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

[nebreitling]

i gotta go with randal on this one. even given identical power curves, redlines, gearboxes, etc., and given exactly equal power:weight ratios, i'd go with the four. less weight over the rear means better weight distribution overall. by a relatively small margin, but it exists.

i imagine that parade will spin out another /6 winner. i don't think that there are comparable /4 cars to compete against -- i just believe that they'd have a theoretical advantage. keep in mind that blyholder and nieslony are both running quite mild, small fours; nothing like jake's engines.

the one time i ran against provasi, i was only 1.5 seconds off his time. Ahhhhndy was only 2.5" off his time.

http://lpr.pca.org/ax/2005/lprax3/lprax3.htm

this is probably a little unfair -- Provasi very well may have been having an off day -- but my car is still at least 2100 lbs with me in it (all steel, narrow-bodied) and i am making at most 130 hp running 205 hoosiers.. god only knows what the specs of his car are, but it looks scary as hell.

that said, i still kinda want a six -- just not for (or because of) AX.