V-8 conversion, still can't shake temptation |
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V-8 conversion, still can't shake temptation |
chrisg |
Feb 23 2018, 09:52 PM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 63 Joined: 20-December 03 From: Paso Robles, CA Member No.: 1,455 Region Association: None |
Probably typical story, but I've had my 914 for quite some time now. I haven't driven my 914 for quite some time now do to the pipe dream of restoring/freshening it up, and then way too much other crap getting on the way. But I'm really trying to make this the year I start the endeavor.
I keep coming back to being tempted into doing a V-8 conversion even after twice as many times of talking myself into leaving it a type 4. Problem #1: I'm just not in love with the VW motor or the cost of having a stout one built. Problem #2: I've never come across a thread post where a V-8 conversion owner is disappointed in having done it. They seem to always come to the same consensus that it is a reasonably painless swap, reliable, and very enjoyable end result. Appeals: effortless torque, reliability, aural bliss (second only to an almighty -6), affordability My thinking is that since I'm going to go through the whole car anyway (with a much desired 5 lug conversion) doing it to accommodate a (mild) V-8 swap, shouldn't be going off the deep end. And, it would kind of kill two birds with one stone and allow me to have a retro Porsche that handles well and is still light weight and a V-8 all wrapped up in one. The point of this post? I'm still not convinced that it's not a "bull in a china shop". Does it retain the proper character of something you want to drive fast and have fun with on twisty back roads? Is the balance thrown off at all? Or should I just stop wasting my time going back and forth and commit to doing it? |
98101 |
Feb 24 2018, 10:22 PM
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#2
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Michael in Seattle Group: Members Posts: 373 Joined: 7-October 17 From: Seattle, WA Member No.: 21,495 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
Do all water-cooled engines eliminate the utility of the front trunk? For me the two trunks has always been a charming feature of the 914. Maybe I'd forget all that if I drove a converted one though.
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JRust |
Feb 24 2018, 10:37 PM
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#3
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 6,307 Joined: 10-January 03 From: Corvallis Oregon Member No.: 129 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
Do all water-cooled engines eliminate the utility of the front trunk? For me the two trunks has always been a charming feature of the 914. Maybe I'd forget all that if I drove a converted one though. Yes would be the answer. I have seen few radiator's done that still left a little space. Really not much to realistically use it. There is space behind my fans in my front trunk. If I use it I screw with my airflow. So small things are okay. Do something big & I'll have some heat issues. Air has to go somewhere. There have been plenty of radiator discussions. Bottom line is the front is the best spot for the radiator with the most flow. It believe it is possible to do it in a way that will work & still leave you your front trunk. Just not sure it is worth all the extra effort to try as it isn't a given. I had a Buick 215 v8 conversion & it is tough to beat the sound of a v8 with a 4 barrel carb. I would take my subaru conversion over my buick 215 every day & twice on sunday. I did get the chance to drive an ls1 conversion. An LS conversion with a Boxter trans I would be hard pressed to say no to. The power is insane but you can drive it as tame as you like & have no complaints. So in my opinion I love Subaru conversions. If I had to choose between an old SBC & a subaru conversion. I would take the subaru. If I had to choose between the subaru & an LS conversion with a BoxsterS tranny. I would take the LS (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) |
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