So I found this pretty clean and I've been kicking the idea to do a conversion to a 6 or just get this running as is with a better motor. This is a '72 with 1.7L motor, found this in San Diego a few months ago and seems to have a bad cylinder, according to the previous owner. Finally got around to getting the brakes done and at the time I was just going to get it running.

Since I've had plenty of time to think about this car, I was wondering if a 6 conversion might be something to consider. My question for all those out there that have done a conversion... how much of a pain is it to do one and are parts readily available to finish a 6 conversion?

Just like to get some feedback from all those out there that have gone down the path to the darkside.

Thanks in advance,

Eddie

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Nice ride..I never done a 6 conversion, but please be careful with those front jackstands..They are evil

the 6 parts are all out there and all available.
they aren't cheap though

most people collect some used and look for deals over a period of time
they cost a little more if you buy them as needed.

buying the motor last is a good idea....
it takes most of us home mechanics a year or two on average to complete a conversion and having the motor (easy part) sit for two years is not a great thing...


but with enough money and time all of the parts are out there and a conversion could be done in a much shorter time depending on how much "while your in there" you intend to complete.

I know trekkor will tell you its a 4k job. but realistically the most conversions run around 10K

I don't think even trekkor could duplicate his project, and Its bad advice to mislead folks about the realistic costs.

I finished my 3.0L conversion in about 9 1/2 months! But I spent 14 years collecting parts!

I bought my low mile engine first and kept it oiled, turned and very dry for the 14 years. I bought my 5 lug 86 sc suspension about 6 years ago. The wheels came about 3 1/2 years ago.

Then I sold my original 6 and bought a 75 with a blown 1.8L and a bad trans for $1100 to start the conversion!

The car $1100
The FI 3.0L engine with all gauges and harness $5000
The suspension $300
The oil tank $700
The motor mount $350
Engine shelf under battery (AC Crap) $165
The carpet kit $200
Rebuild trans (evil clinic) $400 including parts
Convert oil cooler $200
Oil lines $300
Engine tin $350 (group buy)
Misc cables and tune up stuff $600
Rear suspension bushings and bearings $300
5-lug hubs and rotors $500
2 sets of 4 16"x 6", 7" & 8" Fuchs $850
4 Toyo tires $950

Total $12265
Sold - $2000
New $10265

But, I got everything cheeper than what it would cost today! Luckly the paint was good and there was no major rust repair!

Edit: Forgot the Twin tip Muffler $300 and the headers (free with an engine stand I bought) I also sold a bunch of other stuff like 4-lug stuff and recovered at least $2000 back from that stuff!

How was NARP914 available as a name? Good grab!

Thanks for the information on doing a conversion. I'm still up in the air about moving forward or not. I have bought some stuff along the way just in case I go down the darkside. Have my Fuchs already, picked up a 2.2L 6 motor and the tranny on this car is solid from what we were able to look over.

This is not my first 914, but the body is in such good shape and that was the main reason for picking this non running car when I bought it, had a great foundation to build a 6 on. I'm going to start picking up some more parts and see if this is what I really want to do. Besides, I can always sell off what I won't use.

Any good source for metal GT flares out there or does someone have a set they want to sale?

-Eddie

P.S. The NARP name was available when I signed up... I'm on Club Narp as well and by dumb luck, I signed up and became member #914 to that site..."how you like them apples???"

If you're serious about the six and have money to burn, buy all the parts now and get it done. If it's going to take time, drop another 4 cyl engine in (decent running ones can be had for little money) and drive it while you're accumulating the parts. These cars are more fun on the street then when they are collecting dust on jack stands, regardless of engine size.
Whatever you decide, it looks like you've got a nice starting point with that car!
And please make sure those jack stands have pins, too.

In the same boat and will most likely do the same thing. VERY NICE CAR BY THE WAY JEFF !!! VERY NICE !!!!

You could get a used 2.0 or 2056 for a grand probably and have it on the road.

Thanks it has been fun as hell!!!!

The -6 conversion is a lot of fun, and quite easy to do for a home mechanic. The parts are all available and mostly bolt on. As Porsche made these themselves, the engineering is all taken care of already.

I would obtain a copy of Dr. 914s booklet that explains the conversion process. It's available from Auto Atlanta, and the money spent will be worth it as he explains the options you have, and also has templates and wiring diagrams that will be helpful.

The only problem is that it's hard to actually be finished with one. I've had mine for years, and always can find some other goodie that I want to incorporate. Great fun!

I went the big -4 route. 2270, lighter than a 6 and never ceases to make me grin. love this car

Those jack stands are making me queasy! When I get under a car I have QUALITY jackstands (I would have 6 or 8 under there for a car completely off the ground) plus I even have my floor jacks in position.

When I was growing up the father of a friend of mine was missing his right arm and leg....a car fell on him when he was in his 30's. That image sticks with me to this day. Jackstands are inexpensive compared to the costs of a limb or a life.

It looks to be ready for wheels. It would be awesome with steelies imo. I love the stripe and the yellow. Is it the snowplow rear valance?

Drive a 6

Having a driving 914 is not an issue for him. He bought my 72 and wants to leave it the way it is and convert this car. He already has a 2.2 engine and webbers

As mentioned before, this is a clean body car in excellent shape, Andy went with me on the road trip to fetch this car and he gave me the thumbs up to buy... I have soft spot for yellow cars...

Been learning a ton from this site and everyone on here giving advice, thanks for that in advance. I think this will be a great car for a conversion, can anyone point me in the direction to find metal GT fenders? Anyone have a set they're thinking of selling?

Where is a good source for the motor mounts I'll need for the conversion, I'm sure there is a long list of parts I'll need to gather.

Thanks
Eddie

Congrats on a nice car, Eddie. Good luck on the conversion. I'll be watching eagerly for the conversion thread.

glad you stuck with a 4!

the patrick motorsports mount is superior to stock in every way except originality points.

the fenders usually come from AA
but I think others are carrying them also
I'd double check with pelican and restorations design.

brant