rookie racing

[romanl]

My friends and I have found a 72 914 2.0 with a solid body up here in Toronto and are looking to put it on the track for some autocrosses, club days, and would also like it streetable so that it could be driven to the event and then run. It has been stored for a while, the brakes where seized, and the fuel injection was malfunctioning. We are replacing the all the brakes, throwing the fuel injection in the trash bin and installing a set of 40 dcoe webbers. The head is being cleaned and polished and checked for compression. The cylinders looked good.. we good still see the honing marks on the walls. We are not looking to build an insane machine in which we will need to wear diapers while racing. Any other suggestions on what to replace or recheck?

[John Rogers]

I'd check/replace/overhaul the following: battery, batt cables, ground straps, master cylinder, brake fluid, brake rotors and pads, tranny fluid, shift linkage bushings, wheel bearings (all), five point harness, all lights, clutch cable, throttle cable, all engine hoses, fuel lines (especially in tunnel), fuel tank and filter. Make sure clutch free play is correct and you'll need a new fuel pump if you go with carbs. To prevent missing anything gather all the inputs from here, etc and make a list and cross each item off as it is done so as not to miss anything. I have a huge list I go through each time before I go racing so I won't miss something. Good luck.

[campbellcj]

I think John pretty much touched on everything...also I'd add a comprehensive cleaning of the whole car (including undertray/suspension/engine compartment). Check and re-torque all fasteners. It's amazing how things like engine tin and heater duct screws work themselves loose.

Also, you will want to add a real oil temp gauge at a minimum - you may also want to add an oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as a big(ger) oil pressure idiot light.

Not sure where you'll be driving it, but you will probably need to add an external oil cooler as well. On certain tracks you will go from 0 to almost 300 degrees in a matter of 5-10 minutes without an external cooler.

Later on: rollbar/cage, DOT-R or full race tires, and suspension mods will suddenly appear on your to-do list!

Good luck & have fun,
Chris C.

[Bleyseng]

Before you throw the FI in the trash I would try to use it/fix it. The FI gives these engines lots of low end torque and hp. This is great for Auto xing and the street. There are lots of resources and people to help you get it going again. The FI is really simple and pretty easy to fix.
If you are set on using the carbs, break the engine apart and put in a Web cam and lifters that will take advantage of the carbs. Otherwise, running with the stock FI cam, you gain nothing other than the pains of carbs.
Geoff

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76 914 2.0L

[pbanders]

Originally posted by romanl:
We are replacing the all the brakes, throwing the fuel injection in the trash bin and installing a set of 40 dcoe webbers.

Rather than tossing the FI, why not send it to me? I'll pay shipping. Send me email at pbanders@yahoo.com. I especially would like to have the ECU, pressure sensor, injectors, and temperature sensors.

thanks,

Brad Anders

[DDS]

Roman, I'm here in the TO area and would swap you some parts for that FI if you aren't going to use it. No shipping or risk.

dave.syer@sympatico.ca

[Bleyseng]

See Romani, FI is good! Everyone wants it if you don't as the pieces are getting hard to find. Alot of people think it is a easy solution to fix a car by junking the FI. Yes, it will run with the carbs but not as well. BTW, look at a set of 40mm Dells if you want to go the carb route. They move more air and seem to work better on these engines.(More Power)
Geoff

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76 914 2.0L

[romanl]

woW!!! I never knew there was such a following for these FI things. Thanks for the info about the cam thing, never knew, thanks to pelican parts... now do I get some free stuff from you guys for that plug?!