Hello 914world,
So this 914 project started as a desire to build a kit car, something with a v8 but small and light and crazy lambo doors with big brakes and a manual transmission. After seeing how much work it takes I decided to shortcut the complete car fab process. I really wanted to have more of a creative side to fabricating parts and really having fun but not start from scratch. A local friend had a few 914's and was willing to sell me one that needed a lot of work.
It ran and drove but needed some TLC. I googled for a day or so and decided I would buy a LS6 from a 2004 z06 vette. I called the team at Renegade and bought a starter package to get me moving. LS6 with boxsterS 6 speed and lots of conversion goodies.
I started fabbing up the gullwing doors while I waited for the parts to arrive. Yes I said gullwing doors, or frakengullwingdoors. I know people may not like it but they work and I had fun so far. I will slowly add some progress pics and document the process. I am sure I will have a few questions and welcome any tips or suggestions.
Here is the part of the build....
enjoy
Ben-
Day 1
1972 914 with a 1.8L & weber carb
My build / design team...
Current status...
Drivetrain out
LS6 Build process (50%)
New wheels and tires
Skeleton for Gullwing Doors (functional)
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A few Questions for the brake experts...
What should I do for front brakes. I converted the rear to 5 lug, and want to do the same for the fronts. Looking at getting struts and possibly boxsterS calipers?
Can someone give me some ideas. I have not purchased anything yet. Trying to get a solid plan and then start sourcing parts.
thank you
From the looks of it...not your first rodeo.
Scott and Renegade team are good folks.
LS6 + Boxster trans
Oscar
Liking this one, build what you want
Not that I'm up to doing this but I'd like to see some more of those Gullwing doors.
excite to see the build as it progresses
See, I told you that you would fit right in and get good answers to your questions.
Here's the build thread I said you needed to look at:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=296900
The question with gullwing doors is, if you flip over, how do you get out?
"The question with gullwing doors is, if you flip over, how do you get out?"
well...ofcourse through the escape-hatch in the floor, which will be on top then.....
This is going to be fun. Can’t wait to se more
A big thank you to everyone for help with the brakes. Started on the rears this week. Decided on the boxster brakes and using Rich Johnsons kit.
Lots of great threads on how to do all these removal and installs. I tried searching as much as I could. I appreciate all the suggestions and I am really happy with the how the new setup is going.
Definitely a well engineered kit.
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Yep, like that!
And now that we helped you, you OWE us. Our first demand is to see pics and written details about the gull wing doors.
Don't make me come to your house...
Ok that is a fair request. I will detail my door build and post some pics tomorrow.
Do not give Chris @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19241 any extra ideas for his build, he needs to stay on track to making it a driver by 9-14-2020
Ok a few updates.... First I would like to give a big thank you to Stephen (914forme) He really helped me out with sourcing some key components for the brake upgrade!!!
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Ok for the Gullwing Update. Here are the steps.
1: Remove targa top and cut in half.
2: weld in doors support bars from front windshield frame to rear roof to hold doors.
3: remove oem doors from hinges
4: build a metal skeleton and attach to door.
5: connect and shape accordingly to allow door to freely swing up.
6: attach hinges to door support bars
7: test out 18 gas shocks for lift characteristics. Goal is to have the door be neutral or weightless at every angle. 2x46104 and 1x4699 for each door should do the trick.
8: weld in supports on center tunnel to hold the 3rd (4699) shock
9: add bracing until door does not flex.
10: weld in new lock mechanism on base of door and a striker on the door sill.
11. relocate the internal door handle the external latch still works fine.
12: I will add to these as I continue to build them out... each door takes about 4 hours to get to this point.
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Working on getting the engine installed and test fired. Redoing all fuel lines next. Got the tank out (which looks very clean - inside and out)
This weekend my friend Don reprogrammed the LS6 ecu. I wanted the VATS removed but he insisted that about 30 other items needed to be corrected to allow this engine to run. Very cool to see what he is capable of doing. I plan on taking the car there and having him re-tune it on the dyno once everything is installed and the car is drive-able or dynoable.
Adding a sneak peek of my next upgrade. 914 pop-up to 911 led headlights... if people don't yell at me for the gull-wing doors this might push a few over the edge to say something. If anyone needs a complete working headlight setup with trim and motors just let me know. I plan on listing them this week.
Hope you enjoy the update.
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getting ready to test "fit" the engine . very exciting.
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Wow, how did I not notice this build? Great progress and some interesting ideas. From the looks of it, you go this. Welcome to the World. Keep the progress pictures coming please.
Nice build thread. You are making some pretty quick progress
I just picked up a Boxter S transmission with the LS adapter and I was considering an LS 3. It's all new to me so I am curious why you chose an LS6?
Matt
Big Update...
Well I had some time over the weekend to finish up the brakes. 914rubber sent me out a new upgraded 911 master cylinder and the team at Renegade got a bunch of final build parts delivered before the weekend.
The Renegade G86.20 clutch kit is almost as sweet as the transmission mount they fabricate.
I also got a bunch of help from James on the Koni shocks and springs that will work on the setup.
Chris at Tangerine made up some fuel lines for me and Chuck at Elephant racing helped source some final bumpstop components around the turbo tierods.
I also am going to weld in Brads, Chassis repair panels which arrived before I even thought I purchased them. 914limited really makes a substantial product. I cant wait to get these fitted properly.
For you LS guys that like the stock headers I met the owner Dan at vetteworks in oregon. Awesome guy and so many 1 of a kind parts for these swaps.
