914R build thread revisited, Latest transformation has commenced Options

[campbellcj]

Some of you may have seen my earlier build thread on the 914club site. In a nutshell I have a 73 2.0 that I converted to a six in 2003. It's now heavily modified and race-prepped, powered by a stout 2.7 twin-plug engine.

The car currently weighs 1988lbs without fuel or driver; my POC minimum class weight with gas and driver is 2209lbs. It's still narrow-bodied and I am running 16x7 Fuchs with 205/45 Hoosiers. As you might guess, the car is significantly grip-limited and traction-limited in the rear especially. It basically tears the tread off R6's within 6 run sessions or so.

Here is its current state:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/farm6.static.flickr.com-21-1309645382.1.jpg)
914R at Streets of Willow by cjcam, on Flickr

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/farm6.static.flickr.com-21-1309645383.2.jpg)
914R at Willow Springs by cjcam, on Flickr

I just dropped it off at a local shop, about to dive into:

- Tangerine Racing steel flares, front/rear
- Sheridan 6" f/g rear spoiler
- Rollcage triangulation to suspension pickups
- Possibly other chassis bracing
- GT headlight lifts or remove lights completely
- Repaint car (TBD how extensively)
- RSR finish Fuchs 16x8's up front, 9's in rear
- New graphics/decals


One upcoming decision is whether to keep the sail vinyl or go body color without vinyl. I've always liked the factory vinyl and bright trim look but could go either way on this.

The work could start as soon as Tuesday and I'll post updates and pics as I get them. This is not going to be a CW rotisserie sort of project since it's a race car, so progress should happen quickly and I plan to run the POC Laguna Seca event towards the end of August.

Cheers,

[campbellcj]

The car is home!!!

If I say so myself, it looks badass! Ed and the Kundensport guys are really masters with metal and paint (and fiberglass too.)

The flares are really subtle, in fact basically invisible when looking dead-on from the side. However, as you can see there is a mean fatness from the rear or above view. Have to admit I'm still not 100% warmed-up to the front flares but I'm sure they will grow on me. I really like the look of the rears a lot. The good news is I should be able to run a square tire setup (245 Hoosier R6 front and rear) if I want to. Or, I can space out the fronts to widen the track a bit.

I will post some proper photos over the weekend. Here are a couple of awful iPhone shots (the weird coloration is due to the crap camera):





Heading to Streets of Willow Sunday. Will be tackling a few things in the garage tomorrow to get ready.

[ChrisFoley]

...
The flares are really subtle, in fact basically invisible when looking dead-on from the side. However, as you can see there is a mean fatness from the rear or above view. Have to admit I'm still not 100% warmed-up to the front flares but I'm sure they will grow on me.
...

The car looks stunning Chris! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)
Do you have any closeups of a front fender, and maybe a full frontal view of the car?
Good luck at the track.

[campbellcj]

The car looks stunning Chris! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)
Do you have any closeups of a front fender, and maybe a full frontal view of the car?
Good luck at the track.

Thanks Chris! Sorry if I gave a misleading impression - there is nothing wrong with the front flares at all. I think I just need to stuff some more tire under them to balance things out aesthetically.

I spoke with Galen today and he's going to help me set it up with optimal custom spacers (or custom wheels ultimately), and perhaps I will be able to run a 255 or 265 'square' setup. I can't tell yet if 275's will fit in back but he will measure everything and has some test wheels/tires we can try for fitment.

I will take some pics at the track tomorrow, although right now the car looks pretty funny as it has the old skinny tires on it. (Posted about that on the Pelican board.) It could be worse - I get to burn up some 5 heat-cycle Hoosiers before I sell the old wheels.

[ChrisFoley]

Thanks Chris! Sorry if I gave a misleading impression - there is nothing wrong with the front flares at all. I think I just need to stuff some more tire under them to balance things out aesthetically.

I wasn't worried. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
I widened the front of my race car as much as the rear and, even though I like the shape, there is some empty space at the outside of the tires that I can't fill due to SCCA specifications.
OTOH, the stock 914 fenders leave a lot of space at the outside of the front wheels too.

Some people think the space needs to be filled for the car to look good but they neglect to consider the change in spring rate from wheel spacers on a McPherson strut/a-arm suspension.