916

[jim dorociak]

Has anyone made a real nice 916 replica? One with a metal roof, steel flares the works. If someone could point me in their direction. Thanks! Jim
jdorociak@gmail.com

[Eric_Shea]

I thought Hussey was doing/did one for a customer. Check AA. T.C. here had a steel roofer that Dan Root made but I wouldn't call it a replica. It's up for sale on the Samba for around $10-12k. It has a 944 top with the sunroof and all. It's here in Utah somewhere.

[jim dorociak]

Eric, thanks for the reply. I notice a guy in Florida who put a 944 steel roof with a pop up sliding roof on his car, but it is sold. Did anyone document the fabrication of the steel top? I know I have dreamed about a 916 for 25 years and think someone else must have also.

Any more pictures of your car? I have enjoyed reading and seeing the progress. Jim

[carr914]

Jim I sent you an eMail about the Steel Roof car I used to have. There is a thread on 914World detail the fabrication of the roof. The roof popped up and could be taken out, but it did not slide. Eric is correct it is in Utah and is for sale. I've seen the ad on The Samba. It has F/G flares, but when I sold it, I sold the buyer a set of Steel Flares.

T.C.

[Eric_Shea]

Sounds like you found that Florida car. :D

Nothing too new lately on my car, a few things out there right now (powdercoating, plating) I need to find some GT time but I've been busy with calipers, calipers and more calipers. I'll probably hit it sometime this week.

Thanks Jim...

E.

[jim dorociak]

Eric, I just got back from visiting my old friend in Layton, wanted to call to see your car in person, but figured every Porsche nut in the world has been calling and wearing you out. I like the progress and your attention to details. Jim

[Eric_Shea]

Stop by anytime.

No too many brave enough to visit Planet Utah. ;)

[jim dorociak]

I sold my 914/6 4 years ago and have not quite gotten it out of my system. Reason all these feelings have come up again is I am building with a friend a 914 race car that is to have a 2.7 911 engine and full fiberglass flared quarter panels, fiberglass hood, trunk lid, and 916 front and rear bumpers. I fiberglassed in a roof panel and it really makes the look complete. Jim

The thought is always there why not steel.

[Eric_Shea]

Very cool... I've always wanted to build "almost" that car. Everything but the 916 bits (that was my first project back in the late 80's). I'd go GT bumpers with my fantasy project.

I keep thinking it would be cool to have a full glass version of a 914 like you're doing there. Quarters, hoods, bumpers, top, the works.

Start a thread. I want to watch.

[jim dorociak]

Guys I finally located that article from Automobile Atlanta when they made a steel 916 roof. It is a couple of years old, but I am going to put the link as it gets misplaced as times moves on.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=66687&hl=916++Roof
Sure makes me want to start this project.

Jim

[jim dorociak]

I have been reading all the brake upgrade options on Pelican, and I am not going to stock or even 914-6 brake components, but rather am thinking of the 911 rear E brake set up and have been considering Boxster or 996 calipers, and it seems the general consensus is 930 rotors so you have the mass allowing the new calipers to make a difference. I think there are plenty of adapters to use the Boxster calipers, but was wondering if the 78-80 930 front caliper set up and then using a spacer to position the wheel properly was the way to go? Trying to sell my other 964 project to get funds to move ahead on the 916 project I am planning. I have a disassembled 95 993 engine and thought 300 hp would be enough. Jim

[Eric_Shea]

it seems the general consensus is 930 rotors so you have the mass allowing the new calipers to make a difference

Rotating mass is the last place you want extra weight... especially if you don't need it. ;)

[jim dorociak]

Eric - when I did my 6 many years ago, I used Carrera rotors and calipers on the front, and spread my 6 rear calipers and used a SC rotor that was slightly machined down in diameter. I was hoping for a little better up grade on the calipers/rotors. I am hearing about Boxster calipers using those same rotors but then I keep hearing that you need larger rotors to really make a difference in fade. Jim

[cal44]

I read with great interest on your subject. As soon as I sell the 356 and one Carrera I will be doing a steel roofed car with steel flares. I am not certain about the steel roof as I am limited on metal fab equipment. Glass trunk lids as well. Please keep the pix coming as the information. I am leaning toward a type four Raby engine and transmission with an overdrive final drive, unless I can find someone that can do the same here in SoCal.
Any tips are greatly needed. Private replies are also welcome.
Mike

[jim dorociak]

So I guess there will two of us crazies. I am selling my 964 CAB widebody project and then I will have space. Jim
jdorociak@gmail.com

[Dave_Darling]

Jim, what is your intended use for this car? Street, track, autoX, show, other?

IMHO, unless you're on the Big Track, hauling the car down from triple-digit speeds several times per lap, the Carrera brakes are either plenty big enough, or serious overkill. As in "unsprung rotating mass you don't need" overkill.

If you have heat problems, the proper solution is to get cooling air onto the rotors.

