QUOTE(Pat Garvey @ Dec 9 2006, 06:01 PM)
QUOTE(Jeff Bowlsby @ Dec 9 2006, 10:29 PM)
There is a place for mods and improvements and I fully respect and admire all the different approaches we see here. But if I ever need to rebuild my engine for my car, I would keep it to OEM bone stock specs if at all possible. The only time I would change it if stock parts were just simply not available.
Seems like everyone wants something more/different/'better'/faster/custom/special/whatever. Stock is refreshing to me, in part because so few are keeping these cars stock, so while stock was common before, now its very rare to see a stock 914. I like my 914s stock, I like the experience of driving them stock and I know myself well enough that anything differnet than the way the factory built it annoys me.
I know....I know...some people think I am a nutcase, I am a nutcase....but at least I drive and enjoy my 914 everyday...and I am not always trying to improve it....There would be too many decisions to make, and none of them would be....'right'. For me stock=right.
Jeff,
Are you a "purist" Go ahead, say it .....we're waiting!
Seriously, as many of you know, I am a "cantakerous(sp) PITA". Dr. Evil gave me that moniker, which (according to Webster) means I am either frequently in the company of a tramp (my wife WILL take issue with that!), or it is simply a nickname. I prefer to think of it as the former, and am appreciative of the compliment. I am also, um, somewhat outspoken re: originality. BTW, before I forget, Jeff, you ARE a nutcase. Why I like you.
But......there are guys out there who've found a way to increase HP, with the changes passing concours judging scrutiny.
One of which is Tom Bliznik, who had an excellent article in "Excellence" a few years back about his resto (nice) & engine mod's using no exterior changes.
Tom - if you're there ( I know your holiday schedule) how about a recap of your mods for the masses?
Don't get me wrong Jeff, & i have a bone-stock 1.7 - I like it the way it is. But, wouldn't be opposed to more power if I could hide it.
Hi Guys,
Both you guys are correct about your belief's. That's why they make vanilla&chocolate ice cream. I agree with Jeff B there are not many truly stock 914's out there & that's why I love original cars like Steve's in FL.
Interesting Pat mentioned my engine. I just came across my engine specs. Knowing what I know today I would do a few things different. Remember my engine was done in 1994, before Jake Rady & today I would have some of his engine components. I was just looking at his site last night. I hate my
cam choice because of it's difficult idle adjustments. I am happy with the engine preformance, it's just that touchie cam issue. Back to Jake's stuff. If I was doing my engine today I would purchase his new heads and the stock #9550 cam he suggests for our stock/modified F.I. engines. I still may tear down my engine and up-grade.
Anyway here is what's in my engine. Nothing shows on the outside, just inside modifications were made. I think it's about 110-hp???
Toms 2.0 liter modifications (inside only)
First I diss-assembled everything and sent out the engine cases, heads, fan housings, transmission & everything cast alum/mag. for a chemical cleaning & finished to like new factory finish like it came out of the casting mold)
Counterweighted balanced reground crank. Note: I think it added about 5#?
Lightened flywheel Note: I think it was lightened about 6#?
German bearings, Gaskets sets, & every gasket or seal new German
European Piston Set
Windage Tray Seals
911 Adjustable Rocker arm assembly W/adjustable lugs.
Head work on a flow bench for improved flow.
Cam, it was a custom grind came by General Kenitics with Mahle cam followers (lifters).
Complete balance of all moving parts.
Modify cam gear for bolt on, glass bead & repaired a spark plug hole crack.
Port & polish heads with performance 3-cut valve job
Machine & line bore to factory tolerances.
I was able to visit the shop anytime I wanted & watched the progress.
Thats all I can remember except it was done by a local VW highly respected engine builder. It was done in a clean shop with a no rush build time at his home shop.
Do I like my engine, "YES" except for the touchie cam. I wish Raby was around at that time. I may do my engine again soon which means splitting the case to put in another cam & maybe new heads? I am also thinking a new modern F.I. system sometime in the future. I know it's not factory stock, but I want my 914 to be upgraded with the latest modern technology. That's just me.
Tom