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Mon Jul 26, 2010 4:42 pm

Not to offend the purist, I have owned a couple of 914 and I think they are great sports cars but lack power, I have done subaru swaps in Vanagons and I know the 914 is possible. does any body know what would take to do this? is there a vendor that offers the kits?

Tue Jul 27, 2010 5:55 am

There are several of them on the 914World.com site...I hate waterconversions!

Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:39 am

5 speeds in reverse would be cool! Yup there are lots of them out there - assume they flip the pinion gear in trans.

Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:39 pm

I would be using the porsche's trany and an adapter plate from KEP. The subi's trany would be great and still be behind the engine and turn on the right way, but I doubt the axels woud line up, and the shift linkage is on top; an AT woud be interesting if yhe axel lined up.

Tue Jul 27, 2010 7:23 pm

You really should talk to these folks:

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/

Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:12 am

that's what I'm talling about!

Wed Jul 28, 2010 1:11 pm

Racerrojo wrote: that's what I'm talling about!

Have fun and rev up that Visa card! I'm tempted too, if I could just get that guy up the street to sell me the 914 languishing in his side yard.

Wed Jul 28, 2010 2:51 pm

I've thought of doing this also, but running all the cooling plumbing-------.And one of the very unique things about the 914 (aside from it's--ahh--air cooling) is the huge cargo capacity. Then there's the added weight and complexity. Still, I'd be interested in seeing one. How about that subi H-6?

chrismo

Wed Jul 28, 2010 3:08 pm

Chris Walden wrote: I've thought of doing this also, but running all the cooling plumbing-------.And one of the very unique things about the 914 (aside from it's--ahh--air cooling) is the huge cargo capacity. Then there's the added weight and complexity. Still, I'd be interested in seeing one. How about that subi H-6?

chrismo

A 914 is light enough that I think I'd be happy with the 165HP naturally aspirated 2.5l four. That's half again the power of the 914/6. More than that and you'll start breaking those expensive Porsche drivetrain parts and that's no fun at all.

Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:48 pm

Man this guys @ renegade have some sick rides, the do have the kits but I'm trying to do it on a budget. and trying to fab must of the stuff needed, and use what I have from a Vanagon conversion.
And i would have to find the perfect candidate first my last one had a lot of rust.

Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:39 am

I've got a Subaru EJ20t powered 914 sitting in the garage right now. It's my dad's car, and my buddy (55superbeetle) recently finished swapping a Subaru 5 speed tranny out of a WRX into it. I'll tell you what, that Subaru engine and transmission completely transformed this car. I used to drive it with a 2056cc Type4 engine in it, and it was fun, but not nearly as fun as it is now. It's now got smooth, quiet, reliable power, and much more power at that!

It made 201hp to the wheels with 10psi (less than stock) and ran a 13.007 in the 1/4 mile. The boost has been turned up to 16psi now, but it hasn't been back on the dyno to get an updated hp number yet. I'd guess 230-240 at the wheels now.

My buddy fabricated the engine cradle, exhaust and turbo piping, shifter linkage, hydraulic pedals, etc... all himself. And it sounds like that's what you want to do with your car, so maybe seeing his work could help you with your planning. Also, my friend could help with building some of these components, if you wanted to go that route.

I broke the stock Porsche 901 tranny a couple of times, which is why we decided to swap the Subaru tranny in there. It turned out fantastic! Shifts are very easy and click into place, downshifts are effortless, and the gearing is almost exactly what it was with the 901. The 901 never shifted right, even with all new bushings. So instead of rebuilding it and hoping that new syncros would fix the problem, we just bit the bullet and made the swap. I still have the old engine cradle that works with a 901, and part of the exhaust sitting here in the garage. PM me if you're interested in it, it'd be cheaper than the Renegade kit!

Here's a thread showing the transmission swap:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=102887&hl=

And some pictures:

And a youtube autocross video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijREGpCJLJI

Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:59 pm

That is very impresive!
I would be interested on the parts , but at this time I'm in the research stage,I don't even have the car . Just been playing with the idea in my head, because I have done the convercions in the Vanagons. But I mis having a performance car, and would like to get back in to autox.
When I sell the latest van I have and finish the one I'm working on. I would get serious about it.
I'll be picking your friends brain about it.