newbie on forum, just bought 73 2.0 showing off! Options

[frankieshooz]

Hiya 914 forum members just wanted to introduce myself as a new member. Recently just purchased a 73 2.0L 914 Alaska Blue pretty much stock beauty! I'm in Nor Cal bay area just over the bridge and looking for any advice on well anything!!! I'm leaning toward keeping car stock as it is all numbers matching and in very good shape. I'm sure some of you know this car. I'm super excited about becoming the new custodian of this car. I have always admired, coveted, and appreciated this under appreciated model.
I do believe the A/C was dealer installed and I am contemplating removing the whole system as it's just fugly!!!! it does open up a can of worms: replacing the hole it would leave in the trunk, block off plates etc.. Anyway this will not be any trailer queen as it will be sharing driving duties with my beloved Mazda 94 FD3S R2....
comments, advice, help appreciated...if any of you experts are in or near marin county let me know so we can get together for some 914 education...

[Tom_T]

I do believe the A/C was dealer installed and I am contemplating removing the whole system as it's just fugly!!!! it does open up a can of worms: replacing the hole it would leave in the trunk, block off plates etc.. Anyway this will not be any trailer queen as it will be sharing driving duties with my beloved Mazda 94 FD3S R2....
comments, advice, help appreciated...if any of you experts are in or near marin county let me know so we can get together for some 914 education...

Frankie, I'd advise not removing the AC - since yours IIRC is the original dealer installed AC - & you're in North Bay Area where it gets hot some, & in CA/Southwest USA in general - it's a nice feature. Back then Porsche didn't really install factory air in 914s or 911s, so the dealers did them with either a DPD or VPC system, with approval from Porsche NA (same with many accessories & options, including radios for most 914s being from dealers).

I've always wished that mine had AC - being in SoCal, especially back when it was my DD & I'd get to work meetings with my back soaked with sweat & have to leave my suit or sport coat on all the time to hide it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

What you should do - if Dan didn't already - is to convert it to the R134 with the newer rotary type compressor which are more efficient & only rob 1-3 HP, vs. the old school York one robbing 5-8 HP. IIRC AutoAtlanta has the parts, & RetroAir (see ads in "Panorama"), & maybe some local Bay Area vintage Porsche AC shops can set you up with it, or install the proper compressor from the other sources.

Enjoy your new FUN go-cart ride! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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