914-6 Hole in Firewall Options

[morehills]

I'm doing a fairly large project on the interior of my 1971 914-6 GT clone this winter. I'm converting to 911 steering and ignition, adding a GT roll bar and harness mounts and a few other bits and bobs.

While it's open, should I cut an access panel? Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall? How difficult is it to lean over the engine and adjust timing without the access panel? While it would be more convenient, I wonder if it's really needed to properly time the car every few years. It's a '71 2.2 liter "E" cam engine.

Thanks for any advice. John

[SirAndy]

Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall?

The clue is in the name ...
Firewall

Cutting a big hole in a wall that is supposed to protect you from an engine fire (to give you a few extra seconds to get out of there) is really only a good idea if you are prepared to deal with it in an emergency.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[ClayPerrine]

Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall?

The clue is in the name ...
Firewall

Cutting a big hole in a wall that is supposed to protect you from an engine fire (to give you a few extra seconds to get out of there) is really only a good idea if you are prepared to deal with it in an emergency.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I will forever remember the fire behind me on the freeway. There is no way in hell I am cutting a hole in something called a "FIREWALL"

On our six, I drop the motor yearly for valve adjustments. Yea, you can do it in the car, but it is much easier when it is out. And that gives you the chance to change the fan belt, check the CV joint bolts, and inspect the shift linkage bushings.

You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

[fixer34]

Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall?

The clue is in the name ...
Firewall

Cutting a big hole in a wall that is supposed to protect you from an engine fire (to give you a few extra seconds to get out of there) is really only a good idea if you are prepared to deal with it in an emergency.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I will forever remember the fire behind me on the freeway. There is no way in hell I am cutting a hole in something called a "FIREWALL"

On our six, I drop the motor yearly for valve adjustments. Yea, you can do it in the car, but it is much easier when it is out. And that gives you the chance to change the fan belt, check the CV joint bolts, and inspect the shift linkage bushings.

You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

"You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. "

Not that I disagree that dropping the whole -6 motor/trans makes some things a lot easier to do, but the times I have done valve adjustments with the engine in, I have never had to drain the oil. Am I missing something?