toddk911

Seems like the costs would be very similar for either.

And I would take a more raw "track" or RS aproach with either one.

Also, I have potential access to a FREE GM V8 (275hp/300tq) that I have read will work for this and then Renegade parts to match to 901/915 trans etc.


Questions, comments, feedback, or "NOOOO don't do it!!!!" lol

V2Rocket

is it a 4.8?

a 914/8 is a rollerskate from hell...stupid fast and lightweight to begin with.

rebuilding the 951, speaks for itself...not many cars will make your 944 seem comfy like the 914

DanaT

I don't get the question.

There should be no question.

The answer is YES.

By that, both.

And if someone is giving me a running free engine, I would take it. Can always find some use (even if it is a coffee table). Just a clue though. Girlfriends complain about motorcycle in the dining room and building an engine in the dining room. Same said girlfriend when they become a wotoife forbid motorcycles in the house. They even really complain when Porsche heads come inside even if they go straight to the basement...

-Dana

fast951

It depends on the 914. I own a 914 (supercharged and soon to be turbocharged, not a V8). The 914 is a fun car, but you have to upgrade so many things (5-lug conversion, 911 Front suspension, reinforced trailing arms, suspensions, brakes). Then you have to re-enforce the chassis to handle the extra power.. If the 914 has any rust, I wouldn't touch it...

Building a 914 V8 is not a good idea! Buying a nice 914 V8 with the desired upgrades will save you lots of $ and time.. Better yet, if you can find a 914 with a Subaru turbo engine, it's the way to go. Been in one, lots of fun. Even considering converting mine to use a WRX engine vs. the 930 engine I was planning to use.

Cosmetics and body parts on the 914 are getting hard to find and are fairly expensive when found. (ex. front or rear bumper is approx $1500)... A friend of mine just restored one of his 914-6s, he could have purchased a 997TT for what he spent.

fortysixandtwo

A 914-8 would certainly be a fun toy.

Black51

I agree with John. Haven't you learned your lesson yet Todd?? Find a nicely fully built setup, and you'll be able to buy both cars for less than the cost to build one, and still have change left over to put gas in them.

toddk911

Hey guys!

Thanks for all the feedback. I am still on the fence on all of this. To include maybe even selling/parting the 951.....

I agree buying someone elses hard work and deep pockets is always better, but most are asking in the $20K range for 914 with V8 swap. I can certainly do a rebuild for cheaper. lol

Plus, budget wise a long term project allows me to spread the costs over time as opposed to lump sum check for car already done or pulling a loan.

I am all about ROI in life. So you might say, "Todd, you picked the wrong hobby!!" lol But I think anything can involve spending in an ROI approach, even the Porsche world.

The V8 in question is from a 99 Cadillac Seville STS

4.6 (280ci) L37 high-output 300 hp/295 ft·lbf

968gene

isn't that a transverse engine? If so, the availability of adapters etc may be limited. I've done both a 914 and a 944 V8 swap. The 944 is a better car. If you have a 951, then you already have the brakes and transaxle needed. For a 914, you will need to update the brakes, suspension, and maybe the transaxle as well. I bought a 1,200 mile L33 for $1,200 and sold my tired 944S motor for the same money. Sell the Northstar and the 951 engine stuff, buy an LS something and the adapters and your good to go chase down Corvettes while running the A/C.

piperporsche180944

914! They are little go carts!!!

Richgreenster

Todd,
The biggest factor and probably the answer to your question to which car is IF you can even find a rust free clean 914 body. My bet is that you will not find one. Again if you do. DO NOT RUIN IT by installing a V8
Having both of these cars and driven many 914/6 converstions, I have to give you my input. Keep it a true Porsche by doing a 3.2-3.6L conversion. Patrick Motorsports has a lot and parts of info on these conversions. A 914 converted to a 3.6L will hold its value where a V8 conversion will not. If you can find a good clean 914 body to convert, then do it correctly by dropping the V8 idea.
Another factor you will need to decide is how much $$$ you are going to spend on the project. A 914/6 converstion will cost you $30,000 + Mine is all ready over that without the motor and transmission figured in yet. It adds up. Trust me on this. A 951 project can be done for under $20,000.


Another thing that will help you decide is how the car will be used. The 914/6 is the perfect Auto-X weapon and will flat out smoke the 951 0-60mph or on a tight track. Berry Demann's 3.6L was beating the fastest 911 cup cars on the track a few years back by over 2 seconds a lap. At 2200 lbs mid engine and 325Hp with a low center of gravity, huge brakes and wide tires other cars just will not keep up.
The sound of the 911 motor just inches behind will give any living thing goose bumps. It is nothing short of breath taking. Unlike the 951, the instant torque makes one constantly looking for any chance to use it. Sadly my 914/6 has bigger brakes than my 951 and at 2400 lbs should stop the car well short of any thing else out there. The cars are just flat addicting and amazing when done correctly. The down side of these cars would be the lack of AC, Transmissions, aerodynamics, and body flex which can be controled. Again, Perfect Auto-X cars.
Being in the 951 group, I don't think I need to go into how neat the 951 is or how addicting it is when the trubo kicks in. Also the 951 is a much better car for high speed events and daily driving. They seem much newer than they really are. Also compared to the 914's parts and cars are fairly easy to find. I do not think that this will be the case in a few years. If you can find a 914 and can spend the $$$ to convert it the right way then by all means, do the 914. But be prepared to do some body work and spend countless hours on it.

toddk911

Ok, it seems the costs are substantially more for the 914 project from what you guys that have done it are telling me.

I have already started talking with Ivan (IMA) and Taylor Chapman (DC/VA) which have been very helpful. I have done with with Taylor before ( and his is officaly in his own shop now) but Ivan has an amazing rep as well for the 951 rebuild and Taylor said he would be willing to tackle the 914 conversion as well. But he made it clear that was gonna be very expensive as you all have confirmed.

I think I am leaning back to either sell/part the 951 or rebuild it. Maybe the 914 swap can be done as a nice retirement project down the road. lol

Also, with either path I was looking for a "track" or more raw feel with limited interior AC delete etc. Just a car to take out and get nasty with.

My DD is a G35 coupe so that has all the amenities I need for daily and work etc.

JFreeman

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2588368973.html
This might make you re-consider. Its been on CL for a few weeks now.

toddk911

Hmmmmmm. I searched only local and saw in the 15K range mostly.

That isn't bad at all. But if buying outright I am back to looking for cash lump sum or pulling a loan.

I just came across a 951 motor that was rebuilt with low miles on it asking $3,500.

I know just swaping the motor should be less than half the cost of rebuild and/or a nice DIY pizza party for a few guys.