Three year plan: Next vehicle. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

anghrist · #1 11-21-2012, 02:48 PM

Okay folks,

I'm starting research for MY next vehicle. When I say MY, I mean that this will be my: "no-excuse-needed, got-it-because-I-wanted-it, I-don't-care-that-you-don't-like-the-color-that-I-picked, midlife-self-indulgence" car.

Now instead of going and buying a new 'Vette, I was thinking classic Mercedes, w113 comes to mind. But I can't allow myself to modify an original or concours restored like I would like it.

I do not believe that I can afford a 4-liter supercharged Bently, so I will keep my expectations somewhere in the realm of possibility.

So then I was thinking classid Porsche, but I'm a VW guy to the bone ('72 Superbeetle was my first car)... so I think I've found my compromise.

I will be looking to purchase (in 2015/16) a early Porsche 914. I believe that I will keep my candidate pool small by looking only for mint/original, full-restoration or custom-resto (6-cyl upgrades). The only modifications that I would care to make are:

1) Install an A/C system to make it a sensible daily driver.
2) 6-cyl (Porsche engine) upgrade, if not already done.
3) Upgrade to Fuel-Injection and Ignition
4) Hidden Bluetooth head unit/streaming audio as only technology comforts.
5) Improved sound deadening material for interior.

I know that I could look for a good used modern Porsche or even the latest model Beetle, but I do enjoy classics more than new cars.

So now for a three year plan of saving, researching and planning...

Skippy · #2 11-21-2012, 04:29 PM

Interesting choice, but if you're looking at a 916/6, or conversion, that probably puts you into the price range of a 911. Why not get a 911?

TheDon · #3 11-21-2012, 04:34 PM

Probably because there are other Porsche's that are not a 911

Skippy · #4 11-21-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

Probably because there are other Porsche's that are not a 911

HERESY!!!!

anghrist · #5 11-21-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

HERESY!!!!

Hello, I am a heretic. Not to be confused with lunatic, but they might seen one in the same.

Mr.Kenny · #6 11-21-2012, 04:46 PM

I have owned about 250 vehicles over my lifetime.
My Porsche 914 was one of the top 3 "Fun" cars; I swear it is like a go-cart. (I bought it for $90. and drove it home! )
Miata, Porsche 914, Fiat X-1/9 in the order of fun. ...I installed a wide fender slant nose body kit on a friends car; he installed a 327 in his.
Reliability is another matter.

iwrock · #7 11-21-2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Kenny

I have owned about 250 vehicles over my lifetime.
My Porsche 914 was one of the top 3 "Fun" cars; I swear it is like a go-cart.
Miata, Porsche 914, Fiat X-1/9 in the order of fun.
Reliability is another matter.

This. Start saving your pennies now!

Your talking about some high $$$ stuff in terms of mods. I was looking at building a 914/6 with a 3.2 SC engine, but scrapped it after pricing it out. It is actually cheaper to build a 914LS1 than swap a more modern EFI Flat-6 into that chassis!

hill · #8 11-21-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

This. Start saving your pennies now!

Your talking about some high $$$ stuff in terms of mods. I was looking at building a 914/6 with a 3.2 SC engine, but scrapped it after pricing it out. It is actually cheaper to build a 914LS1 than swap a more modern EFI Flat-6 into that chassis!

I might know where there is a 914/6 with a later twin turbo.

iwrock · #9 11-21-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hill

I might know where there is a 914/6 with a later twin turbo.

Where is this beast at? I would like to take a look at it!

cmac2012 · #10 11-22-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

This. Start saving your pennies now!

Your talking about some high $$$ stuff in terms of mods. I was looking at building a 914/6 with a 3.2 SC engine, but scrapped it after pricing it out. It is actually cheaper to build a 914LS1 than swap a more modern EFI Flat-6 into that chassis!

I too was thinking that it sounds like a steep order to swap in a 6 and an AC system. The sort of engineering, fab, and welding required for good new motor mounts is daunting. I've often dreamed of engine swaps but have concluded that it's hard enough to reinsert a stock engine and mate it to the factory mounts and flanges.