.
The 2.7 engine put out almost 230 hp and sounds like a race car when you get on it.
Great little car.
Used a lot of factory 914-6, 911 parts in the build.
Your basic "no expense spared" adventure.
Here was my thread if you are interested.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=249327
^ Gorgeous build—as much as I love the M471-flared cars, I really dig NB "subtle" builds.
Mine is "just" a warm 2.2 w/200hp, but no need for a front cooler so far. Might be fun to get the white car above, Dave's blue car, and my old red crate together for some pics—red, white, blue...
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: jfort Mar 23 2023, 02:34 PM
Love my 2.7 factory six. Crank fired, twin plug. About 220 HP. Front oil cooler. Love the shift to 3rd. The sound ... well you know. Had to go to PMO's. Worth it.
Posted by: rick 918-S Mar 24 2023, 04:22 AM
Very nice build. Top shelf
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 01:54 PM
Wow, hard to believe I've not updated this thread in long while. I've regularly posted on the Facebook group but forgot to update here.
THE PROJECT IS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!
This week I took delivery of the 914. Small things remain - need to get the front height adjusted and then do another corner balance, and a few minor cosmetic niggles.
The car is downright amazing. It is tight - feels like an integrated mechanical Swiss watch, it's so precise. The sound is f%$$##in glorious - there is nothing quite like a twin plug carbuerated engine sound at full throttle, especially at 4k+ RPM. I'm keeping it under 5k until I log 1000 miles, but it sounds so good I want to rev it all the time.
I'll fill in the missing gaps from my last post, but have to thank Bernd Buschen and his colleague Mark Ronsfeldt at European Autowerks. There is zero chance this project would have turned out as well without Bernie - I consider him one of the top 914 experts in the world (plus he built Bruce McCaw's 917, so there's that).
I'll start earlier and work my way up to the reveal
With the engine in, we cut an access bay to enable easier service without having to drop the engine or wrench backs:
The front mounted cooler was a smaller one, so we didn't have to cut the front valence. There's enough gap between the bumper to enable lots of air to pass through.
Here's a shot of Rich Johnston's mount - I love it much more than the Patrick Motorsports mount I have on my 3.2.
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 02:03 PM
Turning to the transmission, it was completely rebuilt (and a Wavetrac LSD installed).
I was keen to use the Tangerine Racing short shift kit that takes out the slop in the rear side shifter - I may eventually add a front shifter kit like the Wevo or JWest.
Rebuilt the blower motors, and ended up having to redo the fuel tank which had a small leak. 
No expense spared in getting it to look factory.
Oil lines were finished to the back, and sourced a nice catch can mounted in the lower fender well (inside the engine bay) that was powder coated.
Axles rebuilt with stronger CV joints
For headlights, I went with a pair of https://www.holley.com/products/restoration/lamps_and_lighting/retrobright/round_headlights/parts/LFRB135. The build quality is amazing, and the light emulates vintage soft yellow glow, but they throw a nice beam.
At long last, just the interior and trim remained.
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 02:22 PM
For the interior, I struggled on whether to go completely stock with a back pad, or follow http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&showtopic=329282&view=findpost&p=3059174. Lots of research and discussion with my interior guy, but I finally decided to go with https://www.lakewell.com/product-category/porsche/914/ (they are in Belgium and one of the top Porsche interior providers).
I chose the charcoal hargaan velour which is used in the 911, and really makes the interior pop. The quality is on par with 911 OEM and very much an upgrade over stock Porsche 914 stuff I've used, and much more stout than Perlon. It took a while to make it to the states, and I had to email them to get enough fabric for the back pad, which my upholstery shop custom stitched. Note how they covered the center beam and the rear lower B panel gap with vinyl that looks more like leather. We used https://www.allcityconvertible.com, which many Rgruppe folks use in the PNW. Matt, the owner, loves Porsches and has done many cars including several that were in Panorama and Excellence. 
Since I have an early car, had to weld in the adjuster to enable the passenger seat to tilt.
For the doors, I dropped the idea of using RS doors. I have these in my 3.2 and while they work for that car, this car has more of a touring feel rather than a race car feel. I had a set of AppBiz door panels, but their fit and finish was not up to the rest of the interior standards, so they were recovered and refit.
