advice needed-2.2 motor in a 914

[rfuerst911sc]

I am looking at purchasing a 914 that is local to me that has a 2.2 litre 911S engine in it. The conversion is not complete so the car is not running currently. I am familiar with the 3.0 in my SC but what's the story on the 2.2? Is it a good motor? Any major things to look for? The engine supposedly was completely rebuilt several years ago and only has 500 miles on it. It has Zenith carbs that were supposedly reworked/rebuilt to work on this engine. Any feedback on this engine series is appreciated. Thanks

[Joe Bob]

The small bore sixes are bullet proof. Get the engine#...NOT the serial number....and see if it truly is an "S" motor....

[Grady Clay]

This is a great conversion, you will have fun.

First, confirm that it actually is a 2.2 911S (came with MFI) and not a 2.2 911T (came with Zeniths). The engine number should be of the form: *63Zxxxx* where Z = 0 for 1970 or Z = 1 for 1971 911S. The xxxx = sequential number. The engine number should be in the same location as your 911SC. If it is a ’70-’71 911T then the engine number will be *61Zxxxx*.

There should be an engine type number stamped vertically in the case, slightly outboard and toward the flywheel from the engine number. It should be 911/01 for a 911S or 911/00 for a 911T.

If there isn’t an engine number on the fan mount, look alongside the breather plate toward #6 cylinder for a number. If numbers there it is an original 914-6 engine.

If this turns out to be an original 911S engine, consider selling it to someone restoring a 911S. The price you can get may pay for a complete rebuilt MFI 2.? engine.

What year is the 914? What is the VIN? Is there any rust or prior crash damage?

If it appears good, give the seller a deposit and get a ”Purchase Agreement”.

I’ll encourage you to get a PPI, even with it not running. Find some local PCA members or Pelicans to help you.

This can be the basis for a really fast <2000# 2.8S street or track Porsche or a very pleasent 2.2T daily.

Best,
Grady

[Todd Simpson]

When I hear recent rebuild and reworked Zeniths I think Motormeister. They are big on the Zeniths.

http://www.motormeister.com/suz/carb_access/carburetors_3.htm

So some due diligence is definitely needed.

Original 2.2S's are a scream to drive. They sound amazing and have a high end rush that's so much cooler than the later 3 liter+ engines.

[Joe Bob]

BTW....on a 914, the biggest issue is RUST. The stock battery (in the mid engine bay under a grill) location when rained on, produced an acid bath that pooled, ate thru the box and attacked the suspension underneath.

There are a few different 914 conversion motor mounts, some good, some not so good. As is some DIY stuff and other items to look for....

There is a very good 914 buying guide here on the Pelican BBS....there are also quite a few 914 owners in FL that will assist you.

There is also a website dedicated to the 914.... www.914club.com .... quite a "interesting" bunch of maniacs.

Be advised, there is MUCH more to a 914/6 conversion than just swapping in a 911 motor.....suspension, brakes, 4 to 5 lug wheels, steering colums, key switch location are just a few items. They are not just cheap VWs....they can drain a pocket book just as easily as a 911 can.

Prices are slowing climbing as the previous previous (356 and early 911) models get to the $$$ stratosphere.....a 914/4 and the 6 are only separated by a unique serial number. The bodies are identical.

[GrantG]

2.2S MFI is a great motor - loves to rev! Make sure the gearbox has the early lower ratio R&P (7:31) if it's a 915 gearbox (what ratios do they 914's usually have?)- you'll want to keep it over 5k revs if you're going anywhere in a hurry.

[rfuerst911sc]

I have asked the seller for the engine number. The engine case numbers are 901.101.102.2R + 901.101.101.3R with a 914 tranny number of 914.301.302.00. The car also comes with a 915 tranny # 911.301.101.OR. From the description of the car the hell hole is solid as are the longs. Both trunks are rust free. The car supposedly has been indoor garaged since 1991. The car has 911 front struts with 5 lug and the rears have been redrilled 5 lug with 15x6 Fuchs all around.I'll let you guys know the engine number once I know it. I'm getting excited to go see the car in person and maybe make a offer. I'm thinking 914GT conversion,screaming 2.2 litre, fat rims and tires and a auto crossing monster!!!

[Grady Clay]

rfuerst911sc,

“I'm thinking 914GT conversion, screaming 2.2 liter, fat rims and tires and a auto crossing monster!”

Before you jump into this, explore all the possibilities. There are many on Pelican who have done various approaches to this with 914s. Learn from their experience. You will find many “have-to’s” and many “don’t’s”. Heed everyone’s experience.

I have done a little more than I can count on my fingers & toes. Other Pelicans have done many more. Please learn from our accumulated experience so you don’t repeat our mistakes.

While I’m a 911 guy, I think the 914 (six) is possibly one of the best ever affordable hot-rod early Porsches. While there is some minor mis-information above, most are right on! Please pursue this project if it turns out to be OK.

If you have off-line questions, feel free to contact me; gradyclayathotmaildotcom. Most I like to keep on Pelican so everyone benefits.

Don’t let your money get to burning a hole in your pocket. Tread carefully as I recommended above. You and the seller agree to a contract. Carefully evaluate everything. It’s no big deal to miss something. It is a big-time aggravation to end up in a mess. Care will prevent that.

Best,
Grady

[T77911S]

i did a 6 conv. back in the 90's. the scariest thing for me was the the shifter. mine was a side shifter. i think i used my shift bar and one from a tail shifter and made one that was straight, unlike the side shifter that had the kink in it. for the accel. linkage, i cut the 'ARM' off the cross connect for the carbs and rotated it to the top, then mounted the accel. cable to the top of the alt/fan strap bolt. GPR was a good source of parts for me.

[petrolblue83911]

I was a 914 guy before I bought my 911sc,

this sounds like a fun project, -be wary of the fact that this person has already done a ton of work, but didn't "finish" -it screams of something major being wrong, or broken. If you can't verify that the engine runs, than don't pay for a running car, because depending on your mechanial abilities you could be looking at a junk motor, or a 5-10k rebuild required

-have a 914 expert look at the frame if you are not and expert your self!, I've seen really nice 914's cobbeled together from two seporate frames, just by welding them together...., this was done either as the result of an accident or rust...either way these cars are worthless at best, and dangerious at worst.

-if everything checks out go for it! 914's are tons of fun, I had a 73 2liter that I rebuilt and drove the hell out of for 4 yrs, by far it was the most fun Porsche I've ever had.

[petrolblue83911]

Also,

-Just realized, I thought all 914's came with 901's not 915 trannys?, I hadn't heard that you could adopt a 915 to work on a teener?

[T77911S]

mine was a 73 side shifter tranny. i have not heard of a 915 tranny in a 914....too much work and money for what u get out i would think.
very good advice from above.
the right rear suspension can rust out and break as mine did.
its no biggie if u have a shop u can trust to do the work. also replaced back half of floor pan and both jack pads while at it. it was a solid car and a lot of fun after all the work.
i poured osphoric acid down in the ' tunnel ' under the battery followed by extend several days later. i have found these 2 make a great combo for stopping rust. i also found a 911 fiberglass dash and put all the instuments in

[rfuerst911sc]

I decided to pass on this project. Thanks for all the input but I'm keeping my SC.