LN Engineering 2563 Kit Options

[JimVG]

Has anyone here built a 914 Type 4 using the LN Engineering 2563-190 kit?

[technicalninja]

I have researched the flat 6 conversion options, and could not justify a reasonable rebuild cost as 6 cylinder parts/components are significantly more expensive.

Please comment on current flat 6 experience and costs.

I'm a fabricator/conversion type of guy.

I'd prefer to stay T4 on a nice 75 I own but...

The cost per HP is too high on the T4 IMO. The Porsche 6 is even worse.

These air-cooled engines are far less forgiving regarding tune.

You have to be "spot on" with a T4 or disaster is in your future.

As for conversions the Subaru 4/6 looks like the best "bang for the buck".

I've been an import car technician for 4 decades and have done one too many head gaskets on them. Actually, I've done far more than "one to many".

Subaru fixed their issues, and they are better now.
They still get "deck plates" pressed into them when they are built for big boost!

I'm just NOT a Subaru guy...

My current candidates are the water-cooled Porsche 6 (still expensive) and the GM LGX high feature V6 (Camaros and RWD Cadillacs). This motor can be had used for 2K.
335 hp and a torque curve that looks fake. The VVT and direct injection gives that more than 250lbs/ft over a 5K range.

The LGX has not been done by anyone and is a technically challenging job.
Might be stupid!
Might not fit!

One IMPORTANT thing to remember is that the Germans tend to re-use stuff that works. There are a BUNCH of VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) engines that will bolt up to the 901 transmissions.
Even the Bentley twin turbo W12 is supposed to mount up fine... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)

So, there might be a decent 4 or 6 cylinder VAG engine to use as a conversion donor.

I've found having the entire donor car for conversions is the way to go.
Buying a stripped engine from a junkyard and then tracking down the missing pieces is a PIA!

And I agree with Mepstein! Even doing it all yourself is NOT a financially sound plan.
You might get your "cost" back, but your time will be worth nothing...

You've got to love doing this stuff!