Track Reliability Issues? |
|
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG.
This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way. Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. |
|
Track Reliability Issues? |
Trackd |
Feb 8 2020, 02:15 PM
Post
#1
|
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 23-January 20 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 23,854 Region Association: None |
Hello everyone!
I just purchased a stock 74 914 and I am planning on tracking the hell out of it. What are common reliability issues when tracking the 914? Any weird suspension or chassis issues? -Bearings servicing? -Bushings? -Frame cracking or components bending? -Transmission issues? -Steering issues? I am planning on adding a big brake kit, and a roll bar. Here is a pic of my current car that I track. |
wndsrfr |
Feb 8 2020, 08:57 PM
Post
#2
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,428 Joined: 30-April 09 From: Rescue, Virginia Member No.: 10,318 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
Hello everyone! I just purchased a stock 74 914 and I am planning on tracking the hell out of it. What are common reliability issues when tracking the 914? Any weird suspension or chassis issues? -Bearings servicing? -Bushings? -Frame cracking or components bending? -Transmission issues? -Steering issues? I am planning on adding a big brake kit, and a roll bar. Here is a pic of my current car that I track. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png) At your level of experience I'd recommend a "deep sump" or at least a "tuna can" for the oil pickup and run at least 1/2 quart extra oil...It's common for the oil pickup to suck air on long sweepers with high G load. Another option is the Accusump--reviews are mixed since it'll demand oil after giving it up, so high volume oil pump is pretty much necessary. Going all the way would be dry sump installation for guaranteed oil pressure under track service. Lose weight. Lose weight. Careful inspection of the suspension console for cracking, particularly the passenger side one as it's prone to corrosion--it might look ok but be paper thin so poke around with stiff ice pick...reinforcement parts are available from Tangerine Racing--take a look at Chris' site. IF you're running a /4 the 901 trans will hold ok but not out of the question to pick up a spare one & get it re-geared to A/F/KA/S/Z which only requires buying the "S" gearset--it'll really help on tracks with any elevation change. Prowl around this community's posts using search function--everything ever posted is available & you'll come across gems of wisdom from past posts. What tracks are you running & lap times with the Bimmer? |
brant |
Feb 9 2020, 08:06 AM
Post
#3
|
914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 11,612 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Colorado Member No.: 47 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
you really will need to address oil cooling for actual track use
heat is an issue air cooled is inferior to your 02 in the cooling catagory bearings are not a problem (you need to run them a touch looser for track use) motor heat will be your limiting factor followed by HP (money) brant |
campbellcj |
Feb 9 2020, 03:26 PM
Post
#4
|
I can't Re Member Group: Members Posts: 4,540 Joined: 26-December 02 From: Agoura, CA Member No.: 21 Region Association: Southern California |
I found my 914 to be extremely reliable once I rebuilt, replaced or reinforced every part on the car! Only somewhat kidding...
Besides oil cooling, most definitely pay attention to brakes. There is TONS of info here on making the most of stock-ish 914 brakes as well as numerous upgrade paths. The tub of course needs to be solid and may warrant extensive reinforcing and/or roll-caging depending how far down that slope you're going. Bear in mind any sort of big slicks and built suspension will put loads on the car never imagined for it 50 years ago. Cheers, |
Charles Freeborn |
Feb 9 2020, 09:51 PM
Post
#5
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 244 Joined: 21-May 14 From: United States Member No.: 17,377 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
you really will need to address oil cooling for actual track use heat is an issue air cooled is inferior to your 02 in the cooling catagory bearings are not a problem (you need to run them a touch looser for track use) motor heat will be your limiting factor followed by HP (money) brant This. Add coolers and capacity. https://www.cantonracingproducts.com/catego...8xoCeZMQAvD_BwE In the "air cooled" world - air cools the top end - add more blowers, etc., but oil cools the bottom end. |
stownsen914 |
Feb 10 2020, 07:38 AM
Post
#6
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 912 Joined: 3-October 06 From: Ossining, NY Member No.: 6,985 Region Association: None |
Oil cools the top end too ... indirectly. Get a bigger cooler than you think you need.
|
Trackd |
Feb 10 2020, 09:05 AM
Post
#7
|
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 23-January 20 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 23,854 Region Association: None |
Thank guys for all the kind remarks.
