QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 05:20 PM) 
QUOTE(SirAndy @ Aug 10 2015, 01:33 PM)
Who was the previous owner? Maybe the name will ring a bell …
The car had spent it's entire life in the Chicago areaI was talking about the red car ...
Full Version: There Goes The Neighborhood
I was talking about the red car ...
QUOTE(whitetwinturbo @ Aug 10 2015, 03:44 PM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 02:26 PM)
The motivation
@tomrev
Your motor looks nice. What can you tell me about it?
Well, it's for sale, having just pulled it out with about 60 miles from new. (I wanted a small Chevy originally, but could not find a builder who I could trust, then found Smedding, who start with all new block, crank, etc. and build and dyno all their motors before selling. It is a 383, 417HP, 460 ft. lbs, 9 to 1 comp. Very cool motor, but with trans twisting potential. No sooner did I get it running, than I ran into a fresh 283 short block, at a great price, and local, so have the car up in the air, and will take my beating on the 383. Cost was 5K, and I will try for $4200. 'ish.
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 05:20 PM)
QUOTE(SirAndy @ Aug 10 2015, 01:33 PM)
QUOTE(Mueller @ Jul 8 2015, 10:21 PM)
BradR...yes, that Brad called me a few days ago, found the for sale thread for your new ride while google'n something and called to remind me that he installed or fine tuned the serpentine belt assembly and that I helped with it at the Palo Alto shop.
I think I vaguely remember that now....
That car DOES look familiar. I spent a lot of time at the Palo Alto shop and i do remember several V8 cars there.
Who was the previous owner? Maybe the name will ring a bell …
The car had spent it's entire life in the Chicago area, but had been apart since around 2008. I bought it in March of 2014, fixed up some small issues, then installed the 911 suspension, Fuchs, back dated the bumpers, and put a new 383 Chevy into her. Knowing the big motor is going to be too much, I have found a uncompleted 283 short block, and have finished the build with Al. heads, better valve train, etc. and hope to have her rolling again in a few weeks with the smaller, way over square 283. I like the bark of these motors, and the transaxle will be happier as well!
"Bark" is good
283 can be built to run/rev 
SBC 383 can be WAY too much if roll bar/cage does not exist ... and if NOT tied to suspension or close by the torque/twist would fold up a 914 like a Coors can ... just before the transaxle shreds
... UNLESS it's a Pantera/930 or similiar 
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 05:25 PM)
QUOTE(whitetwinturbo @ Aug 10 2015, 03:37 PM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 02:24 PM)
Tell me about that battery holder............
The battery holder is a Optima kit; but I much prefer the little Odysseybattery's, so made some Al. mods to accommodate the smaller Odessy. Every Odessy I have ever owned is still working; I have one from 1999 in my Elise!!!
Way cool............send me a few more pics when able of your battery set up
QUOTE(matthepcat @ Aug 10 2015, 05:21 PM)
Mike's wife said that he spent more money on the 914 in trying to get it how he wanted it than the Lotus Elise he bought her back in the day.
I guess multiple revisions of the car adds up to a lot of $$$
Thanks again for your earlier help.
BYW............I found out why you thought the car was sprung "soft" compared to yours....there was 10lbs of air in the tires after 5 years in storage
QUOTE(SirAndy @ Aug 10 2015, 05:27 PM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 05:20 PM)
QUOTE(SirAndy @ Aug 10 2015, 01:33 PM)
Who was the previous owner? Maybe the name will ring a bell …
The car had spent it's entire life in the Chicago areaI was talking about the red car ...
Yours or my "pink" one........?
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 02:24 PM)
Are those radiator lines running through the gas tank ?
QUOTE(whitetwinturbo @ Aug 10 2015, 04:22 PM)
Here's part of the cooling design that came with the car:
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Note the round grey sheet metal disk.
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There is one 2.5" on each front wheel well. My guess is that this wild ducting, including the fiberglass shroud and trunk floor removal, was the second attempt to vent the radiator when the small holes did not do the job.
I removed the ducting to expose this:
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Time to find front truck sheet metal and weld it back up.
Anybody got a lead on that piece of steel?
Next, I need to decide on better venting
I like hot air rising up to vent(s) on the top of the hood...but I'm not sure about how it would look.
This looks like what could have been done if more holes had been cut the first time.
Click to view attachment
I could do this. I like the remaining strength of the wheel well assuming the holes are far enough apart. It would also leave nice attachment points for critter screen guards.
