I've got the itch...

Tom Perso · 10-31-2002, 05:48 PM

Well, I looked at a 914 today....

If some of you are not familar with my situation, I have a 2270cc T4 motor in a 63 Bug, I like the bug, but I want something that really handles and it not quite as twitchy as the bug.

A fellow member here, "1bad914" lives about 20 mins away and we know each other pretty well, he told me about the fellow that he got his 914 from.

Well, we looked at this guys' stash and man, I've got the itch for a 914. Just thinking about having that 2270 in the back of it makes me grin... LOL.

Just thought I'd let you folks know... What sucks us into these crazy air-cooled contraptions????

Later,
Tom

cshogen · 10-31-2002, 06:10 PM

Go for it Tom!

Zeke · 10-31-2002, 07:11 PM

I chose a 914 because it was a no brainer to make a race car. BUT, have you seen what the Europeans do with bugs? If that type of racing got a toe hold here in the US, there would be a whole new demention in sedan racing. I have a friend who has an oval window, 356 engine built to the gills, disc brakes, slicks on 7s and 9s, and is working on coilovers. Well, the only class for him is GT. Not a chance for him to succeed at the bigger tracks. Might be a hell of an autoxer though.

JWest · 11-01-2002, 04:49 AM

I went from Hi-po bug to 914 many years ago. It's a natural progression, I think.

These cars tend to follow you, recently a '67 bug followed me home so I have yet another project. This car was left to me by a little old lady when she passed away. She bought it new so it is a neat little car with a cool history.

bludden · bludden's Garage

I had never in my life considered owning a 914. This summer, my persistent itch for a aircooled VW was starting to get out of control, and a friend and I went looking. Prices for decent Beetles seemed quite high to me here in NC!

One day my friend called me and told me about this 914 he'd seen at a bank that the owner was about to put up for sale. I did some research on the make, was pretty surprised to see how much VW was in it, and ended up getting the car.

To me it's the greatest sports car VW ever made! And the guys here are really great, as well as incredibly knowlegable. Pelican was crazy like a fox to start these forums!

Luckily I have a friend with a T IV motor in his Beetle to help me out when necessary....good luck with your new toy!

Tom Perso · 11-01-2002, 06:31 AM

Thanks for the encouragment...

Zeke: Yes, I know the Germans do some really whacky stuff with Bugs, they can handle really well. I have mine pretty decent, it's a 63 on a 71 IRS pan so no more axle tuck problems. 4 wheel discs, fat swaybars, stiff shocks, stuck on the ground. It handles pretty decent, but not enough weight up front.

I can control the amount of understeer with the throttle, add more gas, the front pushes harder, then it gets to the point of breaking the rear end loose and it's all over.

Plus, the back seat is useless in the Bug (shoulder harness straps are in the way) and there isn't much utilitarian use for it (it's strickly FUN).

Plus, if I get a 914, I have my foot into the door with the other "Porschephiles"

so we all can have a good time.

BTW, from what I have seen on the list and the 914 people I have met in person, I've been impressed. A lot of really nice people willing to help. You can't complain about that.

Later,
Tom

Bleyseng · Bleyseng's Garage

Tom, I have seen your long engine saga on the shoptalkforums, so its good to see you here. Now the biig step to a 914. The car has some VW in it but mostly Porsche in it.
I think these cars are the most fun when you drive them hard!. That's why autocross/track events are soo fun, the handling is unreal. Try to bum a ride at one of the local events to see. Even Jake Raby now has one for his daily driver!
Geoff

DR. Z · 11-01-2002, 11:23 AM

A raveena green 914 just came up for sale in southeast Michigan. email me for contact phone number if youre interested. Z