porsche 914 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ned2683 · #1 03-03-2005, 09:55 PM

I need some advice. today i went to the local import shop to fix a thing or 2 on my 300SD. i asked about an 914 they use to have there and its for sale for $1,000. the interior is bad, as is the exterior. the owner of this shop is well known to be honest and all, and i know this from experience. he said it was in good running condition. however i need to know what to look out for these cars when i go test drive it. can anyone chime in here and give me advice what problem spots to look for?

the 914 is my favorite and i am so excited i want to **** my pants!!!!!

H2O2 · #2 03-03-2005, 10:16 PM

What year is the 914? I'd prefer a later model with the 2.0L engine and L-Jetronic injection, as opposed to D-Jetronic crapola. They're fun cars to drive, but are also prone to rust and electrical gremlins. One of these days I'd love to pick up a nice body and transplant a modified VW tdi engine--go fast AND fantastic fuel economy.

ned2683 · #3 03-03-2005, 10:42 PM

i got so excited i had to make that post. i don't know much about the car. I am planning to go test drive it this weekend and take a bunch of pictures and post it here. what kinda of electronic problems are u refering to? i thought there was not a lot of electronics to go wrong with these old ones?

H2O2 · #4 03-03-2005, 11:16 PM

The fuse boxes are a known trouble spot, though you're right, there ain't a lot of electrical gizmos to go poof.

crash9 · #5 03-04-2005, 12:42 AM

It's been a long time, but I sold a 911 Targa and kept the 914. A lot of fun - it's the seating position. Problems - none really, but the linkage and control cables were poor. Typical VW and not crisp like Porsche, but then they can be sloppy also. The brakes weren't all that, but that could be overcome easily I think. I never worked on it myself I think it'd be a b***h. Damn now you've got me thinking - I passed on a SCCA set up 914/6 w trailer and a nearly new pickup hauler with matching paint for $6,000. Shoulda bought it.

ned2683 · #6 03-04-2005, 03:10 AM

i got the okay from my parents and brother to loan me some money for it. i did some research tonight and i think rust would be the main problem. how much can u expect out of these vw engines when proper maintainance has been done?

i am thinking if i get it i should sell my W126. since i always wanted a sportier car. and i know i should keep it, but i can't afford to keep em both. is this a bad idea to be depending on a 914 reliability over a 300SD?

well i don't want to get to excited. i need to actually go drive the car first

Kuan · #7 03-04-2005, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ned2683

how much can u expect out of these vw engines when proper maintainance has been done?

40k miles at least if you're into changing the oil and adjusting the valves every 3k miles. Don't overadvance the timing, use nice cool plugs, and make sure the engine tin properly directs the airflow around the front of the engine, uhm, front left side.

I'd toss the fuel injection. Talk to the guy about webers.

boneheaddoctor · #8 03-04-2005, 08:26 AM

Those cars rust in the most god-awefull places you would never expect.....

I saw a shell at a body shop somebody was trying to save.....It looked nice till I got close......pinholes rust though what appeared to be everyplace you would never expect to see rust......

$1,000 I expect you are going to find much of the same.......

crash9 · #9 03-04-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

40k miles at least if you're into changing the oil and adjusting the valves every 3k miles. Don't overadvance the timing, use nice cool plugs, and make sure the engine tin properly directs the airflow around the front of the engine, uhm, front left side.

I'd toss the fuel injection. Talk to the guy about webers.

I'll second the Webers - these motors are much stronger than a Bug motor and actually need a lot more advance to run well. You have to be on top of the valves true, but a pancake motor will go 150,000 on the lower end. More really - my Bus is starting to need heads, but has 240,000 on the case and I'd take off cross country after just oil service. There is a ton of stuff out there check out http://www.bostonengine.com/articles.html and http://www.type2.com/ . Rust - I guess it depends on where the cars been

89-300ce · #10 03-04-2005, 11:30 AM

The first engine I ever re-built was a 1600 VW back in 74. Big bore kit, dual carbs, mechanical distributor, etc. I remember it as fun and cheap. I learned the hard way that heat is a real issue when you up the HP on these motors. The cylinders and heads can only get rid of a fixed amout of heat and steady state flat out on the autobahn you found the limit every time, but even with my limited skills and tools I could put fresh pistons and cylinders in it in a day for cheap.

Jorg

boneheaddoctor · #11 03-04-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulC

2 liter is definitely the way to go. Even that was no rocket.

454 and a toronado tranaxle with cure that shortcoming.

G-Benz · #12 03-04-2005, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

454 and a toronado tranaxle with cure that shortcoming.

I remember an article in one of the automotive mags where some guy stuffed a 350 ci. Chevy in a 914 somehow...other than the Can-Am style wildly flared rear fenders, it looked like a sleeper.

The plates? PORSCHEV!

boneheaddoctor · #13 03-04-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

I remember an article in one of the automotive mags where some guy stuffed a 350 ci. Chevy in a 914 somehow...other than the Can-Am style wildly flared rear fenders, it looked like a sleeper.

The plates? PORSCHEV!

Guarantee that would flatten your eyeballs on the back of your skull when you mashed the go pedal.

Breckman99 · #14 03-06-2005, 09:03 PM

Check out some of the 914 forums. Check for rust on the main structure points on the frame, under the trunk front and rear, shock towers, under the headlight buckets, and the floors like to rot. If the doors are sticky you probably don't want the car. Check each main frame rail under the doors, and make sure the FLOOR is SOLID. Jack up one corner of the car and see how much she flexes. This is a give away for body rot. Very fun car, esp if you drop a beefed up 6 cyl into it!
If you want to make it a track car, throw a later 911 front suspension (don't remember the model but it is close to a bolt on) on it, and box the rear trailing arms. Use brembo brakes (6K+) and you will not believe what these cars are capable of. The mid engine design makes for a very balanced car. I wouldn't stick an American 8 into it unless you are into straight-line races because it really messes with this balance. There are some exceptions to this of course, there actually was a 914-8 produced (two). If you need any parts I probably still have quite a few from my old 914 projects! Drop me a line if you have any specific questions. Let me see if I can find some links here…..

Breckman99 · #15 03-06-2005, 09:09 PM

http://www.914club.com/specs/mod8.php
http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/914links.htm

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