Thoughts on small block V8 to Subaru or other., Driving impressions Options

[matthepcat]

Hello to all you engine conversion folks!


I am starting to plan out the next phase of life for my small block V8 75' 914.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/img695.imageshack.us-11125-1302109310.1.jpg)
As much as I enjoy driving the raw torque monster 355 small block, I am starting to crave the drive-ability & performance of a modern power train. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

I am looking to get peoples impressions, who moved from the small block to a subaru engine, or other. (I know there may not be alot of you out there).

Specifically I am interested in how your driving experience has changed, and any thoughts on what you would have done differently.

A modern aluminum V8 with possibly an Audi trans is still a possibility, but I am liking the idea of a lighter platform.


Thanx ahead of time for your thoughts!

Cheers, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

Matt

[rohar]

I was thinking about this thread as I was putting my trailing arms back together and realised how many engine combinations I've put in 914s. Realize, most of these were years ago so I'd be hard pressed to find digital pics. In order:

First was a standard 1.8 4cyl NA out of a golf GTI w/ a kennedy adapter and CIS. Drove like a slight upgrade over a stock engine. Dead dependable though, and cheep. Darned things are in every pick 'n pull in the world.

Second was a VW 1.8 bored and stroked to 2.0 with a VMS bottom end. The head was worked hard with all kinds of Oettinger goodies. 180hp on CIS. That woke the car up, but driveability suffered. No matter what I did, it seemed to have a throttle like a chain saw.

Third was a 1.8 8v turbo on CIS with audi 5000 pistons/rods and a 1.7 crank. Used the previous head with a more stockish cam. Much smoother than the VMS block. Cheep too, probably had all of $600 into that engine. 200hp the easy way.

Fourth was the same engine w/ a G-60 supercharger again, on CIS. That was probably the sweet spot for VW 4s in teeners. Pushed it to about 200hp and without the silencer, it sounded like a damned UFO. Smooth power band from the bottom to the top.

Fifth was an ABA block from the newer 2.0 8v engines w/ a 16v head and a big assed turbo. Google ABA 16v for similar setups. Switched to megasquirt. 300hp out of 4 little jugs. The engine was awesome, but it got a bit much. As usual, too much of a good thing finally happened and the chassis was destroyed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I bought a new chassis about a year ago, and I'm back in the fight. My biggest gripe with everything I've done so far was the transmission. No matter what you do to the stock transmission, it's not even in the same league as newer trannies.

I've decided to move to the audi platform engines and trannies. The biggest problem is comming up with a half shaft solution, but I've got that worked out and it was about the same price as a bell housing adapter from kenedy.

The nice thing about the newer Audi transmissions is they bolt up to almost anything VW and Audi made in the past few decades. Everything from the old 8v GTI engine to a brand spanking new Audi V8. The exception is the VR6.

I'm starting with a 12v V6 lump. Life finally settled down over here so I have time to play with the car again. I'm thinking a build thread will start shortly.