I just picked up a 75 914 that is complete minus the engine. I was told that the car had a 4.3 out of a blazer in it, and that it was taken out to be converted to electric which never ended up happening. The car came with a Kennedy adapter plate, clutch and flywheel, and also a wiring harness for a 4.3(calling Kennedy tomorrow to verify what I have)
My question is what is involved in swapping a carbureted 4.3 back into the car? I understand it will need to be plumbed and motor mounts made since the previous owner got rid of them. But what will be need to be done to the motor? Anything special or can I plumb it, wire it, build the motor mounts and call it good? Also can the parts I have (flywheel, clutch and adapter) work with a small block chevy?

Yeah a carbed 4.3 motor you just need to figure the motor mounts. It's a pretty stand alone system with a carb. Get the right low pressure fuel pump. Does it still have the radiator setup? If not that is critical. The easiest way to run the lunes is get Gates green strip in the 1 1/4" size. Run them in the recesses under the car to the radiator in the front trunk.

I am not sure if the current adapter plate, flywheel will work with a small block or not.

You need to know if the Kennedy adapter is for a pre or post 86 chevy engine. That will determented which engine you can use, The V6 and V8 share the same flywheels and belhousings.

The previous owner removed the radiator setup, so i will have to re-plumb it all. I will call Kennedy to find out what motor works with my setup. Also will I need to relocate anything on the engine to fit it into the car or is it as simple as motor mounts, wiring and plumbing?

I think this ad is from the guy who originally put the motor in. Anyway to find out if he's a member? Sorry in new to this forum
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=212585

Lots of conversion guys here. Many different kinds...

Careful! It wont be a Porsche any more!

Ok guys I need your opinion, should I swap in a chevy 350, chevy 4.3 v6 or buy a 1.8 long block and build it? I'm looking for the cheapest option/cheapest horsepower

Aren't we all. By far the cheapest option would be to buy a running 1.8 and drop it in. Cheapest horsepower I'd say it's a toss up between the 350 and 4.3. They use a lot of the same parts since they share the same bore and stroke. You might be able to get some of the 350 specific parts cheaper due to the volume of sales (cam, heads, manifold, etc.)

You have all the Kennedy bits for the 4.3. It's a very reliable engine. It's no slouch either capable of making over 300 hp. I had one in an S10 Blazer. Never had a problem but is does shake around a bit.

Ya I think I've decided I'm just going to sell the Kennedy stuff and buy a running 1.8