Which would you choose?, Subie w/325 hp or 2.8 massive IV with 225 hp Options

[hot_shoe914]

Okay I have come to a point where I am in a delima. I have a '73 2.0 car with the appearance group package that has had all 911 suspension upgrades and I will also be adding GT flares. I was originally going to put a 2.8 IV in it with about 225 horses but now am considering a subie engine putting out about 325 horses or more. I have always been a purist but there is something to be said for smoking the competion through the curves and also being able to dust the muscle cars down the highways. I can get into the 2.8 for around 7000.00 for motor and tranny minus installation. I can get into the subie for about 4800.00 minus installation.

What are the thoughts and opinions out there along with the pros and cons for each. All input would be greatly appreciated.



Donald

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[toon1]

more horse power. They felt they could create more efficient HP going water cooled.

Most of your reasoning behind your engine not being as trust worthy may be from it not being a fresh engine. If it is it and set up correctly it can withstand very high heat. Remember, 914s and 911s regularly beat water cooled cars in the 24 hour races. Now if you are pushing your engine to a higher compression or something like that it may be more unstable. However, a stock 914 or 911 engine is a very reliable engine and just as much as any water cooled engine.

Doens't efficiancy breed reliability?

My engine IS fresh! it has about 3k on it. I am running 1.7 with MS, crank trigger, 8.2:1 comp. and a 9550 cam. I have ifinite adjustability over timing and AFR's. With all that, there are still heat related issues. Not all the time. Most the time, they are fine. Most of my driving is on flat terrain. BUT, in those instances where I have to cross a Mtn. pass the temps. climb to an uncomfortable level(390*, 13.5:1 afr, 25* timing). There are no ways of getting around it, it's just what they do. In my WC car, it's not that way.

The fact that, seemingly MOST of the topics related to these engines is try to COOL them say's it all. Everybody here with a AC engines go through great lengths to make sure they stay cool. I would venture to say it's the #1 killer of the ac engine.

Keith