916 rear bumper variants / suppliers, Need to replace my damaged rear end Options

[JamesM]

I am looking to replace the 916 bumper on my recently rear ended 914 and had a few questions on the 916 bumpers that are out there. First, how many different 916 style bumpers are available? I have seen quite a few out there with some substantial differences. Second, which is the more "correct" style? Are there more then one manufacture for the specific styles and is there a difference in quality between styles and manufactures?

From what I have found so far, the bumper currently on my car appears to be most similar to the one performance products sells, with the smaller angled, center depression and fitted for cars without flares. QRS fiberglass appears to sell a similar design but fitted for cars with flares. I found a third type at AA that that has a wider and more rectangular depression, a cut out at the base, and a steeper angle across the top. Are there other types out there? I have read the bumper performance sells takes a lot of fitting to install, is the AA bumper better in this regard? Does anyone have a personal preference of one over the other?

Thanks
-James


For people who want to see the carnage…

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f236/mreprize/IMG_0969.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f236/mreprize/IMG_0970.jpg

[JamesM]

one more thing... i remembering reading a long time ago that 916 bumpers caused issues with the motor running hot. Is there any truth to that?

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

I am looking to replace the 916 bumper on my recently rear ended 914 and had a few questions on the 916 bumpers that are out there. First, how many different 916 style bumpers are available? I have seen quite a few out there with some substantial differences. Second, which is the more "correct" style? Are there more then one manufacture for the specific styles and is there a difference in quality between styles and manufactures?

From what I have found so far, the bumper currently on my car appears to be most similar to the one performance products sells, with the smaller angled, center depression and fitted for cars without flares. QRS fiberglass appears to sell a similar design but fitted for cars with flares. I found a third type at AA that that has a wider and more rectangular depression, a cut out at the base, and a steeper angle across the top. Are there other types out there? I have read the bumper performance sells takes a lot of fitting to install, is the AA bumper better in this regard? Does anyone have a personal preference of one over the other?

Thanks
-James

For people who want to see the carnage…

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f236/mreprize/IMG_0969.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f236/mreprize/IMG_0970.jpg

I would say at best it is potluck fitting all of those so called "916" bumpers, as they all need to be trimmed and fitted before thinking about painting.
The pillowed ends are what is original just like the real 916 we have here. If you want the exact look that is the one to get. It has a wider top than the car you show and really does not affect engine cooling as the bumper protrudes really no lower than the bumper rear valance combination and actually is higher in the middle. You will have to cut the exhaust outlet as well.\
Several months ago we purchased the assets of Mitcom Fiberglass Trends so have their original 916 mold which fit about as good as it gets. ( do not get me wrong, all fiberglass has to be fitted and is NOT good out of the box (so to speak))