Thoughts on putting a Chevy/GMC late model 4.3L or 3.6L engine in 914, 4 Options

[Andyrew]

I for one am not convinced that the CG argument has any merit on the street. I've ridden in plenty 914s and some of the best handling ones have been v8s.

Suspension and tires play way more a part than 1,2 or even 300lbs in the middle of the car.

On the track where 5% of 914s go and 5% of those in serious competition events, sure every little bit is huge... But for most every 914 owner building their "outlaw" it doesn't make a difference.

What makes a difference is if their car is running for the next weekend or drive or show or race.

[Chris914n6]

The radiator full of water barely weighs 10 lbs, so it isn't a factor.

My V6 weighs 300 lbs, roughly 100-120 lbs of that is intake, heads & 4 cams. In a 2000lb car that may move CG up maybe 1/2", or not much different than a typical passenger.

Now a 500 lb SBC I can feel in ride and handling compared to the T4, but then it's also shifted to the rear 1.5".

[Chi-town]

The radiator full of water barely weighs 10 lbs, so it isn't a factor.

My V6 weighs 300 lbs, roughly 100-120 lbs of that is intake, heads & 4 cams. In a 2000lb car that may move CG up maybe 1/2", or not much different than a typical passenger.

Now a 500 lb SBC I can feel in ride and handling compared to the T4, but then it's also shifted to the rear 1.5".

2 gallons of coolant is 16lbs by itself. Then add the 8 ft+ of rubber hose, 1 or 2 cooling fans, the radiator and hardware. You're probably closer to 30lbs.

Your VQ weighs in at 330lbs from the info I've seen, the bare block is right about 180lbs so your probably not as top heavy as you think.

[Superhawk996]

I’m speechless.

I can’t believe that there is argument that a Vee engine effects on C.G. and moment of inertia are not a significant degradation vs an air cooled horizontally opposed dry sump engine. All other things kept equal. Sure you can redesign anything, tires, suspension, tube frame the chassis, etc., and build a better car than a bone stock 914. That is missing the point of what the engine swap effect is on its own merit and subsequent re-engineering needed to offset and/or improve the initial degradation.

I’m going to assume I must be misunderstanding the posts debating this.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

[RolinkHaus]

Keep it German. Audi 4.2 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif))

[Superhawk996]

Keep it German. Audi 4.2 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif))

Say it ain’t so. You have a 2.4l six waiting in the garage (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Chi-town]

Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder with dry sump and a sloshing (yes I know there's baffles but the oil still moves) 6 quart oil tank mounted 12" above the axle centerline and as far left of the vehicle centerline as possible?

Now here's the punch line.. And it only makes 250hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I'll take a slight change in handling for an easy 450hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[burton73]

I like where this is going. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

Bigger, more better because as the Beach Boys say “I get rubber in all 4 gears”
600HP V8 930 trans




Bob B

[Thunderchief]

I'm probably putting my name in for a Renegade conversion this week. I was leaning towards a Subi swap but for less money they can do a 5.3 aluminum V8 with 325+ hp. They rebuild the trans and dump 1st gear (which will snap) and regear the other gears to match the V8. At the same time you need to think about the axles, brakes and suspension to handle the upgraded power. The tab jumps up quick.

[mepstein]

I'm probably putting my name in for a Renegade conversion this week. I was leaning towards a Subi swap but for less money they can do a 5.3 aluminum V8 with 325+ hp. They rebuild the trans and dump 1st gear (which will snap) and regear the other gears to match the V8. At the same time you need to think about the axles, brakes and suspension to handle the upgraded power. The tab jumps up quick.

They probably don't regear 2nd since it's fixed unless you use a 904 shaft.
One of the nice things about a suby conversion is a suby trans bolts right on, is geared better to the engine and cost a couple hundred dollars. Like the engines, they don't usually need a rebuild.

Like Sir Andy said, it's easy to find a cheap and powerful V8, it's the install that separates the cool from the crap.

[Chi-town]

I wouldn't waste my time with a 901, find a Boxster S 6 speed

[914forme]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Ls swap deserves a Boxster S trans for right now. Adapter plates and extras required

Subaru Swap Subaru 5 speed

901 only if you can't find one of the above for your swap or you are really a sadist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whip[1].gif) or you are running a Porsche engine and can be gentle enough on 1st to make it work.

915s and the 930s where the way to put power down as they used to be the only options.

Or the new 8 speed in the C8. No adapter plates for the GM engines but a bit of electronic wizardry required.

[thelogo]

V6 s are the new v8s

So this swap makes sense
If you keep it light weight. 180lbs springs..big sway bars etc you might be ok

C/g i dont think is a issue ... With your corner exit speeds it will compensate (buy $ good cv joints) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

Does a boxster trans mean (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) a 5 speed man
Or a 6 speed man or a pdk (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Can you use a 911 7 speed manual... That gets my vote (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

[Crisperez8941]

What are your thoughts or problems to be expected on either putting a Aluminum 2014 Chevy 4.3L V6 LV3 engine (285hp/305 lb Torque) in a 914 using a 901 Transmission or a 2017 Aluminum GM 3.6L V6 LGZ engine (308hp/275 lb torque) in a 914 using a 901 transmission? I’ve checked with Kennedy they have the correct adapter kit for the engines to the 901 transmission. Both engines weigh 340-400 lbs. each. What draws my attention to these engines is the late model technology, weight, size, hp, torque.....I know the stock new E92 ECU would probably be a bear. I realize the 901 trans would have to have the upper gears addressed and beefier axles and cooling would have to be addressed. Thanks

im currently in the process of doing that same swap.
dump the 901 transmission and get yourself the boxster s tranny.

[Superhawk996]

Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder with dry sump and a sloshing (yes I know there's baffles but the oil still moves) 6 quart oil tank mounted 12" above the axle centerline and as far left of the vehicle centerline as possible?

Now here's the punch line.. And it only makes 250hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I'll take a slight change in handling for an easy 450hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

What? Why settle for 450 hp. You've never heard of Singer? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) As soon as I hit the lottery I'm there! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

Chi-town; not picking on you, I just think your posts are right to the point and I love that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Chi-town]

@Superhawk996 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[jimkelly]

find a way to get drawn to subaru, this way you can use subaru engine and transmission, and no adaptor needed.

one main component needed is the 4wd to 2wd locking spool.

http://subarugears.com/Pricing/Pricing.html

engine trans mount and shift linkage are the main challenges.

see this, pretty convincing.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALwR2Fj91Co

[burton73]

Horizontally opposed 6 cylinder with dry sump and a sloshing (yes I know there's baffles but the oil still moves) 6 quart oil tank mounted 12" above the axle centerline and as far left of the vehicle centerline as possible?

Now here's the punch line.. And it only makes 250hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

I'll take a slight change in handling for an easy 450hp (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

What? Why settle for 450 hp. You've never heard of Singer? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) As soon as I hit the lottery I'm there! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

Chi-town; not picking on you, I just think your posts are right to the point and I love that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

I went to a 930 that can handle 700HP and it has a LDS and oil cooling for the trans.

I did not take a Junker car and work around that, I took a super rust free 914 CA car that was a nice 6 conversion car without the engine. Carrera front Suspensions 930 stub axles
911 E brake and Boxster breaks. Leather dash and seats

Super parts and all I have to do is finish it. 4 speed 930 is very good for V8 GM conversion but Boxster is much lower in dollars spent getting it in your car. Now all I have to do is finish it up.
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Bob B