Newbie Questions
 

Hello,
I came accross this delightful webpage and thought I would ask for views and opinions on a few things.
About 2 years ago I bought a 74 2.0L with hopes of never selling it. Unfortunately my mechanical abilities were less than stellar and I ended selling the car for a considerable loss. I don't feel too bad about it because the car was hot pink and had rust problems. I replaced the 914 with a 67 vw beetle and have used this car as a learning tool. I feel like I am now ready too take on a 914 again. Unfortunately when I owned my hot pink Beast I fell in love with the car and must now have another. I have 2 questions. I had a miserable time trying to change gears. I changed the bushings but it was still just awful. I understand that this is a characteristic of the 914 but are some years wose than others? Do the 6 cylinders have the same transimission. I was also disappointed in the lack of power my car had. I immagine that I would like to have a 6 conversion. Is it better to buy a 4 and convert it myself or should I buy a 6 already converted.
And finally how do I keep my car from rusting out from under me.

I appreciate your patience and Hope that you can help. I am open to all opinions

Thanks

Mark
67 beetle

Mark, As I have come to realize the car to buy is a 2.0 or a 6cyl. Spend some time on this site, read all the tec. info, and buy your parts from our hosts. Theres always some one posting something of interest here.
I've hardly ever seen any bashing going on.I personally perfer the V8 conversion. As I see it as long as it's 914 related it's OK around here. These are the guy's that will help keep it running.
Good Luck
PS. Check with Wayne he may have a deal on a car for you.

Rich,
I've been looking into the V8 conversion and I'm interested in how the small block fit into the engine bay and how the 901 handles the extra power? Any pics available? What size is the engine, what conversion package did you use. Hows the handeling w/ the added weight? Any friends that have a V6. Many questions that I'll bet many others may have as well, where do you live, I'm in the Portland Or. area?

Judging by the cost of the conversion parts I would think buying one that is already done would be the best. However, 911 motors are MUCH more expensive to fix. My friend spun a bearing on his 930 motor (911 turbo) and by the time he was done it was over $6000. That was with a used crank ($1000, his was cracked) and reusing the pistons and liners. Some 911 motors are cheaper to rebuild than others, so check around first.

So if you find a converted 914/6 realize that there is a couple thousand dollars worth of conversion parts in the car (oil tank, flywheel, engine tin, etc.) that is worth about half after it is put in. Also the condition of the motor is very important due to the cost of rebuilding.

It is possible to find a 914/6 for cheap that has a bad motor, but all the conversion parts. Then find a 2.7L (I think they are the cheapest 6's around, they are not popular for some reason) and swap it in.