I'm in the WAY EARLY stages of looking for my next project. I figure that I'll spend a while looking for the right roller, and go from there, but in the mean time...

I'm considering a V8 conversion for the next one. Now before you get the out, I'm not looking for "which is better". I want to know if anyone REGRETS doing a V8 instead of a 6.

I'm watching the 928 threads unfold, and that appeals to me, but at the same time, seems like more work than it'd be worth. An 8 appeals to me, but I want to know all the ugly stuff...

I regret NOT doing my V8 conversion

Had everything and sold it all before I installed it

At least a few members here got some good deals when I parted it out

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me.

Am I crazy for thinking like that?

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 09:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

yes and no

it's all a "state of mind" and how you deal with things...

I totally have a blast driving my 80hp /4 powered 914....but there are plenty of times I'd kill to have a rumbling 300+ hp V8 sitting behind me knowing how damn fun that extra and sometimes overkill horsepower is......

to me it's not that big of deal to have the Porsche engine, heck, if I launched the 3.6 in my 911, I'd consider doing a swap to something even more powerful

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

Not crazy at all. It is what stopped me from doing a V8. The 914 was designed to have the Porsche flat six in it. Yeah, you can put just about anything else in there, but it was still desinged for the Porsche flat six. So I have done lots-o-six-conversions.

No regrets. Fast and quiet (at least no valve train racket) handles like before with more attitude. I'm no great mechanic but with occassional help from a few others it all came together and believe me I know every inch of that car and had fun doing it, spent too much money but thats life. After the 914 was finished I looked at a few 928's thinking my wife would like to be seen in a "Big Porsche" but the right one has'nt come along. Don't buy anything but Renegade or at least really look at all what is available because some of it wont work. Believe me I have a collection of slightly to frankly inferior stuff.

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

I felt the same way about wanting a Porsche engine. I used to drag race BB chev's so a chev motor would not have been out of the question for me. I just want what I want.. Any regrets? HA! No brainer!

Hey I have two V8s they are real Viagra for the 914. Nothing wrong with having thoughts about one. I think you might want to ride in or drive one before you commit to the build job. They can be very intimidating and they can be very loud and VERY fast.
My latest 914-8 is much faster than my first one. It is setup for a V8 with reinforcement in the frame areas and the boxed arms. Also Brembo brakes get the thing down to a safe range if you get a bit to much on the go pedal. The build job on the motor alone cost as much as a really great 73 914 2.0 with all the goodies. 415hp at 6500 Rpm makes for a fun ride. Ask flowerboy in Olympia. Kevin Powers drove the car down from Seattle last week, and he was ear to ear grin when he arrived at CAMP 914.
CCLINV8ORVIAGRA

I have never driven a V-8 car. But, what it honestly sounds like is unless you like driving something that has all that power all the time, then do it.

I wanted to do a V-8 conversion for the longest time, but the deal came across on my 3.2 car, and I have no regrets. Power is there if you need it, but it's not over done. If I short shift it, I stay out of cam and can drive in the rain all day. It seems like with the V-8's you need to have a steady foot, because I know V-8's have torque everywhere.

I think if you are into the "It runs like a raped ape" thing, then the V-8 is the way to go. But I would also think that like all of the hi-po cars, you have to want it every day. If you have a Chevelle with a 454 in it and a cam that it damn near doesn't idle, that's fine for you, if that is what you want to drive. Your wife probably won't like it though. Bad example, I know.

My 3.2 is plenty fast for me, although if I won the lottery there would be a 993 3.6 TT in it as soon as possible, just for the wow factor, both to me when I step on the pedal, and to others when they don't know what the hell just happened.

I have gone through a debate similiar to this about the Rennshifter personally. I can have perfectly normal shifting, not have to think twice, etc, but that's what I love about my 914, so it's a toss up.

IMO, the only real downside is if you wanted to run it in PCA events and your local Region is too closed-minded to permit it. lots of people had a hard time accepting the 914 as a Porsche in the beginning and changing to a non-factory engine could be the last straw.

if your Region is more enlightened, or you don't care about track events (even though it is, IMO, a good way to safely learn the limits of your car to your benefit in safe street driving...), or you have another Porsche to use in those events, i don't think you'd be giving up anything.

just MHO, since you asked.

consider the primary use of the car. other 8 owners may not experience this, but, in stop and go traffic or just cruising around town, the v8 could be hard on the clutch and the coolent could tend to get warm. hiway running and back road cruising in an 8 would be a joy. i would def reccomend a drive or ride in one before you make the leap. they're fun!!!!! i would be hard pressed not to accumulate a few tickets, in short order, if i owned one.

k

All good points to look at. I have no regrets at this point except it is taking so long to complete the car. I am doing more than just the engine conversion though. The power is overwhelming to say the least. It also doesnt have to be that loud. I know of 4 cylinder cars that are louder than my V8 car. I am in the PCA Orange Coast region and they will let me run it at the event but not for times. That is why I wanted the little 2 liter car so I can compete for times. I would follow everyone elses advice and drive one. Then decide for yourself.

craig's 8 was quieter than my 4 with webers and a triad.

k

The quality of the engineering in a Porsche is the reason I drive these cars. For me, the engines Porsche makes are no small part of Porsche's excellence.

