Some more Q's (Updates), Backfires and spitting through carb on 1 side Options

[Moneypit]

Okay, so I've sat down and started trying to plan where I want to go with the 914. I've got a few dillemas and questions, and could use some advice, criticism, whatever floats your boat.

Firstly, motor is a 2.0 rebuilt with slightly higher compression than stock, and has a cam set up for carburetors (I have the details from Dan around here somewhere). In the pre-Ethanol days, this would not have bothered me one bit. However, I feel like the Webers in the past were always a PITA, between throttle linkage, synchronizing, stuff like floats, jets, needles, etc. Now that Ethanol is being pushed more and more, I'm hearing these issues that it can eat away at older rubber lines and other materials, break down if it sits too long, cause rust in fuel tanks, the list goes on. So my first dilemma then is to keep the carbs, or ditch? Can I "ethanol proof" the Webers, ie replace any rubber with newer materials, brass? What about the floats themselves? I Really, Really loved the sound of the carbs, but I am wondering whether there is a better solution? Stock FI bits are long gone btw.

Following onto the question of keeping/ditching the carbs, lets say I did ditch them, would Megasquirt or something work well with the cam? If I understand correctly a carb-specced cam would have a longer duration than the stock FI cam. I'm wondering if Megasquirt or another standalone FI can take advantage of that?

Secondly, I have the Empi 8-spoke style wheels, which I really dig. How strong are these? I can try and get some pics of them at some point to verify brand and everything if needed, but I'd heard in the past the "Riviera" wheels on my old 1.8 weren't very strong, and weren't recommended for autocross or heavy turning loads. I don't plan to autocross, however I do like to drive somewhat aggressively at times, and do want to try and do a track day at COTA sometime. Are the Empi's fine for that, or is there another similar looking alternative that's stronger?

Third, I'm also hung up on paint. The car is white right now, with an attempted creamsicle LE style job on the rockers and doors. Bumpers are chrome, front valance is stock but beat up. At one point I tried to mock up some paint schemes, but with the body being white and me not being willing to strip the car completely down for painting, I am thinking that she's going to have to stay white. I like the 2-tone LM style paint, but I don't want to make a "fake" LM car. What other color combos might look good with white, but leaving the wheels white? The wheels are already white but I figured I'd strip them down and refinish them. Not sure I want the wheels to be trim color. At one point I thought of a blue, that would be somewhat unique. Also wouldn't go with the Porsche lettering in proper NARP fashion. Just 914 badging where appropriate.

Last (for now), I plan to delete the center console, but I want to retain the gauges as in the heat down here I want to be able to keep a good eye on all the vitals. Are there some good sources for mounting some engine gauges under the dash, that will still have a 60's/70's Porsche racing look? In the interior I kind of wanted to go classic Porsche racing theme, with the bare Rennshift, maybe redo the doors "RS" style with simple door pulls/latches, pull the heat/AC controls since I have no Heat Exchangers, etc. Might try a stealth or retro-look modern stereo for the longer trips. Any reccomendations for 904 style or similar gauges? Maybe a 917 style shift ball for the Rennshift?

[dcecc1968]

Good questions. Looking forward to seeing responses. Below is the link to the 914 visualizer to help you decide on a paint scheme.

http://www.eggscollective.org/914visualize...visualizer.html

-Don

[Moneypit]

Good questions. Looking forward to seeing responses. Below is the link to the 914 visualizer to help you decide on a paint scheme.

http://www.eggscollective.org/914visualize...visualizer.html

-Don

Started fiddling with that yesterday! I've got some ideas, but being stuck with white for the body kind of limits my options. The tool doesn't have the Empi wheels, but at least using the Mahle's gives an idea of contrast between body colored wheels and trim colored wheels. If I did Adriatic Blue trim ala LE style and chrome bumpers, with no PORSCHE negatives, it gives a neat accent without being in-your-face. I think Adriatic Blue wheels might be a bit much, but if I do fiberglass bumpers or refinish my chrome ones I might try out blue bumpers to see how it looks. Also might re-do the existing vinyl with one of the many nice kits.

Back to the carburetors, anyone else have input regarding the Mallory Unilite that Raby, Tangerine, and others are selling? I was under the impression they come pre-dialed for a 914 motor with carbs and have the ideal amount of mechanical advance. I'm not certain which dizzy we have now but I've been considering doing the Mallory for a while, especially if I am sticking with carbs. There are no vacuum lines currently going from carbs to dizzy by the way.

So, here's my short list of stuff for the motor/carbs (immediate functional, appearance can come later) :
* Replace rubber lines in engine bay (Tangerine?)
* Replace center tunnel lines (Tangerine?)
* Pull gas tank, verify any leaks/rust, recondition or replace if needed
* Rebuild carbs, replace seals where possible with ethanol-proof materials (Weber/Redline)
* Identify current fuel pump/regulator, verify it's GTG. Replace if necessary.
* Replace all fuel filters
* Upgrade to Mallory Unilite, correct plug wires, coil
** External Oil cooler? (would need to get oil/head temp gauges working and see if car needs it in Texas summer)

Wish list:
* Tangerine horizontal fan (Because reasons (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif) , just wish there was a retro Porsche fiberglass shroud available)
* Triad muffler & valence cut