V-8 conversion, still can't shake temptation |
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V-8 conversion, still can't shake temptation |
chrisg |
Feb 23 2018, 09:52 PM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 63 Joined: 20-December 03 From: Paso Robles, CA Member No.: 1,455 Region Association: None |
Probably typical story, but I've had my 914 for quite some time now. I haven't driven my 914 for quite some time now do to the pipe dream of restoring/freshening it up, and then way too much other crap getting on the way. But I'm really trying to make this the year I start the endeavor.
I keep coming back to being tempted into doing a V-8 conversion even after twice as many times of talking myself into leaving it a type 4. Problem #1: I'm just not in love with the VW motor or the cost of having a stout one built. Problem #2: I've never come across a thread post where a V-8 conversion owner is disappointed in having done it. They seem to always come to the same consensus that it is a reasonably painless swap, reliable, and very enjoyable end result. Appeals: effortless torque, reliability, aural bliss (second only to an almighty -6), affordability My thinking is that since I'm going to go through the whole car anyway (with a much desired 5 lug conversion) doing it to accommodate a (mild) V-8 swap, shouldn't be going off the deep end. And, it would kind of kill two birds with one stone and allow me to have a retro Porsche that handles well and is still light weight and a V-8 all wrapped up in one. The point of this post? I'm still not convinced that it's not a "bull in a china shop". Does it retain the proper character of something you want to drive fast and have fun with on twisty back roads? Is the balance thrown off at all? Or should I just stop wasting my time going back and forth and commit to doing it? |
Mueller |
Feb 24 2018, 07:25 PM
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#2
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914 Freak! Group: Members Posts: 17,150 Joined: 4-January 03 From: Antioch, CA Member No.: 87 Region Association: None |
1st V8 conversion 914 I test drove had a bone stock 2 barrel carb'd all cast iron SBC from a wrecked station wagon. It was a hoot to drive and I guess it barely made 250hp.
I could feel the extra weight of it, but after awhile you get used to it. A yera later the owner swapped in a crate ZZ4(?) Aluminum head hot rod motor. The car was even more fun to drive, however I felt it was getting to the point of too much for a fun street only car. Not many places you could just plant your foot all the way to floor and not worry about looping it or just plain being dangerous. Be realistic with your budget, lots of little gotchas will cteep up when putting it all together. |
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