buying car just for engine?, is this nuts? Options

[mightyohm]

I have noticed that there are usually a few 74-76 cars around that have 2 liter engines but are in pretty sad shape otherwise. Because of this they sell CHEAP. I am starting think about maybe picking one of these up just to steal the 2.0 and then sell off what is left. Who has done this and how did it work out?

The obvious risks I can see are:

1. If the rest of the car is in bad shape, the engine is probably in disrepair also.

2. A lot of times they are not running or not drivable and thus there is no way to test the engine health before buying.

3. In my understanding 73 2.0s are the best, 74s are almost as good with not as much vacuum advance (easily fixed), but 75-76 have smog ports to plug etc and will probably be in bad shape from being run hot all their lives.

3. Getting rid of a POS car with no engine probably sucks and takes forever. Even if I put my 1.7 into it to sell it I bet it will still be a PITA.

All I want is the 2.0, tin, fuel injection, and harness. Anything else useful is gravy.

[rhodyguy]

i was anticipating an engine build and found a total, the car was bent in half. the engine fired right up and sounded good. carbed, but there was a three ring binder of reciepts/ service (thru 3 owners). so i got a good runner with koni reds, progressives, 4 excellent fuchs, ss h.e.'s, sold a ton of parts, and the trans/ clutch went in with the engine. best 914 deal i've ever done. oh, got the car for a song too. it was sitting in the guys folks driveway. mom and dad drove up while we were haggling. "that car better be out of the driveway today!". it had been sitting there for 6 months, tarped. thanks mom (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

kevin