Dominic Cheater

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Biography

.Dominic Cheater – 1974 VW-Porsche 914/4 2.0

Car:

Engine:

• 1972cc Air-cooled Flat 4 (VW-Porsche Type 4)

• Standard Internals, Camshaft, Cylinder Heads

• 7.6:1 Compression Ratio (US Spec)

• Original Bosch D-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection

• KandN Air filter

• Stainless Heat Exchangers and Silencer

• 95HP at the Flywheel on a good day!

Gearbox:

• Porsche Type 901 – 5 speed with ‘Dog Leg’ 1st Gear

• Standard Ratios

• Standard Open Differential

Suspension:

Front:

• Lower A-Arms with standard rate Torsion Bars & McPherson Struts (same as Porsche 911)

• Anti Roll Bar (standard rate)

• Bilstein Heavy Duty Dampers

Rear:

• Trailing Arms with Coil-over Struts

• 80lb/in springs (original were 60lb/in)

• No Anti Roll Bar

• Bilstein Heavy Duty Dampers

History:

The 914 was a collaborative project between VW and Porsche in the Late 1960’s conceived to replace the Porsche 912 (4 cylinder 911) and the VW Karmann Ghia. It was the first mid-engine production Porsche (previous mid-engine Porsches had been for racing) and hence can be considered the grandfather of the Boxster and Cayman. Various models were made during the 914’s life from 1969 to 1976; a 2.0 litre 6-cylinder using the 110HP Porsche 911T engine and 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0 litre 4-cylinder models using a Porsche modified version of the VW Type 4 engine. In Europe the 6-cylinder models were badged as VW-Porsche and the 4-cylinders as VW’s, however in the US all models were badged as Porsches, hence there is much debate as to whether the 4-cylinders are proper Porsches! The 2.0 4-cylinders however are almost as quick in a straight line as the 6-cylinders and in standard form are usually quicker round corners due to the lighter engine!

This car was originally a US sold model (hence the Porsche badging) and although not much history was provided it seems to have spent most of it’s time in Arizona prior to import to the UK in 2022. I am it’s first UK owner and have recommissioned it and used it for Hillclimbs, sprints and Autosolos since 2024 the highpoints being a number of class wins and the FASSI Sports Car Class Championship win in 2024 (on handicap!). It handles really well and I can usually set similar times to cars with higher power/weight ratio on tighter courses.

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NHSC – the club for historic hillclimb and sprinting