/6 conversion questions Options

[chuck@chezcox.net]

Hi everybody - long-time listener, first-time caller (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I have a 72 914/4 that I’ve been daydreaming about converting to a /6 for many years. I might finally be in a position to get started on that soon.

I’ve done a lot of reading on how people typically go about this, and I have a couple of lingering questions:

1) Are there certain years of 911 whose front suspension parts bolt up nicely to a 914 chassis in order to get 5-lug wheels and better brakes on the front?

2) Where does one find a suitable engine and the necessary electronics/wiring to go with it?

3) What’s the most recent engine/transmission that goes in pretty easily? I’m not necessarily looking for more power, but I want something that will be very reliable and will last a good while. Starting with something that’s already 40 years old doesn’t seem like the way to go. However, I would imagine the newer you get, the more complicated the electronics get, and at some point you need lots of other components to be present in order to get the engine to start/run.

The 84-89 3.2s came with the G50 trans, which I’ve read cannot be flipped for mid-engine mounting. It can be installed upside-down, but that doesn’t sound like it works too well. Not sure if a 3.2 will mate up to a 901 or 915 trans nicely.

89-94 3.6s came with the G50 also, so same issues there.

I’m not sure what trans was used in the 94-98 models and whether or not it can be flipped easily, but it seems like your getting pretty computer-fixed by then and the electronics might be pretty hard to sort out.

And of course 98+ are water cooled, which is a whole different can of worms.

So I guess I need to ask, how reliable are the 3.0SC motors and the K-Jet fuel injection, and are there a decent number of good ones still around that aren’t already beat to hell?

Thanks guys,
Chuck

[Montreal914]

I am extremely slowly in this process of doing this as part of my restoration... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

The car purchase idea seems like the best way to get a driving 914-6. If for sentimental reasons (like me) you go through the hassle of doing it on your own car, finding an abandonned project will definitely put you ahead on the parts list.

You mentionned having read on the topic, I suggest you read just about any build thread (mostly 914-6 GT) and find a wealth of information on what and how people have done it.

People have successfully been using 901 gearbox on larger engines (even 3.6) but gentleness will be required. My engine will be a stock 3.2 and I am still on the fence as to which one to use 901 or 915. It all relates to the budget. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Then there is the driveshaft/CV question that gets thrown in the mix. Brake upgrade too, etc...

You will have to consider external oil cooling probably starting at 2.7 (or less). Different ways of tackling this but should be part of the whole conversion thought process. Front mounted is desired, wich means some body alterations and trunk reorganization.

Conversion parts are available from various vendors, Ben being great!

As for 5 lug conversion, here and excellent read that will help you.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=105728

Good luck with your project! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) Fun journey! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)