Cost to build AutoX and DE 914 Options

[BruceWard]

Hi, I currently have a 968 Cab which I love but I would like to have a 914 for Autocross and DE events. There is a 914 boneyard with about 20 parts cars and a few extremely knowledgable 914 guys in my local PCA.

I am new to the 914 world and am hoping for advice and reality checks on my assumptions.

I would like to buy a 914 with or without engine and interior that has as little rust as possible with the plans of dissassembling, installing wheel flares, sealing and repainting the body. Then rebuilding a type IV engine to be fitted, installing new suspension, brakes, roll cage, seats, harnesses, wheels and tires.

Eventually I may want to go with a more powerful motor, but to begin with I think something in the 100 - 120 HP range would be good to allow seat time to learn how to drive before looking for more power.

I think the plan would look something like this

Stage 1, locate 914 body, flares and cage. Media blast all old paint, rust, etc and have bottom sealed and top painted.

Stage 2, purchase and install suspension, brakes and wheels to have a rolling chassey.

Stage 3, rebuild engine (perhaps transmission) and install.

Stage 4, Install racing seats and harnesses to complete operating car.

Stage 5, connect guages, lights and other accessories.

I am not sure if I intend to register this car and have it street legal or for it to be a trailered track only vehicle. My wife will be very interested in driving it as well.

I would like to keep the vehicle as light as is cost effective.

What do you guys think each of the stages or the whole project should cost? I plan to do most of the labour myself.

I would really appreciate your comments, feedback and guidance.

[campbellcj]

I realize this echoes many of the above posts, but my first 914 experience was pretty much the "textbook case" they are talking. Bought a very solid and complete, but somewhat "neglected", SoCal 73 2.0 for $2700. Over next two years spent somewhere between 12-15K more on maintenance, restoration (incl fairly high-end paint job) and autox/TT prep. Sold car for ~half of total outlay.

Of course, like most of us, that didn't teach me a lesson so I did about the same thing with an early 911 and am now into a 914-6 conversion track car project. Financial genius I ain't. (OK I do have an economics degree but look what good that has done?)

I am not implying that I regret any of this -- I absolutely don't. I accept this addiction for what it is: a fairly expensive (and sometimes dangerous) hobby and recreational activity. This is not a business or investment for me.

If you are determined to build your own, which we all agree is fun and rewarding, then go for it. I would not skimp on the initial car purchase as buying a rustbucket or incomplete car will cost you big time later. But if you can start with a solid tub and do almost all the work yourself, I bet you could come in at maybe $10k for a very fun and nice looking car. Of course that would be more of a street/autox/DE car. A serious TT or club race car will need a great deal more safety equipment and performance mods, which rack up the $$ very quickly.

I think Milt (Zeke) is probably one of us who came closest to the kind of 100% DIY project you are talking about. His experiences with that project might be enlightening.