LS1 or V8 914? Options

[piss'n914]

Hey guys, I've very new to this whole thing. I'm still trying to figure out what is exactly wrong with my 914 (starting and running issue). But whats the possibility or reliability of installing a v8 or v6....other than the immediate install cost. what do ya'll think.

[Rand]

Been discussed for many years here. Your starting and running issue has nothing to do with a bigger iron. Add weight only hurts these things.

[SirAndy]

what do ya'll think.

I think 914s should only have water in them when it rains ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

There are quite a few waterccoled conversions out there and they all involve cutting the tub in one way or the other to make room for the cooling system and other accessories.

I personally would try to fix the original engine first.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[ThePaintedMan]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

But you already posted a thread asking about how to get it running first less than a day ago. I would start there. Learn the car, get it running, drive it for a bit. You'd be impressed at how much fun you can have with a well-running stock 914.

Everyone wants more horsepower... until they realize how much work and $ it costs. As Andy said, it's not plug and go play. Plus, the world (including this World (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ) will always need more people who know how to work on aircooled engines and appreciate them for what they are.

[bulitt]

Whats your vision for the car? Going to PCA events? Concours? You may need the Porsche powerplant. Looking to retain resale? Porsche again?
Looking for a car with the power to weight ratio of a Viper, then LS or V8.
Subaru transplants are popular and build major power.

Adding power, weight, torque has consequences. Modifying the car, breaking OEM stuff etc. Conversions are not cheap! You need $$$

[jimkelly]

depending on where you are in CA, there are members here that can help.

if you have a budget for a conversion, you certainly have the budget to get your car diagnosed and maybe repaired too.

then if you want more power, you could go V8 or suby but this will cost you $2500-$3000 in renegade and/or coldwater (http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=229389) parts, plus engine/trans.

one look at mcmarks turbo 1.7 should make most want to keep their aircooled engine even unturboed. http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=229389

[chads74]

As of the guys who probably isn't liked very much, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif) v8's have their issues too! I am fighting fuel issues, so I can't drive either. Like was said before with hp comes $$, more hp more $$$. With no guarantee of trouble free. I could have bought a second nice stock 914 for the amount I have just in the conversion. Trust the people here! I have learned a lot in the last two years since I got back into the madness.

Oh and (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[carr914]

Been discussed for many years here. Your starting and running issue has nothing to do with a bigger iron. Add weight only hurts these things.

A LS Aluminum motor does not weigh much - less than 3.6 911 Motor

[mgp4591]

And a Subaru 6 cyl. weighs less than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[carr914]

And a Subaru 6 cyl. weighs less than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

But a LS has Tons more HP and can lay down rubber for Blocks

[r_towle]

And a Subaru 6 cyl. weighs less than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

But a LS has Tons more HP and can lay down rubber for Blocks

One time only, then you need to rebuild the transmission.

[Bruce Hinds]

Like Bulitt said . .. "what's you vision for the car?"

If you're going to autocross, a V8 won't compete unless you spend a lot of bucks on all the suspension, braks, wheels and flairs. A hopped up 2.0 is great and really hard to beat.

On the other hand, with simple up grades to the car even an old SBC in the 300 hp range will transform the car into an incredible road machine. Those pure to Porsche will talk about weight and it losing that light feel. But, it's only 250 LBS more . . . and unless you are going to the track, it can get you into more trouble than you can afford.

A V8 car is truly a driving experience, especially if you live near some really nice mountain roads.

[spaceshuttle]

Hey guys, I've very new to this whole thing. I'm still trying to figure out what is exactly wrong with my 914 (starting and running issue). But whats the possibility or reliability of installing a v8 or v6....other than the immediate install cost. what do ya'll think.

If you want a V8 teener, there are usually some to be had. You can buy a nice conversion for about half of what you can do one for. No point in cutting up a perfectly good body when ready made is available. I have a couple of conversions and it is a completely different animal, and frankly (and I have owned both) once you have had big HP, I cannot imagine going back.

[messix]

how good a driver are you?


have you ever owned a high horsepower car before?

you could get in way over your head going V8 right off the bat in these cars, being mid-engine and very light weight and adding power to where the hp/lb gets in the super car range. and things happen very fast that will bite you in the ass.

most all will agree to get it running stock the best that you can and spend some time getting to know how the car handles. you will be impressed even though it doesn't have a lot of hp , it does keep up with some modern cars in the twisties
and is a pretty good touring car. the stock engine can get 30+ mpg and run 70 mph all day long doing it.

[messix]

and also. hunt down some one local to you that has a car that is well sorted and go for a ride.

[mgp4591]

And a Subaru 6 cyl. weighs less than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

But a LS has Tons more HP and can lay down rubber for Blocks

Hmmm... let's see. A well sorted 3.3 with a turbo will make 400 hp without breathing hard and the center of gravity is lower plus less weight. Not as much torque tho... not a bad compromise considering you won't need a 5k G50 trans from Porsche to handle the V8 properly. Or so I've heard. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[messix]

And a Subaru 6 cyl. weighs less than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

But a LS has Tons more HP and can lay down rubber for Blocks

Hmmm... let's see. A well sorted 3.3 with a turbo will make 400 hp without breathing hard and the center of gravity is lower plus less weight. Not as much torque tho... not a bad compromise considering you won't need a 5k G50 trans from Porsche to handle the V8 properly. Or so I've heard. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

check out what a "well sorted 3.3" turbo will make in torque..... kinda just like a V8!

so then your working out a different tranny.

[somd914]

All depends what you want - a sports car or a muscle car?

I have a 2056 in my teener which on paper should be pulling in the 115-120 HP. I also have an '84 Carrera 3.2 liter at around 230 HP and a '05 Suby GT 2.5 turbo pulling around 280 HP. I'd say right out of the hole the Suby is the fastest, but the Carrera will take over once it's revs build. In the handling department between the three, Porsches all the way with the teener in the lead.

My college-aged sons like driving all three but prefer the 914 and argue who should get in the will (hopefully I have a few decades of enjoyment left...). But they track Miatas and are willing to give up ponies for a lighter, better handling car. For each their own, but if it's all about laying down rubber, save yourself a lot of time and money and go for a Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger...

[J P Stein]

Bring talent & tires to drive this Subie 914.
Chances are ya ought to stay home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB0fTcTHkg4

In 13ish years of AX I've never seen a V8 914 that handled worth spit.

[bulitt]

Bring talent & tires to drive this Subie 914.
Chances are ya ought to stay home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB0fTcTHkg4

In 13ish years of AX I've never seen a V8 914 that handled worth spit.

There are other venues than AX JP ! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)
How is the Stang going?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neZ5QuZxFR4


And this 500hp LS

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-11316-1339382220.jpg)

The 914 is a great platform to stuff most any engine in. Only limited by your supply of $$$