Indeed the 914 engine is compatible.  Many years ago, I built up a 2.0 L
914 engine for my mid 70's Loaf bus.  The valves are BIGGER, the Flywheel
stronger and has a larger clutch.  I had a mid range cam for torque from
2000 to 4000 RPM and had a mild porting done to the heads.  We were
estimating 140 HP on Premium.  Along with the rebuilt Tranny and larger
tires, I was getting 25 MPG easily.... and had quite a quick jack rabbit
take off.  Suprised quite a few people at the stop lights.  I used the
larger clutch from the 914, and that meant I had to clearance the
Transmission a bit to clear the slightly larger flywheel.

I switched to Vanagon 'cause I liked the heat in the winter (it was
MinneSnowta), but I always missed the pure power that the that 914 2.0 L
engine reliably produced.

In later years, before I switched to Vanagon, I had rebuilt the 2.0L engine
with bigger pistons, and lowered the compression so I could run Regular
gas.  Still the punch and still 25 MPG, but was able to run lower octane.

Ch
carl_hansen@ieee.org

'96 GLX Passat Wagon - they were all green - weren't they?
'87 944 na - RED! needs head gasket & tires (but what a sweet ride)
'89 SyncroBeast Vanagon - parked for the winter - boo hoo
'89 16V GTI w/ toasted motor - needs tranny
'99 Beetle - red, red, red (SO's)

Absense of Evidence is not Evidence of Absense  SETI

  We do not stop playing because we grow old;
               we grow old because we stop playing.
                              Never Be The First To Grow Old!
I need a new tool dear!  Ch

We ain't wrong, we ain't sorry, and it's probably gonna happen again!

****************
Date:    Wed, 22 Sep 2004 16:42:41 -0400
From:    Larry and Avery <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Q: Porsche 914 engine compatibility with Vanagon

I have a friend with a Porsche 914 with 2.0 L installed and a spare 1.8 =
L in pieces. These look like VW engines to my inexperienced eye. Is =
there any compatibility between Vanagon air-cooled engines and these =
Porsche engines? Is there an ETKA type info source for these =
engines/cars?
Any help at all is appreciated.

Thanks
Larry=20
Please p-mail me at lawrence.johnson@sympatico.ca