v6 in a 914

[jess p]

Just acquired a nice 70 914 roller with flared fenders and car
was prepped for an engine swap. Anyone have any experience
with a buick v6 in a 914.








76 911S
66 912 v8
68 912 2.2 with nitrous

[sammyg2]

Yep, seen em. I've seen two beuwick V6s in a 914 blow up. the current owner has a V8 in it now.
Not a good idea IMO, costs as much (or more) as a V8 install, less power, more vibration (on most V6s) I see no good reason to do it unless you happen to have a high performance built up V6 sitting in the garage looking for a car. Like I said, just my opinion.

[jess p]

I have heard about vibration problems with a v6 but wasn't
sure if it was with the buick v6's or just a v6 in general. I want
an engine that won't kill the 914 tranny. Thanks for the advice.

[Will98D]

if you go this route choose a 1988 or later 3800 which has the counter-balance shafts. A v6 is not as well balanced as a V8, a flat 6 or a straight 6, but the balance shaft engines smooth things out pretty well.

The later 3800 NA has 205hp (you have to bring the computer and FI along; not sure how they do when you convert to carbs), and the supercharged one is 240hp. The V6 probably offers a lot of power without as big an investment as many other powerplants. Also, doesn't this engine fit without hacking up the firewall?

[SteveStromberg]

Here are a few Buick links

http://http://www.l67swap.com/vin.htm
www.turbobuicks.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php
http://www.zzperformance.com/index.htm
http://www.misred.com/
http://www.automotiveengines.com/lb_buick.htm
http://www.members.tripod.com/~grannys/index.html




www.ottosvenice.com

[skline]

I have some first hand experience in this matter. The pubic V-6 will run fine in a 914 as long as you make sure everything has been balanced. Otherwise, you will have vibration. You do not have to run the remote water pump as the whole thing will fit right in without changing the pump. One of the hard things is finding headers that will fit in there. If you use the stock exhaust you would probably be fine. They are right however about the 6 being as costly or more than a V-8 conversion. Dollar for dollar, the V-8 is easier and stronger. If I were to do a 6 again, it would be the 4.3 liter vortec. Stronger than the 3.8 and the parts are more available. Theres my 2 cents.

[mikester]

I agree with scott.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Does the Vortec fit reasonably? I know the ubiquitous 350 does, but isn't the Vortec larger (longer and/or wider)?

Philip Haun has a very nice V6 conversion.
http://members.rennlist.com/bluethunder

--DD

[skline]

Nope! The 4.3 liter is a 350 with 2 cylinders cut off. It even uses the same water pump. Stock, the Vortec is 215HP. Over the counter modification can make this engine run 280 with no problem. That would be the way to go.

[mg911guy]

I agree with Skline and Mikester. I converted a 73 to 3.8L Buick V6 back in the 90's.

DONT USE THE BUICK. You will find very few aftermarket parts. Use the 4.3L you can use many 350 parts. I dont know if Kennedy Engineering is still around. But they made my adapter plate and could mate up many different engines to the 901 Transaxle.

I also recall Renegade Hybrids parts were Expensive. The Radiator will be lower than the water pump so you will need a way to vent at the highest point in the system. That was a real problem vapor locking and all. I had to buy a Corvette Filler piece and place it near the Water pump.

2 broken CV joints. Split the cages like nothing. Just by getting on it a little to hard.

If I had to do it all over again. I would just save up for a 911/6.
When it came time to sell everyone was interested but nobody bought it. With all the plumbing holes, cutouts for the radiator and all.

Just my opinion. We all have a couple of those....
Mark...

[johnkennedy]

STOCK V6 MOTORS MAY NOT HAVE THE RPM RANGE NEEDED FOR THE 914 GEARING.
A CAM SWAP MAY BE NEEDED. AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THAT. SPRINGS/COMPRESSION/PORTING/INTAKE WORK......

[DuckRyder]

coughgrandnationalmotorcough

[mg911guy]

I was looking into the Turbo'd GN 3.8. At that time they were scarce and pricey. I hear most of them are bringing a premium now.

On the RPM range. I did have to install a Kenne Bell intake, with matched Holley, and camshaft setup, with stronger springs and chromoly pushrods from Dutwielers. It was also fully balanced by my machine shop.

Believe me the thing really was very fast. I just know if the chance came up to do it again. I wouldn't.

I have owned 4 Porsches 2 914's and 2 911's. I still have a complete 2.7L 911 motor and a partial 2.4l With the amount of $$ I spent getting the Buick engine right I could have bought a decent 2.4l 911 motor. That would have been more appealing when sold. I was only 1/2 finished with the car. The brakes, paint, suspension, all needed updating.

I have seen some wonderful coversions that are done right. On the other hand some that were down right dangerous.

I would advise anybody to know what you are getting into when swapping German aluminum/magnesium for American iron.

Mark...

[M. Hendrix]

Seems the right motor for a conversion is the 375hp 327, it makes the TQ where Porsche gearing likes power..

Uhoh... too much power, now we need a 930 box, and now you have a 4 speed.. uhhg...

Damnit you can't do any of this right without about $70,000.00.



M

[Acox914]

Roller:
is this the blue respray 70 from arizona?