I got some weird plans for the 914. I won't be using the stock powerplant. I may use the stock transaxle. I want it to be streetable will just a Rear Roll Bar be fine for Nasa? I think is one of those chassis that have a weird roll bar design. Also Inner chassis bracing recommendation? I know there's the Engman one. Inner chassis bracing only one needed for track use? I have been to the following tracks. Road Atlanta Watkins Glenn Summit Point Main 1:20:4 PB on re71rs Been on this track the most VIR Dominion Raceway Pitt Race Barber Lime Rock Palmer |
brant |
Feb 10 2020, 09:46 AM
Post
#8
|
914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 11,612 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Colorado Member No.: 47 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
the 914 is flexy
with a fiberglass roof and no hard top, the car likes to fold or flex, making the suspension less stabile and accurate. A proper cage would always tie the front and rear together.... a cage should not be driven on the street TBI is real the stock trans is not able to take abuse 200hp is the limit, if the trans is fresh, has cooling, and all expensive bearings are replaced (1k) you would be better served to use a different trans with a motor transplant the Subaru trans are popular and also the boxter 6speed NASA may be the only place you can run PCA, POC, SVRA, CSRG, VARA, and many more, are not always friendly to motor transplant cars brant Thank guys for all the kind remarks. I got some weird plans for the 914. I won't be using the stock powerplant. I may use the stock transaxle. I want it to be streetable will just a Rear Roll Bar be fine for Nasa? I think is one of those chassis that have a weird roll bar design. Also Inner chassis bracing recommendation? I know there's the Engman one. Inner chassis bracing only one needed for track use? I have been to the following tracks. Road Atlanta Watkins Glenn Summit Point Main 1:20:4 PB on re71rs Been on this track the most VIR Dominion Raceway Pitt Race Barber Lime Rock Palmer |
stownsen914 |
Feb 10 2020, 12:02 PM
Post
#9
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 912 Joined: 3-October 06 From: Ossining, NY Member No.: 6,985 Region Association: None |
914s respond well to reinforcement from a cage extended to the suspension pickup points, especially in the rear. The trailing arm mounts need reinforcement even on a rust free car. As mentioned above, give some thought though to driving on the street with a cage for safety reasons.
Like the beemer! |
Trackd |
Feb 10 2020, 12:10 PM
Post
#10
|
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 23-January 20 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 23,854 Region Association: None |
Yea I gave it some thought and I will not be doing a cage however just a rear roll bar be okay?
|
brant |
Feb 10 2020, 12:14 PM
Post
#11
|
914 Wizard Group: Members Posts: 11,612 Joined: 30-December 02 From: Colorado Member No.: 47 Region Association: Rocky Mountains |
Yea I gave it some thought and I will not be doing a cage however just a rear roll bar be okay? depends on the rules of the club you join it would not pass tech in wheel to wheel racing out here. and the roll bar would do nothing to address the flex of the front half of the car to the rear half of the car should be fine for drivers education in most clubs but you had better check with NASA and the saying is "read the rule book first" so prior to deciding on which engine transplant, which transmission, and what roll cage...… brant |
stownsen914 |
Feb 10 2020, 12:25 PM
Post
#12
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 912 Joined: 3-October 06 From: Ossining, NY Member No.: 6,985 Region Association: None |
Yeah, read the rulebook. Pretty much any racing org these days is going to require a full cage in a closed top car. Trackdays, you can get away with a rollbar. With a rollbar, you could do a "low cage" in the front to still gain the stiffening benefits. Look at cages in open top 914s with the low front windscreen for ideas. Obviously not as safe as a full cage, but better than no rollbar/cage, I'd argue.
|
Trackd |
Feb 10 2020, 12:28 PM
Post
#13
|
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 23-January 20 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 23,854 Region Association: None |
I'm planning on doing Nasa TT; rear roll bar is sufficient. No wheel to wheel for me. Sorry I should of clarified that earlier. TT and HPDE is the plan.
Also swaps are permitted. |
wndsrfr |
Feb 10 2020, 07:35 PM
Post
#14
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,428 Joined: 30-April 09 From: Rescue, Virginia Member No.: 10,318 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
1:20's at Summit Point is cooking hot...nice driving! My /6 at 1955 pounds is doing 1:26's at my best there with Porsche 2.7 making 215RWHP on Hoosiers...obviously limited by driver talent level....
