914 conversion feedback Options

[Root_Werks]

At this stage in the 914 lifecycle, seems appropriate to leave the aircooled ones aircooled. Even go so far as to say VW/Porsche only engines deserve a spot in a 914.

If you can buy an already converted 914, that's good. Sort of hard to see them cut up for radiators and water hoses these days.

[Justinp71]

I don't own either swaps but I am versed in the EJ25, sbc and LS motors. I also have a ~300hp flat six conversion. I think the 300hp mark for a street 914 is perfect, for something you want to do some damage on a race track then maybe do LS. But 300hp is more than enough for race track fun. SBC swap now seems archaic, probably better to bump up power in a 2.0. Subaru motors are prone to head gasket leaks but if you get a decent motor they will last awhile. I am a fan of a nice EJ25, they have a great sound too.

I guess what I am saying is I would vote EJ25 or EJ30/33, unless you want some serious speed then maybe LS. The WRX swap was very popular like 10-15 years ago.

The value of the car does not go up much with Subaru builds. It does seem to go up some with an LS build. Something to consider...

Do you want a 914 or just a light quick car?

[worn]

At this stage in the 914 lifecycle, seems appropriate to leave the aircooled ones aircooled. Even go so far as to say VW/Porsche only engines deserve a spot in a 914.

If you can buy an already converted 914, that's good. Sort of hard to see them cut up for radiators and water hoses these days.

Am rebuilding my 4 cylinder car. Rust made it take longer than it would have taken to build an entire house. But it is respect for the marque that drives me.
For driving I have never matched my 3.2 conversion. So much fun to get the power the car deserves. Please keep us posted.

[worn]

Do you want a 914 or just a light quick car?

Suggestions?
I feel so innocent having only driven the 914.

[9144me2enjoy]

Justinp71 a lot of good points, I guess I would like to retain the handling of a 914 but with a power range of 250-300hp. If I had the money I would drop a 3.2 Aircooled engine in it but I missed that ship about 15 years ago on cost etc.. Thanks …even looking at going with a Honda S2000 engine 240 hp (326 lbs) with a redline over 8500, hooked to a reworked 901 trans. That sounds like fun!

[Justinp71]

Do you want a 914 or just a light quick car?

Suggestions?
I feel so innocent having only driven the 914.

Had an Exomotive Exocet for awhile. 1500 lb car, like an ariel atom. Good setup if you are looking for a modern go-cart track car, they come already stiffened up which is nice.

I kind of agree with Root Works hard to justify converting a 914 these days to water cooled if just looking for a light fast car. I do see the appeal of working with a 914 if you have a good start and prefer the platform overall.

[9144me2enjoy]

Thanks for all the comments/suggestions….food for thought! Happy motoring. Will keep you posted as I start my build.

[9144me2enjoy]

Question: If one goes with the EZ30D aren’t you better off going with the one with out the black plastic manifold because it has canbus versus the other that does not which is just that much more to figure out. Also better to go with a pull style clutch vs the push style where you don’t have to cut into the trunk to allow clearance for the clutch fork! I guess it depends which transmission one goes with. Thanks Roy