One of the things that are often encountered in this job is reviewing a car that has undergone a power swap. Chevrolet small block V8s into ’30s vintage Fords lead the way but there are plenty of others, and some are really surprising. Those weird ones beg two questions, 1.) Why that choice? And 2.) How’d you get it to fit? Well, today’s find, a 1974 Porsche 914, courtesy of Chuck F., definitely qualifies as one of the stranger transplants and both questions are especially pertinent. Follow along gentle reader and I’ll tell you what I know about this head-scratching mashup. Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this mid-engined Porsche is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $1,500.
Porsche’s 914 (’69-’76) was a pretty big hit upon introduction. Considered a “budget” model, it differed significantly from the mainstay 911 thanks to its mid-engined, VW-sourced four-cylinder powerplant. Standard power for ’74 was an 85 HP 1.8 liter engine but there was a 914+6 (’69-’72) variant that utilized a 2.0 liter “flat” six-cylinder Porsche engine. All in all, the 914 sold well with sales reaching about 120K units in its eight-year run.
Yup, this example looks rough. The seller calls it a non-running project car so it has appearance and mechanical issues. The paint is faded and peeling, primer abounds, the front bumper and turn signal lenses are missing, and there is a smattering of dents here and there. It’s not stated specifically, but it’s a logical guess that this Porsche has been sitting, inoperative for a loooong time.
I don’t know about you, but there’s little to zero chance that I’d want to park my derriere in either of this Porsche’s bucket seats – talk about disgusting looking. The dashpad appears to have troubles of its own and the instrument panel is not photographed so its condition is unknown. What can be seen of the carpet and floors looks OK, but a closer, in-person, inspection is warranted.
Acura power anyone? That’s right, there’s an Acura/Honda V6 engine that has been slipped into what is normally a mailslot-sized engine access compartment. Which Acura V6 that volunteered for a tour of Deutschland is not disclosed but my guess is that it’s a 3.0 liter version. Why an Acura V6? What had to be done to get it to fit? How did it sync up with the Porsche transaxle? Is that even a Porsche transaxle? What do you do for cooling? Did it ever run? (it’s missing its starter)… the questions could go on and on.
I appreciate creativity and a can-do mechanical aptitude but this highly unusual swap, along with the car’s overall deleterious condition may be a bridge too far for many. Of course, at $1,500, it’s not going to break the bank either. What do you think, is this challenge worth undertaking?
Considering the 911 engines are bigger than this V6 I’d say there was plenty of room to make this swap. The transmission is the original and it’s a tough unit. Plenty of adapters available to put most anything in most anything. My problem is the mechanicals look to be in lot better shape than the chassis making this a parts car for building a V6 914 with another chassis. Certainly shows that the seller isn’t a used car salesmen.
You’re 100%, bobhess-If the seller is the builder then they’re definitely a better mechanic than salesman-but obviously careless about its longevity.
Going from 85HP to 200HP(stock Acura 3.0) will be a real eye opener for any novice mid engine driver that might buy it.
Let’s see air cooled boxer 4 vs water cooled V6?
Why not a boxer 6?
Probably price and easy availability; as in someone had a wrecked Acura that the motor could be pulled from cheap.
Because otherwise, yeah…exactly.
I had a 1974 with the flat V6 and it was a very fun driver…Problem with these cars was the Unibody rockers were the main support chassis and they were notorious for rotting out because if the car sat it would hold water in the rocker box and rust to nothing. check the rockers before you purchase one of these
No such thing, either V or Flat..
There have been a fair number of Subaru flat 6 swaps into VW vans. Apparently it is easier to do than you would think. There are adapters out there. Also a Subie flat 4 is a popular swap. Would have to measure but that is the way I would go. The 3.0 Subaru is 245hp. Keeping the low center of gravity. Cooling would be fun but…..
Friend up the road has an ’83 Vanagon with a Subaru 6 in it and the swap changed the whole personality of that vehicle. After putting oil coolers and air conditioning units in 914s the water cooling should not be a big problem. That 245hp would be lots of fun.
I put a Honda J35A into my 914 a few years ago.
Kennedy Engineering adaptor plate let’s you mate the 914 transaxle to the Honda engine.
eBay Toyota Celica radiator is sufficient
Car was a blast to drive and I bet would have beat my old ‘91 964
Sold the 914 last year and tried to buy it back but new owner enjoys it too much
I’d say its priced right, and it has potential no matter which way the next owner builds it!
Renegade Motors in Las Vegas makes a Porsche 914 LS V-8 CONVERSION KIT. Look them up they have some amazing products.
At that price, for a capable car person, that’s a great project. The acura v6 is more reliable that any Porsche, LS, or Subaru engine and it light, parts are cheap. If I had time I’d do it.