The following are frequently asked questions about the 914 and 914 SIG...
What is the 914 SIG?
How do I join the 914 SIG?
Can you compare the various 914/4's for me?
Can you compare the various 914/6's for me?
What should I watch out for when buying a 914?
What is a Ramble?
What is a Register?
Is membership in the 914 SIG private?
What's in it for me?
How do I join?
What is the 914 SIG?
The 914 SIG (Special Interest Group) is a part of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). It was founded in 1998
to foster pride in ownership and to increase communication among 914 owners. We do this via this web site
and by hosting events, where 914 owners can talk, socialize, and compete.
How do I join the 914 SIG?
Membership in the 914 SIG is free and does not require PCA membership. You can join by filling out a
Registration Form for your car(s). Each of your 914s should be registered separately...your car is the
member of the SIG. The 914 SIG Registration Form can be found here.
Can you compare the various 914/4's for me?
Here is a quick run-down of the 914-4 models:
Some sources say that a few 1969 models were produced.
Can you compare the various 914/6's for me?
All 914/6 models were delivered with engines from the 1969 911T. This engine had Weber 40 IDT carbs,
a 8.6:1 compression ratio, and was rated at 110HP @ 5800 RPM.
Here is a quick run-down of the 914/6 models:
Some sources say that a few 1973 models were produced.
In addition to the production models, there were 914/6GT race cars produced...27 in 1970 and 20 in 1971.
916 models were produced in 1972...a total of 11. However, these were not really race cars.
What should I watch out for when buying a 914?
Rust. There's no such thing as a rust-free 914. If you've found a totally rust-free 914, check again. Chances are
you'll find rust somewhere. Particularly prone are the battery tray (check for it having been replaced) on the
right hand side of the engine compartment, everything below that (which includes the right-rear suspension!),
the firewall in front of the engine, the jack points on the sides of the car, longitudinal members of the frame
(the inner rockers), the rear of the rear trunk floor, and the lower channel where the windshield sits are known
trouble spots.
Body Flex. You can check for flex with the "Big Butt Test." Get someone of large size (>200 lbs) to sit in the
passenger's seat (the side with the battery!). With the door closed, roll the window up. Then try to open the door.
If the window sticks at the top or back edge, the body is flexing. Also try the driver's seat. Body flex is fairly
bad news. It can be cured, but it is generally time-consuming and expensive.
Oil Leaks These are relatively common. Some of the cures are cheap in parts, but expensive in labor (e.g., oil
cooler seals). The oil pressure idiot light sender, on top near the distributor,can leak. Push rod tube seals
commonly leak, but can be replaced with the engine in the car! The aforementioned oil cooler seals, the galley
plugs, and the front or rear main seals are also not uncommon leaks. The engine may need to be removed
to fix these.
Bad Shifting The 914 is known for transmission shifting woes. Sloppy shifting is part of the car's character,
especially on the pre-73 cars. Replacing the shift linkage bushings can help; these parts are plastic and can
wear quickly. Most cars will crunch going into first gear; this is generally regarded as "normal", except for a
brand-new transmission. Some will also crunch going into second. This may mean a rebuild is in the near future.
Broken Clutch Cable Tube Another source of "transmission" grinding noises is the clutch cable. Specifically,
the tube in the center tunnel that the cable goes through. Rust and time can cause this tube to break loose from
the tunnel wall, which will keep the clutch from fully disengaging. This causes grinding when shifting gears.
The tube can be re-welded, but it may require cutting open the tunnel.
Top Leaks Take the car to a hand spray wash and see if water gets into car. If so, check for signs of previous
water damage.
Taillight Leaks The taillights can also leak water into the rear trunk. Look under carpet for rust.
Broken Hinges The hinge pivots for the rear trunk lid can break off.
DPO Mods Lots of 914's have had significant modifications performed by the Dreaded Previous Owner. These
modifications can be good, but more often, they totally screw the car up! Have someone knowledgable check
the car for condition and originality. Know what you are buying.
What is a Ramble?
A "Ramble" is an event for 914's and their owners. The name was invented by John Dunkle in 1997. The term
"Ramble" has been used to describe 914 events all over the US. These events normally involve several
activities (Car Show, Technical Seminar, Rally, Tech Quiz, Autocross, Tour, Banquet, ect).
What is a Register?
First of all, there's no charge for Register or SIG membership and we are quite non-commercial. You should also
understand that at least where the 914 SIG is concerned, there is one SIG and 6 Registers. Further, your car is
the member in a Register, but you join the SIG. The 914 Special Interest Group and it's 6 Registers is a sub-
division of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). It is intended to comply with the general objectives of PCA, i.e.
"To encourage the highest standard of safety and courtesy on the highways, and to
increase the enjoyment of owning a Porsche by the exchange of technical information
and by engaging in such automotive and social events as may be agreeable to the members"
Additionally, the 914 Special Interest Group & Registers go one step further and provides a focal point for
owners of 914 Porsches, to be able to discuss and learn more about this particular model. The primary focus
of each Register is to build a database of each car model with the various identifying numbers, options,
and modifications. We also organize events, where owners can meet, socialize, compete, and learn more
about their cars.
Is membership in the 914 SIG private?
Yes, if you want it to be. We ask for specific permission to "publish" all information submitted to a Register.
By "publish" we mean list some of your data in the SIG website. We only list your name, state (or foreign country),
E-mail address, car model, year, and engine size/# of cylinders. If you submitted a picture and a description
of the car history and modifications, we additionally post that information. We never disclose your address or
phone numbers. If you choose, we will "publish" nothing about you or your car.
What's in it for me?
There are many benefits to being part of the 914 SIG. These include being a part of a friendly network of owners
with whom you can discuss the pros and cons of just about any issue pertaining to your car. Whatever the
problem you have with your car, some other SIG member has probably had a similar experience and could
give you advice. We organize events where you can meet other 914 owners, see and touch their cars, talk
about issues, plus learn more about how to maintain, upgrade, and use them. We have fun!
How do I join?
EASY! To join the 914 SIG (and a Register), all you need to do is to complete an on-line application. It will
automatically e-mail the the SIG Advocate, who will process it and put your information in the SIG database.
You will be sent a confirming E-mail, giving you your SIG number. If you don't have E-mail just send the 914
Advocate a letter and you will be sent an application. Click here!
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