Regrets going to a V8? Options

[CptTripps]

I'm in the WAY EARLY stages of looking for my next project. I figure that I'll spend a while looking for the right roller, and go from there, but in the mean time...

I'm considering a V8 conversion for the next one. Now before you get the (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/ar15.gif) out, I'm not looking for "which is better". I want to know if anyone REGRETS doing a V8 instead of a 6.

I'm watching the 928 threads unfold, and that appeals to me, but at the same time, seems like more work than it'd be worth. An 8 appeals to me, but I want to know all the ugly stuff...

[Mueller]

I regret NOT doing my V8 conversion (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sad.gif)

Had everything and sold it all before I installed it (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/headbang.gif)

At least a few members here got some good deals when I parted it out (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

[CptTripps]

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me.

Am I crazy for thinking like that?

[Mueller]

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 09:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

yes and no

it's all a "state of mind" and how you deal with things...

I totally have a blast driving my 80hp /4 powered 914....but there are plenty of times I'd kill to have a rumbling 300+ hp V8 sitting behind me knowing how damn fun that extra and sometimes overkill horsepower is......

to me it's not that big of deal to have the Porsche engine, heck, if I launched the 3.6 in my 911, I'd consider doing a swap to something even more powerful (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif)

[Root_Werks]

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

Not crazy at all. It is what stopped me from doing a V8. The 914 was designed to have the Porsche flat six in it. Yeah, you can put just about anything else in there, but it was still desinged for the Porsche flat six. So I have done lots-o-six-conversions. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[scott914poor]

No regrets. Fast and quiet (at least no valve train racket) handles like before with more attitude. I'm no great mechanic but with occassional help from a few others it all came together and believe me I know every inch of that car and had fun doing it, spent too much money but thats life. After the 914 was finished I looked at a few 928's thinking my wife would like to be seen in a "Big Porsche" but the right one has'nt come along. Don't buy anything but Renegade or at least really look at all what is available because some of it wont work. Believe me I have a collection of slightly to frankly inferior stuff.

[rick 918-S]

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

I felt the same way about wanting a Porsche engine. I used to drag race BB chev's so a chev motor would not have been out of the question for me. I just want what I want.. Any regrets? HA! No brainer!

[boxstr]

Hey I have two V8s they are real Viagra for the 914. Nothing wrong with having thoughts about one. I think you might want to ride in or drive one before you commit to the build job. They can be very intimidating and they can be very loud and VERY fast.
My latest 914-8 is much faster than my first one. It is setup for a V8 with reinforcement in the frame areas and the boxed arms. Also Brembo brakes get the thing down to a safe range if you get a bit to much on the go pedal. The build job on the motor alone cost as much as a really great 73 914 2.0 with all the goodies. 415hp at 6500 Rpm makes for a fun ride. Ask flowerboy in Olympia. Kevin Powers drove the car down from Seattle last week, and he was ear to ear grin when he arrived at CAMP 914.
CCLINV8ORVIAGRA

[iiibdsiil]

I have never driven a V-8 car. But, what it honestly sounds like is unless you like driving something that has all that power all the time, then do it.

I wanted to do a V-8 conversion for the longest time, but the deal came across on my 3.2 car, and I have no regrets. Power is there if you need it, but it's not over done. If I short shift it, I stay out of cam and can drive in the rain all day. It seems like with the V-8's you need to have a steady foot, because I know V-8's have torque everywhere.

I think if you are into the "It runs like a raped ape" thing, then the V-8 is the way to go. But I would also think that like all of the hi-po cars, you have to want it every day. If you have a Chevelle with a 454 in it and a cam that it damn near doesn't idle, that's fine for you, if that is what you want to drive. Your wife probably won't like it though. Bad example, I know.

My 3.2 is plenty fast for me, although if I won the lottery there would be a 993 3.6 TT in it as soon as possible, just for the wow factor, both to me when I step on the pedal, and to others when they don't know what the hell just happened.

I have gone through a debate similiar to this about the Rennshifter personally. I can have perfectly normal shifting, not have to think twice, etc, but that's what I love about my 914, so it's a toss up.

