spikec

Hi Guys,

I've read the FAQ's, read the archives, and have tried to do my research on these cars. I am looking for a car in decent shape at a reasonable price to buy for my son to drive. Besides the 914-6, I know the 73-74 1.7 seems to be the ones of choice. Are the 74-75 1.8's really all that bad? The car doesn't need to be fast -- in fact I don't want it to be fast for him. Other than power, what makes the 1.8's so undesirable?

Also, if anyone has any links to 914 listings I'd appreciate it.

Thanking you all in advance,

Spike

Rocket Rob

Spike,

The best 914 depends on what you want to do with it. 914-6's are great as are the 914-4 2.0's. People tend to shy away from the 1.7 and 1.8's because the 2.0's are better and cost the same.

As for what's "bad" about the 1.8? Its my belief that they earned a bad reputation early on when everyone was just getting use to the 1.7/2.0 FI system, this was another thing to learn. As long as a FI system is in good shape, it should be fine for your son. However, if it were me, I'd look for a 2.0.

Rob

spikec

Thanks Rob. The 1.8's seem to be the best bang for the buck, and like I said before, I don't want this car to haul ***. Just something my son can enjoy and we can work on together. I'll keep the look for a 2.0 non-carbeurated in mind as I begin my search.

I'm pretty naive about these cars -- but trying to learn -- so bear with me... Did people take out FI and add a carb to some of the later models, or was FI just an option on these? Seems like a dumb mod if that's the case.

Matt Romanowski

They all came with fuel injection. When some people had trouble, they pulled it all and added carbs - thinking it was easier. With a stock cam and set up, the carbs really don't work all that well. The stock fuel injection is pretty good for being 30 years old.

Matt

jim912928

I have a 75 1.8 and it's a great car. It's quick and handles like a dream. Engine starts first crack and idles great. Key is making sure you keep the FI system in good shape. First thing I did was replace ALL the vacuum lines as this is key to a good running FI system.

zzopit_84_3.2

A 1.7 or 1.8 is a great way to get into an inexpensive 914. They are all servicable, sligtly different FI set-ups. A carb'd engine could be OK but you will need to know how to dial them in on a regular basis. I never beleived it trying to out-engineer the factory. Look for condition (rust, anywhere) and find a car that has already been restored. Engine work is FAR cheaper than body work.

zzopit
Long Island
84 Carrera
ex-68 912
ex-83 944
ex-75 914 2.0 Yellow/Black

lilredpo

IMHO, the most important thing to look at when buying a 914 is the frame.

Look very closely for sagging. Advanced stages can be seen in the alignment of the doors, where the space at the bottom is greater than the space at the top.

It is very expensive to have the frames repaired. Look beyond the rocker panels.

I had one that was so bad, both doors could not be opened at the same time.

Engines can be changed and tweeked.

Good luck!

Ottosvenice.com

This 74 2.0 is for sale $4500. steve

jd74914

Are you kidding, my '74 1.8L has done great, no problems so far (Note: I am the owner/operator/mechanic all in one). I love it (though my fathers 911 is a great car, as is his '70 914 1.7)!!! jd74914

jd74914

Hey, what are you talking about. My '74 1.8L is a great (and very reliable car). Its also easily to maintain (though I'm biased since I am the owner/operator/mechanic) and relatively cheap. I love it (my dad's '71 911E targa is great though)!!!!!! I wouldn't trade it for any other car (well, perhaps a 914/6)!!!!!!