[Ghost Tracker]

I like 'em so much...I'm building one! But, for a couple of reasons, I'm not swapping in the WRX EJ20 turbo...I'm using a N/A EJ25 PII (sohc, 16v). It's cheaper, more straight-forward, has a wonderfully FLAT torque band & with minor mods (cams, intake, exhaust & ECU) gives a strong +200 chp. No, it won't scream at high revs like the turbo WRX STi engine (300+ chp) but for daily driving the low-end grunt suits me fine.

I'm spending considerable time at the Subie websites to increase my engine knowledge (they're talking about cool 914 swaps over there too) but the transplant uses the 901 tranny (stock ratios match the non-turbo EJ25 pretty well) and doesn't get to the 300 ft.lb. "scatter threshold". There's no weight increase. The Subie boxer 4 looks MUCH like the VW Type IV and fits well with no negative effect on center-of-gravity. Handling stays 914 sharp.

As far as conversions go...it's MUCH cheaper than the Porsche flat 6, MUCH lighter than the SBC V8, less tempermental than a Raby Monster Type IV, has modern EFI, with cheap, readily available parts and Rally Car durability. It requires no cutting-up of the car so returning someday to stock (if that matters to 914 owners) is simple.

And the SOUND, while non-traditional, is certainly unique and high-performance oriented. With almost twice the HP of the legendary 914/6 I simply can't WAIT to get on the road. And, if more go-power is required, after-market turbo systems bolt on another easy 125 hp for $1.5K. If the purist look down their noses, WHO CARES?!? My tail lights are all they'll see anyway.