Comments: 1-15, 16-17
Given that the year and high state of tune the car is in, very few items have gone bad. The right, rear brake caliper blew the seal at 94,000. I was able to rebuild it with factory parts and a core from ebay. $45.00 total repair.
Brake pads seem to wear out very quickly.
Valve cover gaskets replaced every 6K miles with valve adjustment.
This is my first 914. I was lucky enough to find one that had been very well taken care of. I am the fourth owner, and have records going back to the original order for the car. It has a special order paint called Zambezi Green. After extensive work by the previous owner, I have the pleasure to enjoy an amazing Porsche.
The car was modified for auto-cross and road racing with a six point roll cage; fully adjustable suspension; a 930 transmission; Panasport lightweight wheels; equal length headers with Supertrapp muffler; performance grind cam with solid lifters; dual oil coolers; msd ignition; etc.
This is one of the most forgiving cars I have ever driven. I am constantly amazed at precision handling and flat torque curve of the boxer four. With the addition of the 930 transmission the top speed now approaches 145 mph. Cruising at speeds up to 90 with the top off is ludicrously easy.
There really are only two down sides to a 914. Some will tell you that it is not a real Porsche, because it wasn't built in Zuffenhausen. Let me tell you, most 911s cannot keep up in the corners.
Secondly there are a few parts only available from Porsche. Every part needed is available, but some times that means paying Porsche prices.
I cannot over stress how much fun this is to drive. With the 914 every time I get in it I have the same feelings of excitement and anticipation, like when you sneak out your Dads' car. You always want to take the longest, twistiest roads home in this one. Going through town it loves to set off car alarms with the exhaust, just leaving from a red light you feel as though your getting away with some thing.
This is an incredible vehicle in every sense. It has it all; clean styling; Le Mans wining suspension; classic air-cooled engine sounds; and the feel that only comes from a car that has no computer controls or power assistance.
I don't care how many modifications were done, to the 2.0L VW engine, there is NO WAY this car would achieve 145MPH.
It is also an aerodynamic impossibility!
There actually are a few ways a 4 cyl 914 can achieve 145.
1) Speedometer error. 50 series and lower tires will produce incorrectly high readings. Add an outrageous motor- oof! 145mph!!
2) Failing to notice that you have a European speedo and you're reading kilometers per hour. :)
3) Adding 1.2 liters and two cylinders. A 914 with a 3.2 liter screamer can reach 145 no problem.
914 aerodynamics are pretty slippery, by the way. You don't win 1st in class and 6th overall at Le Mans with aerodynamics that don't allow speed. Granted, you'd better have a front air dam at speed if you don't like to drift.
It can happen. And you're right the 911's cannot catch up with the 914s.
I have a 914 2.0 LE (Dreamsicle) and love it. I can't get much over 105 mph and even that makes me nervous in such a small car. The handling and braking are marvelous. The attention it generates from young and old alike puts a smile on my face. We use ours for fun on the weekends and I hope to own it until they take my driving license away. It's too bad the Boxster is so expensive for nearly the same amount of fun.
I know where there is a 1973 914 with 65000 miles, 2.0L for sale... anybody interested?
Re 1973 Porsche 914 for sale. I will bite.Where? email me at magaoidh@hotmail.com.
Bought a 1975 914 1.8 at a "donate your car for the children" charity, for 600.00 in n. los angeles. I was allowed to help my self to 2 other 914 junkers on the lot. As much stuff/parts I could carry in the little car and drive away with. It sure was fun. Oh, by the way, all 3 914's were in the weeds and sinking in the mud. In 3 days, they were going to be sold for scrap/junk. I asked if any of them start and run, yes, only one. My 914 ran, my 20 min. test drive had me hooked, they thought I stole the car. A year and half latter, she is totaly rebuilt and restored garage queen. Nothing was done to the engine and trans except tuned, valves adjusted, gaskets relaced all over the engine, all new fuel and air hoses and about 100 clamps to fix air leaks. Changed the brake fluid, cv boot grease and trans fluid. Did all the work myself as the cost of repair is worth more than the car. I love it. DaVa
To the fortunate fellow who scored the 914 at the charity auction---
I strongly suggest, as soon as you can, pull the heads and at least replace the exhaust valves. (preferably "have the heads done")
Broken off valve heads are one of the few things that will suddenly kill your otherwise almost bulletproof motor.
