I started this project in 1993 after stumbling on to an ad in the classifieds listing a neglected 1972 914. I called the number and to make a long story short, About an hour later, One of my best buddies , (and my Shop manager) Dave and I were trying to figure out how to get the limping teener back to the shop. The stock 1.7 was running (but not very good) After flat towing the car about 130 miles with a tow strap behind my BMW 2002 we finally made it back to the shop. The car was completely disassembled and the project began. Although the papers in the visor pocket said the car was from California, I still needed to replace the battery tray, lower bulkhead behind the seats and left floor pan under the driver's seat. First the 1.7 was freshened with new rings and a valve job. After adding glass 916 front and rear bumpers, 5 bolt conversion, GT flares,15X8 fuchs, big Yokohama's, and slick black paint I drove the car for the first time. It was the spring of 1995. That's when the I discovered the power of the 1.7, (or lack of it) Since then I've been searching for an engine option that would be accepted by The PCA and wouldn't require a second mortgage to complete.

Exploring the options: THE CHEVY CONTOVERSY Having a strong back ground in big block Chevrolets, and drag racing. I naturally considered the popular small block Chevy conversion. This is advertised as a low cost way to achieve big hp. But unless your adding aluminum heads, and big rear springs the cast iron V8 conversion may be less than appealing. All my Chevies had big hp, but shook like the paint shaker at the hardware store. Although I've never joined the PCA or any 914 club, I had hoped to, some day. As I understand, membership is only allowed if you actually own a porsche. The Chevy conversion disquifies you and your car. This is a great option with real hp potential! But just not for me.

FLAT 4'S During my search for serious hp and torque I looked into modifying the 4 cylinder. But as you all must know, The wilder you build the motor the shorter the life. Some of you may disagree. My search was for 200hp minimum. The 4 cylinder will produce this and more, Just add money. And forget about driving it every day. I really couldn't find away to get this kind of hp for less than $4000.00 And all big 4'S come with a fuse! Great fun, But I'll pass. MHO

Flat 6'S The best bolt in solution period. The 3.0 with CIS! One used motor with brain, headers, oil tank, conversion mount, custom flywheel, plus, plus, ect., ect., $7000.00 + + + = 2nd mortgage. Nuff said

Porsche's V8 solution My first experience with the 928 was in 1979. I drove a friends Silver Shark. The car was powerful and nimble. I remember thinking the motor looked so hot that it should be under a clear glass hood. Several years later I did some consulting and eventually built some parts for a proto type 928 speedster. During my work on this project I had the opportunity to take some measurements off of a motor and compare them to the chevy. After discovering that the 928 motor was longer, I dismissed the idea of using the 928 in the 914 for the time.

During one of my visits to the Pelican Parts 914 forum page the subject of a 928 V8 conversion came up. As I stated in my opening text, It seems that someone has done this conversion. There has been a sighting. As quickly as the conversion car appeared it disappeared. I was convinced, and the ball started rolling.