Although I've seen (and respect) many nicely accomplished V8 conversions, I would never consider a non-Porsche engine for my car. I am the very proud owner of a 3.6 993 engine and I sleep better at night just knowing it's in the garage. I'm sure there are V8 914s that are faster than my six-powered car, but I don't care. To me, Porsche engineering is second to none.

Other than the fact that setting up this new clutch is giving me fits, I LOVE DRIVING THE V8

The key to a v8 appears to be resisting the urge to cut corners. The PO of my car did a really nice job with all the right parts. I often read people expressing concern about drivability. I drive city/highway about 50/50, and my car is no more or less effort to drive in the city than any other stick, and with the Rennegade radiator set up, cooling has never one time been a problem, even on 95' days with the AC on.

Now, if it would just quit freakin' snowing around here, I might actually get to drive the damn thing again.

I think I'm with Joe. I'm more attached to the Porsche engineering than I originally thought.

After talking to Rick Ollah for the last hour or so, maybe I'll look at doing a 928 conversion next year. If not that, then a 6 is for me. I need to find the right roller first, so the point is moot until I accomplish that. I'm in no rush. Truth is, if I brought another 914 home right now, I'd be sleeping in it!

Thanks gang!

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 08:20 AM)

I guess part of my hesitation is not having a 'Porsche' (or VW) engine in it. Just seems like cheating to me. Am I crazy for thinking like that?

Find a Cayenne V8

Just a thought but instead of going with a V8 (for the negative reasons listed above) how about something like a V6. The GM 4.3 is just the SBC with two cyl chopped off. Or maybe something like a V6 out of a Nissan 300Z or one of the other hundreds of V6s out there. Seems the shorter length and lighter weight would make it more compatable with the 914 than a V8.

tom...

QUOTE (CptTripps @ Mar 17 2005, 10:07 AM)

I think I'm with Joe. I'm more attached to the Porsche engineering than I originally thought. After talking to Rick Ollah for the last hour or so, maybe I'll look at doing a 928 conversion next year. If not that, then a 6 is for me. I need to find the right roller first, so the point is moot until I accomplish that. I'm in no rush. Truth is, if I brought another 914 home right now, I'd be sleeping in it! Thanks gang!

Amen to that! Enjoyed our conversation. Call any time

the problems i experienced were due to a wreck on I-5 that choked 4 down to 2 just, at 8:30, out of downtown seattle, 45min to cover about 1.5 miles, should be considered a factor. even in my car it would have been a MAJOR pain. once i was clear of that mess it was nice driving. locals will know how rough I-5 is around federal way. craigs car handled that as smooth as i've experienced. the ruts didn't seem to pull the car around. new car, new driver, not knowing the nuances of the car probably didn't help.

k

Like was said before. Do it right or it will come back to you later. Take your time and do your homework. I don't regret doing the work. I loved it. Everyone I told about it said that that wasn't possible. I proved them wrong. No one really know me in high school but they knew my car. I regret the corners I cut. They are costing me more now then if I did it right the first time. Think it through and you won't be disapointed. Don't settal for doing it "right the next time", or "i'll change this later", things just don't work out that way. You just want to .

doug if you dont want to stray as far from porsche as a v8 is, come on down and drive my suby powered. stock weight, stock engine design ( flat 4 ) sounds the same with my muffler setup etc.

The great thing about a six conversion, as long as you don't get carried away with a big engine that needs a front oil cooler, is your car is still a very functional 914. That is you get to keep the front trunk, which is a very handy thing.

The Porsche V8 thing is intruiging, but I prefer the air cooled sixes.

I don't know anyone that's got regrets about doing a six conversion, except maybe not getting a bigger engine!

The torque is fun. But it doesnt feel sporty.

I drive around normally a car that is just the opposite (944 turbo) No torque down low, but lots of hp up high.

If I were to do it again, I'd do a 3.6 or bigger. Preferably turbo'd.

I guess i'll find out at the wcc what it does!