The dash was a fun part. I had earlier found a complete wiring harness on Bay and this was scavenged for the switches and various bits. Went with a mostly stock dash, but decided to do a GT style fuel gauge rather than a multi gauge (I was inspired by Bernie's legendary GT build). Bernie had an angled mount welded up to accept a fuel gauge (though I really wanted to do a silver dot mod - maybe one day), and it turned out awesome as the interior shop was able to mold the basket weave around it.
I used 914Rubber parts liberally here, including some of the A and B pillar parts, and the targa pad. I struggled with their dash pad - the early cars may have fitment issues, and there was a sizable gap from the stock knee bar pad with their replacement dash. Mine may be an exception as I see many others without the fitment problem (later cars I think). You can see the bow in the dash pad, and numerous efforts to refit it didn't work.
Again, Bernie to the rescue as he sourced an OEM dash that fit perfectly. I didn't have the same issues with the targa bar pads, which fit great and look good, as do the stock visors.
I was planning on using the stock seats, but they don't have much lateral support. I do drives with fellow RGruppe guys and we can get a bit spirited, so I looked at various options. GTS Classic is not producing seats any longer (I think they just sell kits now). Then a pair of OEM Scheel Mann seats, reupholstered in original fabric, fell into my lap for a decent price. They look and feel excellent. Note the seatbelts - four point Sparco belts attached using Mittlemotor harness mounts on the rear firewall. I hope to replace the sparco labels with some Repa labels just to be more period correct.
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 02:38 PM
The moment of truth https://youtu.be/nBVeH-RVtHw?feature=shared
and https://youtube.com/shorts/rY9uQiZkcG8?feature=shared.
The car was finished, and it was spectacular!
I finished it off with a sticker that inspired my build. 
At Rennsport many years back, I met Don Leatherwood, who was Brumos' racing crew chief and responsible for their many cars including the many #59 914-6s. I talked at length with Don about 914s and my project - probably one of the nicest guys, and he introduced me to Hurley Haywood who had nice things to say about his time racing in a 914. That, coupled with seeing https://www.gunnarracing.com/Misc/914-6%20Troutman%20Truck/Detailed%20Photos/080811.html inspired me to choose the 914 as my first Porsche despite everyone else pushing me to get a longhood 911.
What's left? Affixing the gold 914 vw emblem on the rear, a few minor teething niggles, and mostly getting enough seat time so I can hit redline. And upholstering a set of speaker grill covers in black leather to hide the air pipes for the heat.
Lots of folks to thank along the way here:
- Bruce Stone and Rich at 914werke for lots of hard to find bits
- Ben McFarland for the oil tank, heat exchangers, and the muffler (it sounds perfect on this car)
- Mikey and the team at 914Rubber - they came through with many hard to find pieces and their customer service is terrific - this build would be near impossible without their many great parts
- so many in the 914 community for advice and inspiring thread builds
- probably thank my wife too for not asking what it cost (The first number is at least a six and very likely a 7 - there's no shortcuts to a build of this quality.)
My build goal shifted over time when I first started this project. I wanted initially just to do a narrow body 914 conversion that was nicer and less aggressive than http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?s=&showtopic=329282&view=findpost&p=3059174 (it's https://youtube.com/shorts/a1EsAY8m_Bk?feature=shared). Over time, as I did more research, I thought it would be cool to build the car Porsche might have built if they continued the 914-6 past 1972. In 1973, they introduced the 2.7 in the 911 Carrera RS, which they continued until 1976 (albeit as an MFI motor in Europe and a CIS motor in the US).
So I thought - how cool if Porsche had built a 914-6 RS touring, which wouldn't be the wide body GT build of the 916 or the Brutus car, but a narrow body, purpose-built touring car. It would have absolutely used the 2.7 of the early G bodied cars, though I doubt it would've ever been offered as a twin plug (that was a racing thing). Once you've driven and heard a twin plug, you can't get that sound out of your head, and that's why I knew I needed to include in my build. My first true experience with a Porsche was https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0tuo_FPKWw, and that sound never leaves you (it was my ring tone for a while).
