should i buy this?, 1977 2.7 /6 Options

[Woody]

So a buddy of mine wants to sell me a 2.7 out of an old targa for $500. Supposedly this thing ran when parked. It comes complete with the CIS injection. I was going to do a big four this winter as the car currently has a cammed and carbed 2056. The car is an occasional daily driver, monthly axer, and every once in a while it will see the track. I wouldn't mind doing the conversion, ditching the injection and throw some cams and headwork in the picture. I don't really want to increase the weight of the car but this is inevitable. The car is awesome as is except I could use another 1000 rpm for some of the ax courses. If I do the conversion I will have to re-setup the car which would mean brakes and suspension. I am very tempted to go through with it. Does anyone want to talk me out of it or should I quit my crying and buy it?

[shoguneagle]

Let us start with cost of the conversion aside from a good buy price on a 2.7 engine. It will add up fast just doing the conversion. It all depends on how serious you want to do it and how much "spare money" you have laying around.

I would not do it since the 914 is an excellent car with a "modified four" in it. I think you can get away with putting the 914 chassis, brakes, trans, etc in good shape. I would give serious consideration to retaining what you have and improving it.

Some of the costs relate to 914-6 oil tank ($600-$1,200, console ($100), dip stick ($25-35), oil lines ($275-$350), etc totaling somewhere around $900-$1,685 for rough approximation.

You will also need shift linkage modified ($100-$150), front mount ($250-$400), throttle plate modification and cable kit ($250-$400), oil cooler modified to 90degrees ($100-$250), carbs and support pieces ($1,000-$1,600), carb rebuilding, etc totaling somewhere around $1,600- $2,600.

$500 for a 2.7 is a good price IF AND ONLY IF you do three things: compression check, leakdown check, and check for broken /head bolts. Get as much history on the engine as possible and do the above. If you have to overhaul, the costs for all the engines no matter what model is going to cost you over $4000 if you do it yourself. Whole different ballgame.

Header and exhaust system are required. 914-6 exhaust system costs something north of $1,400 for used; header system without muffler goes $400-$600, mufflers $200-$500.

These costs may be wrong but I think they give you an idea of what ;you may be facing.
There will be other incidental costs so expect them.

The transmission may have to be match the engine you choose to put into your car; any gears are starting to get scare; this may mean rebuilding the transaxle.

How do I know??? I have made a lot of mistakes in building both my V-8 914 and 3.2 914. Please plan in detail and think about every step to the point where you understand them in each part as well as the total car build. It is going to take more time than you originally planned. Each of my projects were to be two years but the V-8 took 2.5 years and the 3.2 914 is going on over five years.

The above information is not met to insult you but is provided only as an indication of some of the costs, problems, time, etc. in doing your project.

If you do decide to go with the Sixer build, there are many threads on this board, Pelican board, and people who will and can assist you. There have been many Sixers built and still being enjoyed today.

Best wishes.


Steve Hurt