Porsche 914 - 101, I need the basics... please help Options

[Carlitos Way]

I'm thinking about adopting a 914. I have average mechanical ability. I think I have found a car I like, which finally does NOT seem like a rust bucket. But there are some concerns I have. THis is a 30 year-old car, after all. Not everything feels "just right" about the car. I would like to turn this into a nice "regular" driver, not just for weekends, not for every day driving. Just something to have fun in, but reliability is a factor/concern.

Now, here's the tough part. It seems the car will need the following adjustments/upgrades:

1. Tires... PO has some CHEAP tires... not even low profile, just 165 R 15's
2. Brakes. IT seems the breaks are rather spongy... and the car takes a while to brake. Since I'd like to run a couple of canyons for fun, brakes are an important part of the equation... what's the "right" way to do the brakes?
3. I hate the (steel) wheels in the car... want to put bigger (wider) tires... what's the max I can put in a "stock" wheel well... without having to massage the fenders?
4. Engine seems fairly GUTLESS. I know I will have to replace the engine at some time... perhaps sooner rather than later. However, I am not sure what's the best way to do this... I've read about conversions, upgrades, etc... from a Chevy to a bigger VW/Porsche engine... Is there a way to make a stock '75 (1.8, I believe) engine peform better without spending an arm and a leg? and if I should consider upgrading... shoud I go ahead and find a 2.0? if I stay with a 2.0, do I have to change the whole injection system as well, or is it a "bolt-on" from the 1.7?

I think these are my biggest concerns so far... if you have some light to shed, please feel free to do so!

Carlos

[bob91403]

Your looking at probably the least desireable model. Best is a '73 2.0. They came fully loaded. No smog equipment. Lighter bumpers. More HP. A '74 2.0 is an alternative. But, all the extras were optional. Sway bars and such. Most of the dealers ordered them fully loaded. You just have to check to see what's there. If you want a nice looking car, I saw one today posted in this boards classified $6500. It's in Oregon but it would be a great drive back. I've got a '73 2.0. A common upgrade is to go to a 19mm mastercylinder and SS brake lines. New rotors and pads are a good idea if they haven't been done in a while. Rims, good question. You can pick up a used set of Fuch or Pedrini alloys, or even some copies pretty reasonably. Tires, I went with a set of pirelli P400 185/65 I like them, reasonably priced. I had to put new shocks and springs in as well. If they are original they're 30 years old and should be replaced. All the buyers guides say to get the car with the original fuel injection. If it's been carbed it can be troublesome. My advise, wait for a better car, it will come around. Hope this is some help. Do a search fo "porsche 914" you'll find buyers guides and price ranges.