914 questions

Racecraft76 · Post by **Racecraft76** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:36 pm

Ok then here we go. A few questions to ask those in the know.

I have been offered a few 914-4s and was wondering:

1. Which models were better to go for than others?

2.They did produce cars in other colours apart from yellow didnt they?

3. What price will get me a good solid honest car that hasnt been modded or carbed.

4. Would importing a car from states make more financial sense?

5. What engine option is the best?

I know that some of these questions will have answers that are down to personal taste, but as I have never owned a 914 and have no reference point any input is going to be of benefit to me.

Thanks in advance.

defianty · Post by **defianty** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 3:21 pm

Racecraft76 wrote:1. Which models were better to go for than others?

The '73 and '74 2.0L is said to be the best of the 4's

Racecraft76 wrote:2.They did produce cars in other colours apart from yellow didnt they?

http://homepage.mac.com/markd/914/colors.html
http://tinyurl.com/qnlzn

Racecraft76 wrote:3. What price will get me a good solid honest car that hasnt been modded or carbed.

Bit of a tough one really I'd say the price tends to vary. Any thing between £4,500 and £6,500 should get you a solid car. But as other will tell you, you can pick one up cheaper if you're lucky.

Racecraft76 wrote:4. Would importing a car from states make more financial sense?

I looked in this quite a bit and although the cars are cheaper over there, once you pay the shipping and import duties there's not a lot of difference.

Racecraft76 wrote:5. What engine option is the best?

See answer to question 1. I wouldn't be put of by a car not having the original fuel injection. So many of them have been carbed now. I was in the same mind when I was looking but I'm happy with what I've got now (carbs)

Hope this helps!

NARP · Post by **NARP** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:24 pm

Racecraft76, defianty certainly knows his 914's and not much to add, but..

Get the best car (tub) you can afford. Paint, interior, engines are easier and cheaper fixes than the rust problems on a neglected car. There are several places on the cars that were poorly designed and prone to rust. Have a 914 nut look at the car before you buy. We have quite a network of owners in California if you see one you like here. No clue on shipping, though. camp914.com is a good source.

Lastly, prices are really starting to rise on original cars here. 4 of The black ones you coveted in that picture are 6's that would cost you $15k to $25k if the owners were inclined to sell.

Racecraft76 · Post by **Racecraft76** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:40 pm

NARP wrote:Racecraft76, defianty certainly knows his 914's and not much to add, but..

Get the best car (tub) you can afford. Paint, interior, engines are easier and cheaper fixes than the rust problems on a neglected car. There are several places on the cars that were poorly designed and prone to rust. Have a 914 nut look at the car before you buy.

Thanks guys.

Unfortunately there dosent seem to be many, or indeed any, 914 nuts in Scotland.

I would really appreciate it if people who know of a good solid 914 told me about it. I am not afraid to travel the length and breadth of the counrty for the right one.

I think I have decided to stick to a budget of £4500 as it should get a solid rust free car which needs a little TLC.

Further Info would sttill be greatly appreciated.

Racecraft76 · Post by **Racecraft76** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 6:11 pm

I have been offered an unmolested red 914-4 1.7 imported to UK 14 years ago. The only area that needs attention aparently is battery area.

If the battery area needs sorting can this be costly or is it an easy fix??

(I suppose i could live with a 1.7 for a while then convert to 2.0 or 6)

defianty · Post by **defianty** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:30 pm

Racecraft76 wrote:If the battery area needs sorting can this be costly or is it an easy fix??

Really depends on how bad it is. The damage car can be a lot worse than what you'd be able to see just from the engine bay. Do a search for "Hell Hole" over on 914club.com. I'm sure you'll then see how bad this damage can be. You'll probably see examples showing how the suspension mounts and 'longs' of the car can be effected. Repairing this much damage would be very costly.

As NARP said I'd go for the most solid rust free example I could find.

I know this bit won't really help, but the best bit of advice someone gave me when I was looking was 'be patient' the right car will come along.

defianty · Post by **defianty** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:32 pm

NARP wrote:73 914 5.0

5.0L

What is it Howard a V8? Got any pics?

davidppp · Post by **davidppp** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 8:19 pm

Hello there.

Excellent advice there..

I'll only add this: any car which has had the battery tray replaced is highly suspect.

This eliminates 80-90 % immediately.

Apologies to anyone who has one done right..

The truth is the rust here is nothing compared to the rust hidden inside the box and pyramid..Kind regards
david

fourteener · Post by **fourteener** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:16 pm

I will second (or third) what has been said. Don't get hung up on engine + power. The 1.7 is not really fast but it will be fun.

I will say that pretty much all the cars will have had some battery-tray work done but this does not mean you shouldn't buy it -depends how far the rot has spread into the longitudinal section below and the suspension consol.
Just needs careful inspection.
for some really interesting reading with pictures see this link
I think that 'defianty' has one of the cleanest/nicest 914's I have seen so his advice works.
The price of replacing missing trim + fixing bad rot will easily be excess of a couple of engine rebuilds
You can easily + cheaply upgrade your engine if you absolutely must have more HP

NARP · Post by **NARP** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:20 pm

defianty wrote:
NARP wrote:73 914 5.0
5.0L

What is it Howard a V8? Got any pics?

It's for sale

12k usd

http://www.thehowardagency.com/914/moby/

defianty · Post by **defianty** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:37 pm

NARP wrote:http://www.thehowardagency.com/914/moby/

Nice job Howard, looks like a lot of work went into that.

Racecraft76 · Post by **Racecraft76** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:16 am

Well I have been hunting and seen quite a few in the flesh. I have quickly realised that to get a rot free, tidy car you ideally need to spent between 5k and 7k

So with that being said my budget has been increased accordingly to £6000

fourteener · Post by **fourteener** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:29 am

Did you view that yellow car in London?

autohausdolby · Post by **autohausdolby** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:59 am

Keep looking fella, I'm sure you'll happen across the right car

Racecraft76 · Post by **Racecraft76** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:35 pm

Regarding the car in london. I sent an email to the seller asking for Pictures of batterytray area and made a tentative offer and he didnt get back. Probably as well since there were a few uncertainties about how solid the car was.

I am going to look at a car In prestwick which is not too far from me. Asking price is £6500. Car is an Orange 1.7 (had a restoration in late 90s) , has been carbed, and has one rust bubble over passengers door handle.

We shall see if this car delivers. Straight away im not convinced that its worth whats being asked but without seeing it cant realy comment yet.