Gregor

Im new to the whole european car thing (muscle car guy) but i really dig the 914s. A friend of mine has a turbo 1.8 GTI Golf, and after reading the turbo 914 article in this months Excellence it got me wondering. Has anyone done this (the 1.8T hasd been around for some years now). Is it even possible by normal human means. If you have done this what problems did you run into and how did you solve them, im geussing wiring harnesses and engine management would be a big problem. Im asking this because i recently joined the navy and now find myself with affordable auto insurance and enought money to get a fun car and ive narrowed it down to a 93 mustang cobra or a 914. If you guys could just point me in the right direction or give any helpful info id appreciate it thanks.

Jason_86_951

bump....

I thought this would be a cool idea too, would it work??

lou951

I'm in the process of gathering all the bits and pieces to transplant a 1.8T motor into my "81 VW Rabbit Convertible. I know that you asked about a 914. What I will be using is a stand alone fuel injection management system such as an <a href="http://www.sdsefi.com/" target="_blank">SDS System</a>
or one from <a href="http://www.motec.com/products/m4pro.htm" target="_blank">MoTec</a>. They are way easier to install than the stock ECU. The stock setup requires about 500-600 hours of cross-splicing and you need to use the guts of the donor car's dash circuits. I've been doing the research for about 7 months now and that's the way to go in my opinion. The motors are pricey though, they range in the $3500.00 range. Add in the computer and custom turbo plumbing and you'll easily hit $5500.00. Maybe a big Type 4 motor with 150-180 hp may be an alternate idea. By the way, by coincidence,I saw the 914 turbo in Excellence the day after I read the article, it sounds sweet

Dave

The hardest part would be installing the cooling system in a 914, I have no idea where a radiator could be installed where it would get enough airflow.

CBass

I would suspect a twin rad design might be needed, to make them fit.

Werksracer

"The hardest part would be installing the cooling system in a 914, I have no idea where a radiator could be installed where it would get enough airflow"

What?! You've heard that people actually RACE the 914, right? Radiators are usually mounted up in the Air Dam or even in the rear trunk area.
IF guys can find ways to mount Radiators for their V-8 conversions, I'm guessing that one for the 1.8t shouldn't be that difficult.
I would think the Wiring is going to be the PITA.

Sc
Modesto Ca

jmcleod

my fantasy car would be a 73 or 74 that was modified for air conditioning (that's where i would put the radiator) with a 924 turbo engine (porsche engine so it would be pca legal). i think that would be a unique car with 140 horsepower

CBass

I'm a bit perplexed about the 931 motor... They are quite capable, but if you are going to swap in a newer motor, why not go for a 968 or 951 motor?

CBass

I would be interested in trying this. I bet you could hook up the whole 1.8 tranny and clutch too.

jmcleod

i guess a 931 because it would be smaller (physical size wise), an acceptable modest increase in HP, no balance shafts to mess with, no belts to tension (porbably would be PITA with a 914), not sure if 931 is an interference engine or not, could delay suspension and brake upgrades until engine was finished