Damn you Craigslist V8 914 build thread, Once more down the rabbit hole I go Options

[sb914]

Congrats ! Looks great and already flared is a huge bonus!

[Matty900]

So here's where I need the advice of those that have come before me down this path.
My 1st concerns are for safety. I plan on working with Cary and Super-in-law on the welding and rust repairs but he is out for a month with a hiking trip and then the prep and race of the Nora500 in Baja.
So that gives me some time to learn more so I can come up with a plan.
Here's what I am looking at.

This is a 400+ hp car without any chassis stiffening or roll bars. It has the factory seatbelts. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Oh and it has the original 901 transmission that has not even had 1st gear locked out.

My plan for the chassis stiffening is to use the Brad Mayeur kit (that we stock, thank you Brad) and the suspension gussets that Cary came up with (that we also stock, thank you Cary) to help handle the torque created by this motor.

I need suggestions on safety. Roll bar' no roll bar...So many options...
I am thinking that at some point I would like to go back to a Porsche motor in this car so maybe a 3.2-3.6 that being the case, I would like to be as tasteful as possible and not just start hacking and welding.

Those are the things I need to start figuring out before Cary gets back.

In the meantime I have other issues that I can start on.
Like the super sketchy wiring job.

[914werke]

I like the alligator clip! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[preach]

I like the alligator clip! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Probably in hand from the roach he was smoking when the PO wired it.

Looks like the car will be fun!

[worn]

I like the alligator clip! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Probably in hand from the roach he was smoking when the PO wired it.

Looks like the car will be fun!

I think it would be worthwhile to map out the electrics as a first step. Have to agree that the alligator clip is too temporary, but just cause it isnt in the original loom doesnt mean it doesn’t serve the builder’s purpose. Yeah, i like my original 2.0, but for driving, i would take the 3.2. You may just get used to what Porsche aircooled wont supply.
As for safety tubes, i aint scared. Brakes are good, tires fair. Maybe bump up the life insurance though. Have fun. Oh, and have to agree with Sir Andy. The title gives it away.

[mepstein]

You generally don't want a roll bar in a street car. They are for race cars when you wear a helmet. Same with harnesses. The 3 point seat belt is for a street car. The 5 & six point for a race car. But do your research and make an informed decision.

[Matty900]

I like the alligator clip! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Probably in hand from the roach he was smoking when the PO wired it.

Looks like the car will be fun!

I think it would be worthwhile to map out the electrics as a first step. Have to agree that the alligator clip is too temporary, but just cause it isnt in the original loom doesnt mean it doesn’t serve the builder’s purpose. Yeah, i like my original 2.0, but for driving, i would take the 3.2. You may just get used to what Porsche aircooled wont supply.
As for safety tubes, i aint scared. Brakes are good, tires fair. Maybe bump up the life insurance though. Have fun. Oh, and have to agree with Sir Andy. The title gives it away.

"Maybe bump up the life insurance though." (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) Yes, definitely.
Looking forward to sorting out all of the wiring. The previous owner went through 4 motors to get to the current configuration. 3 were rotary motors. The last was a twin turbo. It looks like a lot if abandoned wires that need to be removed and then the rest can be properly cleaned up and plugs put on.
Can anyone tell me what he was doing with the alligator clip on the fuse post? Where should that really go? It runs down to the alternator (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[914forme]

chassis wise solid plan. Avoid the roll bar, with the Mayer kit it is solid thru the core, get the Egmann kit from mad dog or have Cary build one that runs up the inner racers and get rid of the heater Chanel, and take it all the way back the to the -4 mount. Run across the lower half to tie it all in.

After that if you need more, then weld a roof on.

Only race belts I would run on the street are Schroth with ASM technology. It is a 4 point belt system.

3 points are fine.

Treat the 901 nice and you will be fine for a while, lots of them running around with out issue.

Wiring is definitely sub par.

Other than that, just enjoy the car, it looks like a great driver quality car.

Rust yes get it fixed, but that was a know can of worms.