I have a great deal of respect for the guys who want to "keep it Porsche."
I also have a great deal of respect for learning to drive the car better. If it's not fast enough, the driver can improve.

That being said however...
The 914 is powered by a VW engine that doesn't put out enough power to keep up with the serious sports cars. The car has enough handling potential to keep up with just about anything, but it needs more power.

If you want to be a purist, have Raby build you a beast based on the factory motor. However, once you go to a different configuration of any kind, you're "cheating" (as someone said) in my book. Once you're cheating, the rules are out the window, regardless of whether the motor says Porsche or not (IMHO).

I respect Porsche engineering... particularly with the mid-engined 914 and the way it handles. I respect that so much that I choose a 914 over almost any other sports car out there. But please tell me about a Porsche engine that will put out 300+HP reliably for 100K+ miles cheaper than a Chevy 350!? I want it.

Hi
Some thoughts...lots of good advise here.

QUOTE

I had a V8 914 and sold it. If I had put in a six instead of the 8 cyl. I would prolly still have the car.

Well
Lets say I spent the last 12 years looking at conversions...
Back in the day I used to call Rod S and ask him about his conversion...I have a "deal" on a 3.6 - 1990 tip motor, I think dirt cheap, but supposed to have an issue with the trans, motor not compatible?. Anyways some very good advice here :

QUOTE

Like was said before. Do it right or it will come back to you later. Take your time and do your homework. I don't regret doing the work. I loved it.

I have seen some strait ass shit conversions, I would hate it too. He loved it.

QUOTE

I had a V8 914 and sold it. If I had put in a six instead of the 8 cyl. I would prolly still have the car.

But why own a car as long as I have had mine, all the time longing for drivetrain mods. Look perfect 4cly are catching around 10,000$, good, But... its not that serious of a decision $$$ wise, I've got kids coming to the shop all the time with "30,000$" Civics, I laugh. So maybe modifying a 914 is not the end of the world, apart from an unexpected swing in the market,914 is not a big investment VS excitement. I am a die-hard Porsche purist that died, 12 years of fighting the good fight.

QUOTE

If you want to be a purist, have Raby build you a beast based on the factory motor. However, once you go to a different configuration of any kind, you're "cheating" (as someone said) in my book. Once you're cheating, the rules are out the window, regardless of whether the motor says Porsche or not (IMHO).

Word of wisdom...Its a 4 or 6 Porsche air cooled, all others are modifed, PorscheV8 or not. I was looking to make my 914 fell like a Ferrari eater not a Corvette eater....let me explane. I have been and always be a Ford man first and formost and a SB chev guy all around. I have personally built a real 350hp motor. Listen to a 350 hp Chev914 rumble, do you want this or a mild build, much easier on the noise/idle, the performance feeling falls quicker then HP. Ahhhh . I have chosen another route so I can eat my Ferrari's and eat some Lambo for desert, all the feel/torque/sound...don't ask...Baby Blue.
My honest advice to you (I have been following some of your threds)is that if money is not an issue, buy a V8 kit and go for it. Easy anough for a beginner and you get to play and learn with your wheels. One day if you decide to be a "pure" 914 car owner, pay the 20large, for a 100% car. I bet you know way more about a 914 then you did a year ago !. Imagine with what 20large can get.......but in the meentime have fun, you got a good roler now, lots of hard work. Play with this one, you won't be doing this tooo many more times, look for a serious car after. I did it the other way around.
I regret that....
Wbr
Joe
PS sorry for the spelling

Noting wrong with any engine in a 914. Wheter it is made in Germany or the USA. They are all fun to own and experience, that is what being a gearhead is all about. The only fault I have with the V6 is that if you go V6 you are going to be saying after all of that I could have had a V8.
CCLINV8ME

To each his own...........Enjoy it the way you like it. I brought a new '73 2.0, liked the car (girl friend hated it) and put a lot of miles on it. Now I bought a car specifically for a V8 conversion. I have no illusions of what it will be; either way, I'lll enjoy it for what it is.

Two intriguing (to me) alternatives: That Nissan 300ZX V6 (195HP NA), or an entire transplant of an Audi/VWPasat 1.8T along with it's the 5 speed transaxle.

The flat 6? I think it will always be a "go-to" option that many will likely choose.

Andy

I regret not starting sooner. I'm maybe 1/4 of the way there.. if you stand back and squint.

I would like to here from someone who has spent some time auto-xing a 6 and a V8. Now I auto-x my '74 914-6 conversion, 2.2t motor with E cams 128 hp at the wheels.
After converting to the 6 and driving it for awhile it seems slow again. Being an old Chevy guy (and cheap) the V8 swap is sounding better. I just don't want to loose the balance and fun factor of the car.
It seems to me when you add more weight in the rear with a V8 and you add more to the front with a radiator and fans it should even out.
Any thoughts or input?