--DD

[jim dorociak]

Dave - sorry will not be a track car, this is purely for aesthetics - how vain I must be, and if a Boxster caliper can work, then a 996 must be better - if I am going to figure this all out or actually learn from everyone else might as well make it grand. As best I can tell will need to use a 23mm master cylinder. I am planning on a late model running gear and transmission. My plan for the car would be show and go, probably more show. The project, the journey and the finished car is what will drive me.
I hope you guys will not run me off after hearing some of my plans. Jim

[Eric_Shea]

I keep hearing that you need larger rotors to really make a difference in fade.

You've experienced fade in a 914?

I've never, ever, never, ever, never, ever (yes.. I've been watching too much Sponge Bob), never, ever, never, ever experience fade with S-Calipers and 914-6/GT calipers on a 914. But hey... that's just me (and everyone else running the 2.0 litre challenge). :D

[jim dorociak]

Eric - me personally no - I have not even ridden in a 914 for 5 years. I just look at what was on the car and remember the changes I made to my 6 and as I said I immediately upgraded to 3.5" struts using Carrera calipers and SC vented rear rotors after spreading my 914-6 calipers. Why stop there? After doing all the reading about the brake upgrades for the 911's it just seems natural to upgrade since I have to buy all new components when I do a six upgrade to a 4 chassis. I get this feeling you guys are going to get upset with me for not staying original or not using time period correct parts when I do my conversion.

I am thinking about using a 1995 993 engine with a chip that will make 300 hp, want headers with heat, 915 transmission, 17" 3 piece Fuchs style wheels 7.5 and 9's, been reading on Armando's site and want to increase the width of the rear fender flares to accomodate wider rear wheels. 916 steel roof and other tasteful updates and refinements. Sorry just starting to come up with the plan, must sell other project cars to get space and then I want to focus solely on the 916 project. I restore and sell Speedline wheels for 964 and 993 owners and just finished a set for a GT2 that were 10 & 12" using mostly new parts.

[Dave_Darling]

Since it's mostly for show, you might check to see if you can get bracketry to mount the 996 calipers over SC or Carrera rotors. The calipers will look even bigger with smaller rotors, and of course they're cheaper than the later rotors. ;)

If you're really thinking of going all out, give some thought to ponying up the ~$15K+ for some PCCB brakes. That would be pure awesome, especially for a money-no-object show car.

--DD

[jim dorociak]

Dave - if I were only doing it for show I would just get some plastic big red caliper covers and cover the 914 calipers and fool everyone. No -- I have no interest in the $15K PCCB brakes, but the 996 calipers not even the TT seem to be such a great upgrade I think it needs to be explored. Been doing much reading on Pelican about all the possibilities for brakes. No my car will not be money no object car project. I do as much of the work as I can during my projects and stretch my dollars as far as I can. Reason I have selected the 1995 993 engine was cost. I planned a 3.4 engine with 98mm new P/C's which was a life long dream, and as many new parts as I could afford to buy and when I finally got ready to buy new PMO's I just could not justify the $3,000 + price and $2500 for the dual plug distributor and I decided I would settle for a used 993 engine. New owner of my old car does quite a few autocross events, has put flares on and is really enjoying the car. Jim

[JKH]

Dr Gary, I brought up the 3.2 from CA. for him. Nice car
Here is a neat conversion hard top project.
http://www.aandmdeluxecustoms.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=58

[jim dorociak]

Jeff -- Thank you for your response and the link -- inspirational and great viewing. Jim

[Dave_Darling]

... I have no interest in the $15K PCCB brakes ...

Bummer, that would be really amazingly cool!

Yes, and amazingly expensive. :D

BTW, if you look at the 993 that your engine came out of, you'll see that it weighed about 600 lbs more than a converted 914 (that is, just over 3000 lbs) , and made the same power as your car would. The factory decided that 993 brakes were more than adequate for that car. (How many people claim the 993 is under-braked? Only hardcore track junkies!) So they should be far more than adequate for a lighter car with similar speed potential.

Realistically, if you're not going to be braking down from very high speeds without giving the brakes a chance to cool off, the "A" calipers found on most of the 911SCs should be just fine.

--DD

[jim dorociak]

Yes, Dave I agree 993 brakes would more than adequate, but if you happen to buy (2) 996 rear calipers for $50 I think you would agree if I am going to adapt brakes I might as well adapt 996 brakes since the initial buy was so in expensive - not that much on these kinds of projects can ever be claimed to be inexpensive - overkill absolutely, needed - no, but..... Jim
At least I know someone is reading these posts.

[jim dorociak]

Well the pressure is on, Marci wants to assemble her 916 race car, so we shot the paint this weekend ready of not. I am constantly reminded it is a race car not a concours show car, but if you are going to do it you might as well do it right. I have to wet sand, did not make a booth, just said heck lets shoot it and deal with whatever we get. I am so excited to start my own metal 916 project, but at least this gives me a taste. Jim
Enjoy guys, I know how much we all love to see pictures.

[dug]

Sweet!
dug