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:

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914R at Streets of Willow by cjcam, on Flickr

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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]

Well, more bad news I'm afraid. Based on the other sketchy stuff and damage found in the top end and induction, I decided to have the shop split the case and inspect the bottom-end. The oil pump housing is cracked so I'll need a new pump. Also there is a chance the case needs some machine work but that is still TBD; and new bearings and studs make sense since it's all apart now.

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On the bright side the super-trick custom Mahle pistons should be here pretty soon and the top end parts and machine work will be squared-away at that point. As far as we know the rods are OK but after all this I will not be too surprised if problems surface there too.

Just FWIW this engine was built by a reputable shop that I know some other guys here have used. All indications are that it was built with some questionable used parts and "creative" machine work. Not exactly Motor Sheister awful but I am appalled to hear this stuff with regard to this shop and how much money went into this engine originally. I am looking at probably 50% of that cost again to fix and upgrade it the way I want. I bought it "as-is" from their customer who fell onto hard times, fresh in the crate, so I have no recourse with the shop unfortunately.

Additionally there are still unresolved clearance issues with the flares and at least the fronts will need to be redone or modified somehow. The rears are smaller than I wanted but should be livable and they look great so I am very reluctant to go there again.

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