QUOTE (JoeSpark @ Mar 17 2005, 07:18 PM)

My honest advice to you (I have been following some of your threds)is that if money is not an issue, buy a V8 kit and go for it. Easy anough for a beginner and you get to play and learn with your wheels. One day if you decide to be a "pure" 914 car owner, pay the 20large, for a 100% car. I bet you know way more about a 914 then you did a year ago !. Imagine with what 20large can get.......but in the meentime have fun, you got a good roler now, lots of hard work. Play with this one, you won't be doing this tooo many more times, look for a serious car after. I did it the other way around.

That's another thought. (Thanks for the heart-felt advise BTW.) This one is immediately, a toy. The NEXT one, is going to be the 'Dream'. I'm not sure that I ever thought as a kid.. "One day, I'll have a Porsche with a Chevy motor in it!" I DID always look at the used 914s at the dealership around the corner from my grandparents (Swickley, PA) and wonder what it'd be like to drive one. Don't know why...they just always caught my eye. Money isn't so much of an object with these...it's more nostalga for me. (sp?)

I agree with a few people saying that they were under-powered, so that's why you do it. Others just chant 'Six-Six-Six' and let that be the end of it. I'm not sure WHAT I'm going to do.

First, I'll get this one finished. Then start looking for a body. I'll get that the way I want it, and THEN decide what I want to drop into it.

Thanks for everyone's advise. I really appreciate it.

How many of the V8s are daily drivers?

I worry about general drivability in traffic and reliability. Do you really want to rebuild your 901 every 6 months? If it's done right, these are not issues. But how many are that high quality?

QUOTE

Porsche engineering is second to none.

Except maybe Japanese engineering. Funny how they have a much better customer satisfaction rating than the german cars. Even some American stuff did better than some German stuff in a Consumer Reports test.

I am liking V8s more and more. Torque when you need it and want it. You can cruise the highway at no rpms and get good mileage or you can step it up and stomp many a much higher priced car. Oh ueah it doesn't sound like a damn diesel engine riding around town.

I don't like the hack jobs. If you want a V8 you need to look at it as an automotive engineer would then you can resolve some of the problems that pop up with hack jobs. There is no reason why a V8 914 can't be as versatile as any other engine combo. It just has to have all aspects of the conversion covered right.

Craig I have an autocross V8 and it handles very well. It is a 327 destroked to 305, excellent ttorque range. Put the car in 2nd and step on the gas, never have to shift. It does feel heavier than the 6 or 4. But it is brute power that helps you around the course and a good set of tires helps to keep you online.
If seriously interested in a turnkey V8 autocross car PM me.
CCLINAUTOXV8

I bought a 914 V8 with a 215ci buick motor, I would like to put higher gears in the trans, but I really like the car!! Slight weight increase, loads of power, always fun to drive. I have owned a lot of 914's including a six. The stock 914/4 needs more power, how you get it depends on $$$$ and what you are going use the car for, either way its a great car!!!!!!
Take Care
Bill

QUOTE (Brett W @ Mar 17 2005, 11:01 PM)

QUOTE Porsche engineering is second to none. Except maybe Japanese engineering. Funny how they have a much better customer satisfaction rating than the german cars. Even some American stuff did better than some German stuff in a Consumer Reports test. I am liking V8s more and more. Torque when you need it and want it. You can cruise the highway at no rpms and get good mileage or you can step it up and stomp many a much higher priced car. Oh ueah it doesn't sound like a damn diesel engine riding around town. I don't like the hack jobs. If you want a V8 you need to look at it as an automotive engineer would then you can resolve some of the problems that pop up with hack jobs. There is no reason why a V8 914 can't be as versatile as any other engine combo. It just has to have all aspects of the conversion covered right.

I think he was talking about performance wise.

QUOTE (RandyLok @ Mar 17 2005, 02:15 PM)

If you want to be a purist, have Raby build you a beast based on the factory motor. However, once you go to a different configuration of any kind, you're "cheating" (as someone said) in my book.

If you've got a Beetle, you don't have the option of putting a larger Porsche engine in the car. Enter Jake. Perfect solution, excellent engine builder, awesome results. I'll think you'll find that once you get to a certain horsepower level, Jake's engines aren't that much cheaper than the flat six counterpart. The difference is the ancillaries you need for the six, and the value of the car if the engine goes toes up. You don't get much more pure than a air cooled flat six.