Would love to hear
from the water cool guys on their experiences 
I'm running mine like that. Remember to weld a reinforcement strip around your cutout area on the wheel wells. I believe I have more holes but it's hard to tell from that pic. I installed the louvered floor pan as well. IIRC, the ratio is 1.7 to 1 (outgoing area/incoming area number)
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Aug 11 2015, 05:33 AM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 02:24 PM)
Are those radiator lines running through the gas tank ?
I was wondering if that would get noticed; yeah, a bit of work, but it made a much smoother path towards the rad. The cooling lines run along both long's, hidden behind the rocker covers, so under the car looks stock. Steel tubing runs thru both sides of the tank, welded in place, and the coolant lines are insulated to keep the heat from being an issue. High points of the line have bleeder nipples on both sides, so she fills up and purges the trapped air pretty easily.
Can we get some pics of the fuel tank mods? Personally I would never do that but boy that is some fancy fab work!!!
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Aug 11 2015, 08:28 AM)
Can we get some pics of the fuel tank mods? Personally I would never do that but boy that is some fancy fab work!!!
Thanks! With the tank installed, not much can be seen, but I can try a few closer shots. A pair of 3in. curved exhaust pipe was slipped in and welded to make the channels. The guy who I bought it from did it, so that mod I can't claim; he made small, beautiful bits on a Bridgport mill, and tucked them all over the car, my favorite thing about the car, and spent a lot of time running the coolant lines on either side, as mentioned. I had to re-do all his wiring 'tho, and finish up the car. I'v been working on a pair of 914-8 projects for the last 6 years, one LS powered, and this one, but haven't done much 914 driving in 15 years, so am looking forward to having her back on the road!
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Aug 11 2015, 06:33 AM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 10 2015, 02:24 PM)
Are those radiator lines running through the gas tank ?
Now that would be exciting..........but NO...........they are self contained in boxed aluminum squares.......a very interesting and controversial design idea.
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 11 2015, 09:43 AM)
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Aug 11 2015, 08:28 AM)
Can we get some pics of the fuel tank mods? Personally I would never do that but boy that is some fancy fab work!!!
Thanks! With the tank installed, not much can be seen, but I can try a few closer shots. A pair of 3in. curved exhaust pipe was slipped in and welded to make the channels. The guy who I bought it from did it, so that mod I can't claim; he made small, beautiful bits on a Bridgport mill, and tucked them all over the car, my favorite thing about the car, and spent a lot of time running the coolant lines on either side, as mentioned. I had to re-do all his wiring 'tho, and finish up the car. I'v been working on a pair of 914-8 projects for the last 6 years, one LS powered, and this one, but haven't done much 914 driving in 15 years, so am looking forward to having her back on the road!
@tomrev
I want to learn more about your experiences.......and look forward to hearing more about your v8.
QUOTE(matthepcat @ Aug 10 2015, 05:21 PM)
Mike's wife said that he spent more money on the 914 in trying to get it how he wanted it than the Lotus Elise he bought her back in the day.
I guess multiple revisions of the car adds up to a lot of $$$
...........and a LOTUS guy too
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 11 2015, 09:43 AM)
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Aug 11 2015, 08:28 AM)
Can we get some pics of the fuel tank mods? Personally I would never do that but boy that is some fancy fab work!!!
Thanks! With the tank installed, not much can be seen, but I can try a few closer shots. A pair of 3in. curved exhaust pipe was slipped in and welded to make the channels. The guy who I bought it from did it, so that mod I can't claim; he made small, beautiful bits on a Bridgport mill, and tucked them all over the car, my favorite thing about the car, and spent a lot of time running the coolant lines on either side, as mentioned. I had to re-do all his wiring 'tho, and finish up the car. I'v been working on a pair of 914-8 projects for the last 6 years, one LS powered, and this one, but haven't done much 914 driving in 15 years, so am looking forward to having her back on the road!
Love it...do you have a "build" thread going?
Nope, the silver LS powered car was finished and sold last Summer, so I could make space for the black car. I usually forget to take any photo's till it's too late, and things are covered up; hate to stop working! The black car only has 20K original miles, and has been a V8 car since it was almost new. Apparently, a small engine bay fire at 7K miles caused it to go back to the dealership, and then get sold cheap to a young guy in Chicago, who converted it to Chevy power. It stayed within a group of friends for all those years, but sat disassembled from around 2008, till I got her in March 2014, and started in. From 1984 till '98 I had a Six, which ended up with a built 3.0 that I really loved, and had the urge to get a project 914 again some years back, so Blackie is proving a lot of fun. I will post some detail photos when the 283 is back in. Thanks for your comments!
