Porsche Repair: 1968 Porsche 912, oceanographic research vessel, porsche engine

Question
Hi Dave.

I purchased the above car in December of 2003 and since that time it has been in storage as I spend a fair amount of time at sea on an oceanographic research vessel.

Finally time has been spent with the vehicle and determined that the best thing to do is put in a new/used engine,  so am looking for one.  In that regard, would a 914 engine fit and/or are there are types that would work in the car?  

On Friday I leave for another 5 months in South America and will be trying to source out some possibilities while I am on that trip.

There are other things that need to be done but they are not immediate and my intent is that this car be a daily driver when I am on land.

Thank you for your time.

Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

A very timely question.  I too have been seriously considering the "no-brainer" of using a 2 liter engine in place of a 1.6 liter engine.
For me, it would be a fun project to build a toy/bomb/screamer to play with.  I've already restored Porsches to original, so I'd be looking for something like this, which would be much more bold.

The short answer to your question is yep...with enough time money and creativity the 914 engine would be a cool idea.  The long answer is that if you are considering the 914 engine because it's cheaper and more easily repaired than a 912 engine...stop the train right now and get off.  Someone with your vision cannot be swayed by such minor issues as cost.

All your work will be pretty close to "prototyping" and if you're going to pay a mechanic for this swap, you must be interested in sending his kids to Yale.

IF I actually do it, I will do it for the challenge of doing something unique.  Is this your goal?

OK, I'm sure you get my point.  Many, many '68 912 owners have struggled with this same question.  Just about any 4 cylinder Porsche engine or VW engine (other than the "type 4") would be an "easier" swap.  Of course, then you're back in the 1.6 liter range.  These engines would "make do" until the original engine is rebuilt.

By the way...who's advising the replacement of the 912 engine and who would end up with that "bad, old" engine.  I'll send you my address...I may be able to "re-cycle" it and so I might be willing to take it off your hands.

Go here to see what others are doing with the type 4 engines:

http://www.dolphinsci.com/typeIV.html
http://www.tunacan.net/t4/

When you're ready to ship that engine,  that crummy piece of 912 junk/scrap metal to me, call .

Dave