In the time I started this project, I've added a 74 911s to the garage. Next week, it goes in for an engine swap, from the stock 2.7CIS to a proper 2.7 RS MFI build. Like this build, I'm going for the car that Porsche didn't build - a narrow bodied touring car without the boy-racer wings and hips (very much in the vein of the current GT3 RS Touring). It will be fun to sample that 2.7 MFI and compare to this twin plug 2.7 (and my experience in the 911's current 2.7 CIS, which will be stored as it is numbers matching).
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 03:14 PM
Was curious why twin plug? RS pistons are low compression and twin plug will really provide no additional value to performance in that config. Twin plug is normally only on over 10.5 cr to ensure full ignition across a very domed piston. Its cool for sure but if a normal 2.7 RS then overkill.
I was conflicted about whether to go high compression pistons or not. Ultimately, I went with Mahle RS pistons/heads and a Solex e-style cam to get more useable torque for the street. The twin plug thing was overkill - I love the sound, and I love the power on the top end over 5krpm - it just breathes better IMHO. My 74 911s 2.7 CIS always seemed to lose steam over 5k, which is why I'm transplanting the 2.7 MFI into that rebuild, similarly sporting a Daugherty 40 cam. I know I can wrangle more power going with higher compression pistons, but where the dollars to HP gain of high compression isn't spectacular (and our RGruppe Treffen drives include places that are scarce on higher octane fuel). My goal with both of these builds wasn't to build an all-out hot rod, but rather to get closer to a gentleman's touring version that fits the spirit of the original 914-six, with more scoot, good reliability, and livable HP.
Posted by: davehg Nov 11 2023, 03:58 PM
A sneak peek at the 74 911, which I'm calling a 911 RST (touring). 
Narrow bodied. Period correct sport interior:
And a throaty, 2.7 MFI to be installed with a front fender mounted cooler. Like this blue car, a sleeper...
Posted by: Cairo94507 Nov 11 2023, 04:34 PM
I love this build.
Posted by: BillJ Nov 11 2023, 11:28 PM
Was curious why twin plug? RS pistons are low compression and twin plug will really provide no additional value to performance in that config. Twin plug is normally only on over 10.5 cr to ensure full ignition across a very domed piston. Its cool for sure but if a normal 2.7 RS then overkill.
I was conflicted about whether to go high compression pistons or not. Ultimately, I went with Mahle RS pistons/heads and a Solex e-style cam to get more useable torque for the street. The twin plug thing was overkill - I love the sound, and I love the power on the top end over 5krpm - it just breathes better IMHO. My 74 911s 2.7 CIS always seemed to lose steam over 5k, which is why I'm transplanting the 2.7 MFI into that rebuild, similarly sporting a Daugherty 40 cam. I know I can wrangle more power going with higher compression pistons, but where the dollars to HP gain of high compression isn't spectacular (and our RGruppe Treffen drives include places that are scarce on higher octane fuel). My goal with both of these builds wasn't to build an all-out hot rod, but rather to get closer to a gentleman's touring version that fits the spirit of the original 914-six, with more scoot, good reliability, and livable HP.
Makes great sense to me! Great cars for sure.
Posted by: Root_Werks Nov 12 2023, 01:25 PM
What a great build! Really turned out nice.
I like the sleeper look myself.
Posted by: TRS63 Nov 14 2023, 10:36 AM
What a fantastic car and it must be awesome on the roads with this engine !
Thanks for sharing !
Antoine
Posted by: DRPHIL914 Nov 15 2023, 01:42 PM
Long time since I’ve upgraded the thread.
Motor is in the car and transmission rebuilt with a Wavetrac LSD and tangerine racing shift rod kit. Oil lines complete, and the focus is now turning to finishing the interior.
Note Ben’s heat exchangers and muffler
WOW so awesome, its a car that would be at the top of anyones list to own for sure!!
I totally agree about your assesement that this is the embodiement of what a 914-6 RS may have looked like or become if they had been able to continue to produce a /6 version of an RS car. 6 years of meticulous work and patience has paid off! Thanks for sharing
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