To V8 or not to V8 - that is the question, Things are too slow around here, need to stir this pot. Options

[Cheapsnake]

I recently aquired a '73 with a rebuilt but never run 2.0. It has the usual (fixable) rust issues, but otherwise is complete and in fairly good shape. I'm building the car mainly for "fun", but ultimately would like to make a buck or two on it.

OK, here's the situation...
My original intention was to do a V8 conversion on it with a Rover 3.5 V8. I've always thought this was a perfect match for the car, compact, all-aluminum, lightweight, easy 200hp, avaialble parts... And to top it off, resale values for well done V8's look to be very good. On the down side, it ain't very original. Btw, I've got the 3.5 short block sitting here.

On the other hand, I like the 2.0 in that it keeps more of the originality of the car for the purist. and, with the rising values of these cars and their declining numbers, I believe originality will become more of a factor in resale value. I would plan on doing some engine work to bring it into the 120HP range just for kicks.

What to do? What to do?

[computers4kids]

but ultimately would like to make a buck or two on it.

First of all, do what you want to do with your lifestyle and don't try to do "what is right" in the eyes of other. That being said, if the car is original, with the the appearance package, including an originally installed 2ltr (not updated), I would lean towards keeping it original. Conversion car expenses have a way of creeping up there, and their resale although it may look good for a well sorted 914, that is from the buyer's perspective. The owner is saying, "Oh, Sh..." I can't believe I'm only getting 30 cents on the dollar back, not including my time.

Finally, you might as well right now get rid of your 'ultimate' goal of "making a buck or two"...just resign yourself that you will spend some $, enjoy your car and not look at it from a investment perspective. You will be a lot happier in the long run. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[jimkelly]

it is not about what you should do - it is about what you want.

there is little profit margin in the resale of a restored 914

me - i would have the rust fixed - and drop a 350 sbc in that bitch using all renegade hybrids conversion parts.

lets see some pics if the rust

jim

[degreeoff]

well if you can afford it...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[marks914]

If you want some cheap thrills, go with the v8. If I had to do it all over again, I would build the exact same car.

Mark

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[Bruce Hinds]

I recently aquired a '73 with a rebuilt but never run 2.0. It has the usual (fixable) rust issues, ........... Btw, I've got the 3.5 short block sitting here.

What to do? What to do?

I agree on the "forget the resale" issue. Chances are either way you go you'll have more in it...... Here's the thing. These cars are a hoot to drive! Period. If the 2.0 is ready to go and you can drive it sooner start there. You can be driving it while you're installing the radiator and the work necessary for the cooling. When you get the v8 done and ready to go in, it can be swapped in a weekend.

Balance won't be and issue for changing anything with the Rover and I don't think it will change the weight much either. In fact, even with the SBC, balance is right on at about 49/51 and increases the total weight by about 250 lbs. and that's with iron heads. If you're worried about meat on the road for the 8, 205/60 x 15 will fit nicely on the Fuch 5.5x15 and there are plenty of threads here that will show how to go to 5 bolts for bigger wheels and breaks if you like and that doesn't have to be expensive....

Good luck,

[DBCooper]

For me that decision is always based on what you want from the car. These cars are already 30 years old, so they're hobby cars, not daily drivers. I like to drive mine, so modifications to make it faster and funner make sense, while at the far other end of the scale there are people who enjoy being in the garage polishing and keeping the mileage down. Theirs will always be worth more at resale than mine, but mine will be more fun the whole time that I own it.

If yours has rust issues it's already not a Barrett Jackson car, so it seems like a natural candidate for the "more fun" end of the scale. I agree that since the 2.0 motor is new I think I'd be inclined to just use that motor, fix the rest, then drive it for a while. A year from now you'll know your car better and can decide whether you want to do the Rover motor.

I like the aluminum V8 idea, but don't think you'll get more at resale. Do it for the fun of it, if that's what you want. Then if you can profit, great, but don't count on it. One thought that might help is that people can argue about anything, but most everyone will agree that more horsepower is more fun!

[J P Stein]

Does the pot need stirring?
OK
If (perish the thought) I was to consider putting a V8 in a 914, the Buick/Rover would be the lump. The SBC is a hell of a motor...in a chebbie (or early Ford (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ).
If some one gave me one, I'd part it out. A 600lb lump behind your head in a 914 screws up a pretty good little car.

[jimkelly]

seems like we have a concensus - small block chevy - is the way to go : ))

note - that stock trans will work - it will wind high rpms on the highway - at 65mph, around 3000 or so depending on your tire size. but you will soon accept this as perfectly normal : ))

as always - rebuild suspension and brakes first.

the nice thing about a porsche 6 is you can run 14" wheels : ))

[degreeoff]

Hey Jim how many rpm can your 8 handle ?

