Honda V-6 in the 914, engine options Options

[tomrev]

Thought I'd put up a few photo's of my current 914 project. I had a six from 1984 to 1998; started with the 2.0 T, then a 2.0S, to a 2.7, and finally a 3.0, with RSR pistons, Solex cams and a few other tweaks. She was a blast to drive, and I drove her to work, and vintage raced her for many years. About six years ago the 914 urge returned, and I built a few V8 cars, one with a LS, the other with old school SBC. They were both cool, and super fast, but just didn't sound right, so I began thinking of another six. Once the price shock passed, I knew it wasn't going to be a Porsche six, and started learning about some alternatives, and settled on the Honda 3.5 V6 from the Pilot, etc. They are all aluminum, variable valve timing, compact, light, and dirt cheap, and make around 250HP, and Ft. Lbs, a nice level for a 914. And happily, Kennedy makes the adapter kit, so that part is out there.
After a trip to the junk yard to look at, and measure, it seemed close enough to bring one home, and really start playing with it. I am aware of one other 914 with this engine in it, but it's a solo car, with out a trunk floor, etc., so one problem fitting it in. I have a nice 20K original car, too nice to start cutting up, so if the engine wouldn't go in, I'd give it up. (The car was a V8 car almost from new, don't panic!).
The engine is very compact, but the intake spreads out over the gearbox, and would stick way into the trunk. Fortunately, the intake can be flipped 180 deg., and by cutting off the throttle body, and re-welding it onto the side, the engine becomes nice and workable. It is a tight squeeze, but fits almost like it was designed to be there.

[Brett W]

Add two hair dryers and you can make some pretty stupid HP with these engines. What are you using for engine management? AEM?

Why bother with the 901 gearbox? There are so many better modern options that would also work with that engine. The Boxster trans, the Passat trans, etc. Much better shifting, gears, etc.

[tomrev]

Add two hair dryers and you can make some pretty stupid HP with these engines. What are you using for engine management? AEM?

Why bother with the 901 gearbox? There are so many better modern options that would also work with that engine. The Boxster trans, the Passat trans, etc. Much better shifting, gears, etc.

Boxter gearbox is pretty heavy, and bigger, isn't it? And my box was just gone thru by Dr. Evil, with longer Chevy gears, so I want to try it out, and see if I like it with the Honda. Seems like most other box options would mean cutting up the trunk floor, and I want to keep the car reasonably stock. Agree that these engines can make serious power, but then the box is an issue, and $$$ start flying away. I have a vintage Supervee to race, so am not building the car as my ultimate ride. The Honda would be a great option to go that route 'tho, as they will safely put out 400 HP, without any inner mods, and with better rods/bolts, and pistons/cams can make a shitload of grunt.
For engine management, I am using a late 90's stock ECU, that has had minor tweaks, and is pretty reasonable. ( $850. with the engine harness trimmed).