New 914 owners questions

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:59 pm

Im picking up a 914, and i was wondering if a type 1 engine would work in it so i can maybe rebuild the t4 engine. I know exhaust would be different, but what else? Thanks

Post by **Type 4 Unleashed** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:11 pm

I believe the flywheel & pressure plate is quite different, and I am not saying something couldn't be set up to work, but the cost's to do so would be better spent on the Type lV rebuild.

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:39 pm

Ok that makes sense to me. So then i need to learn how to fully adjust and get this thing running sweet. What are the valves adjusted to? How do you set timing? Is there a diagram that shows the vacuum lines, and where they go? What i have read is this model(1974 1.

has a FI setup that relies on the vacuum lines a lot. On the test drive, the car broke down, and wouldnt restart. The guy unplugged a hole in the manifold and off we went. I know bug engines pretty well, but not the t4 beast. Thanks!

Post by **Type 4 Unleashed** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:56 pm

corvette6698512 wrote:Ok that makes sense to me. So then i need to learn how to fully adjust and get this thing running sweet. What are the valves adjusted to? How do you set timing? Is there a diagram that shows the vacuum lines, and where they go? What i have read is this model(1974 1. has a FI setup that relies on the vacuum lines a lot. On the test drive, the car broke down, and wouldnt restart. The guy unplugged a hole in the manifold and off we went. I know bug engines pretty well, but not the t4 beast. Thanks!

The valves I adjust at .006" some say .006 int & .008" exh, either way is fine.

Try the search function for diagrams. Or I am sore others will drop in with some help.

Or you can check Tuna's site to see if there are some there: http://tunacan.net/t4/

Post by **Piledriver** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:30 pm

I don't want to engourage you too much, but I have looked at this myself in the past.
(I was actually considering a turbo waterboxer install in the original Pile)

The T4 engine is far and away the better choice for the app, but depending on what you have laying around and your fabrication skills, a temporary T1 swap MAY be viable during a rebuild.

A T1 with a late style clutch and a T3 or (maybe) low profile T1 industrial fan housing and the longer lower studs out of the T4 or WBX is very likely to work, (for some definitions of work) including the clutch.

Folks put T1s on 901 trannies all the time, and the 914/901 TO setup is the proper style for the T1 clutch.

It WILL fit, and it will work with the 914 starter.

I wouldn't bother unless you happen to have all the bits laying around to try it, I personally certainly wouldn't build a T1 for the app, and there will be much custom fabrication for the header/sealing tin/front engine mount etc.

If you actually do it, you will have to do it right, and that will require much work, or it will end in tears.

A 914 is a 2100+ lb car, IMHO a 1911 T1 or better would really be needed to make it a practical ride, even short term. (As would complete instrumentation)

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:52 pm

I have a buddy with a waterboxer engine, and all the parts for $150. Would that fit in it? I wonder how that would do in a 914. I have found a few issues with my 914, the distributor is wrong, the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line is not hooked up correctly, and it might have broken transmission mounts.

Post by **Piledriver** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 7:02 am

A WBX install is a MAJOR engine swap. as it requires adding something the car never had, and has no provisions for from the factory--- A Radiator. This is more complex to do right than you can imagine, and there are FAR more examples of it going wrong than right.

This is NOT a good first (or second... ot tenth) project, and will ruin the car in many peoples eyes, I wasn't suggesting it, just providing it as an example of "what "fits", as it is basically a T1.

You MAY want to nail the 228mm WBX flywheel and clutch, as it will work in your 914 with a very minor mod.

Fix what you have, it sounds like you have very minor issues, typical of a neglected 30+ year old car.

~ANY level of technical assistance is available on this site, from someone here.

helowrench · Post by **helowrench** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:30 am

Pile,
what about the T3 motor?

Rob

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 8:56 am

I'll probably just keep the type 4 engine in there if i can get it to run good. I'm going to go pick up some vacuum line today, and see if i cant make it run any better.

Post by **Piledriver** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:39 pm

Hey, Rob!

I was just saying that a T3 motor would fit, and the cooling setup would also fit in a 914. (bolt in+ clear, would still need longer lower studs and engine mounts, custom exhaust etc)

Again, I'd ONLY suggest this sort of swap as a temporary desperate measure... A lot of work for a severe hit in reliability and performance, with added risk of overheating.

Please note--- I am in NO way saying it's a good idea, just pointing out that it will technically FIT.

OT: The fan housing is primed and needs a motor. Maybe this week...

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:56 pm

My car had a broken front tranny mount, and i think the PO lugged it around, and never cleared its throat. Now it runs really goo, and drives nice.

Post by **Type 4 Unleashed** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:20 pm

corvette6698512 wrote:My car had a broken front tranny mount, and i think the PO lugged it around, and never cleared its throat. Now it runs really goo, and drives nice.

Glad to see that it was just simple stuff, to put her on the road, instead of another one joining the Jack Stand Club...

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:05 pm

This one is pretty rough though. It has a lot of BAD rust areas aroung the door handles. Im thinking that will be one of the biggest projects for me to do. I also need to fix the push rod tube seal, it leaks like crazy. When i turn on the heater, it just shoots smoke right in your eyes.

Post by **Piledriver** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:38 pm

Sweet looking car!

Common rust spots:
Look under the battery, look under the seats (under carpet), and check along the firewall. Bottoms of doors.

A Cali car might not have rocker panel (inner) issues.
Around the handles is a pretty unusual spot for heavy rust, get out the magnet and look for thick bondo.

Do some searching on "PCV" mods in various forums.

corvette6698512 · Post by **corvette6698512** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:59 pm

All the areas you listed are awesome. Its mostly just the body near the doors, and seams thats rusted. The whole engine compartment is there, and looks pretty good, the floors are all good. I also need to figure out how the rear trunk latch works. I think i have the parts, but i cant figure out how they go together. Any idea how much the stock steelies are worth? Im thinking about picking up a set of rivieras from my buddy for it. Thanks!