Diverted Thread: GEX Engine with no Engine S/N - Discount or Walk?

[2ndTARGA]

Decided to start a new thread bc I have new info but please see my original one below about the Orange 914 in Ashland OR. You can also get it here: New (to this group) Info Needed on Orange 914 in Ashland Oregon

So the plot thickens as I asked the seller for the engine number hoping that it would start with EC as detailed in the excellent write up on buying a 914 on this site. The surprising answer is that there is supposedly no number on the boss where it's supposed to be. I was pretty concerned that since it's a GEX unit that it might be a VW case - but no number? What could that mean?

I could use some quick group thinking on this as I have this car tied down and don't want to make a mistake or miss an opportunity. All the photos support the fact that this is indeed a one owner rust free CA car with recent repaint to factory spec. And the interior is like new. All that stuff seems more important to me than a suspect engine, which over the long haul can be fixed. (You can't fix ugly but you can also overpay for good looks.) We're talking about a pretty stout price ($8K) for a '75 1.8L It does have the dealer add on AC which I understand is a pro and con issue. But if this GEX unit is indeed a hand grenade - and a non Porsche case to boot, then I need to factor this in. Thanks in advance for any input!

Thoughts/advice much appreciated. Additional photos attached.

[Mike Bellis]

Rust is expensive. Engines are cheap. If there is no rust repair needed, $8k is not a bad price. Not all GEX engine will self machine themselvs into dust. If the engine rus good, oil looks clean. Buy it but try to talk him down a little. Build a new engine on the side while you drive it and have fun.

[pumpkinhead]

Looks nice, but anything GEX I would run from, the GEX motor I took apart was scary, glad it was free, cause all it was good for was a boat anchor.

[Scrappy]

It is not uncommon for GEX (as far as I remember) to remove (grind off) engine numbers as the cases are all the same so the numbers would be meaningless. I thought they would stamp their number somewhere, but I don't buy engines from a production rebuilder.

If the numbers do not look ground off, it would be a replacement case.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Id walk away. It's the least desirable 914 with the wrong wheels, exhaust and a few things in the engine bay that are incorrect.

For that price you should be able to find something equally as nice without a questionable engine.

[2ndTARGA]

Thanks Jared - great advice. I did indeed pass on this car as of today. I was hooked on the condition and the color but in the end decided not to risk the unknown situation with the engine. Looking forward to continuing the search.

Thanks to all who offered advice. I'm now armed with a ton more ammo for the next buying opportunity.

BTW, if this is the least desirable version, what is the best target? An early 2.0?

TIA,

Ron

[Cairo94507]

'73 2.0 Appearance Group car! (Or and original six )

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by 2ndTARGA

BTW, if this is the least desirable version, what is the best target? An early 2.0?

TIA,

Ron

as follows

1. 1970-72 914-6
2. 1973 914 2.0 with appearance group package (most came with it)
3. 1974 914 2.0 with appearance group package
4. 1970-73 914 1.7
5. 1974 914 1.8
6. 1975-76 914 2.0
7. 1975 914 1.8

In general, 1973-74 is what you want for the 4 cylinder cars. Basically, buy the nicest one you can afford. They have the better shift linkage, interior trim 1975-76 cars in my opinion dont look right with the impact bumpers. They also have less power due to emissions equipment and very restrictive exhaust setups.

I tend to look down on cars that have AC. No 914 left the factory with it. They were all dealer installed. I've never seen a functional system. When you remove the compnents, you're left with a large hole in the front trunk and part of the engine shelf hacked up.

[2ndTARGA]

Thanks Jared - great shopping list. And thanks for the heads up about A/C.

The hunt is on!

Ron

[Tobra]

try and PM Sasquatch, he has a '74 914 for sale in Idaho that looks nice, looked to be that phoenix red color to me(pretty much orange)