What is everyone's feelings on engine conversions? Options

[sjhenry1075]

My father gave me his 71 a few years ago that he purchased after returning from a tour in Vietnam. He drove it for about 5 years, put 56,000 miles on it then put it in a garage where it stayed until a few years ago.

My original plan was to build an engine to replace the 1.7 that is currently in the car. Recently I was having a conversation with a friend who told me he had a Ford straight six that I should put in the car. My question to everyone is, how do you feel about converting to a v-8, or any other "non-vw" engine? Does it make it less of a 914? No offense to those who have converted, I'd love your viewpoints as well.

[Elliot Cannon]

Go with anything but the Subaru. A Japanese engine in a German automobile like the Porsche 914 begins to disturb the balance in the universe. You will be afflicted with the "Subi curse". Strange things will begin to happen to you. You will be shunned by the "purists". Many Porsche owners will not want to speak to you and say things about you that are not very complimentary.


On the other hand, a modern engine that runs great and goes like "stink" can be fun. You know... if you like that kind of thing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[worn]

Go with anything but the Subaru. A Japanese engine in a German automobile like the Porsche 914 begins to disturb the balance in the universe. You will be afflicted with the "Subi curse". Strange things will begin to happen to you. You will be shunned by the "purists". Many Porsche owners will not want to speak to you and say things about you that are not very complimentary.


On the other hand, a modern engine that runs great and goes like "stink" can be fun. You know... if you like that kind of thing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

As often, your unwillingness to say anything that could possibly hurt someone's feelings obscures your true opinion Elliot.

Personally I like the six conversions but if you go water cooled the boxer Suby seems like a good idea. You know the new cars are reliable, but people forget that cars from the 70s were also considered reliable: people drove across country with them without a qualm. They are older now, but can be put back into fettle. So the original should be fun. Also I believe that the 1971 1.7 was more powerful than later versions.