[DBCooper]

Does the pot need stirring?
OK
If (perish the thought) I was to consider putting a V8 in a 914, the Buick/Rover would be the lump. The SBC is a hell of a motor...in a chebbie (or early Ford (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ).
If some one gave me one, I'd part it out. A 600lb lump behind your head in a 914 screws up a pretty good little car.

Ever driven one, JP? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

And I'm sitting here trying, but can't for the life of me imagine how a nice little light and tight 250 horsepower aluminum V8 would screw up a tired, wheezing 1.7 liter car.

[J P Stein]

Can't says's I have, but I've seen em' run at AX......& get smoked by a wheezing 1.7L (actually, the 1.7L runs pretty good)......all 80hp worth.

If you're a cruiser they're not a horrible thing but an early Ford is better.

[orange914]

If you want some cheap thrills, go with the v8. If I had to do it all over again, I would build the exact same car.

Mark

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wow, sorry for the hijack... now i want a v-8... awsome job mark

[ericread]

For me that decision is always based on what you want from the car. These cars are already 30 years old, so they're hobby cars, not daily drivers.

Exsqueeze me??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif)

My 74 2.0L 914 is my daily driver. Over the past two years I average about 15,000 miles a year in it. That includes commuting to work and back, and weekend trips and averaging almost 30MPG.

These are really great little cars, so make it what you want it to be. If that means using it as a DD, fine.

Eric Read

[boxstr]

2008 the year to V8
I have had 5 v8 914s. All of them were fun and fast cars. The first one was for autocross, not a good idea, SBC 307.
Number 2 was SBC 350, Number 3 a project 350, Number 4 a really awesome 417 HP 350 built 76 with Brembo front brakes, now belongs to Tony Imberato in Sequim Wa. and then the one I wish I didn't sell was JLO. Built 350, by Bill Wild at Renegade Hybrids. HUGE front and rear flares.
Yep why settle for less when you acn have a V8
CCLINV84MR

[burton73]

The thing on the SBC is you can go from mild to wild. The 305 in the car I got from Army Dude is mild at around 225hp so I am thinking what I want to do to build the engine. The 930 box can handle 650 HP but the tires will just spin even with LSD. There is very trick stuff for these engines. Done right it will spin up to 7,000 RPM. It is not much for me to pull 400HP out of this engine with very reliable power with not that much money spent compared to parts for my 2.5 - 6 Porsche.

You can get a rebuilt 350 HP SMC with 3 year unlimited mileage warranty on Ebay with free shipping for $2,900.

A 914 with a SBC is a true hot rod with great handling. Add some bigger breaks and sway bar up front and you are good to go.

Is it great to have one in the garage plus a 914-6 plus a 914-4.

Save your money as you are fixing your car and the perfect 8 will come along that someone needs to sell that is almost done or is a situation car.

Bob

[marks914]

You can do it on the cheap, this is what my car looked like at the $4400.00 mark, then I kept on spending...
That is car, paint, engine, interior, everything.

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It was really fun for the money. I just kept upgrading. I had the trans re0geared, 5-lug, wheels, etc. The biggest expense ($3600.00) was having the 302 DZ built. The 302 is perfect for the car, revs high, low torque, kind of like a Porsche.

Mark

[Cheapsnake]

OK, making a buck or two was maybe a fantasy, just to rationalize the anticipated expense. So now I'm just down to the core issues of what'll give me the most bang for the buck.

That's got to be the V8. And sorry guys, it's going to be the Rover 3.5. My wife will be driving this and 200-225 is more than enough for her driving style. I built a Cobra replica with 440hp and if I need a kick in the a** I always know where I can go for it.

So stay tuned, I'll be posting before pics and progress pics shortly. Thanks guys.

Tom

[drive-ability]

I have a SBC and a 930 transmission, having said that to make a V8 car run nice it takes some money. I love my car, its an rush to drive but it took a lot of time to get it right.
I like the 215 V-8 concept sounds nice but is there enough R&D to make it work well. I know they came in GM cars, 1960 to 1963 and did come turbo charged in the F-85.
I say go for it do what you want , (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) its nice if you have some experience in the auto area as well.
Enjoy your build and take your time.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[dw914er]

actually, a slightly beefed up type 4 is all the car needs. its such a light car, so well balanced anyways, that even the 2.0 is fine.

and yes, the type 4 can be a great dd. Mine was for 2 years, till I got the Acura. Before that, my mom used it as a dd for quite a number of years, since 73 til mid 80's.

though, and 8 would be cool, since you have it. I am more of a purist though, its only original once. A 911 six or a subie also can make some good conversions. But since you have the 8, that should be good.