I am only getting the e-mails by the digest method (to keep the e-mails
below my company's radar screen). But, I only got the first half of the
listed e-mails. I only got Jarrid's initial response to the original
message. So, I apologize if I go over old grounds.
First, I agree with everything Jarrid said, except for the OD being the
weak link. I believe that the OD unit itself has proved itself to be an
extremely rugged device on many many cars. Most problems people have with
them tend to be a problem with the wiring or adjustment of the solenoid.
Though I will agree that if you are planning on heavy competition, the OD
will be a weak link.
Second, five bearings versus three bearings. I thought we had a long
thread on this a while back and the general consensus was that the rumors
about the five bearing crank being the weaker of the two was just that,
rumor with no real support.
Third, Jonathan writes "If i was also condsidering Fiat 124 , Alfa Duetto,
Jensen Healey 2000, or
Porsche VW 914/916. Why would i choose the Alpine ???" Is that a fair
question to ask? Actually, if you are looking for a car that is a real
British roadster in its truest form, I honestly believe the Alpine is that
car. Most will admit that the quality of the construction of the Alpine
exceeds MGs and TRs. And, if you compare the various elements, the Alpine
always has the edge on being nicer. For example, compare the guages and
dash and the lack of preformed plastic on the Alpine. You will find
preformed plastic on all that you have listed, and others.
As to the Fiat, what's the deal with the angle on that steering wheel? I
agree that the Lotus engine is really nice, but have you priced the water
pump on it? Seriously, the water pump is a special item that also covers
the entire front of the engine and practically has to be hand made. Prices
are crazy. I don't know much about the Duetto. I do know that personally
I have never liked the sound of any Alfa driving by. They always sound
somewhat tinny. Give me a throaty English 4 banger any day. (P.S. I
would however take an Alfa Romeo 2600 if someone offered - 6 cylinder,
overhead cam, cross flow head, triple Webers).
As to the 914, it is and always will be a VW. Now I'm not saying that to
be snobby. If you sit in and drive a 914 and compare it to a Bug and a
911, it is very apparent what car it is. There is nothing wrong with a VW.
But, they are really not quality sports cars with a soul, like the Alpine
(Sorry Herbie TLB). Admittedly, they are fun, practical, more reliable
than the Alpine, with questionable looks (but then so has the Alpine). A
914-6 was only made for a couple of years. It too suffered in the quality
department. Parts for 914s and 914-6s are very expensive (and so are the
same parts on the VW Bus that used the same engine - Porsche couldn't have
their Porsche owners paying less for their parts by buying VW parts now
could they?) If you really want a 914, I would strongly recommend you
limit your selection to 1973 or 1974 914 2.0 liter cars. The 2.0 liter
engine is really the one that Porsche finally got around to breathing some
life into. Arguably the 914 is the true embodiment of what the 356 should
have become - small, simple, well balanced - if only the 911 had not
already taken off, it might have been fast and well built too - and the
precursor to the Boxster. Be aware of paying 914-6 prices for a
conversion! This is the same exact issue as buying an Alpine converted
into a Tiger (except that it's a lot easier to find out if it really is a
914-6 or not). After 1974 the heavy bumpers came and so did smog equipment
(at least here in the states). (P.S. I do think I will ultimately own a
914 2.0. So, take my comments with a grain of salt).
Lastly, the 916, if your find one and can afford it, buy it. That being
said, there were only 11 or 13 of them (factory records are not exact
here). This car is a Porsche that looks like a 914. Well, except for a
pretty tacky brown crushed velvet interior which was supposed to be "nice"
at the time, and the top did not come off (aerodynamics). These cars do
not have the 1969 911T engine, but a hot 911S engine. Of course the
factory also made two 914-8's. One was a present to Dr. Porsche, and still
sits in the museum. I forget what happened to the other. (If you get one
of those, let me know, I'll fly to your house just to see it).
Jay
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