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914 WRX Conversion

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crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#859993
Hi All,

I am starting to give some thought to the next project, and have been thinkng for a number of years about a 914 2.5 STI WRX, complete with the Subaru 5- speed.

I know that Boof2332 started on a twin turbo project sometime ago, and that this recently sold again.

I have done the standard Google Search and found some information and U-Tube clips on those who have done it in the US, but have not seen one done here in Australia. There is even a conversion kit in the US!

Has anyone here on the Forum done one, or know of someone who has? I am keen to hear of any other's experiences, or even whether anyone is doing these commercially in OZ (which I doubt very much but am happy to be corrected!).

Cheers

Craig
May '55 Oval

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#859996
thinking about it, it should be easier than a suby conversion in a bug.

suby box will work correct the right way around, rads should/maybe easier to get air to?

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860001
vlad01 wrote:suby box will work correct the right way around, rads should/maybe easier to get air to?
Given the engine is mid mounted in a 914 (and thus behind the gearbox), why would that mean the suby box would be the right way around? Would it not have a similar orientation to a Beetle?

Cheers

Craig
May '55 Oval

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860006
no its mid engine layout, so the box is the other way around with the bell housing facing to the front of the car.

see in this pic.


71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

ttriebler Officially Full-On Dubber

321 posts · joined Jan 2008 ·

#860015
There are heaps of these completed conversions on 914 world forum. They fit really well and as you say, very simple to do as they are a mid mount. Have a look at some of the great build threads on that forum.

I make the 2WD locking spool, 2WD transmission blank off plate and the subie to vw output flanges that you will need for this conversion, just take a look at www.subarugears.com

The twin turbo one up at boofs that was going to be going in the 914 has been sold but I saw how they did the gearshift rod. Really easy rod that made its way around the bottom/side of the motor/transmission and then had a pivot onto the subie shift rod. Simple and elegant. Best of luck with your project!
Reversed gears for Subaru transmissions.
Fit a Subaru 5 speed to your rear engined car
www.subarugears.com

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860024
Thanks for the information guys. ttriebler, you were on my list of possible resources regarding this project from my ongoing scanning of this particular topic area on the forum.

Cheers

Craig
May '55 Oval

Jak Rizzo Insano Dub Head

837 posts · joined Apr 2004 ·

#860310
vlad01 wrote:thinking about it, it should be easier than a suby conversion in a bug.
Really? but u said in another post

"suby just doesn't excite me at all.
sure they have power but its all up top. I much prefer bottom end"

So what changed your mind. Did u actually go for a ride in a WRX powered vw to find out thats incorrect?

Jak

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#860325
Hi

A 914 would make a great conversion to WRX power, you should also consider a Boxster drive line.

914s have a very cramped seating position, make sure you can fit into one before making too many plans.

Steve

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860370
That would be perfect for me then 😂

the 914 is on my cars to get list anyways 😀

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860399
1303Steve wrote:Hi

A 914 would make a great conversion to WRX power, you should also consider a Boxster drive line.

914s have a very cramped seating position, make sure you can fit into one before making too many plans.

Steve
Hi Steve,

What would be the advantage of a Boxter driveline over that of a Subaru one that would naturally mate up to a Subaru Powerplant?

Re: fitting in one, I have owned one before so know that it also isn't a problem for me either, but thanks for the heads up! 😎

Cheers

Craig
May '55 Oval

Craig S Wolfsburg Wizard

635 posts · joined May 2008 ·

#860526
1303Steve wrote:A 914 would make a great conversion to WRX power, you should also consider a Boxster drive line.
I've spent some time day dreaming about this. This is what I was thinking, but please correct me if I'm wrong 🤓

Boxster would require fewer changes because gearbox is right way round and requires no coversion.
No turbo gear required.
It's Porsche so it keeps it all Porsche
Flat six would be nice, and again would stick with the heritage.

WRX would require some conversion parts and fabrication to make the gearbox work correctly.
Need for extra rad for intercooler?

My questions would be:
* Given the name Porsche would be stamped on the block and gearbox, how much more expensive would it be to do a Boxster conversion instead of a WRX
* What would the power difference be? Much would depend on which engine you got (of either variety). From my quick google, the power difference wouldn't seem to be all that big
* What would the weight difference be? Presumably the Porsche would be heavier, but then it would have less accessories than the WRX (turbo, intercooler etc). If total weight of the Porsche was more, would it adversely affect the handling? Would any additional weight blunt any power advantage?

