Opinions wanted

[orange75]

Here's the deal. I have a '75 1.8. I've had it for about 3/4 weeks. It runs good, looks good, it smogged fine, and it has almost no rust. It has almost none of the factory options.

Should I keep it and live with the limits of a 1.8, add what I want to it and just shut up and be happy. Or, should I sell it and start the hunt for a '73 2.0 in similar condition? Keep in mind I live in the middle of CA. 3 hour from LA and three hours from the Bay.

Anyone done a seat of the pants comparison between the 1.8 and the 2.0? If so please share.

Thnx
Ronn

[HMeeder]

Ronn:

Ok, here's my "seat of the pants" assessment. I've got a '72 1.7l and a '74 2.0l. I can drive the cars back to back and I would have to say that the 2.0 is only incrementally faster. The 1.7 actually feels a bit "snappier" and accelerates just a touch better. From what I understand the late years 1.8s are the slowest cars of the series due to excess smogrification. In fact, due probably to 28 years of collective forces and inputs that we could never recreate it would be almost impossible to say that 1 year is fastest. The '73 and '74 2.0 motors are identical and I still like my '72 1.7 better.

There, that was no help whatsoever.

My advice? The '73 2.0l is the most desirable car due to it's collectible nature (it was the model with the most standard features) not because it is the fastest. The car's history and the care with which it was maintained has more to do with it's power and handling characteristics than anything else. Unless you are planning on doing a fullblown restoration, get the most rust-free car you can afford. Virtually every other thing on the car can be repaired.

Good Luck!

Herb

[HMeeder]

Ronn:



[This message has been edited by HMeeder (edited 11-28-2000).]

[HMeeder]

Ronn:



[This message has been edited by HMeeder (edited 11-28-2000).]

[mejulihn]

Boy, I am sure you will get lots of input on this one. Living in the Golden State, you have the advantage of being located in a "target rich" environment for low-rust 914's. If you want a 914 with a lot of "factory options", you will probably spend more money adding them to your present car than if you buy another with them already installed. That having been said, there will always be a more desirable model than the one you currently own -- if not by year or engine type, then by its state of restoration. Your personal goals in owning one of these tempermental beauties should be your final guide. Just my humble opinion.

[Bleyseng]

I've driven several 1.8's, a 1.7 and my own 2.0l. One of the 1.8's was an orginal 130,000 mile car in excellent condition. It drove nicely, tight shifting, had decent power. I have driven a beat 1.8 car, with a worn out engine and tranny. That car was like driving a old Ghia in my opinion, very little power. The 1.7, I can't remember much of the driving impressions other than it was fun, ok power. When I got my 76 2.0l it had carbs, beat worn old motor, but still had decent power. After a rebuild, 96mm p&c's, other engine work, 73&74 exchangers, and the 2.0l FI back on, it's a different car. It has plenty of power in any gear and is a blast to drive. Anyone who drives it, has a smile on their face in a few minutes! especially other teener owners...
Bottom line- 1.8's are fun, 2.0l's are funner and 6's are the most fun! You don't say how much you paid for it but from the posts of others in Calif you can find good 2.0l's for $3500-5000. Top condition cars are going for $7500 and more. You can add the center gauge consol to your car and the fog lights. Other options are sway bars (get a aftermarket one) forget the rear one, sail vinyl (get it from PP).

Geoff
76 2.0l

[Jim Smolka]

My '75 started as a 1.8, then it became a 2.0. It was a nice improvement, but all my 911 buddies were beating me @ the track and @ autocrosses. So, I went 3.0 SC CIS (200+HP). Now, I am very happy with the change. @ the last autocross I had FTD I hope to be installing a 3.2 or 3.6 sometime next year. If you are going to do an engine swap, I would recommend a 911 engine. Nothing like the sound of an air cooled 6 cyl Porsche engine

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Smoke Daddy

[JmuRiz]

Jim,
Where do you get all of these 911 engines? I currently have a 2.0 but in a few years I'd like a 6 as well. Would you suggest something like a motormeister engine or talk w/ a porsche shop and get one out of a 911?

[Jim Smolka]

Responding to a previous post,

I am here in SC, so not as many 911 engines around as in CA, but they are available here on the East coast.

I purchased my 3.0 from a 911 friend of mine. He found a wrecked 3.2 911 and did a swap. I hope to find a 3.2 or 3.6 with in the next 6 months. I quess you could find motors in Panarama (PCA), or from Pelican, Renlist, or by various contacts. When you are ready to go 6 cylinder, I can usually find an East coast motor at a reasonable cost for folks on this side of the country.

If you are looking for more HP than a 1.8, I would step-up to the plate and go for a 3.0 SC motor. I know that it is more $$$ than a 2.0, but it is money well invested. Looking back and knowing my desire for more HP, I would have gone to a 6 cylinder motor from the start.
IMHO

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Smoke Daddy