 Should I Upgrade to a Porsche 6 cyl engine?, Go from 1.7 to ??? 6 cyl?? |
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| EdArango |
 Apr 9 2010, 01:03 PM
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#1
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914 Enthusiast  Group: Members Posts: 267 Joined: 30-January 10 From: Huntington Beach, CA Member No.: 11,309 Region Association: Southern California  |
OK....I've been tossing around the idea of changing out my engine to a 6. What are your opinions out there. My main reason is not to make my car into a "race car" but just a nice solid performer with power. I also love the sound of the 6 cylinder engine.
How do I know if my car is worthy of such an upgrade? I understand that it's not cheap and that the car will never have the value of a 911, but I just like my car and like the weight balance of it being a mid-engine. Gimme you thoughts!!! Thanks! ED (IMG:style_emoticons/default/crest.gif) |
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| SirAndy |
Apr 9 2010, 01:43 PM
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#2
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Resident German Group: Admin Posts: 41,636 Joined: 21-January 03 From: Oakland, Kalifornia Member No.: 179 Region Association: Northern California |
I think it's a great idea. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
See the link in my signature for my build thread. 1.7L /4 to 3.6L /6 ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) Andy |
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| Root_Werks |
Apr 9 2010, 01:47 PM
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#3
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Village Idiot Group: Members Posts: 8,319 Joined: 25-May 04 From: About 5NM from Canada Member No.: 2,105 Region Association: Pacific Northwest 
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You can really dump a lot of money into the conversion..... a lot.
If your 914 is a nice original 1.7 I'd say leave it alone. Go find a 914-6 someone has already converted. You'll be money ahead. The conversion process is almost always a loosing money battle. Not to say it isn't worth it. The end product is very rewarding. I've sort of changed my tune over the last year or so. 914's are just getting too hard to come by in decent somewhat original condition. Converting them to proper air cooled sixes just doesn't seem really worth it unless the 914-4 wasn't all that original to start with. Just my opinion. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) |
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| rfuerst911sc |
Apr 9 2010, 05:39 PM
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#4
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,158 Joined: 4-May 06 From: Dahlonega , Georgia Member No.: 5,980 Region Association: South East States |
I've recently completed the 6 conversion in my 75. Went with a 3.0 with Weber carbs , headers and a 2 in 2 out muffler. Stock internals so I'm guessing 210-220 horsepower. The car flat out flys I can't imagine what a 3.6 will do. To do the conversion right it is $$$ but worth it in my opinion.
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| McMark |
Apr 9 2010, 06:00 PM
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#5
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914 Freak! Group: Retired Admin Posts: 20,179 Joined: 13-March 03 From: Grand Rapids, MI Member No.: 419 Region Association: None |
There are probably a few threads in the archives that detail the costs and headaches.
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| Steve |
Apr 9 2010, 06:11 PM
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#6
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,584 Joined: 14-June 03 From: Orange County, CA Member No.: 822 Region Association: Southern California
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QUOTE(Root_Werks @ Apr 9 2010, 12:47 PM)  You can really dump a lot of money into the conversion..... a lot. If your 914 is a nice original 1.7 I'd say leave it alone. Go find a 914-6 someone has already converted. You'll be money ahead. The conversion process is almost always a loosing money battle. Not to say it isn't worth it. The end product is very rewarding. I've sort of changed my tune over the last year or so. 914's are just getting too hard to come by in decent somewhat original condition. Converting them to proper air cooled sixes just doesn't seem really worth it unless the 914-4 wasn't all that original to start with. Just my opinion. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I agree, it is a money pit. Do your homework, check out other conversions to get an idea of what you want in the end. You will never get your money back out of the car. Check out the classifieds, they are full of cars selling in the low 20's but have 40k - 60k into them. Especially when you can buy a Boxster that is already done for $10k. I started with a 2.7 six, but then it needed better brakes and rear flairs due to the throttle induced over steer. A 2.7 six wasn't powerful enough for me, so I upgraded to a 3.2. Now the 901 trans is not geared right for the motor and 1st gear is worthless and 5th revs to high. |
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| Pat Garvey |
 Apr 9 2010, 06:17 PM
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#7
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Do I or don't I...........? Group: Members Posts: 5,899 Joined: 24-March 06 From: SE PA, near Philly Member No.: 5,765 Region Association: North East States |
