/6 conversion questions Options

[chuck@chezcox.net]

Hi everybody - long-time listener, first-time caller (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I have a 72 914/4 that I’ve been daydreaming about converting to a /6 for many years. I might finally be in a position to get started on that soon.

I’ve done a lot of reading on how people typically go about this, and I have a couple of lingering questions:

1) Are there certain years of 911 whose front suspension parts bolt up nicely to a 914 chassis in order to get 5-lug wheels and better brakes on the front?

2) Where does one find a suitable engine and the necessary electronics/wiring to go with it?

3) What’s the most recent engine/transmission that goes in pretty easily? I’m not necessarily looking for more power, but I want something that will be very reliable and will last a good while. Starting with something that’s already 40 years old doesn’t seem like the way to go. However, I would imagine the newer you get, the more complicated the electronics get, and at some point you need lots of other components to be present in order to get the engine to start/run.

The 84-89 3.2s came with the G50 trans, which I’ve read cannot be flipped for mid-engine mounting. It can be installed upside-down, but that doesn’t sound like it works too well. Not sure if a 3.2 will mate up to a 901 or 915 trans nicely.

89-94 3.6s came with the G50 also, so same issues there.

I’m not sure what trans was used in the 94-98 models and whether or not it can be flipped easily, but it seems like your getting pretty computer-fixed by then and the electronics might be pretty hard to sort out.

And of course 98+ are water cooled, which is a whole different can of worms.

So I guess I need to ask, how reliable are the 3.0SC motors and the K-Jet fuel injection, and are there a decent number of good ones still around that aren’t already beat to hell?

Thanks guys,
Chuck

[infraredcalvin]

Buy one of the 6’s in the classifieds:

1. The yellow race car (RiqueMar), swap parts over to your car, freshen motor, you.ll be miles ahead if no major motor issues. Part out remaining.

2. The yellow street -6 (Tdskip), enjoy and continue improving, drivable project

3 The silver -6, (RichPugh) buy it, enjoy it.

[mb911]

All the above were good suggestions. If you choose to use your car and need help call me

[mepstein]

Both of the above posts are golden. I would also suggest reading up on the many conversion threads on this site.

[mlindner]

Hi Chuck, regarding front suspension you can keep the 914...only need the five bolt hubs and calipers. Also engine, 2.0,2.2, 2.4, 2.7 can all be used with the 914 trans. Perry Kiehl makes engine harness custom. And Ben McFarland can provide all the rest. Best, Mark

[930cabman]

Buy one of the 6’s in the classifieds:

1. The yellow race car (RiqueMar), swap parts over to your car, freshen motor, you.ll be miles ahead if no major motor issues. Part out remaining.

2. The yellow street -6 (Tdskip), enjoy and continue improving, drivable project

3 The silver -6, (RichPugh) buy it, enjoy it.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

unless you have a bunch of time, $$ and patience on your hands.

[Steve]

914-6 2.0 flywheel bolts up to the 914 trans. You can also backdate the 2.2. - 2.7 motors with the 2.0 flywheel. Regarding 3.0-3.2 Kennedy makes a flywheel adapter to use the 914 trans. Patrick motor sports sells an adapter flywheel to use a 3.6 with either the 914 trans or the 915 trans. Regarding the 915 trans, Martin Bott sells a 916 kit for the 914. I used his kit with a 3.2 and now with a 3.6.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=102988l

[Montreal914]

I am extremely slowly in this process of doing this as part of my restoration... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

The car purchase idea seems like the best way to get a driving 914-6. If for sentimental reasons (like me) you go through the hassle of doing it on your own car, finding an abandonned project will definitely put you ahead on the parts list.

You mentionned having read on the topic, I suggest you read just about any build thread (mostly 914-6 GT) and find a wealth of information on what and how people have done it.

People have successfully been using 901 gearbox on larger engines (even 3.6) but gentleness will be required. My engine will be a stock 3.2 and I am still on the fence as to which one to use 901 or 915. It all relates to the budget. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Then there is the driveshaft/CV question that gets thrown in the mix. Brake upgrade too, etc...

You will have to consider external oil cooling probably starting at 2.7 (or less). Different ways of tackling this but should be part of the whole conversion thought process. Front mounted is desired, wich means some body alterations and trunk reorganization.

Conversion parts are available from various vendors, Ben being great!

As for 5 lug conversion, here and excellent read that will help you.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=105728

Good luck with your project! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif) Fun journey! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[brant]

It will cost as much or more do do your own conversion than buying one

[930cabman]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

any route you wind up taking will be an adventure

keep us posted with your progress

[porschetub]

It will cost as much or more do do your own conversion than buying one

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) best doing that way but would add it will cost a lot more than buying a converted car...not like doing this conversion has got any cheaper ,half decent donor motors have got rather spendy ,any motor will need work of some sort work from minor to major ,often a motor not stored properly and been sitting for a while can be risky.
Tdskip has a great car there for the money ,if me I would start there ,cheers

[SirAndy]

I've been running a stock 901 behind my '95 993 3.6L motor for almost 20 years.
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[mb911]

Ok a few things that must be dispelled. It doesn’t cost 40k to do a conversion. If you are a good shopper you can do it for 1/2 that or less. For all the conversion parts your in 5k or less again you have to be a good shopper. The parts from me are about 3500 and you need flywheel, wiring harness, throttle assembly. The engine cores are still out there and some are not cores but running higher mileage engines.

If you are not DIY you will spend 40k plus. If you go bigger engine like 3.2,3.6 then yes for sure you will really start to get expensive.

I love my 2.4 it’s about perfect for how I drive and never ever gets too hot.