4 or 6

[sean_V8_914]

Steve broke an axle 'cause he did a burn out at the entry to the lot. I think his CV broke where the 2 different types of axles had been welded together

[red-beard]

Well, the tranny held together....

[mikester]

My money is on the -6, it's just got more class than a V8. The V8 is cool but it's my opinion that they are out of place in an air cooled porsche.

Forgive any offense to those with the american iron.

[sean_V8_914]

are you saying you prefer prestige over performance or you have the bucks for 400 Porsche ponies in place of Cheby? I guess I would pony up to Porsche ponies if the rebuilds dint cost so much. We all build are cars to fit us. i like em all. Stick you foot in deep and roll

[Joe Bob]

Old argument, different players....

I've had them all, big 4, big 6 and an 8.....the 6 is just...it.....

[anthony]

I always wonder how much of the 300-400hp a V8 would put out would even be usable with a stock tranny. It doesn't even seem like it's worth going there unless you can start saving for the $6000 930 turbo tranny upgrade.

I was talking to a roadglue member with a 2.7L conversion and he said he could barely keep the car going in a straight line until he installed a LSD.

And, why bother with a 2.4? Unless you can get a hold of a fairly fresh 2.4S engine (which I imagine would be pretty hard to come by with the collectability of the early S cars) what would be the point of a 2.4?

For around 150hp I think the best bang for the buck is one of Jakes 2370 engines or you go all the way and do a 3.2L flat six conversion. Anything in the middle just seems like a waste of time unless you score a killer deal on an engine.

[jurhip]

Its funny how posts about engines always seem to run long.

Just to keep things going, there is a honda s2000 engine for sale on eBay. Its hp/torque curve could be perfect for a very quick & smooth 914 w/ stock tranny. I believe its around $3000 if anybody wants to try it. And, they sound nice near redline.

[Jake Raby]

Like I said, if I ever "convert" a 914 it'll be a smallblock Chevy.... The first one I ever built is still alive and it cost 1250 bucks for 310 BHP!

TIV or Chevy, the only two logical ways to go if you ask me... One keeps the car untouched, and more powerful. The other requires mods but its awesome as hell- for cheap!

Chevy power is just a bolt together thing..... nothing hard about it at all!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Everybody's got their own views on the matter. I personally think a 2.4S would be an outstanding motor to put into a 914. Wish I had one sitting around! Light weight, the astonishing throttle response of MFI, 200 HP, that wonderful sound...

As long as you like your 914, though, that's what really matters.

--DD

[red-beard]

The 2.7RS spec will be in the Blond on Saturday...

[BURN-BROS]

Jurhip, Whats your budget for your conversion anyway? That will definitly dictate what will go into your ride. Are you looking for more of a traditional route(why did you choose the 2.4) or are you just looking for the added performance of any six? You can get a 3.2 for a healthy performance boost, but its priced too close to a 3.6 not to go larger.

[bostonmeche]

I thought fitting a 3.6 was a lot more difficult than a 3.2 in terms of size and additional required upgrades. Was I mis-informed?

[J P Stein]

So, what are your plans for the car? I don't mean what/how you're gonna build it, but what happens when it's "done"?
It's good to do some planing ahead of time.

V8s make a good cruiser.

A good 6 is just right for DE, AX, or racin'.

T-4s are good for farm implements.

[BURN-BROS]

I have heard of intake clearances on the 3.6, but engine size is not the problem. I don't recall if the 3.2 had an oil cooler, but I know the 3.6 only uses a remote. People have said that the varioram would not fit, but I have seen it. You have the flywheel issue with the 3.6 if you still use the 901. This may be a simular issue with the 3.2. Both engines are very strong and if you go up against a vette, the vette had better pack a lunch cuz he will be there for a while trying to figure out what went wrong.


J P you crack me up man!

[BURN-BROS]

A corvette z06 is pushing around 9 lbs per h.p.
our ride with a 3.6 is in the low 7lbs
a 3.2... high 7s low eights
a 3.3.... well anywhere from low sevens to high fours.

a 935 was in the mid 4 lbs per h.p. btw.

[jurhip]

I would eventually like to AX the car and keep it streetable. Only after I acquire an early pre '74 911 will I start looking to race it. I really don't have a overal budget because I don't have a time constraint on this project. My car is running very good right now (just finished rebuilding tranny and replacing major engine seals about 1 yr ago) so I will keep driving it till I finish building the motor the way I want it.

However, my beginning budget is not large. I would like to get an engine for about $1200 max. (is this even resonable - I don't really know the 911 market well). That is why I choose the 2.4, and I will look at other sizes if price is right.

[BURN-BROS]

Negative, you start to see runners around $3000.00. Its all uphill from there. Keep in mind that a rebuild will put you in deep so it should be inspected well with no issues. Then you have oil tank/lines and motor mounts, etc....Whats pistons and cyl for the 2.4, $2000.00? $2500.00? Either way you will be in deep, but the satisfaction is priceless.

[jurhip]

Thanks,
I know the overall rebuild is gonna be pricey, but now I know what to expect just to get a motor.
BTW, how expensive are engine tins (for cooling). I see a lot of engines out there that don't come with these. Are tehy a pain to acquire. the t-4's seem to be.

Justin

[BURN-BROS]

They make fiberglass ones which are the way to go. It would be foolish to cut up an original set of 914/6 tin considering they are around 1500.00 now maybe more. I am sure someone here can tell you the source for them and our host here may carry them as well.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

We do...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/por_9144_sixcon_main.htm

Have you seen our Six conversion articles, BTW?
http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914-6_construction_kit/914-6_construction_kit.htm

--DD