Engine/Suspension/Brake Selection for Restoration Options

[Marks356]

Hi all,

I'm dusting off a car I've been sitting on for a while. Actually been in the family, sitting, for 44 years. It's a '72 1.7 liter with the appearance group (Willow Green with a brown leatherette interior) that came off the road in '76 due to an engine fire.

This will be my first restoration. I'd like to go with a 70's 911 motor/transmission. Past that, I'm not sure what to do with brakes, suspension, chassis stiffening.

I'm hoping to find out what the "hot" setup is these days that most guys are going with.

Just for reference, the car is in decent shape, never been hit. Interior is perfect (I want to leave it like it is), but the body is in serious need of paint and there are no some quarter sized rust holes in a couple of spots from its age. Doors open and close fine.

I don't want to get too radical with changes; I'd like to keep it all 70's Porsche stuff that goes into it. Also, I'm thinking of doing the steel GT fender flares with something like 7" & 9" Fuchs.

One last thing. I should share what I intend to do with the car when it's done... road/autocross/drivers-ed at Road America. Maybe show it at events where there's no serious judging. It's not going to be a race car and it's not going to be a national PCA concourse candidate.


Thanks,
Mark

[Toby]

Hi Mark,

I would like to be in the position of using a 914 to re-power but the newer beetle is readily available for my "914 inspired" project. I'm naming it "bug out".

I went with the Pontiac 3800 V6 and transmission from a front wheel drive. Position is perfect with the engine just in front of the tranny (like my long lost 914's).

I found an SSEi with supercharger, so power should be abundant.

I plan on using all Pontiac Bonneville wheel hubs and front brakes, so the donor gives up much more than just engine and tranny. Running gear will be nearly standard GM, just in different positions. Heavy brakes from the front of the GM all around

I doubt that something so radical is what you mean, but the reliability of a GM 3800 V6 and ready to go tranny,....well... gives you something to think about.