Looking at a '70 model - talk me into / out of it? Options

[Mike McGrath]

I'm thinking of trading over my BMW 2002 for a 1970 914. Very little rust, nothing in the bad areas. Needs the seats recovered and some other minor repairs, but mechanically it's all there.

Here's my Q = with the 1.7, am I immediately going to end up looking for a replacement engine? I'm not planning to go bigger, necessarily, but I am nervous about stuff breaking and having a lack of decent repair parts. Would it be better to hold out for a later year model with a 2.0 and the better shifter?

I'm trading one project for another, so I suppose I'm not really out any money (besides whatever I decide to put into the 914) and this will likely be more of a project and fun ride rather than a daily driver.

Excited to be getting my second P-car!

Thanks!

[rhcb914]

Go for it!

I have a 70 and love it! When I was in the market for a 914 there were those that said hold out for that 73 or 74 2.0L and others that said find the most solid car you can with in your budget. I ended up doing the later and am very happy. I will admit that the first thing I did was convert to a side shifter. I drove around with the tail shifter for a year and even with new bushings it was like stirring a pot of jello.

Just remember you can always drop in a 2.0L and update other parts later if you feel the need. I say start with a solid car no matter what year and go from there.

Oh, and early cars are lighter.