QUOTE(orthobiz @ Mar 27 2007, 09:15 PM)
Pat, The CV boots are original, I'm sure. I'll make sure to point them out to Brad Mayeur when he goes over the car.
Anyway, I'm surprised a bit about your opinion on the SS HE's as I would think it would go against the "original" nature of the vehicle. (detecting tiny chinks in your armor, lol)
I'm glad judges tend to ignore the SS. I'll see how much it costs to repaint/refinish the originals first. I'm told they're functioning, so there may not be a rush to do a replacement at this time.
Then the question arises: will the 2.0 SS and exhaust fit on the 1.8 motor? And would the judges let that one slide???
Paul
Paul,
I have a number of "chinks". I try to make them fewer every year, though.
As I understand it, the 2.0's would not fit without some other noticeable changes. Don't recommend it for a concours car. Howver, since the "original" HE's are NLA from Porsche (once again, my understanding) as new parts, you're forced to go with what is available, And, the SSI's have been out of production for years too! Fortunately, they don't degrade.
I've said this before - concours boils down to low key (regional/zone) (multi-marque, etc) and hardcore - PCA National - this IS the most difficult!
At all levels, except PCA National, you can probably get away with SSI's, provided you make up for it in another area. Example: lots of people have changed to braided steel brake lines - instant deduct. Dashtop original - plus; cracked - deduct, overlay - deduct. Aftermarket seals - deduct. Non-original wheels/tires - deduct.
When it comes to HE's, you're better off with the original - provided they aren't pitted/rusted and the seams all fit tightly. Repairs must be undetcable. If you go with SSI's, you can "bling" them easily with SOS, Simichrome, or the product of you're choice. The judges know these things are irreplaceable and, though they may make a minor deduct (.5 - 1.0 pts), most 914's have them. If not, make up for it in another area. Make your carpet cleaner than the next guy, make your headlight motors show the tiger stripes more blatantly( I have a trick for that).
Years ago, PCA recognized that some upgrades to specific models were actually favorable. (911 E hydro-strut suspensions, 914 fuel line upgrades, etc). A knowledgeable judge is aware of these things - SSI upgrades are USUALLY cosidered OK. But, if a rare original 914 is included with your judging group, you will lose points for everything that is not original, because they have a benchmark on site.
Pat