914 is another story, you've got a world of options. My personal preference is to build cars that look like they were delivered with the engine I install, which at least so far has been flat sixes. Very few V8 cars look really slick with the installation, after all you've got to hack up the front trunk for a radiator.

I do agree though with the prior post about it being your car, do what you want with it. Just keep it on the road!

I believe the thread starter is questioning people who built or owned V8's. A 4 or 6 owner has not chosen this path so how can he say if he regrets it? Since V8 conversions aren't factory designs or builds, just be aware quality of build or maintenance level varies. Check out the BEST example if you are considering it.

A V8 changes a 914's performance/weight characteristics. Build or modify your car for the purpose intended. xcross course, track, freeway cruiser, daily driver, or street racer. You can't have it all. It will also change the fan base. Hang out with the street rodders, not the Porsche elite, LOL.

QUOTE

if you go V6 you are going to be saying after all of that I could have had a V8

Except when it's twin turbo with a reliable 300hp I am going with V6 to prove out a concept. I still like my V8 for what it is. I was over 20 years younger when I started it and now have different goals.

The GMV8 conversion kit today has been well developed so parts and service are a phone call away. All you need is the cash...

People paving the way for other alternatives will surely give the 914 owner more possibilities. I'm glad the stock powerplants are getting new life too. All this to add MORE excitement in our lives....

The more I think about it, I'm more convinced that I DON'T want to do a V8. If anything, I'll buy a 'done' 6, or MAYBE a 928 like Rick and Larry. I'm not an AXer...Just want to drive and have fun. (And spank the occational Civic with a trash-can sized pipe coming from under his rear bumper.)

I do not own a V8 car, nor have I ever driven one. That said, I have spanked them without mercy on the auto cross course, (stock 2.0 w/lots of suspension) short AND long, which you would think would favor the monster motor 914. When the V8 car got on the gas, you could see the front end rise up... pushed like a pig in the corners. Point being, lots-o-ponies must be a rush, but don't forget the rest of the package to make it fun AND safe, even if the goal is a fast daily driver and not an auto cross monster.

QUOTE (ottox914 @ Mar 18 2005, 09:43 AM)

I do not own a V8 car, nor have I ever driven one. That said, I have spanked them without mercy on the auto cross course, (stock 2.0 w/lots of suspension) short AND long, which you would think would favor the monster motor 914. When the V8 car got on the gas, you could see the front end rise up... pushed like a pig in the corners. Point being, lots-o-ponies must be a rush, but don't forget the rest of the package to make it fun AND safe, even if the goal is a fast daily driver and not an auto cross monster.

I do own a V8 car, and basically I totally agree. I've never raced but seems logical to me that HP is not going to be the primary factor in winning a race. Driving skills and handling are more important. This is not to say a V8 car that's got a power curve well-matched to the car and the track, and the driver, would still make a great combination. I think Doug's looking for a street car/daily driver and that's where a good V8 car shines. Plenty of performance and can be smooth and quiet, or aggressive and noisy, or somewhere in-between depending on your preferences. My feelings about it.... if a nice stock type IV car to begin with leave it that way. If a rusted or ragged-out POS then give it a new life as a V8 car. I'd have a hard time cutting up a nice original car for a V8. Obviously though this means spending a good chunk of change not only to 'restore' the 914 but for the V8 conversion. However the V8 cost is offset by the cost of a good type IV rebuild. You can often locate a very nice 350 for $1500 or even for less and to rebuild a type IV properly you're probably pushing $2500 or more. That difference can go towards your conversion parts.

I have a V8 and it's a daily driver. I don't expect to go thru my 901 very quickly, though I've never worn out a clutch in less than 100K on any car I've owned. Since the car can easily swing out the rear with just throttle in 2nd of 4 (your 3rd), I haven't felt the need to abuse the clutch or tranny. I did have a problem to begin with, the engine would not warm up, even in traffic, but a new t-stat fixed that. Even now, I've never seen 190 on the temp guage, and the heater works now. The carb is still running a little rich, I've got some oil leaks to chase down, the usual custom car kind of stuff.

Of course now I'm thinking about a Raby powered 'teener, better mileage has it's appeal... but I'm not selling the V8 anytime soon.

Eric

I have put about 12000 miles on mine and its a joy to drive. Its also a semi-daily driver. I am very glad I did it. With a total ivestment of $8000 includig the car, I have a very fun car that really is different. There really isn't any point in doing a chevy V6 coversion, you will only save $400. What is $400 in the scheme of a custom car.
DO IT! Check out my webshot link for some pics of the buildup.
Mark
PS its more fun than my 928S and 944!