72 rustoration / subaru 6cyl project in Kansas, Mild resto-mod build, my idea of a “true” sportscar Options

[Alain V.]

Well, I suppose I’ve put it off long enough.
I’m finally starting a build/progress page on my 72 914 project.

About the car: I’ve owned it for over a decade, and had it set aside as a quick & easy restoration project, because I “fooled” myself into thinking I had a fairly “rust free” example.
I work, a lot of hours (self employed) and own multiple project cars, so I didn’t start working on this car until recently.
...once I did “start” on it,,,, I became painfully aware of just how bad the car actually was.

The plan, since I ended up stripping the car down to the bare tub, I decided to build my idea/vision of a true sports car.....
In my opinion, the 914 is a perfect “canvas” for such a build. Focus will be on:
Light weight, handling, simplicity, and fun t o drive.

Goal weight is around 1800 pounds, using some carbon deck lids, GT style engine cover, etc.
Goal HP around 250 plus, will come from a Subaru 6cyl.

About me, My background is as an Indy mercedes mechanic for just over 40 years. I’ve never done rust repair or bodywork myself though, as I’ve always hired out those types of jobs. This little 914 is going to be my “tech school” into metal work as a spare time project. Hopefully I’ll be able to work on it one day per weekend on it and possible make monthly updates. I guess we’ll have to see...........

Here she is... when I initially started

[Alain V.]

Thanks, the rotisserie is an Auto twirler "PRO" model.I got it from best buy automotive.It is a bit more expensive than most other ones out there, and is overkill for a 914,,,,,,but I have a few reasons for choosing it.

#1 is that it is 3" tubing and 3/16" thick,,which is more "heavy duty" than most on the market. There no,"flex" like I have seen on other models with the car on it.

#2 is that it has bearings in each of the pivots, so it spins the car effortlessly.

#3 not only is my tub on the rotisserie, but it is also holding the weight of my "cart" that I have the tub mounted to

#4 when the 914 is done, I have a 1970 Olds cutlass (442 w-30/resto-mod clone) that will be on the rotisserie next.

#5 it is a beefy , USA made unit,,,and I usually am alone in my garage......so I did not want to take the risk of a possible tool "failure" while I'm by myself in the garage.

Here is a youtube video on it. My Webpage


For my goals, the suby 6 seems like a much better option. Since the 6 only came in the automatic "mom and pop grocery getter cars,,,,the chances of finiding a proerly maintained donor engine that hasn't had the stink run out of it is much better.

Also, since this is going to be a "hot street" driven car (I have a different car for track days) in my opinion "torque" is king.....and the suby 6 fits the bill well there.

Also, I am not a fan of turbocharged engines for multiple reasons. Turbo, means extra plumbing, which equals extra clutter(and more places to potentially leak) in the engine compartment. I'd rather keep things clean and simple with a midlly modified six and a nice flat torque curve .

A six with a lightweight flywheel & clutch assembly, and a good limited slip in a 5speed manual trans, with a free flowing exhaust system & a little tuning should be perfect combo a streetcar.


Oh, and congrats on getting a floor in your garage. One of the reasons it has taken me so long to do the 914, is that I spent a few years saving up and building a garage at home so I'd have a "hideaway" place to work in .