Conversion Question, Motor Size Options

[mepstein]

I'm pretty sure you are going with a P6 but FWIW a Suby 6 conversion will run you 4-7K w/ factory ECU depending on your skill sets. 4K is possible but unrealistic. 7K if you outsource most materials and are in a hurry. I haven't seen any numbers here for P6 total conversion costs yet! Just engine costs.
Now a word for the wise. Don't accept any rides in any 6 unless you have a pocket full of cash and a solid marriage. Why? Because they are like Heroin. One time and that's your ASS. I have that frigging (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) Mike Wills to thank for my 1st 6 ride and it's ensuing addiction. Enjoy which ever 6 you go with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I was going to get my 4 running until a ride in a 3.2 six. 2 minutes into the ride my mind was made up. I had to 6 it.

[EdwardBlume]

Rob, I thought the ABM car came with a -6

It did / it does. I'm liking the car a lot and want to finish it once and for all, exactly how I want it for the next 30 years.

Put this Fucher in & be done with it

Its why I'm asking the question.

[EdwardBlume]

I'm pretty sure you are going with a P6 but FWIW a Suby 6 conversion will run you 4-7K w/ factory ECU depending on your skill sets. 4K is possible but unrealistic. 7K if you outsource most materials and are in a hurry. I haven't seen any numbers here for P6 total conversion costs yet! Just engine costs.
Now a word for the wise. Don't accept any rides in any 6 unless you have a pocket full of cash and a solid marriage. Why? Because they are like Heroin. One time and that's your ASS. I have that frigging (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) Mike Wills to thank for my 1st 6 ride and it's ensuing addiction. Enjoy which ever 6 you go with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

This is exactly why I'm asking. Ive never driven anything but the former race car with a dual plug 2.5. If I complete the 2.4 I'm pretty much done.

[JStroud]

Rob,
You might want to try and drive a 2.4, and a 3.2 so you can feel the difference.
Seems at 130 hp the 2.4 might leave you wanting more, your race car probably had more hp, if you want to do it right and be done sounds like a 3.2 might be the answer.

I had a built 2.0 in my white car....fun, built a 2056 for it.....more fun but disappointed for the money I spent....put in a tired 2.7....way more fun, loved the power and the top end, but with the magnesium case...too expensive to rebuild, so I'm guessing the new 3.2 will be even more fun to drive with the extra hp, and the better FI, seems to have less issues than the other choices also, rod bolts are the main issue, but only if your driving consistently at high RPM, like on a track.

Plus if you are already questioning the 2.4 making you happy, seems like inside you want a 3.2......sell the 2.4, start looking for a 3.2. They show up on PP, you just have to look everyday and be ready to jump on it.....they go fast.

Good luck,
Jeff

When my 3.2 is drivable your more than welcome to drive it.

[EdwardBlume]

Rob,
You might want to try and drive a 2.4, and a 3.2 so you can feel the difference.
Seems at 130 hp the 2.4 might leave you wanting more, your race car probably had more hp, if you want to do it right and be done sounds like a 3.2 might be the answer.

I had a built 2.0 in my white car....fun, built a 2056 for it.....more fun but disappointed for the money I spent....put in a tired 2.7....way more fun, loved the power and the top end, but with the magnesium case...too expensive to rebuild, so I'm guessing the new 3.2 will be even more fun to drive with the extra hp, and the better FI, seems to have less issues than the other choices also, rod bolts are the main issue, but only if your driving consistently at high RPM, like on a track.

Plus if you are already questioning the 2.4 making you happy, seems like inside you want a 3.2......sell the 2.4, start looking for a 3.2. They show up on PP, you just have to look everyday and be ready to jump on it.....they go fast.

Good luck,
Jeff

When my 3.2 is drivable your more than welcome to drive it.

Thanks Jeff. Let me know if I can help you with your install. The ABM is a nice roll. I've learned that if you take the time upfront to get what you want, you'll be happier in the end. I'm going to troll YouTube for in car videos.

[mepstein]

Things have changes in the past couple years regarding 6 engines but when I bought mine, I placed a WTB on pelican instead of chasing the 4 sale ads. I wrote out the criteria that I was looking for and within a month, had a seller call me up, made a deal, drove 2 hours to pay cash and pick up. It was not an advertised deal so I had no pressure to buy before a comfort level was established.

Personally, I would run the engine you have while tracking down the one you want. When you find the right motor, make the swap and sell the small one. Minimal down time and you will get more money for a motor that you can prove is running.

[SirAndy]

I'm going to troll YouTube for in car videos.

I'm not sure if that is evil or not, but if you want we can meet up at the next PCA AX and you can do a few runs in my car ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[ClayPerrine]

I'm going to troll YouTube for in car videos.

I'm not sure if that is evil or not, but if you want we can meet up at the next PCA AX and you can do a few runs in my car ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

The "unlicensed pharmacists" always offer the first hit for free. After that it gets REALLY expensive.

[Cairo94507]

I have seen and heard Andy's car go ..... you can just save the time and start looking for a 3.2 or 3.6 now.

