possible 914 plunge

tychain99 · tychain99's Garage

I have been bombing around craigs and ebay for another porsche, I have a 928 now, love it, wanted another one but was considering a 914. I have seen a few around craigs and ebay that I like, I do not know much about them, and figured I'd ask here for a little input. Any recommendations, stories, pros, cons would all be great.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Coming from a 928, the 914's power will seem like a sick joke.

There is no power anything, it is really raw. The brakes will require a bit of leg, and unless they're in very good shape they will be rather unimpressive.

It weighs a close approximation of nothing, and what weight is there is concentrated toward the middle of the car, with a slight rear-biased weight distribution. It loves to change directions, which can feel unstable but means that it responds wonderfully to inputs. The 928 is much heavier, has weight out near the ends for stability, and tends toward a front weight bias.

The 914 will feel very directly connected to the road. You'll tend to feel any imperfections, but you'll also know exactly what the car is doing. The driving experience is exceedingly raw and unfiltered. Driver involvement is very high, potentially overwhelming. Most 914s are a chore to drive long distances, but a delight anywhere the road gets tight and twisty.

They love to rust. They really, really, really love to rust. I think Karmann licensed the rights to rust-prone-ness from Fiat in the 70s. The worst spots tend to be around the jack points and under the battery in the engine bay, but there are a lot of places that often collect it.

914 owners often have a sense of humor about their cars (which may be a legacy of when they were regarded as NARP, Not A Real Porsche). This sense of humor can be needed if the car decides to have problems. We often joke that their natural place is on top of a set of jack-stands...

They're really infectuous. If you drive one and they're for you, you won't be able to get them out of your head. I love mine.

--DD

infraredcalvin · infraredcalvin's Garage

I think one of the biggest hurdles is that you either love or hate the looks of the 914. If your are even considering, then you're in the earlier group, drive one, learn how to keep momentum when driving, you won't be disappointed, as Dave said, "infectious" is a perfect term for the 914.

Griffinroydonal · Griffinroydonal's Garage

I have a 914 that I love and enjoy very much. This was the first Porsche I rode in back in 1970 and never forgot how it felt. I think it is like a street roller skate with steel wheels.
I also have a 928s4 that is more like a skate board with speed wheels. I have not found much I enjoy driving more. This car gets attention where ever it goes.
I would buy a repair manual for the 914 and read it before purchasing one. They are simple cars and easy to work on once you understand the mechanics. Parts are cheap and easy to find for them. There is a lot of interest in the 914 from the local VW club and I am welcomed at the events

ned911 · 10-04-2012, 01:44 PM

Starting down this path as well. We have 2 '72 911's -street car and a vintage racer. The wife is starting to think about vintage racing but wants to run a 914-4. Looking for a good driver that we can drive on the street and DE. If she does go racing it will be with the roof (no Ginther setup) and no flares.

Trick is finding the right car...

Griffinroydonal · Griffinroydonal's Garage

Cars that are complete are very hard to find in Good condition. They are easy to find with rust issues and missing parts, Broken windows , Flat tires and rats nest. The search and rebuild has been a chalange but I enjoy looking back and saying "I built that" and no you can't drive it.

epbrown · 10-08-2012, 05:39 AM

How are they for taller drivers? I've been considering one, but at 6'1" with a 34" inseam I'm not sure I'd even fit. I haven't found one nearby to sit in and try it out yet.

Griffinroydonal · Griffinroydonal's Garage

You are at about the max size. Sorry about that but I am bigger at 6'2 -225 and I will fit with no extra room. My seats are a little taller than stock and my head will rub if I try. I don't drive it much with the top on so there is no problem. The doors do open wide so entry and exit are easy. I have problems getting in and out of a friends Mazda

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I'm 6'1" with a long torso; I have problems fitting well in many cars. Most stock 80s-vintage 911s are a problem for me unless I slouch a good bit, for instance.

I just fit in my 914. If I sit up very tall, my head does touch the headliner. On shorter trips or at the track, I remove the bottom seat cushion, which brings me down a couple of inches. That gives me plenty of room. It also gives me some side bolstering to keep my butt in place, which is good for the track.

I do not have the seat all the way back, so there is at least another inch of legroom if I need it.

--DD

epbrown · 10-08-2012, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the input, I'll give it a try. I've got a hankering for what I call "Project Tetanus."

I'm looking at these two:

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

The 2K2 will get you more respect out driving around than the 914. It is also likely to be less rusty, I think. Though if you're in Chicagoland, the difference between "more rusty" and "less rusty" may be insignificantly small.

The 2K2 will out-power the 914, unless the latter has been noticeably upgraded. The 914 will out-handle the Bimmer; it will gladly zip through corners that would scrape the door-handles of the BMW.

--DD

Nostril Cheese · 10-08-2012, 06:57 PM

2002s and 914s are equal in terms of rust.

Coming from a 928, you will not be happy with the acceleration of either car.

It is cheaper to make a 2002 faster than a 914.

abc123 · 10-09-2012, 06:48 PM

try to find a 73 or 74 2.0

racer · 10-10-2012, 02:22 PM

Unless you LIKE rust repair, find the nicest "body" you can. Worry less about the 1.7/1.8/2.0 engine size as these can be swapped out easier than cutting/welding/chasing the iron worm around a car imho.

Yes, the '73 2.0 is the most sought after. Then the '74 2.0.

To me, then either a early 1.7 or a later 2.0 would be desired.

and to me, the 1.8 is the least loved.

The later the year, the more comforts and "modern" it will feel vs say a '70-71 vintage.

Plays with cars · Plays with cars's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

How are they for taller drivers? I've been considering one, but at 6'1" with a 34" inseam I'm not sure I'd even fit. I haven't found one nearby to sit in and try it out yet.

I'm 6'4" w/ a 36" inseam and fit fine. My '74 2.0 car had a factory center console and it was a little tight between my knee and the wheel when I paid attention, but honestly after driving it for more than 12 years I can't say it was ever anything I noticed when driving.