[ArtechnikA]

IMO, the only real downside is if you wanted to run it in PCA events and your local Region is too closed-minded to permit it. lots of people had a hard time accepting the 914 as a Porsche in the beginning and changing to a non-factory engine could be the last straw.

if your Region is more enlightened, or you don't care about track events (even though it is, IMO, a good way to safely learn the limits of your car to your benefit in safe street driving...), or you have another Porsche to use in those events, i don't think you'd be giving up anything.

just MHO, since you asked.

[rhodyguy]

consider the primary use of the car. other 8 owners may not experience this, but, in stop and go traffic or just cruising around town, the v8 could be hard on the clutch and the coolent could tend to get warm. hiway running and back road cruising in an 8 would be a joy. i would def reccomend a drive or ride in one before you make the leap. they're fun!!!!! i would be hard pressed not to accumulate a few tickets, in short order, if i owned one.

k

[skline]

All good points to look at. I have no regrets at this point except it is taking so long to complete the car. I am doing more than just the engine conversion though. The power is overwhelming to say the least. It also doesnt have to be that loud. I know of 4 cylinder cars that are louder than my V8 car. I am in the PCA Orange Coast region and they will let me run it at the event but not for times. That is why I wanted the little 2 liter car so I can compete for times. I would follow everyone elses advice and drive one. Then decide for yourself.

[rhodyguy]

craig's 8 was quieter than my 4 with webers and a triad. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/screwy.gif)

k

[Series9]

The quality of the engineering in a Porsche is the reason I drive these cars. For me, the engines Porsche makes are no small part of Porsche's excellence.

Although I've seen (and respect) many nicely accomplished V8 conversions, I would never consider a non-Porsche engine for my car. I am the very proud owner of a 3.6 993 engine and I sleep better at night just knowing it's in the garage. I'm sure there are V8 914s that are faster than my six-powered car, but I don't care. To me, Porsche engineering is second to none.

[aircooledboy]

Other than the fact that setting up this new clutch is giving me fits, I LOVE DRIVING THE V8 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/boldblue.gif)

The key to a v8 appears to be resisting the urge to cut corners. The PO of my car did a really nice job with all the right parts. I often read people expressing concern about drivability. I drive city/highway about 50/50, and my car is no more or less effort to drive in the city than any other stick, and with the Rennegade radiator set up, cooling has never one time been a problem, even on 95' days with the AC on.

Now, if it would just quit freakin' snowing around here, I might actually get to drive the damn thing again.

[CptTripps]

I think I'm with Joe. I'm more attached to the Porsche engineering than I originally thought.

After talking to Rick Ollah for the last hour or so, maybe I'll look at doing a 928 conversion next year. If not that, then a 6 is for me. I need to find the right roller first, so the point is moot until I accomplish that. I'm in no rush. Truth is, if I brought another 914 home right now, I'd be sleeping in it!

Thanks gang!

[GTeener]

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

Find a Cayenne V8 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/happy11.gif)

[Tom73]

Just a thought but instead of going with a V8 (for the negative reasons listed above) how about something like a V6. The GM 4.3 is just the SBC with two cyl chopped off. Or maybe something like a V6 out of a Nissan 300Z or one of the other hundreds of V6s out there. Seems the shorter length and lighter weight would make it more compatable with the 914 than a V8.

tom...

[rick 918-S]

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 10:07 AM)

I think I'm with Joe. I'm more attached to the Porsche engineering than I originally thought. After talking to Rick Ollah for the last hour or so, maybe I'll look at doing a 928 conversion next year. If not that, then a 6 is for me. I need to find the right roller first, so the point is moot until I accomplish that. I'm in no rush. Truth is, if I brought another 914 home right now, I'd be sleeping in it! Thanks gang!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/happy11.gif) Amen to that! Enjoyed our conversation. Call any time (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wavey.gif)

[rhodyguy]

the problems i experienced were due to a wreck on I-5 that choked 4 down to 2 just, at 8:30, out of downtown seattle, 45min to cover about 1.5 miles, should be considered a factor. even in my car it would have been a MAJOR pain. once i was clear of that mess it was nice driving. locals will know how rough I-5 is around federal way. craigs car handled that as smooth as i've experienced. the ruts didn't seem to pull the car around. new car, new driver, not knowing the nuances of the car probably didn't help.

k