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Thu Jan 20, 2011 9:45 pm

I'm jumping over here from the VW forum with a quick question. I saw an add for a '72 914 for sale real cheap and was wondering what sort of engine would fit in it. I recall hearing that some Porche's used the same engines as a VW. I have two type 1 VW engines, one in a '71 bus and the other in a '72 bug. Would either one of these engines fit in this Porche or am I just dreaming. I tried a search but didn't come up with much. Thanks

Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:02 am

The Porsche 914 used a Type 4 flat FI engine of 1.7/1.8/2.0L over the years. The engine is indeed a VW engine. Easiest is to find used one of those and fit it perhaps with carb(s). A T1 won't mesh to transmission or starter plus you'd have to fab sealing tin and exhaust headers which would cost more than you probably are paying for the car. Careful of rust especially in the longitudinals which is perhaps why its so cheap. Remove top - open both doors, sit in it and see if the doors both shut - run from it if they don't.

The T4 engine was also used in '72 up buses and 411/412 VWs. They produce 70-100 hp so an equivalent T1 would take some work.

Put a Subaru engine in it!

Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:22 am

Thanks for the reply. Just a thought I had.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:14 am

An ad for a 914 “real cheap” sounds like rust. It would be a good idea to take a look at it first.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:01 pm

Apparently it ran when parked 10 years ago. It looks to be complete by the photos. Glass looks good, I don't see any obvious rust. He wants $500.00 for it, it is on Craig's List, Seattle, WA. if anyone is interested.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:03 pm

wampe wrote: Apparently it ran when parked 10 years ago.
Famous last words.

It means it's worth $100, maybe.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:35 pm

I looked and didn't see a '72 one - there's a '76 (last year made) but with no transmission or engine for $600. Rust will be under the battery (called hell hole for good reason), either side under doors, and just behind doors in the sail area. Depending on how optioned - it could easily be worth $ parting it out. Gauges, trans, seats, alloy wheels, body panels. Gauges, wheels and trans will fit a T1. With no engine it would also be great candidate for an electric motor conversion, again assuming no terminal rust.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:41 pm

It's really hard to tell what it's worth without seeing it. I've seen engines that have sat for many years come back to life but of course many are locked up also. You never know. Maybe it will just end up as a parts car or in the scrapyard if no one wants to save it.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:44 pm

Wolfgangdieter wrote: I looked and didn't see a '72 one - there's a '76 (last year made) but with no transmission or engine for $600. Rust will be under the battery (called hell hole for good reason), either side under doors, and just behind doors in the sail area. Depending on how optioned - it could easily be worth $ parting it out. Gauges, trans, seats, alloy wheels, body panels. Gauges, wheels and trans will fit a T1. With no engine it would also be great candidate for an electric motor conversion, again assuming no terminal rust.

It's a red one. Maybe he sold it.

Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:38 am

I found it and its now mine. It really did sit for 10 years, and the rust is minimal. I did the open door test with roof off and it past. All original parts. The engine has not been tinkered with. The interior is in surprisingly good shape. Including minimal wear to what appears to be the orig carpet and pedals. The engine turns freely and the oil is golden in color and was full. I am no expert but I can see no signs of a recent oil change. The car is actually for my wife and we are looking forward to restoring it to its original beauty.

I am planning on changing out oil (what flavor and weight do you recommend) and a complete tune up. Drain and flush out the fuel tank and lines. After the above work is done we will see if she fires. I also plan on changing out the tranny fluid, what fluid do I use. If she fires or even if she doesn't I will be going thru the brakes and flushing out any old fluid. With a treatment of period correct wheels (Porsche 914 Dan Gurney)
and new tires.

I am looking for a trunk lid, targa top and front windshield. And if the right deal an original stereo. Any suggestions on how to acquire these will be appreciated. After correcting any existing rust a fresh coat of orig paint will be lovingly applied.

On another note I did own a 1974 411 with a 1.7 FI as my first car I bought in 1982 and loved it and we have owned many transporters with type 4 engines but carbed. So I know a little about the engine but that is where my knowledge stops, any suggestions on what to do or how to would make me and more importantly my wife a happy camper.

Thanks in advance for your replies and interest. :P

Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:29 am

Change out the rubber fuel injection fuel lines including the short hose on the injectors. Porsche dealers sell the correct stuff as carb hose from a auto store isn't the right stuff and will leak.
The injection fuel hose is under 32lbs of pressure and when it leaks its usually a fire!

Look on the 914World.com site for Rich Danhauer as he has a lot of parts in the Seattle area....

Mon Jan 24, 2011 8:20 am

ericsb210 wrote: I found it and its now mine. It really did sit for 10 years, and the rust is minimal. I did the open door test with roof off and it past. All original parts. The engine has not been tinkered with. The interior is in surprisingly good shape. Including minimal wear to what appears to be the orig carpet and pedals. The engine turns freely and the oil is golden in color and was full. I am no expert but I can see no signs of a recent oil change. The car is actually for my wife and we are looking forward to restoring it to its original beauty.

I am planning on changing out oil (what flavor and weight do you recommend) and a complete tune up. Drain and flush out the fuel tank and lines. After the above work is done we will see if she fires. I also plan on changing out the tranny fluid, what fluid do I use. If she fires or even if she doesn't I will be going thru the brakes and flushing out any old fluid. With a treatment of period correct wheels (Porsche 914 Dan Gurney)
and new tires.

I am looking for a trunk lid, targa top and front windshield. And if the right deal an original stereo. Any suggestions on how to acquire these will be appreciated. After correcting any existing rust a fresh coat of orig paint will be lovingly applied.

On another note I did own a 1974 411 with a 1.7 FI as my first car I bought in 1982 and loved it and we have owned many transporters with type 4 engines but carbed. So I know a little about the engine but that is where my knowledge stops, any suggestions on what to do or how to would make me and more importantly my wife a happy camper.

Thanks in advance for your replies and interest. :P

Cool. 8) Post some pictures.

Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:03 am

Check out http://www.914world.com - they have a classifieds and good tech forums on the 914. Wish I still had mine.

Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:25 am

There is a top listed on Eugene, OR Craigslist for $100. Also a couple 914's in the local wrecking yard. I think they've still got front windscreens. I can go check if you are interested.
John

Thu Jan 27, 2011 4:17 pm

www.autoatlanta.com will have everything you need. They don't call the owner Dr. 914 for nothing!

Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:53 pm

Guys,

I have a line on a 914 engine out of an original car with about 45,000miles on it. runs real nice, looks like it has been fitting with a single carb of some sort. buddy is selling it out of the car turnkey (not that i want the single carb) for $650 firm. started and ran nice. wet on the bottom, but no drips falling off the engine. ran real smooth andaccelerated nice. if it were in fact only 45,000miles, you guys think its worth it? i'm sure it includes the exhaust, as he plans to swap in another porsche type engine.

Thoughts? take it or leave it for $650 - oh yeah, i gotta drop the engine myself, i'm sure he'll help.... If i went back, i would check compression and take another look over it.

EDIT - oh yeah, assuming its original, its from a '71, i didnt check the engine code but it should be a "W" spec. also, it'll go into my bus, which currently has a 'W' as well...