Missing these--does it matter? Options

[bkrantz]

After only 3 years of project work, I realized that I am missing the lower-most engine sheet metal parts on both sides. These are the horizontal pieces that sit even with the heat exchangers. How important are these? Any advantage in not having them?

[914Sixer]

Yep, Porsche wasted a lot of money on parts that the cars DID NOT need. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

[wonkipop]

Yep, Porsche wasted a lot of money on parts that the cars DID NOT need. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

yes and no.

i agree with dr. 914. they stop the cables getting roasted.
or at least that portion of the cables. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

i think they were an attempt by porsche to try and get the spent cooling air from out under the car by trying to squirt it towards the rear.
conventional rear engined VWs did not have the problem.
the heated air did not pool under the car, its just squirted straight out near the bumper and into the open air.

the hot air pools under the 914 and gets trapped - when the car is at standstill.
with the warm air guides it pools under the trunk and gets trapped in a big bubble there.
without the guides it can pool up in the front section and add to the original fuel pump vaporization woes, though to some extent that is also due to the air exiting the heat exhanger valves there.

all in all, my honest view is it was an attempt to solve a problem that they never really fully solved? the engine being so central in the car.

with the car on the move its academic whether you have them or not.
except to preserve the clutch cable and speedo cable.
which you can also do with an insulation wrap.

the important guides are the ones higher up the direct air around the cylinders and fitted closer to the cooling fins.

but there is nothing wrong with being a purist and having it all set up factory perfect.

i have not had a set on mine for 30+ years.
but now that dr. 914 is making that hard to get one as a reproduction i might just get a set now and fit them. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

will report on whether it really does make any difference when stuck in traffic.
in australia.
somehow i doubt it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)