Recently, I sold my Mercedes CLK AMG Cabriolet and the resulting hole in the garage is getting bigger as the weather turns warm. In an attempt to assuage my need for open air driving I have looked at a number of 914s (love the big open targa top) and I’m close to making a purchase. The car in question is a 1973 914 1.7 liter. With all of 80 hp sitting amid ship, she’s no speed demon but will make a great platform for a possible project and/or track car.
While I was looking around and researching my upcoming purchase (and possible mods) I stumbled upon a post at Carzi.com about a 914 with a Corvette LS1 V8 stuffed in it. While there have been numerous V8 variants packed into the mid-engine cavity of a 914 (Porsche even made two of them at the factory early on) this is the first time for a Corvette LS1 motor.
A Corvette Engine in a Porsche 914?
There aren’t a ton of details on the 914 conversion on the Toy-Jet site (where the work was done). But it you’re interested, there is quite a bit of information on a 911 Carrera SC V8 Corvette conversion for your enjoyment (or ridicule) 🙂
Update: Shortly after writing this post two things happened. 1. The 914 I was looking at was listed on Bringatrailer.com and, 2. I took the car for a test drive. Unfortunately, while the car was basically as described, it’s my opinion that it needs a new clutch, new synchros, new brakes, new tires and possibly a motor mount. While none of those things are surprising or show stoppers, the seller and I simply couldn’t agree on a price. My feeling is that his asking price was high (but not too bad given the condition of the chassis) for a car that was/is mechanically sound. However, with all of the work needed (and some of it major) we simply couldn’t agree on a value that worked for both of us. Does anyone know of a nice 914 for sale? If so, let me know!!!
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[Source: Carzi.com via MotorAuthority and ToyJets]
View Comments (24)
A vette engine in a Porsche, ouch :(
Nitro, it might be wrong, but it must be fast as hell!!!! :-)
Ass. You could have bought my 914 LAST spring and gotten one in sound mechanical shape!
:-D
I know, I know. Don't remind me. I even loved the color!!!!
@Porsche Heritage,
Which part is ironic? The part about me wanting to add a '73 914 to my garage? Or, the part about me showcasing a 914 with a Corvette LS1 motor for your enjoyment (or ridicule)? :-)
...Um...
..your website IS called: http://www.FLATSIXES.com !
... Its pretty ironic....
That's why my 914 has a 3.3L Subaru engine going into it. Still a flat 6 but doesn't cost 15k to do it. Oh, and reliability too... and a real heater for us in the mountains. Real Porsches these days have water boxers too!
Hold out for a 914, I have a 81 928 and 72 914, both a grret deal of fun to drive in different ways - the 914 started as a 1.7, is now bored out to almost 2.0, 4 webbers, sports cam, and scares anyone i come up behind and blast by. Its stripped of weight and runs like a rocket. The 928 is just big and fun, period.
@Neil,
Not sure why, but I'm just seeing this comment now. I'm still holding out of the 914. Looking and looking, but all filled with rust.... :-( I'll find one soon.
I recently installed a 4.3 V6 in my 914 but so far have not been able to cool it. What size and type of radiator did you use? How was it mounted? How much air inlet space did you have? If anyone can share some info, my email address is pb8822@aol.com.
I happen to be doing the same swap, but using a 4.0l range rover engine. Did you get any answers to your questions size of radiator etc. I could really used the same information if your willing to share?
I purchased a 914 in1990...stripped it, restored it, and threw
in an aluminum olds 215cid v8 in it. Has msd, edlebrock intake
carb, venolia forged pistons, custom wide body. Setup is about
100 lbs over stock. Lots of work,but lots of fun. Turns more
heads than most exotics.