Hadn't updated in awhile..
Finished off the rear valance + exhaust tips. Replaced stereo, fixed (many) electrical bugs, new separate fan relay + thermostat switch, new coolent overflow, added rear sway bar and alignment, valve adjustment, etc. Adjusted main jets a few times. Phew! 2 year project but it is a getting there.
Impressions:
Great power band, rev's nicely and pulls from 2-5.5k. Handling is not bad, you can feel the weight. Suspension is on the firm side, 200# springs.
Stopping is OK, but may need more brakes in in the rear. Will look at a more aggressive pads before doing all the extra work for 911 rear brakes.
Exciting to drive! I have to post some new pics.
I think a ride in someone's dialed-in, 914/6 would help me figure what to change or make a comparison.

Made a few test runs..adjusted the ride height, ignition timing, fixed gas leak, adjusted clutch.... rides firm but liveable. Relaced brake fluid with super blue, but the rears are spongy - maybe pads and/or hoses need replacement.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Lots of wiring issues, but FINALLY I have brake, backup, flashers, turn signals and dash lights!

I have 2 - 1in pipe to/from the radiator running thru the tunnel and wasn't sure how much heat it would give off. Right now, it is warm and the engine is keeping at 180-190. Thru the tunnel, minimizes the 90 deg bends, but I think running along the longs or IN the longs would of worked, but would have been more work to install. The water pump is strong and will pump thru several bends with out issue.

will add pics...

The engine and transmission install took a bit of work. 914club website was helpful for getting info on the engine drop. I used solid mounts for the tranny and mounted the engine bar to the crossbar mount. I have a pair of sport mounts but will wait until I see if the solids have too much vibration.

The 911 starter that came on the doner was too weak to turn the engine. Bought the hi-torque starter on the v8. Also went to a front mount battery.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Mar 06 - I installed 2 - 1inch copper lines thru the main tunnel to the right of the shifter. At this point, not sure it will work as far as flow or heat, but I preferred not to have rubber hose under the car.

Pic 1 is the lines on the engine side - After the engine installed, I probably could have gotten away without the 90 bends.

Pic 2 is the front trunk. Pic 3 is under the gas tank, from the tunnel to the front trunk.

The radiator is a single pass 16x27 aluminum (off ebay). I hope that will be enough - a 283 doesn't give off that much heat. The fan is a single 16 - 3300cfm. I found the aluminum shroud off ebay. Custom made, you give the dimensions and they make it and cut the fan hole. About $450 in to the setup so far.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Mar 05 - The interior wiring had a lot of sand and corrosion. Slow to clean up, test and rewire. Between the tub and the donor, I had most of enough of the parts to get everything to work fo far.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Dec 05 - The rear trunk had a little rust. Cleaned up and POR-15.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Also I added Engman's long reinforcement while cleaning the interior. My first time welding. The 120v Lincoln welder worked well and all the weld holes were good practice!

Pretty good rust in the tunnel. It's not pretty, but I treated it and POR-15 everywhere.

Attached thumbnail(s)

Nov '05. I found a unfinished v8 914 on ebay. The car had a bunch of rust and probably could not be saved. Getting most of the stock and conversion parts made it cost feasible to build up, as opposed to buy one near finished.

Had the engine mount, clutch setup, transmission, engine. I already had a nicely built 283 from another car to use. This looked like a long term project.

Attached thumbnail(s)