V8 owners and 3.2 owners!, Who has owned both? Or at least driven both? Options

[speed metal army]

I have an 8 in my car right now, looking at possibly doing a 3.2 six. I have a 3.2 in my Carerra and really enjoy it. The plan would be to use a regeared 901 with the 3.2,locked out 1st etc. Obviously this is a pricey undertaking, am I going to be disappointed power wise? The only complaint I really have with my 8cyl is the transaxle. Not geared ideally. But, putting a flat six in the car has always been a plan.The car is strictly my fun little hotrod, no track,no AX.
Opinions please! Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[speed metal army]

I've driven a V8, and own a street 3.2. I would go with the 3.2 10 out of 10 times for many reasons....
1st is that I have this odd belief that if you're going to modify the drivetrain, at least use stuff from the same manufacturer as the original. That's just me, don't argue me on this because that's just what I like and believe...

Beyond that, the V8 seemed almost like it had TOO MUCH power for the car. I never felt I could use it...every time I hit the gas, the wheels wanted to break loose...and this was a GT style, fully track prepped car. I felt it was more 'point and shoot' than 'handle like on rails'. The 3.2 seems to me the perfect amount of power for the chassis. Its quick, and extremely reliable and allows you to power through turns without feeling that the back end will step out too much. Huey, our street car, has a fully stock 901 trans in it and it works just fine...no lock out of 1st, just bone stock. 1st is actually very necessary for parking lots, pulling in driveways, onto trailers, etc. There is no need to modify the stock box at all.

The 3.2 is considered a very bulletproof engine. Huey sits all winter sometimes...and after months of sitting, I just reach in, turn the key and it starts right up...no muss, no fuss. Don't even need to get IN the car, just reach in through the window. And yes...the engine sounds perfect. Put a set of headers and sport mufflers on....there's nothing like that flat six sound.

Any ratio changes to the stock box?

I have owned and built both V-8 and 3.2 engines in the 914. I felt it was not necessary to convert either type to a 4-speed (eliminate first gear). There were times when I would not use low gear and there were times I would on both cars. It depended on what I was doing with the car.

The stock 901 handled the v-8 very easily and did not have to bad of mismatched gears. I was running 300-plus HP and 300-plus torque. I did not abuse the transmission so therefore I did not have any troubles.

The original transmission I used on the V-8 become the one I used when I did the 3.2 conversion. It held the 3.2 engine without any problems and again I did not eliminate first gear. This gearbox was replaced still running strong without any rebuild with Doc Evil's EvilWerks build. He used gears AFOXHflipped; 3.2 engines runs about 2700rpm at 70mph which is good for road fuel mileage and just enough for the spirited road driving. The flipped H is the best ratios for the 5th gear one can get. I am very happy with the Doc Evil EvilWorks build.

I have to agree with Mepstein about the V-8 and with his reasoning; the car handles like an old Corvette. To make it handle much better requires relocating the perches on all four corners, using aluminum heads and other methods to lighten the engine.

I had my V-8 version (done in the late '70s); put 300 miles on the chassis; and it then sat for 15 years. I eventually did a 3.2 conversion and have not looked back. The only bad thing was the rebuilding the car after it was stolen. Attitude does affect one's willingness to work on such a project in rebuilding and making it roadworthy again.

I am very happy with the 3.2 configuration and will never look at doing another car except 3.2 engine conversion. Makes the 914 suddenly competitive, road driving enjoyment and dependable.

I actually have a FOXH box being built for my V* setup. Its nice to hear that it may work well.
I think I read an old post of Andy's saying he uses a 901 and just starts in 2nd with a 3.6..Possible with a 3.2? Clutch frying?