914-6 Hole in Firewall Options

[Mitox]

I cut mine, and found a firewall section to make the cover from. Haven’t finished it yet, but it will have a bead-rolled recess around the cover edges locate a seal.

[burton73]

Ours

Looks very clean to me, I can't see how this can compromise the firewall?

Without having UL test the fire rating, it really will not comprise the fire wall if bolted down. Small seal to quite noise intrusion.

This is not like double 5/8 drywall in construction or solid fire doors with one-hour rating.

Bob B

[worn]

I've had my 914-6 conversion since 1986 and only recently cut the firewall to replace the alternator with my 3.2. Otherwise getting to the belt, distributor and valves has never been a problem.

The hole sure was handy when the alternator failed. I got the firewall from a parting out event. Cut a cover that fits perfectly and then welded a couple dozen bolts to the sheet metal to make the seal secure. Yes, it is a firewall, but the gas tank is located right at your feet with a clear open passage to the passenger compartment. I use a lot of fasteners but using a screw gun makes it easy to take apart,

[Dion]

My version. Had a section from a donor car. Added weather stripping to inside of cover for noise/odor control. Works well, especially when I changed out the cast iron distributor for a 123.

[ClayPerrine]

Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall?

The clue is in the name ...
Firewall

Cutting a big hole in a wall that is supposed to protect you from an engine fire (to give you a few extra seconds to get out of there) is really only a good idea if you are prepared to deal with it in an emergency.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I will forever remember the fire behind me on the freeway. There is no way in hell I am cutting a hole in something called a "FIREWALL"

On our six, I drop the motor yearly for valve adjustments. Yea, you can do it in the car, but it is much easier when it is out. And that gives you the chance to change the fan belt, check the CV joint bolts, and inspect the shift linkage bushings.

You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

[mepstein]

Yes it’s called a firewall. Yes a plate that’s screwed into the back will secure the firewall. It’s been done on many race and street cars for years.
Definitely worth changing up to stainless fuel lines from tangerine racing.

[Superhawk996]

So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) come on Clay, you know the lengths 914 owners will go to to avoid dropping the engine.

Continues to be a source of amusement to me how many buy a mid-engine vehicle then try avoid the engine drop that mid-engine cars practically necessitate.

[ClayPerrine]

So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) come on Clay, you know the lengths 914 owners will go to to avoid dropping the engine.

Continues to be a source of amusement to me how many buy a mid-engine vehicle then try avoid the engine drop that mid-engine cars practically necessitate.

It seems to be a no-brainer to me. But I can have the engine and transmission out of a 914 in 30 minutes. I would spend more time trying to adjust the valves on the six with the engine IN the car.

[mb911]

I have always been tempted but have stayed away from cutting the hole. Its to risky for me when my kids ride in the already small car with plenty of associated risks

[mlindner]

I don't get it. If you have a engine fire isn't the rear window going to go first. I think the fire wall is just for flying parts, kidding. Mark

[930cabman]

Several years ago I was in the market for a 355, mid engine V8 5 valve engine. Virtually all of maintainance was completed with the engine out. A part of having a mid engine machine.

I couldn't justify $80.k, a couple years later I fell into the 914 abyss

[davehg]

I’m with Team Firewall Access bay!!!!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1709511472.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1709511472.2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1709511472.3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-21443-1709511472.4.jpg)

[mlindner]

Wow, nice Dave.

[ClayPerrine]

I don't get it. If you have a engine fire isn't the rear window going to go first. I think the fire wall is just for flying parts, kidding. Mark

No.

Been there, done that. The window was still intact for a long time after the fire started.

[windforfun]

Doesn't the firewall consist of two layers with a 1/2" gap in between? A hole might be a good place for a sub-woofer. I saw a 911 years ago with this set-up. I have no idea how he isolated the engine noise.

[fixer34]

Is there any impact on the structural integrity of the firewall?

The clue is in the name ...
Firewall

Cutting a big hole in a wall that is supposed to protect you from an engine fire (to give you a few extra seconds to get out of there) is really only a good idea if you are prepared to deal with it in an emergency.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I will forever remember the fire behind me on the freeway. There is no way in hell I am cutting a hole in something called a "FIREWALL"

On our six, I drop the motor yearly for valve adjustments. Yea, you can do it in the car, but it is much easier when it is out. And that gives you the chance to change the fan belt, check the CV joint bolts, and inspect the shift linkage bushings.

You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. So what is the big deal with just disconnecting the rest of the stuff and dropping the motor?

"You have to drain the oil to adjust the valves, and you have to separate one oil line to drain it. "

Not that I disagree that dropping the whole -6 motor/trans makes some things a lot easier to do, but the times I have done valve adjustments with the engine in, I have never had to drain the oil. Am I missing something?

[sixaddict]

Track car…..all the stuff about what can be done by pulling the engine doesn’t make sense to me. Break a belt at the track …..and a well done access plate means you are back in business without much hassle.