Questions about route to take on engine conversion, 914
 

I would like to pick your brains for a minute, as I search the older posts and see some good stuff.

I have a good deal lined up for a smaller 6-cyl 2.7 to use in a conversion of my 914/4.

I was planning on converting the CIS to EFI with the Bitz kit...I know, I've seen the old posts, that's what has me asking for more advice. Most of you say that doing that will end up being more of a pain and it's easier just to do carbs (even though I'm a novice with carbs) and hot cams (E grind?) OR get a 3.2 or 3.6. FYI I don't plan a full tear down to drop some big 9.5:1 RS pistons in there...

Most of these posts and suggestions were made ~4 years ago.
It seems like a good 3.2 or 3.6 is getting rather hard to find in 2010, 21-26 years old and 20-16 years old respectively.

What are your thoughts and are there any known good 3.2s left out there?
I do like the idea of a light 2.7 in a 914 for a good price, I'd rather be penny wise than dollar foolish, ya know.

Thanks,
Nathan

mmm.. 2.7, built to "rs" specs.. 200-220hp sounds most appealing to me. Then again, I don't have to pay for it.

How will you use the car? street? track? ax? imho a 3.6 is overkill in a 914.

I don't plan on RS spec, and it'll be mostly street...maybe a DE for fun once a year.

Yeah, 3.6 is a bit much for a skinny fender, 901 trans car...I'm guessing the only upgrade worth looking at is a 3.2 with the stock FI. But any other suggestions are welcome.

IMO, A 2.7 will be plenty fun. Of course RS spec is better but can be anytime down the road. 2.7/2.8 also keeps it vintage race legal if you even want to go that route. Skip the bitz kit or carbs. Both overpriced, outdated crap IMO. I have some extra 3.2 and TWM ITB manifolds if you go that way (what can I say, Im a hoarder.) If I can ever get some time to put the fuel lines in the '14 I'll be able to see what the microsquirt can do.

SMD

Interesting to think about, what would the benefit of a 3.2 manifold be?
I know the TWM ITBs are the cats pajamas but can be $$ as well...I thought you were using them on the 3.0 project? Or do you have two sets?

We'll have to talk when I'm ready to go whole-hog EFI...I'm curious of microsquirt too. I like their weatherproof ecu box.

I think a 2.7 revver would be good in the ~2100lb 914 as well. I like motorcycles so I'm not opposed to revvying anyway.

Thanks for the input, anyone else have any insight?

3.2=factory fuel injection manifolds. Not some kludged add on like the bitz. Typ sell for ~$800 w/ everything but since you dont NEED everything deals can be found. Single TB makes tuning easy. Pretty simple mod to fit a real TPS onto the 3.2 TB. Bitz doesn't use one so throttle response will suffer (fairly well documented). Not sure if you can put one on the <=3.0 TBs or not.

TWMs can be cheap (enough) if you look (long enough). I have 3 sets:cool: Cheaper than carbs for sure. Tuning is slightly harder.

Have OldTees 3.2 manifolds on the 914 for now. Have TWMs on the 911. Plan is to eventually put the bigger TWMs on the 11 and move the 40mms to the 14.

Surface mount + connector is what sold me on the microsquirt. The box isn't really waterproof but could be sealed easily. The connector *IS* waterproof (we used the same ones on our fork truck/golf car drives @ GE). The DB25s on the old megasquirt would never be long term reliable in a high vibration environment. The new microsquirt is a serious contender.

OK, unless someone has a complete and known good 3.2 motor for sale, I guess I'll bite the bullet and get the 2.7, probably ask questions and work with lots of you 911 engine guys (since I only have 914/4 and 356 engine experience) and Stephen on the future EFI plans.

Does the 2.7 you have a lead on have CIS? if so, just keep that system, imho.

Or, this 2.4 : http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...956154912.html

Yep, the 2.7 has the full CIS setup on it...I did see that 2.4...talked with the seller, but it's just not the engine for me. I can't see giving up 35hp and 30tq right off the bat. If it were an E or S spec for that $....

I'll explore all options with the CIS or EFI once I get it and get all the 914 conversion parts.

2.4t I thought was rated at 140hp.. 2.7S was 157-167 depending on year/emissions (sae ratings). Regular 2.7 was 150hp iirc.