Couple V8 questions...

[Doug Crooms]

I'm still planning on a SBC V8 in my 914 and have a couple of questions... first, I have an MSD ignition system that was installed on a 2.0L car I bought - will it be needed for the V8, if not then what ignition system is best for the money? Second, I have a big oil cooler off the same car - is it necessary for the conversion (daily driver) V8?TIA.

Doug C

[914GT]

Doug

I'll jump in here with my thoughts. I'd think you could still use the ignition module and coil assuming it's for a points-type distributor and not something unique to a 4-cyl. engine. I don't know what's best for the money. I'm using an Accel distributor and Mallory coil. An oil cooler is not necessary but should take some load off your radiator depending on where it's located. You'd have to plumb it into the V8's oil system of course.

[sean_V8_914]

my 2cents... I like the GM HEI. it is cheap, abundant and works great but the diameter is large and requires cutting or bending the leading edge of the rear trunk. ACCELL makes a nice top mounted super coil for it. I run an MSD with electronic ignition trigger controlled by a Jacobs ignition computer (overkill). MSD and Mallory make a dizzy with a much smaller dia. First tell us how much you want to spend, then we can recomend something in that price range. ( I dont like contact points dizzys)

[skline]

I have to agree with Sean, I am running the HEI unit in mine just because of the abundance of parts around. I got the billet one and it works great, looks great and I dont mind cutting the hole for it to fit as I will make something to make it blend with the rest of the trunk and with a little skill and luck, it will look nice.