Another 914-6 GT Tribute Project Options

[Tom1394racing]

I saw the car post dip and e-coat. It’s amazing how much corrosion was hiding under the red paint.

Reviewing all the great restoration projects on this site, I’ve come to the conclusion that the rust level on my 914, although surprising, was not unusual. I think the dipping and E-coating process ensures that no hidden rust goes undetected, and that the hidden areas in the chassis are well protected before rust repair begins. It really wasn’t all that expensive including the logistics of shipping the car back-and-forth to Michigan.

[mepstein]

I saw the car post dip and e-coat. It’s amazing how much corrosion was hiding under the red paint.

Reviewing all the great restoration projects on this site, I’ve come to the conclusion that the rust level on my 914, although surprising, was not unusual. I think the dipping and E-coating process ensures that no hidden rust goes undetected, and that the hidden areas in the chassis are well protected before rust repair begins. It really wasn’t all that expensive including the logistics of shipping the car back-and-forth to Michigan.

I agree. I don’t think yours was unusual or excessive. It’s just there’s always a visual disconnect from a painted car and what’s really hiding underneath. My car had a lot of creative bondo work to duplicate the shape of metal.

Your car looks fantastic. Enjoy!

[Cairo94507]

Congratulations Tom. Your car is a beauty. Now you need to put some miles on it and address any final adjustments. that become apparent with miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Tom1394racing]

Congratulations Tom. Your car is a beauty. Now you need to put some miles on it and address any final adjustments. that become apparent with miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

That’s the plan. I want to develop punch list to keep me busy over the winter. So little time until the snow starts and the roads become undrivable here in New England.

[Tom1394racing]

Got the numbers from the corner balance. Total weight is 2130 lbs. I was expecting something closer 2000 lbs considering the weight reduction from the fiberglass lids and the elimination of most of the sound deadening. In retrospect, considering the heavier Al case 3.2 short stroke engine and the inner and outer stiffening kits and the GT roll bar, 2130 lbs makes sense. Roughly the same curb weight as my ‘73 RSR clone.

[mate914]

Got the numbers from the corner balance. Total weight is 2130 lbs. I was expecting something closer 2000 lbs considering the weight reduction from the fiberglass lids and the elimination of most of the sound deadening. In retrospect, considering the heavier Al case 3.2 short stroke engine and the inner and outer stiffening kits and the GT roll bar, 2130 lbs makes sense. Roughly the same curb weight as my ‘73 RSR clone.

Car looks great Tom. Did you get on a dyno yet? My car is 2200lbs, I have stock hoods. Everything else is about the same as yours, except mine is a rough abused track car.
I hope to see your car next summer at Carlisle?
Matt

[sixnotfour]

Very Nice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) and Great color choice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[rgalla9146]

Tom I'm at 2125
No roll bar, no sound deadning, glass bumpers and lids
and an early aluminum 2.0
Pretty similar.

[mepstein]

I think the early chassis save a little weight
Glass bumpers and lids save about 60-70 (total) lbs depending on the manufacturer.
Front cooler, associated parts and extra oil add a bit.
Aluminum engine case adds about 25lbs.
Steel framed seats are actually about 10lbs each more than 914 seats
Etc etc.

Pretty amazing Porsche got their 911R below 1800lbs.

[Tom1394racing]

I think the big contributors are likely, the aluminum engine case, the outer stiffening kits, and the interior Engman style stiffening. I am happy with the weight. I don’t need a go kart at 2000 pounds with nearly 300 hp.

[mate914]

I think the big contributors are likely, the aluminum engine case, the outer stiffening kits, and the interior Engman style stiffening. I am happy with the weight. I don’t need a go kart at 2000 pounds with nearly 300 hp.

Kind of looks like you do have a 2000lb nearly 300hp rocket. I'm not near 300hp but man o man are they fun.

[Bullethead]

Wow Tom, it looks fantastic! Congratulations for getting it over the finish line... it's funny that we both took four years. I know you're enjoying the results. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

[BillJ]

Tom you need to change your sig and drop the “project” moniker.

[morehills]

Outstanding results Tom. My engine is nearly back so hopefully we'll get a chance to run them together before the salt or next spring. Cheers!

[Tom1394racing]

Outstanding results Tom. My engine is nearly back so hopefully we'll get a chance to run them together before the salt or next spring. Cheers!

Probably next spring. Maybe a meet up at Lime Rock and a drive around the Litchfield Hills. I look forward to it.

[Tom1394racing]

Took the car out for a long drive yesterday on some of my favorite roads in Eastern CT. It drives really well. I am very pleased with the handling, chassis stiffness and suspension compliance. Seems to be a great balance.

The engine makes great power, and the car accelerates smoothly and rapidly from 3500- 5,000 RPM. I have just over 100 miles on the engine, so I have not taken it past 5,000 RPM just yet. The stiffness in the linkage, that resulted in the carbs not returning to the idle stops seems to have resolved itself. The engine does stumble below 3,000 PRM and will require some additional tuning. I'll start by double checking the timing and then moving on to the carb tuning to see if I can improve things.

There are few other (hopefully) minor things that need attention and are going on the punch list.

1. Engine tuning
2. LHS turn signal does not cancel
3. Adjust clutch pedal length
4, Adjust seatbelts

Overall, I am very happy with the car and am looking forward to resolving these issues to make the car perfect.

[Dion]

Just caught up reading the thread.
Congratulations Tom , your 914 looks amazing.
Well done. You should be proud.
Enjoy it man! Hope to see you out cruising.

[Shivers]

You did a wonderful job. I like your choice in wheels.

[Tom1394racing]

In the past few days, I have put abut 180 miles on the car and sorted a few things out.

I had to shim the turn signal cancel ring on the steering wheel to get it to contact the LHS trigger pin on the turn signal switch. All good now.

I sorted the low RPM engine stumbling. The timing was right on at 25 deg advance at 4000 RPM. The low RPM stumble turned out to be plugged idle jets. I removed the jets, soaked them in carb cleaner overnight, blew them out with compressed air and reinstalled them. Much better power and acceleration below 3,000 RPM. Idle jet plugging seems to be a common, sometimes recurring, problem with newly restored cars using PMO carbs. I had the same issue on and off with my '73 RSR tribute for the first year or so.

The car is now a blast to drive. Good power and handling and it makes great sounds. I'll try to post a video before I put it away for the winter.

[sixnotfour]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)