Click to view attachment
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 12 2015, 01:02 PM)
Nope, the silver LS powered car was finished and sold last Summer, so I could make space for the black car. I usually forget to take any photo's till it's too late, and things are covered up; hate to stop working! The black car only has 20K original miles, and has been a V8 car since it was almost new. Apparently, a small engine bay fire at 7K miles caused it to go back to the dealership, and then get sold cheap to a young guy in Chicago, who converted it to Chevy power. It stayed within a group of friends for all those years, but sat disassembled from around 2008, till I got her in March 2014, and started in. From 1984 till '98 I had a Six, which ended up with a built 3.0 that I really loved, and had the urge to get a project 914 again some years back, so Blackie is proving a lot of fun. I will post some detail photos when the 283 is back in. Thanks for your comments!
Cool in black....and not seen a lot in CA.
Where did the 914-8 rear letter come from...I may like to get that too
QUOTE(whitetwinturbo @ Aug 13 2015, 10:27 AM)
QUOTE(tomrev @ Aug 12 2015, 01:02 PM)
Nope, the silver LS powered car was finished and sold last Summer, so I could make space for the black car. I usually forget to take any photo's till it's too late, and things are covered up; hate to stop working! The black car only has 20K original miles, and has been a V8 car since it was almost new. Apparently, a small engine bay fire at 7K miles caused it to go back to the dealership, and then get sold cheap to a young guy in Chicago, who converted it to Chevy power. It stayed within a group of friends for all those years, but sat disassembled from around 2008, till I got her in March 2014, and started in. From 1984 till '98 I had a Six, which ended up with a built 3.0 that I really loved, and had the urge to get a project 914 again some years back, so Blackie is proving a lot of fun. I will post some detail photos when the 283 is back in. Thanks for your comments!
Cool in black....and not seen a lot in CA.
Where did the 914-8 rear letter come from...I may like to get that too
I like it also!
I have been working on the brakes since the fluid was probably not changed for 5 years. My brakes are all non-914 so the 14mm booster will be replaced with a sourced 19mm.
A problem surfaced when I decided to upgrade to these:
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Here's the problem:
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Notice the material "taken" by the threads? It was VERY difficult to remove this bleed nipple. I used a breaker bar on the wrench but only turned it slightly and then waited after a PB spray to keep cool....I did not want to break it off. I think the PO or service folks accidently overtightened it. I am hoping to retap/clean the caliper to install new item above but I have this repair kit if that does not seal correctly:
Click to view attachment
A problem surfaced when I decided to upgrade to these:
Click to view attachment
Here's the problem:
Click to view attachment
Notice the material "taken" by the threads? It was VERY difficult to remove this bleed nipple. I used a breaker bar on the wrench but only turned it slightly and then waited after a PB spray to keep cool....I did not want to break it off. I think the PO or service folks accidently overtightened it. I am hoping to retap/clean the caliper to install new item above but I have this repair kit if that does not seal correctly:
Click to view attachment
I went crazy trying to get the temp under 200 degrees and then I decided to try reverse louvers. It worked! Car runs at 180 degrees and never goes higher even on a 90 degree day. Creates a low pressure system that sucks hot air out through the hood. I think that a reverse scoop would also work.Click to view attachment Click to view attachment Click to view attachment
That looks good. I'm probably going to punch out inner front wheel wells then "dimple" them for a finished look with this item borrowed from a good friend.
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
White twin,A guy approached me this am at cars n coffee he said he's your neighbor
Cool guy I forgot to get his name.
Cool guy I forgot to get his name.
Must have been "Jim".....that's his dimple tool AND here's some of the results!
1] Used small sawzal to cut dark grey fiberglass shroud that held duct tape to silver flex home heater piping!
Before:
Click to view attachment
After:
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
2] Cutting and dippling the cut out holes should provide enough venting and if not I will make more holes.
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
1] Used small sawzal to cut dark grey fiberglass shroud that held duct tape to silver flex home heater piping!
Before:
Click to view attachment
After:
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
2] Cutting and dippling the cut out holes should provide enough venting and if not I will make more holes.
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
That should be more than enough venting to cool the motor. If you still run hot, start looking else where. I still think the 90 degree connection to those aluminum pipes running under the car is not the best for flow.
If the car does have a thermostat, make sure you drill an additional flow hole ( renegade sells them pre-drilled)
Get the air out of the system and you should be good to go.
