How green are our 914s?, How can we reduce their carbon footprint to preserve the species? |
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How green are our 914s?, How can we reduce their carbon footprint to preserve the species? |
JeffBowlsby |
Oct 3 2021, 12:56 PM
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#1
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914 Wiring Harnesses Group: Members Posts: 8,548 Joined: 7-January 03 From: San Ramon CA Member No.: 104 Region Association: None |
Just read an intriguing article on CNN about iPhones and the manifestations of their carbon footprint. I don’t consider myself a tree hugger but some things in the article resonated with me.
‘The greenest iPhone is the one you already own’ Made a strong case for the right to repair movement, carbon foot print impacts and reduction, efficiency in labor/natural materials usage, protecting the environment etc, etc. One of the many things about the 914 we enjoy is that unlike many newer commodity cars (which BTW there is a shortage of) is that that we can repair/maintain them ourselves and essential parts are available. This paradigm applies to our 914s and really all things now considered vintage, old, classic, including all classic cars that still function yet remain serviceable and with many years of service life remaining if but for manageable efforts to maintain. Our current disposable consumer model may be reverting to the former ‘built to last’ model past generations relied on and promoted. Seems like the classic car hobby has been brow beaten for so long when in reality we are in the forefront of being environmentally respectful. The main thing I think of that is not as environmentally conscious about our cars is emissions. But can those be cleaned up easily enough with a bolt on cat? So Ben, will you develop an exhaust for us with a cat or two? @mb911 If you want to join this thread PLEASE stay factual and don’t turn political. Just the facts ma’am. |
horizontally-opposed |
Oct 3 2021, 01:44 PM
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#2
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,432 Joined: 12-May 04 From: San Francisco Member No.: 2,058 Region Association: None |
914s are very green when compared to the millions of "disposable" cars sold every year, and vs heavier "fun cars" (think hp, fuel, consumables, roadways, etc). Few cars on the road are as light as a 914.
And 914s are even greener when they're restored or upgraded with used parts. I've been driving the same 914 for 31 years, and it returns more long-haul satisfaction and fun than any single car I've owned—and most I've driven. The fact its environmental "sunk costs" were written off a long time ago is a bonus. With that said, I was out for a drive this weekend and its emissions do bother me. While I agree keeping 914s in tune and driving them sparingly makes this a relative non-issue, I've wondered what it would take to add catalysts*. If the cost isn't wild, and the added heat around the 901 isn't an issue, I'm interested. I was following a lowered 1960s Chevy pickup that sounded great (maybe an LS…?), only to notice how bad it smelled. Given its immaculate condition, I had a hard time believing it was out of tune. Then I realized it smelled bad because of how clean modern cars have become. *I also wonder if the high temps generated by catalysts could be harnessed for smaller heat exchangers. |
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