73 914 with a auto?, auto trans ideas? Options

[fullthrottlerr]

Im looking for the eayest way to get a automatic transmission into a 914, I am ok with using a different engine. I have heard of people using a Audi A4 2.8 auto FWD. Is there any outer ideas? I don't need a race car, just something to cruise in. So whats the best options if i have 10k to burn on the engine and trans?

[tracks914]

Would a VW bus tranny work?

[GeorgeRud]

Used Boxster? For $10,000, you should be able to get one with automatic, air, etc., and not have any work to do.

[rick 918-S]

There is a thread someplace here showing a Audi AT bolted to the stock 914 engine. The car was just for sale on Ebay like last week or something.

BTW: (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[TurboWalt]

Sounds like a good budget for a Suby swap.

[Chris H.]

I studied the Subie automatic possibility for quite a while before deciding on a 5 speed. Here's what I learned:

The mid-'90's FWD Subie trans can be used, but the gear ratios are weak. Probably not worth the investment. The 4 speed auto AWD transes (4EAT) are WAY too heavy and you would have to make a custom end plate. The trans that came out of my donor SVX weighs 230 lbs. The gearing isn't so great in those either. You can't use a 5 speed auto because it has a complicated computer-controlled AWD system that would not work with 2WD.

The Passat/Audi FWD auto trans mated to a 2.8L Audi V6 would be a great setup. I learned about the 2.8 from Andyrew's posts on the topic. Only reason I didn't go this way is that it required fabrication of critical parts (engine and trans mounts, etc). With $10k you could pull it off easily.

[Andyrew]

If you handed a shop 10k you could get a nice condition 2.8 or 1.8T Audi with factory FWD trani installed and all fabbed up.

Problem is at this point to my knowledge it hasnt been done, Closest so far is Mike with his project, but thats a 5 speed.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=187914

In reality the following needs to be addressed.

1. Mounting of engine/trani
2. Shifting (Easy with auto)
3. Axles
4. Electrical of engine
5. Fluids

[Cap'n Krusty]

Would a VW bus tranny work?

No. Turns the opposite direction, and the design precludes flipping the ring and pinion.

The Cap'n

[Cap'n Krusty]

If you handed a shop 10k you could get a nice condition 2.8 or 1.8T Audi with factory FWD trani installed and all fabbed up.

Problem is at this point to my knowledge it hasnt been done, Closest so far is Mike with his project, but thats a 5 speed.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=187914

In reality the following needs to be addressed.

1. Mounting of engine/trani
2. Shifting (Easy with auto)
3. Axles
4. Electrical of engine
5. Fluids

There is a member here with an Audi auto tranny installed in a 914. I believe the PO did the swap. I think it's a pretty easy installation, with the bulk of the funds going to the adapter plate and flywheel. Mounting it should be a couple hours of design and fabrication time, and the shift linkage would be a simple job. If you were to use a Fox or Dasher tranny, the axles would bolt right up. Later versions would likely need different CV joints, which should slip right on to the 914 axles. As the output flanges aren't centered, you might have to source different shafts. Before I retired, I would have taken this on without hesitation. Lack of shop space prevents that now.

Edit: I just looked at the earlier thread. I forgot about the starter location on the Audi trannies. Big hurdle, but it's been done.

The Cap'n

[fullthrottlerr]

Thanks for all the information, It helped a lot. What is the thoughts on a Subaru engine and trans swap?

[d914]

I think you would have to look for an older auto.... Front driver.....

Maybe an2.2 with auto.... You might even be able to turbo it.. The older 2.2 were closed decked....

[Chris H.]

Thanks for all the information, It helped a lot. What is the thoughts on a Subaru engine and trans swap?

Automatic still or 5 speed?

[fullthrottlerr]

Im looking at a 2011 Subaru legacy automatic, not turbo i don't want it. Thoughts?

[Dave_Darling]

I hope you like wiring and electronics hacking! Because almost everything on a 2011 would be computer controlled, and you'd probably have to swap in the whole freakin' dashboard as well as engine and trans.

Early Audi FWD auto trans is the way to go, IMHO. Relatively simple, uses the stock engine, and it's been done so you know that it can be done.

--DD

[Chris H.]

In my opinion a 2011 Legacy trans would not work in a 914. That is the 5EAT which has a somewhat complicated AWD computer system. It would not work well if converted to 2WD. All AWD Subaru transmissions are extremely heavy and fairly long. The 4EAT for example weighs 230 lbs. You would also need to make a plate to cap off the center diff, converting it to 2WD.

The only Subie trans that seems to be a good fit physically would be a mid-90's legacy front wheel drive automatic trans. It's much smaller. The gear ratios would make the car pretty unexciting. Similar to a Civic or Corolla of the time period. I did a lot of research and really wanted to make it an automatic Subie trans work but in the end it was not worth the effort for me. Don't feel like you can't do it...just an opinion.

Take some time to look at the conversions that have been documented on this site. You'll learn a LOT.

[Pat Garvey]

O Jesus! Save us!
Why?

[fullthrottlerr]

Thanks for the input so far, its helping a lot. I will document the whole swap once it starts and show you all.


Thanks Pat.

ok. So i have 10k, I want to change the engine and transmission (automatic), what is the collective toughs on what to use? Ideas help too.

[stugray]

How about a Toyota MR2?
They were mid engine and had the auto 4-speed option.

You could probably find one in a junkyard for a couple of hundred dollars for both the engine & tranny.

Or there is the Pontiac Fiero - also had a 3-speed auto.

And I have always wondered if a front engine, front wheel drive setup would fit. A Toyota Camry 6 cyl would rock in a 914. Add the TRD supercharger and you would have a serious sleeper.

Stu

[d914]

2.2 liter turbo suby with an early 2wd auto.. 130-150hp 2200 lbs car with good handling, nice cruiser,, easy in traffic...... Micro squirt, small radiator up front.. most of this has been done.. only the early auto is new.. newer 2.5 liter na engine might fit?? I havent checked yet.. but if engine is an EJ and the auto is from an EJ all should be good..

[Chris H.]

Pretty much any '90's 2WD Legacy trans will bolt up to an EJ Subie engine. There were compatibility issues with early 90's Impreza 2WD transes (through '93 I think). The newer the better....Subie offered 2WD through 1996, then the whole lineup went AWD only in the US.

Still voting for Audi/Passat Trans with Audi 1.8t or 2.8 myself...