Possible New 914 How-To Book...

[Wayne 962]

Howdy Folks. Some of you might know that I have briefly defected to the 911 camp to write "101 Projects for Your Porsche 911." The book has been a great success (see www.101projects.com), and is enjoying healthy sales. I am pleased to announce that they are getting ready to do printing number 2, about five months ahead of schedule!

So, what does this have to do with you? My editor at MBI today broached the subject of doing a 914 book. They are starting a series of smaller project books that will be nearly identical to the 101 projects format (again, see www.101projects.com for the format), but scaled down to only 30 projects. If the 30 projects book sells well, it may be replaced by a full-scale 101 Projects book *upgrade* that will include 71 more projects.

Needless to say, this book would have to encompass a wide array of projects for the 914, yet still remain within the page-count and picture count specs dictated by economic concerns.

So, I have tentatively suggested the following subjects and topics for this 914 book:

0- Tools / How-To Intro
1- Jacking up your car
2- Changing Engine Oil
3- Fan Belt Replacement
4- Replacing Air Filter
5- Fuel Filter Replacement
6- Engine Removal
7- Clutch Replacement
8- 914 Engine Teardown / Rebuild Overview
9- Fuel Injection Tuneup / Overview
10- Rebuilding 1st Gear
11- Transmission Fluid Replacement
12- Short Shift Kit Install
13- Pedal Cluster Rebuild
14- Heater System Repair
15- Brake Pads / Discs
16- Master Cylinder Replacement
17- Lowering the 914/Bump Steer Kit
18- New Shocks
19- Turbo Tie Rod Kit
20- Front Sway Bar Install / Rear Sway bar install
21- Rekeying your Locks
22- Ignition Switch Replacement
23- Valve Adjustment
24- Timing Adjustment
25- High Torque Starter
26- Shifting Improvements
27- Caliper Rebuild / Bleeding brakes
28- 911 Five-lug pattern upgrade
29- 914-6 Conversion overview
30- Odometer/ Gauge Repair

Anyone familiar with this website would immediately see that a lot of the content would be similar to what's already on the website. However, we also need to remember that you can't take a computer with you under your car, and a bunch of people out there still haven't seen this site (hard to believe, isn't it?)

I predict that the book would be about 80-100 pages long, and have about 125 full-color photos. Based on my own assumptions, I would predict it would sell for just under $20.

What do you think? Would you buy this?

-Wayne

P.S.

I realize that people have been disappointed with the most recent 914 book that recently came out. I think that it's main problem is that it was billed as a "How-To" book on the cover, but inside really didn't deliver on the promise. Note that my involvement on that book was very limited - I took most of the photos, but only saw the final text when the finished product arrived on my desk. It's still a good overview book - just not a very good how-to book.

[rdvnac]

Wayne, I'd *definitely* buy this book.

Even though some of the info would be similar to what's on the website, the format of a book somehow lends itself better, at least in my mind, to true step-by-step activities out in the garage.

One suggestion: err on the side of oversimplfying or overclarifying, rather than assuming lots of knowledge in the reader. The experienced wrenches don't need books like these; we beginners do.

Good LucK! Hope it comes to fruition!

[BobP]

Wayne - I would buy one for sure. I like to have as many references as possible, you never know who will have a good tip on an easier way to do something.

[echocanyons]

You can count me in for one

I was wondering if you would get to writing one for the 914

Kelly

[JmuRiz]

Sounds like a great idea to me...I'd get one. Like you said it's easier to have it all in one spot in a book than on the computer or a bunch of ugly printouts.

How about a section on replacing the fresh air blower fan and removing/refinishing the gas tank.

Nathan

[CoolTool]

I too would definitely be interested in one of these. Like you said, Wayne....you can't have a computer under the car with you! I have picked up MAJOR bits of info for my 2 914's on this site, and can't wait to start putting the first restoration back together! I have kinda been looking for a "quick reference" book for a little while, and maybe this would serve as one for some of us "beginners"!!! Just my thoughts ...

