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

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?

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.

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 http://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!

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

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

That would be perfect for me then

the 914 is on my cars to get list anyways

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

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?

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

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

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

Don't take the easy option. Do it right and put a V8 in it. From a 928 preferably.

V8???

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

Quote:

Originally posted by bus914 Don't take the easy option. Do it right and put a V8 in it. From a 928 preferably.

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.

The ultimate sleeper

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.

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

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

just look at this one go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFRrbjy_pM 

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!

Funny the timing of this one.....

http://jalopnik.com/5838201/for-11000-this-914-sbc-should-be-pdq 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/2568877394.html 

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.

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.

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?