I used to love building engines. Have probably built about a dozen Subaru engines. But never did a Porsche one. That's why I have a '74 2.0, a 71 2.2T and a 73.5 2.4T in various states of disassembly. But I just don't feel like building an engine this winter.
I still haven't made up my mind. There may still be a 3l in the Bee by the time the snow melts. I bought the car 5-6 years ago hoping to make a buck. I no longer care. Now I just want a nice 914 driver, and sooner rather than later.

If you want a major project, restore the bumble bee to its original glory.
If you dont want a major project, slap a set of empis on the bumble bee and vroom vroom.
No way would I do a -6 conversion.

After driving a -6 conversion through the mountains yesterday, I was not blown away. Handling was awesome, but so is my 1.7. Much more acceleration but a decent -4 would probably be enough for me. I should have saved my money, not purchased the 6 conversion, and replaced the 1.7 with a ~125hp -4.

So buyers remorse. Coming soon to a classifieds near you. :)

^^^This…
So have we come to a consensus as to what a conversion is worth?

I think Matt is in a unique position because he has the matching numbers engine standing by to put back into the Bumble Bee should he choose. That's a different set of decision making parameters, but brings up the question of why is value then important, if you'll have originality standing by? I guess you could sell the conversion, along with the matching engine…

Nick

Nick,
That's kind of my logic. For a while I considered building the spare 2.0l type IV I have as a 125-150hp replacement and putting the numbers matching engine in the corner. But I've always wanted a six. And this seems to be my chance.

I can do all the other cosmetic and mechanical restoration to the Bee while driving it. Then if I ever sell it I can cross that bridge when we come to it.

FWIW, I'm not 100% convinced an LE brings much of a premium over a regular 2.0l. There was a really nice one that sat for months at $18k. I've seen nice regular 2.0s sell in that same range. But maybe with the changing market LEs are going up faster than 2.0s. The LE is a lot harder to make 100% correct.

It still seems a six swap may be worth more though. Someone said you can get LE value or six swap value but not both. Kind of seems swapped is more desired, and possibly easier to sell.

Not that I really plan to sell. I started the thread because its a topic we haven't really discussed much and there's been a lot of chatter about 914s maybe being the next car to run up in value. As such it seems a bunch of Marketplace regulars are considering adding a 914 if they don't already have one. And thus the topic.

BTW, I live at 5000'. When I talk hp numbers I'm talking sea level bhp. What I live with is a 12-15% loss over what is published. My 110hp '73 probably drives like another member's sea level 1.7 or 1.8.

100% on point. I for one am considering that very purchase, as you know.

Pick up the latest issue of Classic Porsche. UK mag but the story is about a US car. Not quite long enough of an article but inspiring.

Any way you can scan that article for me? Magazine is impossible to find.