New to 914 world, Introduction Options

[ConeDodger]

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[Gustl]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) ... from far far away (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Bob L.]

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1973 seems to be the most desirable year.

why is that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Luckily, I guess, mine is a 73.

[cwpeden]

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1973 seems to be the most desirable year.

why is that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Luckily, I guess, mine is a 73.

Most options, in later years, were standard in '73

[audio_file]

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1973 seems to be the most desirable year.

why is that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Luckily, I guess, mine is a 73.

Most options, in later years, were standard in '73

Also, 2.0 available without smog garbage, and no big heavy rubber bumpers...

[911 defector]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!!!..........and here is my first stupid question: Rust being an issue with most 914's, if I can find one that is relatively rust free, will rust be an ongoing issue while owning the car, or is there something I can do to prevent more rust from occuring; aside from washing, waxing, and generally taking care of the car? Thanks, Jon

[poorsche914]

I am new to this madness as well. I am disappointed though that the last scheduled event was 2008. What's up with that? Do you guys not like to get together for runs or anything?

The Events page is woefully out of date. There are many events that are held throughout the year all across the US. Most will be posted here in the Garage and, as the date looms closer, the larger events will be highlighted with a color.

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[mburkhart]

Welcome to 914world!

I'm in the western suburbs of Chicago, send me a private message if you'd like to meet up with a local 914 owner.

The most collectable are unarguably the 1970-1972 914-6's (2.0L 6-cyl Porsche engines). These were only made for 3 years, and after 1972 the 6-cyl was replaced with a 2.0L 4-cyl. You're going to pay $35k+ for a "six" in decent shape.

Next in line are 1973 2.0L 4-cyl. These have no bumper guards and no smog equipment (more power than later years). All options were standard in 1973. For this reason even a 1.7L from 1973 can be more desirable than some later cars. Prices seem to run from about $4k for a driver up to $20k+ for a pristine one.

Next is the 1974 2.0L 4-cyl with all options. In 1974, the chrome bumpers, Fuchs alloy wheels, center console, anti-sway bars were all optional. Some cars had them and some didn't. Still no smog gear though, so a 1974 with all options is virtually identical to a 1973 (with some minor exceptions). Similar prices as the 1973.

Last are the 1975-1976 2.0L 4-cyl. The smog equipment on these and the huge rubber impact bumpers are not as desirable. It's very easy to swap out the bumpers for earlier chrome bumpers though, and depending on where you live it may even be legal to remove or bypass the anti-smog equipment. Some folks can't stand the big bumpers and some folks don't seem to notice the difference.

Another thing to remember is that all 914-4's came from the factory with fuel injection (the 914-6 came with carbs). A 914-4 with a carborator is never stock, and an owner along the way has decided to replace the stock fuel injection with a carborator for some reason.

One last thing I'd recommend is not to get too caught up with which engine you need to have. The horsepower difference between a 1.7, 1.8, and 2.0 isn't huge. The real fun of driving a stock 914 is in the handling and not in the straight-aways. If you want a lot of power in a 914 then buy one that's already been upgraded to a late-model Porsche 6-cyl (or v8, or Subaru, etc) or plan to upgrade it yourself.

Correction: all options weren't standard in 1973, but they were grouped together in a single package. So an optioned 1973 has all available options where in 1974 (and later) each option could be selected separately.

[Dave_Darling]

Yes, rust is an ongoing issue.

Keeping known rust areas as clean as you can is probably the best prevention. Periodically unbolting the bottom of the rocker covers to knock out all of the dirt that accumulates is a Very Good Thing. Making sure you don't have standing water or dirt in the "hell hole" area in front of the battery will help that area as well.

Good paint will help keep rust at bay, but only if there are no holes or cracks through it.

The factory used foam filler in several areas, but after three or four decades these often seem to hold moisture in rather than keep it out. So sometimes it is a good idea to dig out what you can.

Rust conversion paints can help, but it is not usually enough on its own.