I went with an '89 3.2 with 40K miles on it for my car. It has 964 cams and a Steve Wong chip. We are going to take it down and refresh it and do a complete valve job so it is up to spec. I am leaving the 964 cams in (I have the stock cams and chip) because it is my understanding the 964 cams really awaken the 3.2 and the chip finishes the job. Can't wait to hear it run.

Oh, I bought it off Pelican from a terrific seller. Cost about $600 to ship it to Scotty in VA- it was crated so well it could have circumnavigated the globe many times and arrived in perfect condition.

Good luck and have time.

[JmuRiz]

Cairo: sounds like a great engine combo, 3.2 with that cam, Wong chip and free flow exhaust should be great!

[Series9]

Without ANY doubt: 3.2 with the stock FI.

Great. Have one handy?

Yes.

[Series9]

Rob, I thought the ABM car came with a -6

It did / it does. I'm liking the car a lot and want to finish it once and for all, exactly how I want it for the next 30 years.

Put this Fucher in & be done with it

That has carbs and it's not twin-plug. Forget it......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bootyshake.gif)

[MoveQik]

3.2 gets my vote. I had to shell out for a top end rebuild but such are the risks of buying a 20+ year old motor :-)

It's not crazy power but yet there is still plenty of it. It is reliable and fits perfectly. I have had it from sea level to over 11,000 feet without doing anything but turning the key.

What's his name in Florida...oh yeah, Series9 made it go. I made it show. :-)

[Eric_Shea]

I like them under 3.0 for the 914 chassis.

Do some welding (chassis stiffening) and the 3.2 is the best air cooled motor Porsche made.

Height of CIS engine is a problem with the engine lid if installed at the 7" height recommended by RJ and Maddog mounts. Drop it to 6.5" and it's no problem.

If you plan to run heat exchangers. Plan on those being the first thing a speed bump or a road hazard sees whilst sneaking around underneath your car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[JRust]

Hey Rob for Conversions I love the suby motor's. For the price & driveability it is tough to beat. It can be done on the cheap too. I can get an SVX motor for $6-800 all day. If you get the adapter plate & keep your 901 that makes it pretty simple. If you go with a suby 4 it is pretty easy to upgrade to a wrx turbo setup. My NA dyno'd at 158 to the rear wheels. It pulls great & with the suby tranny shift like a new car too. I was going to do a suby six in my old v8 car. I have changed my mind to go with a wrx setup for my green car. Then move that drivetrain to my old v8 car. Then I'll be selling it & keeping the green car until I die (preferably not in my car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif) ). Which I'm doing because with the fire I had in the green car. I am ending up with an extra Stinger ECU that is perfect for the 4cylinder motor's. So only makes sense as that will save me a good $1200.

Having said all this I wouldn't do this in your beautiful 6 conversion. While I have no problem with conversions in general. I won't cutup a nice stock car. So what I have said above was really only there for the benefit of the overall discussion. Also I freely admit there is no beating the sound of a Porsche 6 with carbs. That rumble is absolute music to my ears. It's just damn spendy music (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

The suby setup is perfect for most cost wise 914 owners. Not only can you do it cheaper than a Porsche 6. It can be worked on by most shops, Easy to get parts, lot's of bolt on parts. Paired with a suby tranny it makes your car a new drivetrain that is so reliable & improve's it's driveability. All while getting you great MPG & a huge smile on your face.

[naro914]

Both Huey and Papa Smurf have 3.2 engines in them.

Huey's is stock EFI and is WONDERFUL. Starts EVERY time, just reach in and turn the key. Its quick, but not overpowering. It's got power everywhere you want it. We run a stock 901 with it and is fine. We win autocrosses and hillclimbs with it.

Papa's is a whole other story - HIGHLY modified, not really a good street car, but still a 3.2.

I would never build another /6 conversion without it being a 3.2, unless it was for a specific race class or something (considering building a 2.5 for HSR racing).

[914mikee100]

I like my 3.6. Starts right up, makes good noises and with wide tires it doesn't feel like it is always waiting to bite me. I still use first gear occasionally when leaving a parking garage or starting on a steep hill and my 901 hasn't given up yet. I have had a 1.7, 2.0, and a 3.2 and I like the 3.6 the best. I don't think it is any more expensive than a smaller six if you factor in maintenance and reliability.

[MikeSpraggi]

I have a 2.4 with a 70.5 crank, "S" pistons, GE-40 cams and Weber 40s in my track car. It is a real hoot to drive with a very wide torque band and the sounds are orgasmic. I could not go over 2.5 for the vintage racing class I compete in. That being said, my neighbor has a rather stock 3.2 in his track car and that I think is the sweet spot for 914/6 conversions, that is if you want to keep it all Porsche. The 3.2 does not work as hard, has more torque and is fuel injected for always easy startups. That's my choice for a street 914/6, the 3.2.

[bigkensteele]

Folks are getting awfully proud of their 3.2s...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911...50-gearbox.html

[campbellcj]

My old school mag-case carbed 2.7. Completely stock. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/farm4.staticflickr.com-21-1418173107.1.jpg)914R engine by cjcam, on Flickr

Powerband can still be smoothed-out and bumped a bit with further tuning/jetting...note the ambient temps on the dyno sheet. Yes we were racing in 104-106F. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)