Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Sallachie Dec 27 2007, 03:11 AM

Hello. I'm new to the forum, and to 914s. I recently bought a '73 914 that is a project car. Pan is solid, but someone has put a nice rollcage in the car and cut of the sail panels. I've picked up a 911 front suspension and spare side shifts.
I want to put a V8 in to the car, but which one? I've got a line on an Olds 215. It's a light engine, but limited parts available. I'm making a street toy with a bit of autocrossing. I want it to beat my '73 Datsun 240Z, which is pretty quick.
Any opinions???

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 27 2007, 01:51 PM

if you have some money to spare, go with a create 350 ... reliable, solid, *new* and plenty of umpf ...

i'm a firm believer in "do it once, do it right" ...
Andy


PS:

Posted by: Sallachie Dec 27 2007, 02:07 PM

I thought about a 350, but a couple concerns;

350 weighs #550 compared to #200 stock 1.8L

Will the side shift transaxle handle the torque of a 350?

I thought that I'd ask people who actually own similar cars and check for opinions. Try and learn from other peoples experience...

Thanks

Posted by: toon1 Dec 27 2007, 02:52 PM

Ton's and ton's and TON'S of info in the search.

V-8 conversions are popular, the 901 trans. will handle the HP. If you have acess to a subaru engine, they produce alot of HP and the handling will be the same since it's a flat 4.

Your choice,

Posted by: jimkelly Dec 27 2007, 03:04 PM

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/indexx.html#

everything you need for v8 or subaru conversion is right here.

just don't forget to upgrade your suspension and brakes.

jim

Posted by: marks914 Dec 28 2007, 06:22 AM

It all depends on what you want to get out of the car...
If you are looking for cheap, and you can fab a bit, go with the 215
The SBC is usually the V8 of choice because of the availability of kits to install them.
I used a desert hybrids conversion www.deserthybrids.com (seen on '08 Hot Rod)./ I tried to buy some stuff from Renegade, but it was too much of a hassle.
Kennedy Engineering makes tons of adapters and clutches for conversions
http://www.kennedyeng.com/

The stock trans is good for 300 ft/lb of torque, but the gears are a tad short.
I am running a 400+HP Chevy 302 in mine, high HP, low torque with the 901 trans with tall gears.
The cars are alot more fun with a V8 in my opinion. I did the 302 because it revs like a mother and drives more like a porsche than a torquey 350.

Mark

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2363509080057582025fWXsqD

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2746009050057582025YJBsqk

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2938891350057582025PdfMET

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2696818300057582025xjUGlS

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2041932740057582025kkwWZZ

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2417293290057582025DjuFcX

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2525888240057582025ZOdPUv

Posted by: GS Guy Dec 28 2007, 07:47 AM

Hey Mark,
Not so sure about the 302 Chebby being easy on the 914 trans anymore.....
Anyone see the latest PHR magazine with the Engine Masters Challenge? One crew entered a 302 Chev. - Eagle crank, AFR heads and a big whopp'n cam - 340ft/lbs @ 2500 - it went up from there maxing at 425 @ 5400! 498hp @ 6500.

That's one bas-a$$ 302! Runs on pump gas too!

Wonder if a Toyota/Lexus V8 cold be shoehorned in?

Jeff

Posted by: Sallachie Dec 28 2007, 01:53 PM

That's a very nice 302. The 302 is a 289 block with a 327 crank? Special pistons/rods for that combo? I was going to go with a Kennedy adapter, but they have such a selection it makes for many choices.
I want to keep the car a driver. I was thinking a bit of a rough idle (280-ish duration), but I must have the V8 sound. I also wanted 180 degree headers, similar to a Pantera. I do all fab, mechanical, and bodywork myself. I didn't want to spend $10K on an engine, and not over power the 914 transaxle. Custom speed parts for Porsche can be stupid expensive, and I'd like to build the car for about $10K max.
Aero body kit by http://www.betterbodiesmotorsport.com I thought someone has already hacked my car, so just work with it.

I want my 914 to beat a Datsun 240Z!

Posted by: SirAndy Dec 28 2007, 02:39 PM

QUOTE(Sallachie @ Dec 28 2007, 11:53 AM)

Posted by: marks914 Dec 28 2007, 04:27 PM

QUOTE(Sallachie @ Dec 28 2007, 11:53 AM)

That's a very nice 302. The 302 is a 289 block with a 327 crank? Special pistons/rods for that combo? I was going to go with a Kennedy adapter, but they have such a selection it makes for many choices.
I want to keep the car a driver. I was thinking a bit of a rough idle (280-ish duration), but I must have the V8 sound. I also wanted 180 degree headers, similar to a Pantera. I do all fab, mechanical, and bodywork myself. I didn't want to spend $10K on an engine, and not over power the 914 transaxle. Custom speed parts for Porsche can be stupid expensive, and I'd like to build the car for about $10K max.
Aero body kit by http://www.betterbodiesmotorsport.com I thought someone has already hacked my car, so just work with it.

I want my 914 to beat a Datsun 240Z!

Posted by: kwales Dec 28 2007, 07:44 PM

That's a front spoiler I haven't seen before.

Any clue where it comes from?

If it's flexy, it's probably off a production car (not 914)

Ken

Posted by: Sallachie Dec 28 2007, 10:00 PM

It's a fiberglass piece. One of my buddies thought it may be from a civic body kit part, but I really don't know. Someone obviously had plans for this car, but probably ran out of money, or talent. Works for me though...
It's currently running with one Weber, but the brakes stick. I bought the car and a truck load of parts for $550, then drove it on the trailer. I haven't started this 914 project as I'm currently invloved with a mini. I'm trying to get all the parts in place before I start on the Porsche. People say that the transaxle can handle 300hp, but a weak 1st gear? I've looked at the trans and the gears inside, and I have reservations about pushing a heathly SBC into it. I've broken much bigger parts.

Posted by: Twystd1 Dec 28 2007, 11:26 PM

Me thinks thats a 1988 to 1991 Honda Accord "aftermarket" front air dam.

I have also seen something similar on 90s vintage BMW 325, 320s and 318s.


Hmmmmmm... That makes me think of some more possibilities.

Clayton

Posted by: michaelt55 Dec 29 2007, 01:55 AM

Done right..a 215 is a great balanced powerplant. I have one...
Its 200 + HP and only 40 -50 lbs heavier than a stock 4....


Michael