If the car does have a thermostat, make sure you drill an additional flow hole ( renegade sells them pre-drilled)
Get the air out of the system and you should be good to go.
Make sure you have a lip before the hole in the trunk to prevent air from coming in from the bottom of the car. You want that trunk to be a low pressure area to allow air flow naturally.
I agree about the 90 deg fittings. Might be a good idea to custom bend some metal lines to flow more naturally.
Also make sure your running some HEAVY guage wire with a relay to those fans. Seen many a v8 conversion with burned/melting fan wires.
I agree about the 90 deg fittings. Might be a good idea to custom bend some metal lines to flow more naturally.
Also make sure your running some HEAVY guage wire with a relay to those fans. Seen many a v8 conversion with burned/melting fan wires.
If there is ANY path for air to get around the radiator, it will. Your fenders should be enough as is. Seal up the trunk floor.
You also need to check water flow and figure out the temperature differential at the radiator. Is the rad scalding hot? Or is the engine scalding hot?
You also need to vacuum any possible air out of the system. When you think you are done, do it again, and again.
You also need to check water flow and figure out the temperature differential at the radiator. Is the rad scalding hot? Or is the engine scalding hot?
You also need to vacuum any possible air out of the system. When you think you are done, do it again, and again.
Got and installed the LED front upgrade from the 914World vendor.
Note intensity of left vs right from the front. NICE!
Click to view attachment
Note intensity of left vs right from the front. NICE!
Click to view attachment
QUOTE(ed11181 @ Nov 27 2015, 07:09 PM)
I went crazy trying to get the temp under 200 degrees and then I decided to try reverse louvers. It worked! Car runs at 180 degrees and never goes higher even on a 90 degree day. Creates a low pressure system that sucks hot air out through the hood. I think that a reverse scoop would also work.Click to view attachment Click to view attachment Click to view attachment
what wheels are on this car?
I thought I was so smart!
My brake Master Cyl DOES say "14" on the part that can be seen from under the car. So, I bought a new "19" to to compliment the Big Black 911 brakes.
Here's the new one clearly marked "19" at the red arrow on the part you cannot see when installed and no "19" is seen anywhere else on the main body:
Click to view attachment
Surprise!
I started to pull out the old "14" (see yellow arrow) and their is "19" (see red arrow) in the same location as the new one described above!
Click to view attachment
HELP! Is the old one a 14 or 19
My brake Master Cyl DOES say "14" on the part that can be seen from under the car. So, I bought a new "19" to to compliment the Big Black 911 brakes.
Here's the new one clearly marked "19" at the red arrow on the part you cannot see when installed and no "19" is seen anywhere else on the main body:
Click to view attachment
Surprise!
I started to pull out the old "14" (see yellow arrow) and their is "19" (see red arrow) in the same location as the new one described above!
Click to view attachment
HELP! Is the old one a 14 or 19
Its a 19mm. There is no 14mm version. (Stock was 17mm)
Matt,
Thanks and how werid is it to have a 14 casted into the main area where it can be seen??
........ at least I'm ready with a spare if ever needed.
Thanks and how werid is it to have a 14 casted into the main area where it can be seen??
........ at least I'm ready with a spare if ever needed.
Lol, agree. I am sure some guru here knows the answer.
Decided to cut an access hole in the rear firewall/bulkhead to get a closer look at the the water going in and out of the 'front' of the engine. The passenger side was looking a bit green and the other side was fine. I decided to find some alloy items to replace these black items that seem to be injected out of some plastic type material.
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Click to view attachment
Here's the hole:
Click to view attachment
Interestingly, the new alloy seemed to go into the block with some unexpected resistance. I looked closely to see "hair" being machined off the alloy's thread due to galling of it's surface from a slightly oversized washer on the fitting next to it! I removed bolt and replaced washer with a slightly smaller diameter to clear the alloy male threads.
Click to view attachment
Worked out ok.
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Here's the hole:
Click to view attachment
Interestingly, the new alloy seemed to go into the block with some unexpected resistance. I looked closely to see "hair" being machined off the alloy's thread due to galling of it's surface from a slightly oversized washer on the fitting next to it! I removed bolt and replaced washer with a slightly smaller diameter to clear the alloy male threads.
Click to view attachment
Worked out ok.
Click to view attachment
I like the Manta, I have a white one. And a 72 914.
QUOTE(jb6000 @ Apr 26 2020, 09:38 PM)
I like the Manta, I have a white one. And a 72 914.
Send me pictures of your white Manta!
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