Engine upgrade options Options

[patssle]

I might be interesting in taking out the engine of my car and swapping with something better sometime down the road in the future. Currently it's an old VW bus motor, no horsepower, some ok torque in 1st and 2nd, but nothing after that.

I did some searching, and came across a few threads - but are there any good previous threads or articles out there that touch on each engine option available to upgrade to in the 914? Cost, benefits, pros/cons, etc. I know there was a poll once asking which upgrade to do - but could not find it.

Thanks!

[patssle]

Good stuff. What does the 3.2 Porsche engine weigh? Also, do you have to change transmissions with the 3.2, or can it handle that power?

[pcar916]

Good stuff. What does the 3.2 Porsche engine weigh? Also, do you have to change transmissions with the 3.2, or can it handle that power?

I've run a 3.6L 993 motor in my 914 since 1999 and still use the 914 transmission, although with shorter gears. If I raced it a lot it would need more PM. But if you are smooth and respect the machine, that transmission will last a very long time. That said...

A while back, I let a long-time friend drive my car. After he watched me do it for about 30 minutes (with instruction) I figured he would be kind to the car. Later in the day I arranged with another friend to let him drive her 993, a car he was considering for himself (not that one).

He had a good time but never understood smooth. I truly think he wanted to, and thought he was at first, but... dang. He has owned British sports cars in the past, so at the minimum I expected decent lines. But he was very busy shifting too much.

I finally had to relieve him of the con before he trashed my transmission. He couldn't understand light throttle and (relatively) synchronized shifts. Even if I factor in EXCITEMENT!!!!! and NERVOUS!!! it was too much. He'd never had that much power to modulate.

I have two 915 transmissions and have never had to put one in because the 914 transmission just won't break! It's almost disappointing! I'll get over it.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[patssle]

I've run a 3.6L 993 motor in my 914 since 1999 and still use the 914 transmission, although with shorter gears. If I raced it a lot it would need more PM. But if you are smooth and respect the machine, that transmission will last a very long time. That said...

I have two 915 transmissions and have never had to put one in because the 914 transmission just won't break! It's almost disappointing! I'll get over it.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

You know, that makes the 3.2 option a lot more temping. Same transmission, don't have to tear the car up for water cooling. Engine cost will up there though, but that's a lot of HP for the money.

Though, I did read it might need oil cooling?

[VaccaRabite]

You know, that makes the 3.2 option a lot more temping. Same transmission, don't have to tear the car up for water cooling. Engine cost will up there though, but that's a lot of HP for the money.

Though, I did read it might need oil cooling?

You may not have to cut the car up for water cooling, but you will need to cut it up for oil cooling. and the cutting up is exactly the same.

I wanted a 6 to go in my car, but the cost for a good one was too much, and the rebuild too complicated for a total novice (me). A 6 in these cars (at least a 2.7 and up) can be scary fast in a 914. You will need to get bigger brakes and better suspension and tires.

The 2056 I built for my car was a 1.7 bus engine to start with. It is a great three gear motor, with 4th and 5th for cruising. At 120hp, you still won't win drag races. most minivans will be able to beat you, but you will be amazed with what the car feels like - pedal down for all of second and third gear. And then the corners.... After spending a weekend driving my 914 around, I nearly ran my Subaru off the road not thinking and hitting an on ramp at 914 cornering speed.

If you have never built a motor before, stay with a TIV. Its a great motor to learn on. That said, I built mine twice before I got it right (I learned about bearing clearances the expensive way - had very little oil pressure which led to an immediate tear down and rebuild). But I'm a stressed out idiot, so there is that too. Once you have clearences set, the engine goes together very easy and is bullet proof enough that even I could build one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Zach