...Oh, and for events, keep your eye on this very forum. There are big events about a half-dozen times per year in various areas of the country. There are smaller events in some areas every month or so, and there are often people talking about going to events that we don't specifically organize pretty frequently. (E.g., Cars and Coffee, PCA or other club autoXes, etc.)

--DD

[mburkhart]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!!!..........and here is my first stupid question: Rust being an issue with most 914's, if I can find one that is relatively rust free, will rust be an ongoing issue while owning the car, or is there something I can do to prevent more rust from occuring; aside from washing, waxing, and generally taking care of the car? Thanks, Jon

I'm sure a real mechanic can give you some good advice, but here's what I've learned from here over the years:

The worst rust is usually in the "hell-hole", which is in the engine compartment below the battery tray. Due to the way the battery was placed, rain water can wash directly over the battery and then collect in the bottom of the engine compartment - taking any acid from the top of the battery with it. This is a major cause of rust in most 914's.

Another poor choice in the car design was the rocker panel covers: road grime from the rear wheels can pack up (and hold moisture) against the rockers causing rust. To prevent this, remove the rocker panel covers and clean out the debris regularly.

In my own car, a small crack in the tail-light was allowing water to drip into the rear trunk, which collected under the carpet and caused some minor rust damage.

The targa tops don't seal so well after 35-40 years either, so water can get into the cabin if the weatherstripping hasn't aged well. Replacing the weatherstripping on a 914 can be very expensive, which probably keeps a lot of folks from doing it.

[PanelBilly]

Welcome to the family. Would you be a driver or a wrencher?

[GaroldShaffer]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) There nice number of 914 addicts in the Chicagoland area. I'm just over the Ill / Ind state line in Portage, Ind. There are many threads on here showing the different rust issues with these cars. Click on THIS LINK to see my project thread and you will see some of the typical rust issues.

If you find a car you like feel free to ask one of us locals to help you check it out. As George said keep Brad Mayeur on your go to list. A great guy with lots of connections. He owns 914ltd down state in East Peroia. His number is 309-694-1797.

[NORD]

You say you came from the 911 world! Some advice, Keep those friend

and share them with us as 911 parts are a upgrade to our cars (IMG:style_emoticons/default/santa_smiley.gif)


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[Socalandy]

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[911 defector]

I sent you a PM

[RiqueMar]

I am new to this madness as well. I am disappointed though that the last scheduled event was 2008. What's up with that? Do you guys not like to get together for runs or anything?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) WCR is every year? As is Red Rocks? And we just did a convoy up to Rennsport Reunion?

[911 defector]

Welcome to the family. Would you be a driver or a wrencher?

I am probably more of a driver right now. I am pretty handy but I generally don't do the work on my daily drivers , and the 911 I bought last summer has been trouble free except for oil changes and such. Unfortunately most of my time is spent making money to pay the bills.

[911 defector]

As a long time 914 owner from the Chicago area (yes, we do have members in the midwest), I think you will find that there are cars for sale every once in a while that are in nice shape if you're interested. I currently have two cars that I have kept while having gone through a couple of 911s myself, and I still enjoy them every chance I get.

One of the best resources we have in Brad Mayeur in Peoria (914Ltd), who I've known since the mid 70s. He often knows who has a good car for sale, and can repair anything on the 914 with ease.

The annual Chicago PCA members meeting is in January, and also a great place to meet other members. Look forward to meeting you some time, though everyone seems to hibernate over the winter around here!

Thanks for the tip about Brad Mayeur, I never heard of him until now. Though I'm not ready to get a 914 yet. I need to learn more about what I'm getting into and I also have to convince my wife that buying another sports car is a good idea! (not so easy)

[mburkhart]

Thanks for the tip about Brad Mayeur, I never heard of him until now. Though I'm not ready to get a 914 yet. I need to learn more about what I'm getting into and I also have to convince my wife that buying another sports car is a good idea! (not so easy)

Just do what I did and bring her for a test drive. My wife was sold on a 914 after she took her first ride in one. The best part is that she can't drive stick, so I always get to drive!

[Ferg]

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Welcome (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)