I've been thinking..., which usually leads to trouble Options

[mike_the_man]

So, last night I couldn't sleep. As I layed awake, naturally I started thinking about my 914. Converting to a six has been something I've always wanted to try, but the cost has always scared me away. From everything I've read, the oil tank seems to be one of the big $$$ items. So, I got to thinking...

My friend is building a Lotus Europa, with a Cosworth engine. He's using a oil tank that he was able to get very cheap, it's fairly small in size, and hold around 6Ls I think. It won't fit in the fender, and it's pretty much a box shape.

Now, what if you were to relocate the battery to the front trunk, and put this oil tank in the battery location? It's not a whole lot bigger than a battery, so I think it would likely fit. Any thoughts?

I'll try and post some pictures of the oil tank today, just to give y'all an idea of what I'm thinking. I don't like to cut corners, but it seems like this could be a way to save considerable money.

[michel richard]

The biggest expense of a conversion is, by far, the engine. The difference in the cost of a stock tank (or like-stock tank) and something else is not very big.

If you're going to try and save cash, do it
1) on the motor mount - you can fabricate your own,
2) the tin - you can make your own re-using part of the /4 stuff,
3) the oil lines - find old 911 lines, save the fittings, buy generic hydraulic hose.
Not the tank - it's a neat location, it's tall, it works
Not the engine - that would defeat the purpose.

Michel Richard

p.s get a short stroke engine and rev it up !