[DSPTurtle]

Count me in!!!

[ovilla]

I saw your 911 book at the bookstore and I honestly couldn't put the thing down. There was only one copy left on the shelf so I hid it in another section and then came back later with my wallet and bought it (hey, good Porsche books are sometimes hard to find during Chicago winters). Anyway, I don't own a 911 (YET) but I'm planning on buying one in the next 2-3 years, plus I thought that so much of the book applied itself nicely to the 914 anyway. I also really liked your electrical trouble-shooting section and some of the other non-911 info too. So, "Hell Yes!" I'd buy your 914 book. Email me at omar.villa@mail.bcop.com when it comes out.

[Barber Dave]

I;ll be first in line to Buy one,your right on about the computer under the car. Also think of the paper we;ll save from not having to print out all those Tec. articles & pictures from the P.P. tech. board. Lots of pictures , and keep it simple.

[robby750]

Put me down for one.

[Joe Ricard]

When you get ready for the other 71 projects why not cover "how to beat the rust monster. Topics may even lead into body panel repair replacement. Then I will fix my broken Jack reciever. Right now it is another way to save wieght.

[914timo]

I have the "101 Projects for Your Porsche 911" book and I think I would by this too. There is not too many good 914 and/or Porsche books.

I hope you will make the "101 Projects for Your Porsche 6-engine" too. Bruce Anderson´s book is excellent and the best, but there is not other good books about sixs.

Timo
´71 914 SC 3.0L

Count em in.

In some of your 71 other projects I'd like to see an in depth look at rebuilding the 901 transmission. Haynes is so vague.

Thanks for the great web site

[jtf914]

Count me in too. I've gotten a lot out 101projects, the format is great.

Justin

[Pritchard]

Yes. I'd buy one.

[kevinseven]

Me too!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The fuel injection one may get a bit long--don't leave the 1.8 owners out (L-jet EFI) please!

I would think a section about getting "MORE POWER" (why do they always ask about that in caps lock??) would also be in order. It doesn't have to be that long or that specific--a general overview of "how do you get more power out of an internal combustion engine" would be good, with a couple of notes on how that can be applied to a 914.

That's one of the most popular 914 questions.

--DD

[pbanders]

Originally posted by Dave at Pelican Parts
The fuel injection one may get a bit long--don't leave the 1.8 owners out (L-jet EFI) please!
--DD

I agree with Dave, if there's going to be an FI part to the book, there should be separate D-Jet and L-Jet sections.

Instead of a full-on D-Jet section, which truly would be long, perhaps some common projects. Some suggestions:

1. Restoration of the auxiliary air regulator
2. Replacing the head temperature sensor
3. Checking out your manifold pressure sensor
4. Checking and adjusting your fuel pressure
5. Checking your injectors for spray pattern and leaks
6. Replacing your contact trigger points
7. Testing your air temperature and head temperature sensors
8. Testing your thermo- and/or thermo-time switch
9. Testing your cold start valve
10. Replacing your vacuum hoses
11. Replacing your intake runner boots
12. Checking your distributor vacuum advance/retard unit

I'm sure there are plenty more, and a bunch of L-Jet projects, too.

[Jim Chambers]

I read the "other 914 book" as well as your 911 book cover- to- cover. I have owned over 30 Porsches (beginning in 1967) and even more books. I found both of the new books well worth the price. I encourage you to keep going. I'll buy.

[J P Stein]

I converted my 914 to a 6er 4-5 years ago.......before I had a computer. I looked everywhere for some written guidance, AA,
"up fixen", magazine articles. Nothing really comprehensive. There still isn't anything.

I would respectfully suggest, rather than an "overview" of the conversion, an in depth view would be better.
There are few "overviews" already out there. This (to me ) is part of the disenchantment with the other book that has recently come out. All they do is leave one with a whole bunch of unanswered questions. I realIze that this would add complexity to your task, but it would be worth it (IMO).

You can't take your puter' under the car with you.
....the laptop guys are going...."yes you can".....