I think I am the first, Putting on my Nomex suit Options

[914-d]

Ok, here goes.
I have been a member here since last June. Have always loved 914's since they first came out, but do you realize how much money 3500 bucks was back then...
Well, after many (and I do mean many) cars in my life, I have come close to full circle and have my first 914.
Now here is where things get different. I am doing a swap...an engine swap. I know that is kind of rare in the 914 community (TIC) but I am doing things a little (lot) different.
My friends are aware of what I am doing, and some of them don't agree. I am on another forum and have a lot of support. I have done several swaps on other platforms, and consider my self a bit of a purist and feel ther should be some congruity in the project.
I have a bit of an issue, with american v8 conversions... but to each his own.
Subie, I can see it, after all, where did they get their design/ concept from.
Wankel....ok it is a german design....but.
Audi motor trans I can get behind. (found a 914 for sale with an audi auto trans for sale...not for me).
I have always considered the 914 as much or more a VW than a Porsche. Depending on your particular bend, I guess you can go either way.
As I stated I am a bit of a purist.
I will be using the entire drivetrain from a 1999 new beatle...TDI...in the rear, and transverse.
I will be keeping it all German, All VAG. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif)


I haven't found anyone else with a diesel 914, maybe this will be a first

[Dave_Darling]

No Nomex required--but it will be a lot easier, and require less chopping of the car, if you mount the engine longitudinally. If you go with the transverse mount, you stand a good chance of having to cut out much of the rear trunk to make room for the engine. That will also shift the weight of the car rear-ward, making for a less-optimal weight distribution and working against one of the car's inherent good traits.

If you go longitudinal, you might be able to use the 914's transaxle, which will make life much simpler in that area. Or you can use the Passat transaxle, which is FWD longitudinal. Either will put the engine back into the engine bay, where there is more room, and will move the weight forward to the middle of the car, which is where it belongs. And is one of the base car's strong points.

Not chopping up the rear trunk is also good because a radiator will chop up the front trunk, and you will lose lots of the storage space up front no matter what. If you lose some or all of the rear storage, then you're left with basically none..

I've thought several times over the years that a TDI would be a neat powerplant for a 914. It's best if coupled with gearing meant for it, because TDIs love tall gearing. But you can get torque levels anywhere from decent to completely obscene from those motors, and if you are light on the loud pedal you can get really good fuel economy from them. You could probably go 800 miles on a tank if you worked at it--or maybe more!!

--DD