I mounted up the fenders and like everyone suggested I really needed to expand the stock GT flares. About 4"s more to achieve room for growth and full wheel travel. I wanted to be wide but also 98% steel. The rear of the car is currently 74" fender to fender.
I definitely made some extra work for myself here but the metal fab is really fun and I am going to see how much of this I can do on my own. Lots of paper, tracing and cutting, bending, welding and grinding, but I am giving myself 30 days till I fire this thing up for its first test drive.
The front headlight is starting to take shape. I have the drivers where I want it. Now to build the harness and connect the fender.
The doors are working very nice and I cant wait to start skinning them.
Here are some pictures.
I love it so far!!!
Exciting build!!!!!
Can't wait to see this monster done. Love the vision.
Congrats....
Oscar
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=24593 you’re a sick individual! And I like it .....
Wild build, I dig it.
The 911 headlights don't look that bad...the front bumper on the other hand
Ok, another update. Been building steel parts and welding, as I take breaks from the smoke and fire I am slowly trying to get the mechanical bits of this car ready for its first road test.
Currently finishing up some wiring but I have made progress with the drivetrain install, shifter, clutch and brake assembly.
Here is a short video of the engine starting up. I must say i was surprised it went as well as it did. No mufflers yet, exhaust to follow soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgMh09u_w-8
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Congrats, sounds good.
Got the seats and the exhaust ready for testing. Now I just need to get some help on the wiring for the headlights
planning the attack
Testing some bends
Plenty of clearance
Looking good for a 30min test exhaust...
Parts were acquired via amazon for under 200.... Enough material left over to still build about 4 more exhausts.
I have been spending most of my free time building more steel transition panels to connect the fenders to the lines of the car. Fabricating metal is an art, and while I am not an artist I have learned a lot and it is really fun.
This 914 is incredibly fast. I am not sure how else to describe it. My Viper GTS would lose in just about every race. I added the wing for downforce help as the car can lose traction in 3rd even with the 315 rubber. Not sure how well it helps with traction or if I will keep it but it does help push the car down.
Up next I am looking into troubleshooting my speedbox which converts gps data to a mechanical output so i can keep my stock MPH gauge. I had a lot of electrical gremlins and so many people on the forum helped me track down a missing ground and turn signal power feed. It feels good to have all systems working.
Here are some updated pics from today. Going to try and work on making the interior a bit more finished this weekend.
Thats WILD....
Looks amazing!
That's just the right kind of over-the-top.
Looks pretty neat, crazy timeline. Looks a little 959esk.
Thank you for all the kind words and encouragement, I have had a lot of help from many members with sourcing parts, diagnosing issues and the most important occasional "words of wisdom"
I got very lucky meeting many of you and learning how the 914 works, what was needed for my build and how to keep things safe. it has been very rewarding so far and I cant believe how fun this car is to drive.
I am going to work on getting some in car and external driving videos this week.
Here is a closeup of the emblem I put on the hood and the side graphic design I am trying out.
Great, now I have another bucket list item:
Seeing this car in person!
I'm not that far away. Maybe I'll see it one day.
If you are looking fir downforce in the rear i would put the wing higher. Theres a cfd pf a 914 somewhere that says the ideal spot is level with the roof and as far back as possible. And while i suggest getting a wing element that fits the look of the car which is much more rounded the aggressive. I bet a change in end plate design would go a long way of making it match. Just an idea
I have decided to revert back to standard doors on the 914. The car is ridiculously fast. in fact I would say it is more impressive regarding acceleration than most of my other cars... including a 600hp 911 turbo s. definitely has a lot to do with the power to weight ratio.
either way figured i would add a couple pics of the re-conversion.
door on operating table
growth removed
jealous S8 and 991 turbo S
recovering room
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=24593 , I am curious, what made you revert too original doors? Your gull-wing doors looked to work well. Great project and build BTW.
The Gods of Fabrication and All Things Cool command you:
Thou shalt not abandon the doors of gull wing-ness!
And from little ol' me: "Cage that bad boy and let's see V2!"
thanks Tygaboy, another issue to ponder... my car is up for inspection. It is registered and insured but needs a sticker. No way I was going to get a sticker with a broken windshield right? the next issue is that the tech would never, never, never pass the doors. certainly not on v1.
they are already going to have to overlook many features and upgrades. My plan is to get these doors back to normal. one is already done. Then get the glass and sticker applied and look into the cage and v2 of the gull wing doors. This time I am thinking mandrel bent support arms and very nice hinges. I have even figured out a way to incorporate a stationary air intake on the roof with the doors being able to move and no gap for the roof. v2 will also still allow me to remove the targa portion and let the sky in.
have you been able to really push your car yet? the power of these 914's with a modern efi v8 is insane.
Awesome Gullwings, I want that door conversion. I would pay you to convert mine, but I am all the way in California. Could we make some arrangements?
Nice build. Do not know how I missed it.
Awesome build!! In case I missed it, have you added any chassis reinforcement to this beast?
Just a heads up in case you haven't addressed this: waaay back in the day (80's?) there was a 914 twin turbo SBC VW & Porsche magazine cover car. It was FS here a few years ago for cheap. ( I seriously considered buying it).
One of the reasons it was so cheap was the prodigious amounts of power and torque the powertrain generated caused the floor pan and long welds to literally pull apart on that car despite attempts to half ass weld in some bracing after the fact.
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