As to the roll bar, I had Chris Foley's Tangerine Racing bar with a removable diagonal door bar to help stiffen things up, not sure how effective, but felt good to do on my /4 car with 2316 Raby doing about 160RWHP. Here's a couple of pics... Attached image(s) |
Chi-town |
Feb 10 2020, 09:39 PM
Post
#15
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 850 Joined: 31-August 18 From: Disneyland Member No.: 22,446 Region Association: Southern California |
*cough* subaru swap *cough* (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
|
Justinp71 |
Feb 11 2020, 12:24 PM
Post
#16
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,583 Joined: 11-October 04 From: Sacramento, CA Member No.: 2,922 Region Association: None |
Another option to stiffen the car up is the Brad Mayeur long kit. It's what I run on my street/track car. Rich Johnson (a 914 vendor here) recommended it. It really stiffens up the chassis.
http://914ltd.com/store.php?c=1384303079 |
Justinp71 |
Feb 11 2020, 12:27 PM
Post
#17
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,583 Joined: 11-October 04 From: Sacramento, CA Member No.: 2,922 Region Association: None |
the 914 is flexy with a fiberglass roof and no hard top, the car likes to fold or flex, making the suspension less stabile and accurate. A proper cage would always tie the front and rear together.... a cage should not be driven on the street TBI is real the stock trans is not able to take abuse 200hp is the limit, if the trans is fresh, has cooling, and all expensive bearings are replaced (1k) you would be better served to use a different trans with a motor transplant the Subaru trans are popular and also the boxter 6speed NASA may be the only place you can run PCA, POC, SVRA, CSRG, VARA, and many more, are not always friendly to motor transplant cars brant Thank guys for all the kind remarks. I got some weird plans for the 914. I won't be using the stock powerplant. I may use the stock transaxle. I want it to be streetable will just a Rear Roll Bar be fine for Nasa? I think is one of those chassis that have a weird roll bar design. Also Inner chassis bracing recommendation? I know there's the Engman one. Inner chassis bracing only one needed for track use? I have been to the following tracks. Road Atlanta Watkins Glenn Summit Point Main 1:20:4 PB on re71rs Been on this track the most VIR Dominion Raceway Pitt Race Barber Lime Rock Palmer It's been debated on here many times, but why wouldn't a cage car be ok if you properly pad the roll bar? That's how jeeps come from the factory? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) |
Trackd |
Feb 11 2020, 01:03 PM
Post
#18
|
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 23-January 20 From: Buffalo, NY Member No.: 23,854 Region Association: None |
the 914 is flexy with a fiberglass roof and no hard top, the car likes to fold or flex, making the suspension less stabile and accurate. A proper cage would always tie the front and rear together.... a cage should not be driven on the street TBI is real the stock trans is not able to take abuse 200hp is the limit, if the trans is fresh, has cooling, and all expensive bearings are replaced (1k) you would be better served to use a different trans with a motor transplant the Subaru trans are popular and also the boxter 6speed NASA may be the only place you can run PCA, POC, SVRA, CSRG, VARA, and many more, are not always friendly to motor transplant cars brant Thank guys for all the kind remarks. I got some weird plans for the 914. I won't be using the stock powerplant. I may use the stock transaxle. I want it to be streetable will just a Rear Roll Bar be fine for Nasa? I think is one of those chassis that have a weird roll bar design. Also Inner chassis bracing recommendation? I know there's the Engman one. Inner chassis bracing only one needed for track use? I have been to the following tracks. Road Atlanta Watkins Glenn Summit Point Main 1:20:4 PB on re71rs Been on this track the most VIR Dominion Raceway Pitt Race Barber Lime Rock Palmer It's been debated on here many times, but why wouldn't a cage car be ok if you properly pad the roll bar? That's how jeeps come from the factory? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Funny you mention that. My fiances jeep is padded but i believe they use a different material that made is for head absorption rather than the track stuff. I have the dual durometer stuff in my 2002 rear roll bar (its not fully caged). I did research on it too. But since the car is seeing the street and my fiance in the passenger in a really small car i really don't want to risk TBI to either of us knock on wood. Anything can happen on the street and there is just minimal room in a 914 as the jeep has loads of head space. |
Justinp71 |
Feb 12 2020, 06:26 PM
Post
#19
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,583 Joined: 11-October 04 From: Sacramento, CA Member No.: 2,922 Region Association: None |
Well keep us updated! I've been running just a padded roll bar in my mostly street car for a long while. I just do the occasional HDPE events, but our local track has ruts if you go off there is a possibility of flipping so I like the added protection. Thought about doing a 4 or 6 point cage lately but not entirely certain as I plan to do more track but its really a street car.
|
Justinp71 |
Feb 12 2020, 06:29 PM
Post
#20
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,583 Joined: 11-October 04 From: Sacramento, CA Member No.: 2,922 Region Association: None |
Also btw I have done a recent EJ25 install for my off-road car. That motor is killer and a great power substitute for the 914. Or go LS if you want to go warp speed!
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 25th April 2024 - 04:31 AM |
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002 |
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community! We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ... |