914 V8 Conversion Companies Options

[germaneighter]

I nearly completed a '73 V8 conversion about three years ago but had to sell. I never really got it out of my system and now am thinking of doing another. I am planning a street, auto cross, DE car. I like the 283 with alum heads but I see more and more conversions with later engines so I am still investigating what I will use.

Who are the current conversion companies?

Kennedy is still around I think. I know Rod Simpson still advertises. Is Renegade still in business? Is Desert Hybrids affiliated with Renegade? how about Red Dawg? Jade Car?

My earlier experience was that Kennedy had it all together with their equipment. Quality was top notch and they knew their stuff. But they didn't offer a complete conversion. Renegade had some nice parts, water pump, alt and engine mount, radiator, but their front of the engine water pump plates and thermostat housing looked like they were cast in someones garage and they were not willing to take them back and refund my money. The quality of Simpson's stuff was excellent but I did not like a cast adaptor plate. His attention to detail was very good.

I would like to hear opinions on who offers the best. My last car was mostly Kennedy with an aluminum Renegade radiator, water pump, and mounts The engine mount and water connections were Simpson. (I kind of chose what I considered the best of each componant.)

Looking forward to hearing your opinions....

dave

'74 Delphi Green 2.0
(purchased from phantom914 here on the club)