Which 914 to buy?, Looking for a 914, which yr is best? Options

[anthony]

Some girls do too.

Sorry about forgetting about you gals! You 914 daily drivers get the badge of courage. I love my 914. I drove it almost every day last year but ... I have back up cars and I bought a relative cream puff so I've had to do very little to it. Still I wouldn't have a 30 year old car as my daily driver with no backup. I went that route for 8 years driving a '77 320i - it was a fun car, only broke down twice in 8 years and both times I was able fix it on the side of the road but it was a royal PITA having a car I couldn't rely on 100%.

[Doug73/2.0]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This is a tremendous resourse you folks have created for those of us about to take the 914 plunge.

Here are a few additional questions now that I'm getting educated.
Can someone explain the different shift linkages or transmittions. I've seen the word side shifter? were different transmissions available between the 1.7, 1.8 or 2.0?

How is parts availablity for the common stuff likely to go wrong... Brakes, fuel pumps wires etc...? Thanks.

Assuming I find a nice roller..Are there more modern Porche enginines ( or other manufactures engines) that are good candidates?

Thanks for the help. I think I'll end up bumping the budget from the sounds of it.
Cheers and thanks
Doug

[Part Pricer]

Can someone explain the different shift linkages or transmittions. I've seen the word side shifter? were different transmissions available between the 1.7, 1.8 or 2.0?

Basically, the 914 had only one transmission. (I sure one of the anal assholes around here will be along shortly to correct me and fill you in on the minutia.) The earlier cars had what is referred to as a tail-shift transmission. The later cars had a side-shift. The difference is the length of the shift rod and where it attaches to the tranny. The side-shifter is the one to go for. It is considered to be less-vague.

How is parts availablity for the common stuff likely to go wrong... Brakes, fuel pumps wires etc...?

Most of the stuff is readily available. Although there are exceptions.

[Queenie]

in fact, it's never left me stranded -- but i imagine that my experience is unique?

Nope. Mine hasn't let me down yet, and I drive the hell out of it.

[tod914]

Year isn't as important as condition. Also, keep in mind shipping costs. You might find a real nice one on the left coast, but how are you going to get it back? Search the local papers and the wantadd press. Sometimes you'll come across a nice local car that you might not see on 914 boards. Good luck. Keep in mind it's an old car. No matter how nice it is, it will always need work. Work = parts. Parts = $.
Expect to put in about 20 % of your paying price to get the car sorted when you get it.

[EdwardBlume]

Assuming I find a nice roller..Are there more modern Porche enginines ( or other manufactures engines) that are good candidates?

No. People go exotic with all kinds of engines (ie 2.2, 2.7, 3.0, 3.2, 3.6, 350 V8) but on on a budget, stick with with the stock motor. Years from now when you cash in your internet company stock options, do the conversion.

How is parts availablity for the common stuff likely to go wrong... Brakes, fuel pumps wires etc...? Thanks.

Most parts are common. Its the price that'll get ya. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Again, be patient and learn as much as you can beforehand. Here's your assignment: read Patrick C Paternie's "How to Restore & Modify You Porsche 914 & 914/6."

[Doug73/2.0]

Thanks guys, great advice all around.

Rob your idea to buy Patrick Paternie's book "How to Restore Porsche 914" was a nice one. Enjoyed the book. It does make me question my sanity to buy one of these. I'm looking at a local 73 with the 1.7 engine. Owners says its been parked 20 yrs in his garage. This will be intresting but at lewast all your comments and the book have given me a starting point. I didn't think any of tthese survived up here in salt country.

Thanks
Doug :-)

[stevend]

If your goin to go racing get a 70-71 so the doors and the front and rear lids are lighter. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

they dont have as much bracing as 73-76 does. if you are giong to put a big 3.2 or v-8 conversion in it i wouldn't worry about! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

[Anton]

Were different transmissions available between the 1.7, 1.8 or 2.0?

1.7 = tail shifter

1.8 and 2.0 = side shifter

[need4speed]

Don't steal one of our pristine teeners to salt-and-rust-land.

Instead, just move out West. In ten years, there will be one more rust-free 914 still on the road than there otherwise would be. Don't you think that's more important? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)