914/6 vs. 914/4 AX Performance, Heated Disscussion Within Options

[Britain Smith]

I know this guy...he is looking to purchase a 914...wants to be really fast on the AX course...and can't decide between an original 6 (or conversion) w/ 2.7L (or some sort of uprated motor) or a Raby (or similar) four cylinder.

Putting the discussion on equal playing grounds, lets say that both chassis are identical, which would be faster on the AX course? This is assuming a well built chassis, with a cage, upgraded suspension, hoosiers (or similar) tires, etc.

For AX purposes, my vote would go for the 4-cylinder car all the way. I have my reasons, but I want to hear yours first...so which is it?

-Britain

[Jake Raby]

It has a TON to do with the way both engines are prepped.. AX engines thrive from high port velocities, a ton of torque but then are complicated by those traits demanding a broad powerband to minimize shifting primarily... In this regard the 4 or the 6 need the same internal attention.

My old Hybrid 2316 would have been one hell of an AX engine, turning onto any back road I could leave the car in 3rd gear and absolutely smoke the tiresfor a solid 50 feet- Thats real usable torque right where it needs to be.

The other thing to remember is what happens when each engine breaks??? My engine has a large initial cost, but the parts to repair it are dirt cheap compared to a six... Also there is nothing that can't be repaired in a weekend with the -4, its definately not that simple with a six.... and certainly not that cheap.

Heck one of my F production racers with a full SCCA legal 1800cc engine took TTOD at quite a few events last year, and that car weighs 2020 pounds and has literally ZERO power below 5,500 RPM... The car is far from built for AX, but he has at least 5 TTOD to date that I know of... ury914 knows him..

Never forget that luck has a lot to do with any sort of racing, and some guys just are not lucky, even with plenty of HP!