QUOTE(EdArango @ Apr 9 2010, 01:03 PM) OK....I've been tossing around the idea of changing out my engine to a 6. What are your opinions out there. My main reason is not to make my car into a "race car" but just a nice solid performer with power. I also love the sound of the 6 cylinder engine. How do I know if my car is worthy of such an upgrade? I understand that it's not cheap and that the car will never have the value of a 911, but I just like my car and like the weight balance of it being a mid-engine. Gimme you thoughts!!! Thanks! ED (IMG:style_emoticons/default/crest.gif) I say GO FOR IT! Those of us with original factory 1.7's just love to see the numbers of original cars going south. Go ahead, take the car from something of potential worth to a "custom". It will bleed money, but you'll be happy when it's done. Just don't expect to get that money back. |
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| TROJANMAN |
Apr 9 2010, 06:32 PM
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#8
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Looks nice in pictures......... Group: Members Posts: 5,270 Joined: 5-March 04 From: Colorado Member No.: 1,753 Region Association: None |
Buy mine
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| wigh9 |
Apr 9 2010, 06:43 PM
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#9
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 6-April 10 From: College Station, TX Member No.: 11,574 Region Association: Southwest Region |
I'm just finishing up a 1.7 to 2.7 swap and it is a huge pain in the a$$. It's been a long, expensive process with a lot of little problems. Oh and did I mention its expensive. I'm at just under $7K right now and I've had a friend build a lot of stuff for almost no money. I think when I finally roll the car out next week it will all be worth it though.
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| ChrisFoley |
Apr 9 2010, 07:03 PM
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#10
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I am Tangerine Racing Group: Members Posts: 7,925 Joined: 29-January 03 From: Bolton, CT Member No.: 209 Region Association: None
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If you were my customer I would say - "Definitely, go for it!"
If you were my friend I would say - "My 1.7 is faster than yours! Lets go for a drive." BTW, I was doing 90 on the highway in my 1.7L yesterday, and could have gone a lot faster. A 90mph speeding ticket in a stock -4 is a lot less $$ than a speeding ticket in a big -6. $400 vs. $20,400. (no I didn't get a ticket yesterday) |
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| PanelBilly |
Apr 9 2010, 07:41 PM
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#11
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914 Guru Group: Members Posts: 5,805 Joined: 23-July 06 From: Kent, Wa Member No.: 6,488 Region Association: Pacific Northwest
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A six conversion should be done for the joy of the project, because YOU want to build
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| jmill |
Apr 9 2010, 08:30 PM
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#12
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Green Hornet Group: Members Posts: 2,449 Joined: 9-May 08 From: Racine, Wisconsin Member No.: 9,038 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
QUOTE(Pat Garvey @ Apr 9 2010, 07:17 PM) Those of us with original factory 1.7's just love to see the numbers of original cars going south. All the book club ladies want to hang with the CW 1.7 guys. Think of all the fun you can have cleaning up stray wax with Q-Tips and tooth picks. Sounds like a hoot. |
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| BigD9146gt |
Apr 9 2010, 10:29 PM
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#13
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OCD member Group: Members Posts: 376 Joined: 24-January 05 From: Sydney, Australia Member No.: 3,502 Region Association: Australia and New Zealand |
QUOTE(jmill @ Apr 9 2010, 07:30 PM) QUOTE(Pat Garvey @ Apr 9 2010, 07:17 PM) Those of us with original factory 1.7's just love to see the numbers of original cars going south. All the book club ladies want to hang with the CW 1.7 guys. Think of all the fun you can have cleaning up stray wax with Q-Tips and tooth picks. Sounds like a hoot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) Nostalgia, if you've replaced even one rubber seal is your car still original? I have had a blast building my -6. There have been lots of frustrating times, and many teeth-grinding moments wondering why I am spending so much. Its been a great learning experience, and the most important part is this is what I want. There are certain 911 motors that will be cheaper in the long run to install than others. Its hard for me to suggest where to start without knowing what your budget is, but no matter what motor you go with, there are going to be the basic parts your going to have to purchase. The motor mount, oil tank, and oil lines. Even a tired 2.7 will give you some fun until it needs to be rebuilt. Personally, I think the 3.0 and up motors are a better starting point because of the alum. case. The later 2.7's run the risk of having the thermal reactors which baked them badly. Even a 2.2 or 2.4 carb'd mag engine will be tons of fun. cheers, d |
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| Rand |
Apr 9 2010, 10:41 PM
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#14
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Cross Member Group: Members Posts: 7,409 Joined: 8-February 05 From: OR Member No.: 3,573 Region Association: None |
So, Ed. Are you totally stoked about the process of wrenching, fabricating, and otherwise grunting and dealing with the challenges (numerous) that come with doing this yourself?