Come visit www.shoptalkforums.com, all air cooled VW (914 counts) tech forums.
The Type4um covers all things T4 (914/4 engine type) related, and the fuel injection and 914 forums are great sources of info.
I have made over 110mph in my 73 914 with no problem. A few mods and and it could get to 145.
I just picked up a 914 not sure what year with a 5 speed transmission. I believe it has the 2.0L engine. It has a horrible oil leak which I believe is the push rod so it's in the shop right now. The interior is awesome, underneath is clean, and the exterior is a bit rough. Any suggestions? please e-mail me at patp202@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Why it was suggested that the guy who got the car at the charity lot "replace his valves" arbitrarily is a mystery to me. If the car is running properly, quietly, makes power and isn't passing oil through the valve guides, there is no good reason whatsoever to pull the heads. Do your valve adjustments on schedule and enjoy the car.
Just moved to Milford, CT. During my first run around the area I was pleased to see a 914 (yr?) in some guys driveway. The car is kind of rough, but looks straight. She is uncovered, and probably in the same spot for years. Any ideas on how to approach the owner, and what to offer..?
Also, a BMW 2002, just sitting, about 20 houses down from the 914.
Thanks,
Shenton.
The 914 Porsche is the most sorely misunderstood automobile in history. It owes its misunderstood history to its hybrid birth. The car is the product of a gentleman's agreement between the Presidents of VW and Porsche. Porsche wanted a replacement for the aging 912 and VW wanted a replacement for its Karman Gia. The deal was simple enough. VW would build the bodies and ship some to Porsche where they would be fitted with 911 suspensions and the 911 T six cylinder motor. The 914's fitted out with the 911 T engine proved to be an embarrassment to their 911 siblings. The mid-engine 914 ran circles around the more fabled 911s. The rare 916 equipped with the 2.7 liter 911 S motor, chumps all 911s of the period. The VW built 914s were fitted out with its type 411 engine. All European 914s were sold and badged as VW/Porsche. However, all 914 destined for North America were sold by Porsche dealerships as Porsche. Over the six year production run of the 914, three different four cylinder engines were used: The 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0. The 2.0 liter 411 VW engine in its European form produced 100 HP. The 914s with the 911 T engines produced 110 HP. The heads of a 914 2.0 are not interchangeable with the VW 2.0 bus engine. The pistons and cylinders are also exclusive to 914. The 914 also requires sodium filled exhaust valves. In short, the 2.0 liter four cylinder 914 has Porsche DNA. I have one. It was recently rebuilt to my custom specifications: Weber 44s, 8-t0-1 compression pistons, Fat Cam, angled valves, and totally balanced. It is a 120 mph automobile and a surprise to the rice burner set. If you want a 914, get one with a 2.0 liter motor. The 1973 is the most prized due to the lack of less smog control requirements.
Greeting. I have just purchased a 914 could anyone inform me if a break master silinder that I will need to buy for it can be from a VW beetle? and what parts can I count on in the VW parts to fit my 914.
I just finished building an engine for my '73. It's now a 2056 instead of a 1971 (stock 2.0) with a more radical split duration cam, Dellorto carburetors, Upgraded valvetrain, Exhaust, etc etc, and it probably would top out at 140. The engine's got around 130hp and I've had it up to 125 on the highway no problem. Check out www.aircooledtechnology.com That's where I bought all my TIV performance parts. Jake Raby is the man.