How fast is a 2.0 914

[degreeoff1]

Originally posted by Thack
So Josh what exactly is the issue with the heads and the rod knock. Are you selling parts or a complete engine that can be stripped for parts? What is a BAD?
Mike

Hello Mike,

I JUST rebuilt this engine due to a previously helicoiled spark plug striping out of my cylinder head (# 3 I believe) The whole engine had about 2000 miles on it with a Scat C-25 cam (mild carb cam) I then used that as an excuse for tearing it down and replacing the cam with somthing a little hotter. In the process I removed 1 rod and checked the bearings (all were just barely worn so I reused them) BAD Idea I think because after reassembly and breakin of NEW cam bearings and lifters....... I started to get a knock (sounds like a rod) SOoooooo I will take it back apart and replace the bearings/nuts with NEW and drive it untill the end of our summer/fall here in DC area and then sell it..... Sorry to lead you on ( I just love driving this lil beast), end of the year (sept/oct) I'll get rid of it (complete and running well) it will be a steal so if you can wait its yours.

To get ALL that I have in my engine (machine work incl.) you'd spend at least $4000 +(-) Stay with a porsche GO 6 cylinder or T4 but stay german....

My opinion

Josh


My opinion

[Eric 914]

I have never driven a V8 conversion or in 1 for that matter. I know it is a chop job even at best where you loose an overdrive gear and KILL weight distribution

I normally try to stay out of these debates, but I have driven a couple of V8 conversions, including my own, and I disagree with this quote. Though there is cutting involved, my car is not hacked, a couple of 914Club members have commented that they are surprised at how clean my conversion is. The gear that I lost was 1st, my top gear is currently 2750rpm@70mph with 205/50/15's, when I get back to stock height tires, that should drop below 2500rpm. Though I haven't corner balanced the car yet the weight distribution on most V8 conversions shifts less than 1-2 % fore and aft, the side to side is unaffected.

If I were to start over, the other 2 conversions that I would consider are a Raby T4 because the car can remain practically stock, or a Suby conversion. Both of these conversions can deliver 30mpg, which is the only thing that I consider a negative about my car. I consider each of these to be excellent improvements on an already great car, I'm sure that I would be happy with any one. And then there's always a 6...

[Thack]

It seems nowadays with the 6 cyl bringing well over 200 HP without turbos why go 8 cyl? Because it is easy? I don't need a missile I just want a little more like 150 HP but I didn't want to spend $4K to get there. I used to modify rotaries with turbos and carbs and those things are easy to work on. Yes the V8s can go for years without a rebuild but it just seems like too much.
Now with the Japanese motors today (Subys included and highly favored), that just seems like cheap power and low maintenance and emissions if you care about that.
I like the radiator in the engine compartment idea. Didn't the Fiero have the same setup? With electric fans how can you go wrong?
If I could get reasonable reliability and 150 HP from the type IV for $2000 I would do it. $3k seems to be pushing it but if I could get the Suby motor in there for that I would do it. All I'm trying to do is not be afraid to pull out in traffic or on the freeway. If 125 HP is a big difference for the IV and can be had for $1500-2000 and all my own labor I would consider it.

Mike

[tat2dphreak]

3k won't touch 150 for 3k! Raby's kits are over 3k and worth every penny, but type 4 parts ain't cheap! I bought a rebuilt 2056 longblock with very low miles that might put out 110, if I'm guessing. and paid 2k(with shipping) and couldn't have BUILT it for the same price...

a suby can be done for 2500 or so, if you shop for the right engine at the right price.

[Eric 914]

Mike,

I was totally in your camp "Why do a V8, I don't need that much power" until I went for a ride in one. Getting back on the freeway with my 2.0 right afterwards, I sadly discovered that the original engine was not going to cut it... I use my 327 914 as a daily driver, I'm not punching it everywhere, but the torque on tap at low RPM is really cool. Corners like my old Spitfire or Lotus Europa, goes like my cousin's '67 Camaro or my ex-girlfriends '82 4spd Corvette.

Without going to the scary end of the spectrum (your wallet will warn you if you slip in that direction), I've never driven a car that had too much power. Like I've said, some of the modern alternatives, Raby or Suby, should be sufficient, but around 200 ft/# of torque under 3000 rpm is pretty enjoyable.

[scotty914]

well i have 2700 in my swap with about 175 hp and at 80 + mph i got 28 mpg, there are not many cars that can keep up... not that i have been playing or anything

also with the wrx you cant do the radiator in the engine bay for 2 reasons no room and too much heat

if you want a great daily driver do the suby 2.2 it should get close to 40 mpg at any normal speed with about 135 or so hp when installed. and the motors go for 500 complete

and who can complain with this torgue curve ( 2.5 liter )

[RandyLok]

$500 engine with 135hp and 40mpg? Net results in a 914? Guess I better do some more research. I thought there was a lot more to it (both in parts and dollars).

I'm envious Scott. You have a dang nice conversion!!!

Do you recommend the Renegade conversion kit? I need to research prices on that too.

[Eric 914]

You're right, there is more to it. Check 914Club.com, there have been a few discussions about Suby conversions recently, some with prices, the number that sticks in my head is around $2k, I don't know think that includes the engine. There's at least one thread with pictures of Scott's conversion and another about the Renegade kit. Of course, that's just the different engine and cooling system, running in your current car. All the other upgrades, suspension, brakes, gearing, etc. are more.

Check it out.

[scotty914]

to all including eric, i removed the pics on my threads on the 914club.com due to some attitudes and argeements, they are availible by request thou. i pulled the pics just to have some control on it

[914GT]

Originally posted by scott thacher
some attitudes and argeements

Surely you jest

[Thack]

Did you upset someone Scott? Looks like you started a Suby conversion trend. Maybe you should write an article or a book. The 2.2 sounds great. I can do some welding and light machine work. Then maybe design a motor adaptor and talk to Kenedy Eng.

Mike

[FenderGuy]

Originally posted by Thack
Spending $6K on a Raby motor is insane. Spending $2-4K on a type IV motor to get 120 HP doesn't seem fruitful. If it takes that much money to get a type IV to gain 30 HP that motor doesn't want more power or wasn't designed for HP.

Mike

While I agree on the Raby price, I have to disagree on the 120 HP....Please see the link

912e's Rule

I never thought a 912e engine could leave me with a shet grin, but when I drove Coldbass's 912e it did that and with a conservative 125 HP ( I think theres more) from Rich rating (Tonys). I feel that 125 or 135hp would be enough for 912e, I can just imgaine the engine in a 914 (wow) . I always thought that 150hp and 200hp would be needed, , after my drive I would say its not and the issue with reliability and longevity, just further makes me feel its not needed. The cars are a lot lighter then the 6"s , at 125hp or 135hp its a hell of a ride. I have no costs on Coldbass engine, but all I can say is its done right and it is one hell of a car....

[Jeff Nelson]

Scott, I'd love to see some pictures of your car. I got onto the thread too late to see them originally. Are you now selling some of the bits and pieces for the conversion? From what I gather the motor mount is the biggest obstacle to success. Fortunately I weld.

[Thack]

Yeah Scott, share your pictures here. No one here will get upset.

Mike

[scotty914]

it had nothing to do with anybody being upset besides me. i tried to show a away that works very well and is easy and does not get in the way and people decided that there where better ways, but they cant say why they are better. so i decided i wanted control of the info.. not public

email me direct for pics