If yes with a capital Y and backed by unstoppable enthusiasm, then go for it. If any hesitation on that answer, then buy one. Buy one that has been through the headaches, is already done and sorted. Sell your 4. And know this is the CHEAPEST way to get the final results you were looking for. Do you want the results, or the torturous head-bashing most expensive process? I admit I often lean towards the latter and thrive on it. Lots of us do. Point being, which way do you lean? |
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| Mark Henry |
Apr 10 2010, 03:30 AM
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#15
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that's what I do! Group: Members Posts: 20,065 Joined: 27-December 02 From: Port Hope, Ontario Member No.: 26 Region Association: Canada |
QUOTE(BigD9146gt @ Apr 10 2010, 12:29 AM) QUOTE(jmill @ Apr 9 2010, 07:30 PM) QUOTE(Pat Garvey @ Apr 9 2010, 07:17 PM) Those of us with original factory 1.7's just love to see the numbers of original cars going south. All the book club ladies want to hang with the CW 1.7 guys. Think of all the fun you can have cleaning up stray wax with Q-Tips and tooth picks. Sounds like a hoot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) Nostalgia, if you've replaced even one rubber seal is your car still original? Pat even stated that he likes mikey914 parts...your car is junk Pat, it's not original anymore, may as well tow it off to the scrap yard. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) |
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| ellisor3 |
Apr 10 2010, 09:09 AM
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#16
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HPWhore Group: Members Posts: 811 Joined: 23-October 08 From: Fleming Island, Florida Member No.: 9,683 Region Association: South East States  |
I am going through my third year of my project and I can assure you that whatever budget you set, you will be low. It starts with the engine, if you do not know the history, rebuild it before you put it in. Then look at the suspension, transmission and brakes, shift linkage, all need to be upgraded. Then you decide if you are using EFI or carbs, add oil cooling ect. Plus it does not make sense to put a monster engine in a rusty car, it wil tear it apart.
I agree with the other posters, if you really will enjoy the process and have the $$, it can be very rewarding to know you got what you really wanted. If you want it drivable SOON and with the least cost, a 6 is not the option. I am almost at the finish line with mine but I would have NEVER thought it would take as much time and $$$ as it has. It will be wonderful when finished, but the process takes a lot of dedication and a forgiving wife. |
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| Eric_Shea |
Apr 10 2010, 09:40 AM
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#17
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PMB Performance Group: Admin Posts: 19,275 Joined: 3-September 03 From: Salt Lake City, UT Member No.: 1,110 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
QUOTE All the book club ladies want to hang with the CW 1.7 guys. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Conversion guys get all of the naughty girls. Naughty is nice. Sell your car. Buy Greg's car. It will be the most economical decision you could make along that path. |
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| dion9146 |
Apr 10 2010, 03:51 PM
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#18
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Member Group: Members Posts: 469 Joined: 16-May 04 From: Buckner, KY Member No.: 2,071 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Started 15 years ago with a 1.7, then 2.0, then 2.0 Six, now 3.2 and I will NEVER go back. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Just do it. D |
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| jimkelly |
Apr 10 2010, 04:00 PM
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#19
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Delaware USA Group: Members Posts: 4,969 Joined: 5-August 04 From: Delaware, USA Member No.: 2,460 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
horsepower is addictive.
control your urges!!! or open your wallet!!! jim Attached image(s) 
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| anthony |
Apr 11 2010, 05:13 AM
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#20
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2270 club Group: Benefactors Posts: 3,107 Joined: 1-February 03 From: SF Bay Area, CA Member No.: 218  |
HP is great and all that but if you've ever had a ride in a 914 with a fresh 2056 and a decent cam you might change your mind. The car I'm thinking of could scratch it's sticky tires in 1st gear. The difference between this car and my original 36 year old 2L engine was astonishing. Even a mild aftermarket cam that is still compatible with d-jet will make like 30 foot pounds for torque more than stock. Maybe more.
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