Either way, it would be a fantastic project, and the final product, done right, would be unique and a blast to drive.
1969 Beetle - June
1974 L Bug - Gwendolyn
2002 Bora V6 4Motion - Anita

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#860535
Hi

The WRX box would also be going in the correct direction as well because the motor would be in the same orientation as that on a WRX.

This 914 has a Boxster motor, it was at the German autofest last year in Canberra.

Steve

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vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860543
watch out! boxster engines are built out of the factory to explode. The IMS bearing along with a few other factory blunders make these a great grande just like 996 and 997 engines. 😀

If you want a good reliable boxster engine then you better speak to the experts at "flat 6 innovations"

They have collaborated with LN engineering and Jake Raby to produce the most reliable boxster and 996/7 engines on the market.

Should also keep in mind that a boxster engine is about $18k from these guys. Better stick to suby power if you can't afford that me thinks?

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860544
They are a bastard to assemble and require special tools, techniques etc... which make them expensive.

http://www.flat6innovations.com/engine-assembly

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860654
I am aware of a number of Porsche mechanics who are not big fans at all of the Boxster plant for similar reasons so keen to avoid, but thanks Steve for the suggestion. That car looks very well presented and sorted.

Are there any recent changes to registration for this engine swap that I would need to consider before embarking? I remember reading some time back that there were some developments in this space that may change the ability to register.

Cheers

Craig
May '55 Oval

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860835
V8???

what? why would anyone every want a V8? Especially a 928!

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860839
bus914 wrote:Don't take the easy option. Do it right and put a V8 in it. From a 928 preferably. 👍
Saw a 914 in an issue of Retro Cars with a Chev V8 in it that was said to go like stink. I would also avoid the 928 donk!
May '55 Oval

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,608 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#860865
This is one of only 2 factory made 914 V8's and is in the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. It is a bit hard to see too much as it was all closed up but it will give you an idea.

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Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,608 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#860866
The ultimate sleeper

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ttriebler Officially Full-On Dubber

321 posts · joined Jan 2008 ·

#860869
zzzzzzzzzzzz to the V8 concept.
Whack an EZ30 flat six in it with two snails and you have more torque than the chassis can ever handle.
To be honest - you really can't fit enough tyre under these things as it is - an EJ20T or EZ30 n/a will be tons.
Reversed gears for Subaru transmissions.
Fit a Subaru 5 speed to your rear engined car
www.subarugears.com

crsedge Wolfsburg Wizard

687 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#860897
Yogie wrote:The ultimate sleeper
The ultimate sleeper/STI is my plan, though with GT flares to accomodate wider wheels/tyres and which also add some more shape to the aesthetics 😎😎
May '55 Oval

Yogie Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,608 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#860912
This thread has piqued my interest in the 914. My wife loves them but I used to be take or leave them. Seeing the V8 one was interesting, especially with the subtle flares to allow wider wheels. I had never really thought of doing one though but an STI in one would be mind blowing.

I look forward to the progress on this.

Yogie

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#860946
Raby builds special engine packages just for them, just another path you could take. Type 4 of course 😉

just look at this one go.


71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#860948
The factory engines for the 914 are more than capable of making power. You can either build up a hot Type 4, or if you have a bit more cash then go for the 914/6 option and put in a 911 engine. If you're going to put WRX power in a mid-engined car then you may as well make it a kit car!

1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#861149
It's a common conversion in the US. Because the type 4 was so underwhelming. I mean even porsche could see that. They built the 914/6.
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#861646
You know, the first gen CAN AM cars were pretty much identical to this. European sports cars with big US V8s. Seem blunt and undignified, but really who cares. They WENT! But yes, it could do with a better box. An STI trans would probably do the trick nicely.
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

GeorgeL Officially Full-On Dubber

231 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#867508
I wouldn't want a Boxster engine in a Boxster, let alone a 914! They tend to shed the plating on the cylinders at about 50K if you get a bad one. Game Over, insert $20,000 to play again.

OTOH, the Subarus are pretty reliable and the conversion bits are available. What's not to like?