newbie 74 1.8 project, rustoration turning into a GT lookalike Options

[jmitro]

Hey guys, what's up?
Newbie checking in; been tinkering with & racing cars for 20 years; lots of BMWs and Porsches (944, 996, 912, 911SC). My newest project is this 74 914 1.8; picked it up for $1500US. Looks like it has factory air conditioning and option wheels.

From my initial look it appears complete and almost rust free; it hasn't been registered for almost 20 years, so probably hasn't run for that long either. Cool thing is the car still has the ORIGINAL purchase invoice from Forest Lane Porsche in Dallas, Texas.

EFI has been replaced by some sort of carb setup. This will be my first experience with a carb engine. Any suggestions on how to get the motor going? I need to make sure it turns by hand first.

Anyhow, this board looks like a wealth of knowledge and I will be reading often. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[iwanta914-6]

I came across that car on craigslist, should be a good (perhaps challenging) project! Enjoy!

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[JeffBowlsby]

Engine pics please, lets see this carb.

Air conditioning in 914s was installed at dealerships - not a factory option.

[Chris Pincetich]

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One option to get the engine running, that I share often, is to replace it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
Seriously. The expense and time to remove and replace with a proven engine is often way less. Running 1.7 TIVs can be bought for $500, often much less. Going to a 2.0 TIV is 3-4x more $$. Some parts places offer a 90 day "warranty" on their used engines.

Also, you will find the "search" function on this site (upper right) very useful.

Have fun! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[jmitro]

Thanks guys; I'm excited about digging into it. I just picked the car up yesterday. It had been apparently sitting in a field awhile as there is grass growing all into the engine bay.

Long term plans will be to rebuild and hotrod the engine, or even transplant with a 6 (dream wish) but short term just to get the car moving. So I'll consider a cheap engine. Need to make sure the brakes and electricals all work, but I sense the car is so neglected it will need a full teardown and restoration. I don't think this car is anything special, so authenticity is not all that important. I don't like green so I'll probably repaint it white or maybe signal orange, add flares and 5lug conversion.

Here's engine pics and the hornets nest of PO wiring that I have to mess with.

[Shadowfax]

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[JawjaPorsche]

Long list:

Clean fuel tank
Replace fuel lines
Replace fuel filter
New plugs, wires, points, etc.

Your brakes probably will need an overhaul.

Your rear sway bar is missing the dog bone bushing.

This is just a start. But have fun!

I am sure others can add much more.

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[Spoke]

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Looks like a nice barn field find. That single carb will get the engine running but long term think of dual carbs or fuel injection.

If your rear swaybar is missing links on both sides, you'd be best off to remove the swaybar so it doesn't swing down and hit the road and do damage.

Going off the list above, you should prioritize repairs to make. If you start digging into everything at once, you'll never drive the car. Get the engine running; make sure the brakes work; new tires; focus on the things that are most important first.

Also if you're going to try to get this engine running, when you change spark plugs, try to peek under the tins to make sure no rodents or other creatures had made a home of it like the engine I'm working on. Also check the heater ducts in the longitudinals for creature habitats or even creatures.

[jcd914]

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[rhodyguy]

my guess is when the fi was taken off for the single and that the cam is probably FOR the ljet system. cheapest and easiest? buy a ljet system. i'm sure there are lots of complete, inexpensive packages (relatively. cheaper than a set of carbs, intakes, filters, linkage, new fuel pump, etc. 40% or less than what you're going to have in the dual carb setup.) out there. i wouldn't buy any other carbs until you know what your final needs will be. long run, the ljet system should be worth what you paid for it to a person in the same situation you're in.

[jmitro]

cool thanks for the information.
For sure, first thing on the list is brakes, but I seriously doubt this car is moving under it's own power anytime soon. Kinda cool papers that came with the car:

[rhodyguy]

You'll find you need a patch piece for the pass side engine shelve and one for the pretty good sized hole in the frt trunk floor. Lots of other holes for the coolant lines too.

[jmitro]

Well the car has become a full restoration of sorts. Body, chassis, suspension, brakes, engine, interior.......all areas need work, so I began stripping the car. Battery tray and hell hole look pretty crusty.



Previous owner had a creative idea using angle iron and square tubing to repair the rotting jack post. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[jmitro]

Floor pans looking pretty crusty, especially passenger side. Seat mounts basically ripped right off, and floor pan is peeling away from the longitudinals.

[jmitro]

Pretty dirty everywhere, indicating a long period of neglect.

[jmitro]

More dirt, rust and neglect.

[jmitro]

Air conditioning condensor, drier, compressor, hoses, console all going in the trash.



Passenger floorpan under the seat was a cesspool of dirt, rust, trash, screws, old carpet, etc

[Stacks914]

Looks like a nice start!

[jmitro]

lots of rust along the rear lower firewall

[jmitro]