VW to Porsche

Ryan Huebler · 06-05-2005, 07:43 PM

To make a Long story short, I have 200hp of VW engine. And, I'm tired of my bug, too much of a straight line car, I have always been a Porsche lover, and Got a bug because that was the closest thing to a Porsche that I could get. The one thing I have learned with Vw's, or any car, Is find a forum, and you will learn alot about the car. I haven't baughten a Porsche yet, Trying to do my research first. So this is where my questions for you guys start.

1) What are some good information links on what to look for in a Porsche when Buying one?

2) What, in your expert opinion, is the best year of the 912/912e?

3) Are VW engine is Porsche considered a "sin"?

4) How many of you 912 owners own bugs?

My 2332cc engine is powerful, which is why I want to stick it in a 912 and also Put a quick spool up turbo and FI in it. In a bug with stock tranny and tires and small carbs it ran 14.2@96Mph. You can watch a video of it, click click the link in My signature.

mattr_914 · 06-05-2005, 10:29 PM

A type 1 on a 912 has been done and sounds like a great idea if you know how to build them right. There are more people putting type 4 engines in a 912, but thats not to say a type 1 cant be done. A very light weight 200 hp engine would be a lot of fun in a 912

.

First off, always watch for rust. rust is the enemy. ask me how i know...

A 911 isnt too too expensive if you're providing your own engine. I think kennedy makes a plate that will adapt a type 1 to a 901 trans ( http://www.kennedyeng.com/ ). If I were doing a project like this with a really nice engine, i'd probably go through and do suspension, brakes, interior, and paint anyway. None of those items are too expensive. I think a good guess is to double the price of any bug part. Seals can get pricey, though.

There are 3 different body styles of the 912; the short wheel base (66-68), long wheel base (69) and the 912E (76). The short wheel bases are more plentiful and have a shorter wheel base giving them better turn in but less stability at top end. My suggestion would be to go with a short wheel base 912 because you're using a very light engine. This will make for a very nimble car.

Everything is considered a sin to porsche purists.... dont try to keep up. Do this project because YOU want to do it

I dont own a bug, but I used to have a 69 squareback and I have a 914 (with a VW engine).

Good luck on your project and keep us updated!!!

Ryan Huebler · 06-06-2005, 01:01 AM

Hey, Thanks Matt. Pretty much I want to do exactly what you described. Do the whole car at once. This will pretty much be my only Dream car, That I can afford. Plus I want to do it right. I spent 6k on the VW engine alone, which is expensive for VW standards. Also, I have plently of time to get this done, as I want to be done with it by the time I'm 24, and since I'm 18 now, that gives me 6 years, plus I will start schooling in bodywork/Paint, which then I will be able to paint it nice. Right now, I'm just doing lots of research, and searching for the perfect 912 to start with, while I save up for it. Plus I have to finish a sandrail and sell that before I start another Project.

Jerome Ryals · 06-06-2005, 03:44 AM

Ryan, pretty much what you are proposing to to do would be what most 912'ers refer to as a renegade. I would suggest you take a look and sign up on the 912bbs.org there is a section dedicated only to 912 renegades. You will find plenty of helpful info from owners there. The site is dedicated only to the Porsche 912. I know of a good link that describes what you want to do in good detail that I will send you when I get home, can't find it on my computer here at work. I did basically the opposite, 912 engine into a vw kit car. I owned 3 vw's before I got my first 912.

bt1211 · 06-06-2005, 09:26 PM

Ryan, check out this site www.geocities.com/clarkblumberg/911-912page9.html
This guy did the same thing that you want to do. Most people put tp4's into 912's but a VW thats already built is more that OK. You will be able to find a cheap 912 or 911. The major problem with a shell is going to be the front pan but if you can put in bug floors you can weld in a pan. Keep looking.
Something to remember... its just a CAR. The passion that some people have for Porsches is no different than the passion other people have for VW's,Corvettes or fat chicks.
Bryan

Jerome Ryals · 06-07-2005, 08:35 AM

bt1211 has posted the link for you to see that I was thinking about. Good luck on your project.