So I purchased a 74' Marathon Blue 914-4 that has been sitting for 12 years.
The bad:
It been converted to electric back in the late 90's.
It ran 25 Optima Yellow top batteries and had a range of about 40 miles and weighed 2 tons
It has random holes cut in the front and rear divider panels.
It has rear springs so stiff I'm actually afraid to try and remove them.
The tires are melted to the dollies it's sitting on.
The Good:
It doesn't have any rust in the rockers, jack plates, or Hell Hole
It came with brand new still in the box 320i calipers and rotors
It's 97% complete
I got it for a really good price
The Project:
I have removed all of the electric conversion and it's components. I have roughly 100lbs in copper cabling, 150lb electric motor, and a load of electronics that I have no idea what to do with.
I purchased a Subaru 3.6 H6 out of a newer Outback (256hp / 247ft/lbs). This engine has active valve timing on both cams and it will be run by a Link G4+ Fury standalone ecu to avoid the headaches of the factory Immobilizer / Can Bus systems.
I have two transmissions at the moment, a 5 speed STi with the optional factory LSD and 4:44 final drive and a 6 speed STI with the 3:90 final drive. Ideally I would like to run the 6 speed for durability and strength but fitment may be an issue (taller that 5 speed).
The mounting is what is going to be the fun part. I have access to one of Ian's cradles and a Rampage unit. My goal is to find the best in each and produce a new design for the 914 community.
Besides that I plan on leaving the patina on the outside, sprucing up the inside and driving the crap out of it.
(more pics coming shortly!)