Ian Karr's "Porsche 914s DIY" Videos

If you're new to the addiction of 914s, Ian's intro videos will help you avoid some mistakes and get the most enjoyment from your 914. Ian's a national treasure (don't tell him we said that).  He's poured his heart into all of these videos for the 914 and it shows.

Why struggle and procrastinate? Just drop the engine already! It's easy once you know the steps. My 1974 2.0 is fuel injected. Carb engines involve a few different (obvious) steps, but the process is pretty much the same. Figure on 2 - 3 hours to do this, depending on your familiarity with the car and mechanical ability. The Tangerine Racing lifting plate makes this job much easier.

I refresh my rusty and dim gauge cluster and install LED strips. Simple upgrade that makes a huge difference. Based on the mod originally developed by Tim on 914world.com. Here's a link to his process as well..

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.ph...

Here's a step-by-step of how I swapped out the original vinyl fuel lines with the stainless steel kit from Tangerine Racing.

Thinking about a QuickJack? This video shows how it's delivered, what it takes to set up, and how it lifts a Porsche 914. PLEASE follow all instructions in the manual and only use factory-approved lift points on your vehicle(s).

Here's how I installed the Ground Control rear coilover system and Bilstein shocks (from PMB Performance) on my 1974 Porsche 914 2.0. NOTE: When ordering the coilover kit, be sure to tell them if you're using a shock that requires a deeper bore in the "hat" (like Bilsteins). Otherwise you may not have enough threads coming through the rear trunk to get the nut properly torqued. Links below...

Shocks and Coilover kit: Click Here

Are your A-arm bushing tired and out-of-round? Install these bushings from 914rubber.com and get the OEM quality ride back! Please keep in mind that I'm not a professional mechanic and no video can replace proper experience. Don't attempt this work if you're not confident in your abilities. If you found this video helpful, please leave a comment or give it a thumbs up. Be safe and enjoy!

A-Arm Bushings - Click Here

Here's how I changed out the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel, and adjusted the crank end play on my 1974 914. More info and a link to the engine yoke below...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw//classifi...

Ideally, I would've balanced all rotating parts with the new flywheel, but that would require a total teardown of the engine, and this being just a mid-rpm street car, I don't think any imbalance in the flywheel will be meaningful. Fingers crossed!

Porsche 914 Front Sway Bar Installation

Here's how I installed a stock front sway bar on my Porsche 914 using Brad Mayeur's kit from 914ltd.com and bushings from 914rubber.com. Make sure your A-arms have the brackets for the drop links. If they don’t, you can install them. Here's a link to Elephant Racing's U-tab kit. You can also check with Brad Mayeur or some of the other 914 vendors.

U-Tab Kit: Click Here

Porsche 914 How to Install LED Headlights and How to Aim Them

The flashlight on my phone seemed about as bright as my old school headlights...so I opened my eyes to LEDs. Links to the bulbs below. This video covers the simple installation and an overview of how to aim your headlights...even old school ones. As always, please follow local laws...and remember, I'm just an amateur mechanic and no video can replace professional experience ;). So use this info at your own risk. Or safety. Don't you just love disclaimers?

Porsche 914 Front Wheel Bearing Installation

Here's how I replaced the front wheel bearings on my '74 914. If your wheels are making noise or they have play in them, new bearings may be in your future. Please remember that I'm not a professional mechanic, nor do I play one on TV. Just YouTube ;). If you're unsure about taking on this procedure, please leave it to a pro. Use this information at your own risk. As always, be safe and enjoy!

Inner Front Wheel Bearings: Click Here

Outer Front Wheel Bearings: Click Here

Don't Forget the Wheel Seals!: Click Here

 Porsche 914 - How to Install the Fresh Air Box

Reinstalling the Porsche 914 fresh air box is no picnic. But here are some tips and tricks that seem to work. Hopefully they'll help you, too! NOTE: This video was shot on a '73 "late" car. "Early" cars (including all factory -6's) don't have a grille on the airbox and have other differences.

Porsche 914 engine bay seals / installation

Clean and cool- no deal without the right seals!

Porsche 914 A-Arm & Bushing Removal

Here's how I removed the a-arms from my car. I also show two methods for removing the bushings: pressing and heat.

A-Arm Bushings: Good Better Best

Porsche 914 – Bleeding Master Cylinder in the Car

Porsche 914 MCs use a remote reservoir which makes bench bleeding them on an actual bench a bit messy. This method allows you to "bench bleed" in the car, using the existing reservoir and plumbing. Just open the left front bleeder, attach tubing with the other end submerged in a jar, and pump the pedal with your hand till the bubbles disappear. It helps to have a long enough length of tubing to see what's filling the jar while you're pumping.

Porsche 914 type 4 thermostat bellows in action

Ever wonder how that thing works? Check it out! This is in real time...

Porsche 914 Charcoal Canister Refurbish

Here's how I refurbished my late-style '74 canister with fresh carbon. Here's a link to the stuff I used. You get 3 bags in an order, and you only need 2 for the canister.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

Porsche 914 How to Rebuild the D-Jet Aux Air Regulator

Is your warm idle high? Auxiliary air valve kaput? Rebuilding it isn't difficult. Here's how I did mine. The AAR allows more air into the plenum when the engine is cold and, if working properly, closes off that extra air when the engine is warm. Many are stuck open and don't work anymore. Fixing them is pretty simple. This unit is used on D-Jet engines, but the principle is the same for the one used with L-Jet.

Porsche 914 axle assembly removal on lift

Porsche 914 How to Clean the Air Vents

Does Evapo-Rust Really Work? Rust Removal from Porsche 914 Parts

Porsche 914 alternator harness swap

Is your warm idle high? Auxiliary air valve kaput? Rebuilding it isn't difficult. Here's how I did mine. The AAR allows more air into the plenum when the engine is cold and, if working properly, closes off that extra air when the engine is warm. Many are stuck open and don't work anymore. Fixing them is pretty simple. This unit is used on D-Jet engines, but the principle is the same for the one used with L-Jet.