Drivetrain thoughts, northstar-915 / or 4.3 GM boxster 6 speed Options

[got914?]

Ok ive narrowed by drivetrain options to a
northstar with a 915
or
a GM 4.3 v6 with a boxster 6 speed

Ive seen the 4.3 done before but never a northstar.
Mind you the 915 trans is getting hard to find , or at least thats the way it seams...

[Mike Bellis]

If the 901 is treated well, it will handle power. 1st gear is weak. I ran a 500hp turbo rotary on a 901 without issue. I always made sure not to stab the gas pedal until I was in third gear.

The Boxster tranny ($3500) is the same transmission as the Audi/VW 012 tranny ($400). They are all made by Audi. The Boxster S tranny ($1000-$5000) is built by Getrag. This tranny is also available in FWD Audis for less money. The difference is the Boxster comes with linkage compatible with cable shifters.

Make sure you consider your chassis if you are putting 300hp in a 914. You will need suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, stiffening kit or roll bar, etc... This gets expensive.

There is also the respect factor. An American engine is fun but you will get sneers from most Porsche owners. 914 owners (NARP) are a little more forgiving. A Japanese engine (like a rotary) will almost get you laughed at. I can say with my Audi motor most PCA members seem to like it. With that said, the 914 chassis is a great platform for an engine conversion. I don't really give a fuch what people say so ridicule don't bother me.

I'm not sure how an engine choice can effect resale value. Like me, you will only be able to sell to another conversion owner or a newbie. Most 914 owners particularly like Porsche motors even if it's a conversion 6 cylinder. Buying a complete V8 conversion will most likely be cheaper than building one.

I bought mine for $7k (5 years ago) but that included: roll cage, stiffening kit, 930 brakes, suspension, sway bars, V8, etc. Since I bought it, I swapped in 3 or 4 different engine tyoes before settling on my Audi turbo motor. I absolutely love the Audi motor. I'm making about 325hp.

[DBCooper]

An American engine is fun but you will get sneers from most Porsche owners. 914 owners (NARP) are a little more forgiving. A Japanese engine (like a rotary) will almost get you laughed at.

True, and I actually like this part, when people kind of self-identify themselves.