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

[Randal]

If you do the math (power to weight ratio) and have a good understanding about how suspension and respective weight and balance works in a 914 and all other things being equal - a four will always be superior in an AutoX 914.

Of course the only way to prove this is to build a car specifically for AutoX, like Andrew’s, Steve’s or Bill’s, run the four for half the season, then switch to a six.

Of course, whatever the outcome, either the four or six folks will complain that it wasn’t a fair contest, given the differences in power/torque of the respective engines.

But my “fantasy” contest would be based upon the ratio determined by power to weight, i.e., both the four and six would be built to have the same net power to weight ratio (when in the 914) and would be driven (the BIGGEST VARIABLE) by the same driver.

So not withstanding my fantasy contest, about the only way to prove the point is to build a competitive light weight car, with a modern technology engine (Jake Raby) and go test the theory both locally and nationally. BTW this is what I'm doing.

Also given that the modern technology engines seem to be more reliable, I also believe it will be interesting to see what happens at the track. I have no doubt that a hot four can be built to be competitive with the sixes, but the question is how long it will last?

Of course if history is a lesson, I guess Rich Bontempi would have something to say about the track, given the number of sixes he blew off during his tenure.