advice on 914 restoration Options

[JayKoit]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum, but I'm a long time Porsche enthusiast, and I'm looking for some advice.

I'd like to purchase and restore an old Porsche 914, or possibly a 912. I did a '73 Super Beetle restoration about 12 years ago and loved it, and I'm hoping some of what I learned in that process will translate over to a 914/912 restoration, at least in the powertrain dept. Not sure if anyone on this forum has 912 restoration experience, but my main question is: if i'm on a budget, and my only experience is restoring a beetle, which one would be a better fit for my wallet & experience level, or are they about the same? Also, is there a notable difference in insurance premiums between the two? Finally, if I find a good, mostly rust free roller without engine or tranny, what would a ground up restoration cost on a 914 if I just went with standard engine, tranny, suspension, etc?I love both models equally, just wondering if anyone would be willing to give me feedback on this. Thanks!

[Tom_T]

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Well being that this is a 914 website, you might expect a slight slant towards 914s as the preference! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

IMHO the 914 will always out handle the 912/912E due to the superior mid-engine layout & better weight balance (close to 50:50). (14-6's are the top dog to collectors but pricey, 73 & 74 2.0 4's are the 2nd best (& the 74 LE/CanAm's are among them), with the 75 & 76 2.0 4's next most popular - the 2.0's for the better power, but a strong 70-72 1.7 is close in power to the later 75-76 2.0's.

However, in CA you'll want to stick with the pre-76 914's to avoid semi-annual smog checks & the expense of keeping them in compliance, since 75 & earlier are smog exempt with DMV (same for all autos).

Find the best & most complete & most rust-free example you can find to start with, then the sources on here & those that members can lead you to will provide what you'll need for the resto project.

Also, think of going to Medford OR for a 914 long weekend at the end of June (see topic in the Garage forum), and the G&R 914 parts swap & BBQ this Oct.+/- (last one was 5/1 :-( ), etc. to get to know folks on here better in person.

There is some good info on 914s in the link at the top: 914 info - as well as at the following sites:
http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/
http://www.bowlsby.net/914/CanAm/
p914.com

So (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif) & read up, then onward with your quest! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)
Tom
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