My first Vintage Porsche (914)

Have you established what shifter your gear box will be running?   

I'm going to try to use the original 901.  It's low miles, original to the car, and what a 914/6 would have had.  I know the tailshifter gets bad reviews, but I'm optimistic that after a rebuild and new shift bushings I can live with it.  If not, I think I'll try a Boxster trans with the stock Boxster cable shifter.  I don't think the side shift transmission is that much of an improvement and the 915s are pretty expensive and have to have custom shift set-up.

Big difference between the 3.0 and the 2.0 for HP. You probably will end up skipping 1st gear with the 901.

Almost double the HP and more than double the torque.  Who needs first gear

Correct.

The above were the before pictures.  What follows are the pictures after Cryo-Detail:

This shows the area below the battery tray.  Otherwise known as the Hell Hole because on most 914 battery acid has ensured that this area is rotted away.

Floor and underside is just as rust free as the notorious Hell Hole.

Money shot, just picked this up today:

I've decided to do a 914 Hot Rod.  Plan is to keep the body stock, upgrade suspension to 911 struts and brakes.  Interior stock.  Sell the CIS and go carbs, like the original -6.  Fuchs wheels.  Keep underside, trunks and engine compartment as they are with any necessary areas touched up and then cleared for protection.  Durable single stage repaint that will stand up to hard use.  Dry sump tank, filters and plumbing in the front trunk for ease of service and cost.

In reply to maj75 (Forum Supporter) :

Sounds like good plan!

Makes me want a 914 again.  Finding one that rust free is all but impossible around here though.

camaroz1985 said:

Makes me want a 914 again.  Finding one that rust free is all but impossible around here though.

Finding one without significant rust is just about impossible anywhere.  I have yet to see a 914 that lived in Florida that wasn't a rust bucket.  This car was taken off the road and spent years being pushed around California and Arizona.  One of the rear tires had a 1973 date code and the tread looks like new...

Great project! Looks like you are starting with a great foundation. 

I’m having trouble deciding which way to go with my ‘71 914. Needs very little metal work, but needs paint, interior and rubber, (all of it).

Since I have original motor and trans,

1. Restore, cheapest option $
2. Create a 914 Hot Rod with a 3L 911 motor (which I have)and 915 transmission. $$
3. LS swap with Boxster trans. $$$
4. Create a 914/6 clone $$$$

I can sell the 911 motor and recoup some costs. I’m pretty sure I won’t like the 901 trans. The 1.7 won’t thrill me. The LS will and the Boxster trans would be the best shifting.

I talked to a guy at Sebring last weekend. He has a 2.4l 914/6 GT race car. He said the 901 was garbage, shifts like crap and needs a refresh after every track event. He only keeps it because he has to for vintage class. His is converted to side shift, too. He didn’t think it would last long behind a strong 3L. He said go 915 and don’t look back. He knew Porsche’s and his car is looked after by a premier Porsche race team. He’s run all over. If I go /6 I’d want to do DE events so it won’t be babied. He guaranteed a “money shift” with the 901 and shifter combination. That’s a painful thought and track insurance won’t cover that.

While the 901 would save me substantial money, an engine rebuild will make the trans savings seem like pocket change.

Can the 901/factory design shifter be set up to shift reliably and safely?

What to do...

Yes, you will not be happy with the 901.  It's the shifting, not the gear box.  Specifically the linkage. Both inside the car at the shifter and at the gear box.

If you keep it you will be slow shifting just to drive.  It will not mater what engine you decide to run, this is the Achilles heal on the car.

Drive a Boxster,  this is the driving experience you want to duplicate.  Yes, it will cost money.  But you will enjoy the results.

#2 gets my vote. 

Was Gunnar taking care of the 914/6 at Sebring?

#2. You have a solid, clean 914 base. Don't hack it up for water cooling. Enjoy it as a vintage air-cooled sports car. Build it up, but keep on theme.

If you want an LS swap there's plenty of 914 carcasses out there that are already past 'keeping original'. Do it with one of those.

Why not find a Boxster trans for the 911 motor?  You mentioned this previously.  I don't know what's involved in getting there but it sounded good to me.  Might as well grab the Boxster shifter, cables, everything and mod as needed if this works.  Why not?

914-6 hot rod with some 911 bits + the Boxster trans seems like a good path.