ScottArizona

So, after several gt3's and other "modern" Porsches, I really have the itch for a 914 as a "project" car for me and my son (we have a couple years before he will be driving). When I was 14 my dad bought me a beater and we fixed it up together and turned it into something I was really proud of, and boy did I take care of that car (before I wrecked it when I was 16, but that's besides the point!).

I have always loved 914's, and so does he, and for many reasons it would be a great first car (stick, relatively slow, one passenger maximum, good handling, relatively inexpensive, still cool!).

I was travelling out of state and ran across this car sitting in a largely deserted lot. I couldn't stop, but I called the dealer and he says its a 1972 with a 1973 2.0 engine swap (and 928 wheels). I know enough to know that the 73 2.0 engine, without all the smog stuff of the later 2.0's, is a pretty desirable power plant. The car has a host of cosmetic issues (including some rust at the door jambs, but that doesn't concern me much as we have a retired welder who will work for free as a way to spend time with my kids (his grandkids!).

I can get it for very cheap (it seems). Some aspects intrigue me (dual exhausts, POC badge in the rear suggests possibly enthusiast owned at some point, someone obviously wanted the '73 2.0, etc...). Other concerns are as follows: (1) carb conversion makes me worried it may be down on power or have other "Frankenstein mods"; (2) dealer has literally no records and told me he can't find an engine number in the spot I told him to look (see pic 3 below). I know these pics aren't much, but can any of the experts shed any light on the power plant this car may have from these bad cell phone pics? (the dealer does not even have a website...which is why this may be kinda sorta like a "barn find" if its a gem with a rough exterior).

So, run away (it would be a sub 5k purchase), dig deeper, or buy as long as it drives ok (dealer claims it drives great). Thanks!

skl

Would wonder what cam is in the engine- the stock FI cam with carbs isn't so hot- that looks like a cheap carb kit and linkage . As I'm sure you're aware, RUST is the main thing, even if you have a good welder! Rear trunk sure doesn't seem to fit very well. Not sure how 928 wheels would fit a 914- offset all wrong and car would need 5 bolt hub upgrade anyway.
Looks like an Ansa exhaust (my dad's '71 914 had one for a while) and they rust like an old Fiat...
Had similiar projects with both my son's when they were growing up so even if it is a BIG project, it will be fun to share with him.
Just remember, 914 parts are still Porsche parts and that means $$.

Need more info. If you ask this over at 914world, you'd better grab the popcorn!

If you're bored sometime, bring one of your toys up to north Scottsdale- got my recently restored '73 914 up here...

dave292

+1 on 914world.com

dr914

well it is not a 2.0 engine that is for sure, AND a 72 Base model without the appearance group AND carburated which is bad, but these days, ANY non rusted 914 under 5000 is a bargain

dr914

914 club is a good place to go to get very straight answers to any 914 question without bull

ScottArizona

Thanks guys. Exactly what I needed to know. Huge thanks for confirming that its not a 2.0...that was the first question I was hoping someone could verify. If its a carb'd 1.7 or 1.8, I'm not nearly as interested.

michael7810

Definitely not a 2L engine. I have a 72 with a carbed 1.7 with 96mm pistons and a proper cam and it runs great. Many of these cars have carbs and if done properly still run good although much more finicky than FI. As stated before 914 world is the place to go for knowledge. Stuttgart Southwest is a local shop that you can trust for 914 work and advice. Good luck.

azbanks

Carbs work better here in AZ because you don't have to worry about really cold weather behavior. FI is still better.

Domer911

When I bought my 914, it had an AM fuel rail. The webers were a definite upgrade.

914 World is the ticket, and I concur with another poster here that you may not want to be so dismissive of the potential rust issues.

dr914

my advice is as a future investment, try to buy a 914 in its most stock configuration as you can afford. 914s with carbs have more power at the top end, but as carbs all go, fussy and loud.
Of course like Domer said, the most important thing is a nice straight never been wrecked nor rusted body!!!!!! (my expression for years, is that "if you have no body, you have no car" George Hussey dr914

cairo94507

I agree with George on this one. The more stock you can find the better. Personally, for a daily driver car I would fight tooth and nail to maintain the original fuel injection. It might cost you more up front but in the long run you will be thankful you kept the fuel injection. I am to old to bother with balancing carbs any more.