Big Type IV or Suby Swap - Opinions Please Options

[Jengah]

I've been lurking for a few months here and could use some help/opinions. I've decided my next project will be a 914 with a extra HP, but can't decide on my route. This would just be a weekend car for twisty roads and occasional track days. I'd like it to be functional so I can still take my wife around in it.

I've had a 914 before (back in H.S.) so I know the car and have shadetree mechanic skills that have helped me maintain/DE my previous fun cars (e30M3, e36M3) so I plan on doing all of the work myself. That being said, I don'nt want to make this unneccesarily challenging (some of you guys are way more patient, skilled, and braver than I am). If I go with a Suby motor, I'll do the NA route. I'm considering either an EJ25 or EZ30.

So, the Suby engine is most likely going to have more reliability/last long the higher we get up in HP. It also seems to be the less expensive route. However, it is definitly the slower and more complicated route.

Does anyone with experience having tried both engines have opinions and advice on which is better or what the pro/cons are?

[914forme]

I have had all flavors except a V8.

Large Type - 4 I hade a 2.8L unit for a very short while, never again.

Subaru EZ30 use the Microsquirt for the EFI. Go with a Subaru MT5, and build the mount using the basics from the Small Car Specialties mount, it is built to convert Vanagons. And the standard 4 cal. mounts up front. Trans hanger will have to be fabricated.

Exhaust will need to be fabricated.

Shifting is via Zero Decible motorsports and a pick and pull sorted shifter

Hydraulic clutch can be done via a simple brake Kent made or another supplier here on the forum.

Cooling system, Renegade Hybrids has a proven kit $$$$, or lots here used the Celica GTS rad off Ebay. New untested RAD option is from a Renault Alpine, only a couple of use looking at using that RAD, I have one at my shipping center, need to bring it home and see how well it works.

Axles and Transaxles , I like Subaru Gears stuff, then you just have a bolt in option. Others used dutchman and Subaru trans CV and 914 outers.

If you want to just get the mechanicals sorted out, then their is always Renegade Hybrids.

Brakes, suspension, wheels, are still Porsche 914 / 911 / 944 / Boxster / 996 / 908 / Ferrari 308 / Alfa GTV, etc.... Some even use them calipers from a 3 series BMW.

A turbo Subaru from a WRX is not much more complicated of a swap. And you could use the Megasquirt PNP if you want.

Get a donor car if you can from CoParts.com is a great place to find the oh so special wrecked vehicle your looking for. Rear End damage would be the best for your donor.

Have fun, start a build thread as it keeps me from actually working on mine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[Jengah]

I have had all flavors except a V8.

Large Type - 4 I hade a 2.8L unit for a very short while, never again.

Subaru EZ30 use the Microsquirt for the EFI. Go with a Subaru MT5, and build the mount using the basics from the Small Car Specialties mount, it is built to convert Vanagons. And the standard 4 cal. mounts up front. Trans hanger will have to be fabricated.

Exhaust will need to be fabricated.

Shifting is via Zero Decible motorsports and a pick and pull sorted shifter

Hydraulic clutch can be done via a simple brake Kent made or another supplier here on the forum.

Cooling system, Renegade Hybrids has a proven kit $$$$, or lots here used the Celica GTS rad off Ebay. New untested RAD option is from a Renault Alpine, only a couple of use looking at using that RAD, I have one at my shipping center, need to bring it home and see how well it works.

Axles and Transaxles , I like Subaru Gears stuff, then you just have a bolt in option. Others used dutchman and Subaru trans CV and 914 outers.

If you want to just get the mechanicals sorted out, then their is always Renegade Hybrids.

Brakes, suspension, wheels, are still Porsche 914 / 911 / 944 / Boxster / 996 / 908 / Ferrari 308 / Alfa GTV, etc.... Some even use them calipers from a 3 series BMW.

A turbo Subaru from a WRX is not much more complicated of a swap. And you could use the Megasquirt PNP if you want.

Get a donor car if you can from CoParts.com is a great place to find the oh so special wrecked vehicle your looking for. Rear End damage would be the best for your donor.

Have fun, start a build thread as it keeps me from actually working on mine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

Thanks Stephen. This is a wealth of iniformation. What did you mean by "get the mechanicals sorted out"?