[Matty900]

chassis wise solid plan. Avoid the roll bar, with the Mayer kit it is solid thru the core, get the Egmann kit from mad dog or have Cary build one that runs up the inner racers and get rid of the heater Chanel, and take it all the way back the to the -4 mount. Run across the lower half to tie it all in.

After that if you need more, then weld a roof on.

Only race belts I would run on the street are Schroth with ASM technology. It is a 4 point belt system.

3 points are fine.

Treat the 901 nice and you will be fine for a while, lots of them running around with out issue.

Wiring is definitely sub par.

Other than that, just enjoy the car, it looks like a great driver quality car.

Rust yes get it fixed, but that was a know can of worms.

Thank you Stephen (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I have a little radiator leak so I will be pulling it out to get it fixed and then pulling everything out of the front trunk to fix the rust there, mount or relocate the battery (open to suggestions) and then paint the whole front trunk. I will put in a grill over the wheel wells and then tinted some Raptor and paint the main trunk area to protect it. I would love to see V8 front trunk photos for anyone that has them. This is what my drunk looks like now:

[Andyrew]

It's a V8 car, sketchy wiring is gonna be par for the game (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Seriously though it's a really good looking car!

I wish the iron block V8 conversions made a comeback because done well they are really great driving cars. Torquey like a good type 4 but with 3x the power number.

[DickSteinkamp]

Oh and it has the original 901 transmission that has not even had 1st gear locked out.

I always use 1st gear in my V8/914 to get the car rolling. Starting in 2nd is awkward and takes some clutch slipping to do it.

I have enough discipline to stay off the loud pedal in low gear.

[Andyrew]

Oh and it has the original 901 transmission that has not even had 1st gear locked out.

I always use 1st gear in my V8/914 to get the car rolling. Starting in 2nd is awkward and takes some clutch slipping to do it.

I have enough discipline to stay off the loud pedal in low gear.

The first gear is great for traffic or driveways or trailers. Never understood why people just didn't use restraint... I never went over 1/8th throttle in first and it was fantastic.

[djway]

Listening to your car I suddenly realized my inner caveman was grunting loudly
That thing sounds amazing
Have a blast

[Gearup]

I called on the car and he sailed it had just sold. It listed quite a few nice options. The fact it has steel flares and looks the way kit does is a huge bonus. Steel flares ain’t cheap to have installed. Congrats

[burton73]

I like it. Every 914 owner needs an outlaw car.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

These v8 cars are lots of fun. Had my 1st in 1979

Back then it was very rare.

Bob B

[scottthephotog]

Wow. This car looks super fun. What a great find!


Out of curiosity, why would someone cut the inside fenders in the front trunk like that?

[DickSteinkamp]

Out of curiosity, why would someone cut the inside fenders in the front trunk like that?

There has to be somewhere for the inlet air to the radiator to exit. The other alternative is to cut the hood.

[SirAndy]

Can anyone tell me what he was doing with the alligator clip on the fuse post? Where should that really go? It runs down to the alternator (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Well, the removed the voltage regulator from the relay board so maybe some sort of bypass?
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[scottthephotog]

Out of curiosity, why would someone cut the inside fenders in the front trunk like that?

There has to be somewhere for the inlet air to the radiator to exit. The other alternative is to cut the hood.

I didn't even think of that. That makes total sense. Thanks!

[Chris914n6]

The only thing you need from the relay board is the fuel pump relay, otherwise all the wires are in the chassis connector.

GM alt has built in regulator, so it just needs a triggered 12v and charge wire to battery/starter.

Back in the day I made the Renegade harness but haven't been able to find my fab diagram. Those used the 914 engine connector and relay board.

I removed my board on the N6 and plugged directly to the chassis connector with a 911 mate. Factory diagrams are plentiful for wire outs.

Now that your Bro makes harnesses we expect your replacement to be top notch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

I'd put the battery back in the stock location. A lot of juice is needed to turn a V8 and cables that long aren't helping.

I kept 1st gear too. It's nice in a parking lot or rush hour stop & go or up the driveway.