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.

[mepstein]

A pair of BUB's actually weigh 80lbs total, including brackets. Early bumpers weigh 25lbs for the pair.

[Tom_T]

A pair of BUB's actually weigh 80lbs total, including brackets. Early bumpers weigh 25lbs for the pair.

Does that include the 4 shocks, mounts & any other hardware & unibody strengthening Mark?

I've heard others throw around +/-200 lbs. heavier all in on here before for the BUBS.

IIRC to total weight of the new 76 2.0 which I test drove before buying my 73 2L, was about 200 lbs. more than the "book curb weight" for the 73, but that undoubtedly would've also included additional weight for the Cat converter & all the plumbing & sensors, etc. as required on the CA 76 GC 2.0L's.

I know that is was no contest performance-wise between that new 76 2.0 vs. the 73 2.0 which I did end up buying - despite the monthly payment being the same for the beautiful new 76 Ancona Blue over White 914!

I'd actually first contacted the seller on my 73 in Nov. 75, but delayed so I could drive the 76 in a blue which I really liked more, & to check out financing between the 2 new 100% 60 month vs. 36 month 80% with 20% down pmt. - ergo my actual date for purchase wasn't until Dec. 75.

So I know first hand the difference, but they're ALL great & fun little cars in truth!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[mepstein]

A pair of BUB's actually weigh 80lbs total, including brackets. Early bumpers weigh 25lbs for the pair.

Does that include the 4 shocks, mounts & any other hardware & unibody strengthening Mark?

I've heard others throw around +/-200 lbs. heavier all in on here before for the BUBS.

IIRC to total weight of the new 76 2.0 which I test drove before buying my 73 2L, was about 200 lbs. more than the "book curb weight" for the 73, but that undoubtedly would've also included additional weight for the Cat converter & all the plumbing & sensors, etc. as required on the CA 76 GC 2.0L's.

I know that is was no contest performance-wise between that new 76 2.0 vs. the 73 2.0 which I did end up buying - despite the monthly payment being the same for the beautiful new 76 Ancona Blue over White 914!

I'd actually first contacted the seller on my 73 in Nov. 75, but delayed so I could drive the 76 in a blue which I really liked more, & to check out financing between the 2 new 100% 60 month vs. 36 month 80% with 20% down pmt. - ergo my actual date for purchase wasn't until Dec. 75.

So I know first hand the difference, but they're ALL great & fun little cars in truth!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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Yes, total for the bumpers. I did not cut any sheetmetal from the car to weigh independently so add a pound or two.

[Tom_T]

Yes, total for the bumpers. I did not cut any sheetmetal from the car to weigh independently so add a pound or two.

But Mark, did also you weigh the 4 bumper shocks behind the bumper & their mounting hardware too - along with the bumpers & covers?

That was what I meant - not meaning that you had to cut & weigh the sheet metal.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[mepstein]

Yes, total for the bumpers. I did not cut any sheetmetal from the car to weigh independently so add a pound or two.

But Mark, did also you weigh the 4 bumper shocks behind the bumper & their mounting hardware too - along with the bumpers & covers?

That was what I meant - not meaning that you had to cut & weigh the sheet metal.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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yes.
The bumper shocks are a couple pounds each.
Granted, the 55lb differential from an early car is about 2 1/2% and not insignificant on our cars.