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.

[cha914]

I bought a solid 914 that had started becoming a race car when the owner punched a hole in the case, so he sold the car to me: 1200, included a cage, 2.0 engine core with good heads and 44 webbers, decent tranny, solid longs, slightly rusty, bad paint.

After trying to rebuild the engine myself and not succeeding I sent the motor to Jake Raby ~ 4K for a 2056 w/ 130hp

Tranny rebuild ~1500

Suspension ~1500 koni sports , poly bushings, ball joints, adj perch kit etc...

Oil cooler ~400

race seat ~275

car came with decent brakes, that I inspected and put new ss lines, pads, fluid, replaced stock prop valve with an adj one ~ 150+

header for engine ~500

This is over a couple year period and I am just now about ready to hit the track with the car, after I get some new harnesses and a new helmet ~400+

I am sure I am forgeting alot, but thats 10K there with no body work, no paint, and no tires/wheels, and only the beginning of the racing equipment. All of which can be very expensive. If I do it again, I will be shoping for a car that already has the stuff I want on it and go from there. I have learned a ton, but these things get expensive fast...good luck.

Tony