Restoration or Porscharu, Whether to restore or Suberize Options

[R_u_dd]

I've got a 1971 914-4 with the 1.7 in need of restoration. The body has some minor dents, typical rust not severe but needs work. Looks to be the original engine and transmission. Most of the parts are there, though corroded.

Manufactured 10/70
vin 4712904015
4259606 L21E Tangerine
engine W018107x

I would like to make it a Porscheru with the WRX 2.0 Turbo and Subaru transmission wiring harness and ecu. But, I have misgivings about transforming a car that could also be restored to the original. Let's say I would like to stay around $5,000 (maybe I'm dreaming here), first do the metal repairs and paint, then drop in the Subaru engine. Similar to Orange 75 Project, engine is in...

I am looking for a little better performance and I'm not sure the original 80 hp engine with a lot of work involved is the answer.

So, for the return on investment, is it worth doing a restoration, or as my wife says, "do what you want to do with the car"- that would be the Porscheru.

Restore or Suberize?

Click below for all the pictures:

Photos on Photobucket


(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1401772696.1.jpg)

Battery tray area

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1401772696.2.jpg)

Engine with corrosion and rust

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1401772697.3.jpg)

Engine Out

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1301.photobucket.com-17072-1401772697.4.jpg)

[mgp4591]

I also have a 71 with a 1.7 and I'm gathering parts for the Subaru conversion, however I want to keep everything I can from the old setup so it can return to original status if so desired. Everything from the Subie swap can be removed without much of a trace- that's how I justify my swap. 80 hp just don't get it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[OllieG]

I had a similar dilemma with mine..just this once, I would say 'listen to your wife'!!

If you properly restore it; bodywork, paint, engine, interior etc etc etc, you will never make your money back on it...you might if it was an original 6 but not a 1.7.

I'm also not so sure it would be all that easy to convert back to original spec after doing a Suby conversion?..you'd have installed a radiator and plumbing, played around with the engine compartment and shelf, re-configured the electrics etc...maybe I'm wrong??

Definitely make the car you want.

After seriously considering putting in a Suby 3.0 into mine, I'm now back to waiting and saving money for a Porsche 6; should be on the road by 2030!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Good luck..

[R_u_dd]

I had a similar dilemma with mine..just this once, I would say 'listen to your wife'!!

If you properly restore it; bodywork, paint, engine, interior etc etc etc, you will never make your money back on it...you might if it was an original 6 but not a 1.7.

I'm also not so sure it would be all that easy to convert back to original spec after doing a Suby conversion?..you'd have installed a radiator and plumbing, played around with the engine compartment and shelf, re-configured the electrics etc...maybe I'm wrong??

Definitely make the car you want.

After seriously considering putting in a Suby 3.0 into mine, I'm now back to waiting and saving money for a Porsche 6; should be on the road by 2030!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Good luck..

The Porsche 6 would definitely be the way to go, but I think my budget is prohibitive there.

Yes, I was glad to hear my wife supportive of the process. I want her to be riding alongside me... but I'll drive (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)