rbahr

Hi All,

Quite some time ago I had two 2.0l 914-4's and have always lusted after a 914-6. There is a vague possibility that I could get a chance to buy one. Probably has ~220-250 HP, some form of suspension upgrade, I am unaware of the details, not really important right now.

This is a 45 YO car. What needs to have been done to make this into a proper track car that will stay glued together?

Thanks
Ray

dr914

if you are making a track car, buy a 914-6 conversion, they are a great value. Factory 914-6 cars are now too valuable to make into a track car, as well as the fact that they are the early bodies not reinforced like the later ones

rbahr

I am wondering what to look for in an already built race car - I agree about the conversion, so it would have been built from a 914-4

Mike Billings

I'm sure you are aware of this but I just wanted to say that rust or frame warpage are the only things that can't be fixed in an afternoon.

shus2006croc

There are a lot of specifics that you need to be know about tracking a 914.

What class group are you planning on. I'd check over on 914 World in the Paddock section.

I'd talk to someone who is currently tracking/racing one.

They won't be bolt on for sure.

A " long" re-enforcement kit with suspension console strengthening at a minimum to begin with.

Matt Romanowski

Hey Ray - in our neck of the woods, I would take it to one of the usual suspect shops to have it checked out and evaluated. If you can, take it to Chris Foley in Manchester CT to have his opinion as he is the most knowledgeable 914 guys around. Feel free to hit me up for info too.

GTgears

dr914

I agree, six conversions especially track cars can be purchased very very reasonably. many less than the price of a well built 911 engine

rbahr

It looks that way. Probably cheaper to run than a GT3, and can be quick! The GT3 is a hoot, but I have been wondering if I should consider something else at some point - the temptation to go full crazy race car on the GT3 is alluring, but seems to be at the expense of value. Not entirely sure if am already beyond the point of salvation :-) I am also tired of the sorta race car thing, and think that a full race car is better off...

My thoughts are that a 993 motor with some tranny - not sure which, and a 914 chassis would make a nice somewhat reliable platform. BUT what does 300hp do to a platform designed for 1/3 that?

Thanks

Ray

dr914

I would say that the cheapest track car is a 944 or 944 turbo. fast, handle well, cheap to buy parts. next would be a Porsche Boxster or Boxster S

rbahr

Been there, done that. I had a 944 Turbo S track car for a while. I am considering not cost to buy, but rather cost to run.

Ray

dr914

A 914-6 track car would probably cost 39,000 and it would not be a real six. It would be much more expensive than that to build. The best body to use would be a 75 76 as they are the most reinforced of all 914 years

slivel

Have raced my 3.4 l 914/6 for 23 years. Now that I turned 70, I am in the process of returning the car to street legal configuration and to just enjoy. I considered selling as a completely built turn key race car but decided to keep it. Based on the original question - what does it take to build a 914/6 race car? Lots of money and time and a very good chassis guy who can strengthen all the highly stressed bits that need it when you put on wide sticky tires.

rbahr

Thanks,

If I remember correctly, there is an article in one of the old 'Up Fixen der Porsche' books about putting a 914 on a shaker and figuring out where the weak points are.

Ray

cjcam930

Love your car! - Have seen it around SoCal over the years and it gave me some inspiration. I completely agree about building a track 914 that is in any way fun, safe, reliable and maybe competitive. It takes lots of patience, testing and custom fabrication with support from experienced folks. I have 16 years and untold dollars and hours into my car, and don't consider it 'done'. As you know, just the tub reinforcements and safety gear alone add-up to thousands. After a while you learn what breaks and end-up with an arsenal of spares for those things, and work on improving whatever can be upgraded. It is very iterative in my experience and some of the desert tracks around here can be brutal on the car; Willow Springs >100F with the sand blowing...

I'm basically in the same situation now, torn as to selling the car, returning it to streetable, or continuing to barely ever use it in racecar form. Unfortunately it's been several years since I had the spare cash or time to dump into the car or race it seriously, and it's really depressing to see it sitting there unused. That's another huge factor more and more with the early cars, especially once built to a certain level - the cost to run goes way up.