Yeah Doc,
The pictures I have seen of the welds look like something I would do!
The pictures I have seen of the welds look like something I would do!
Apologies for thread drift but quick question for Graham: Why did Porsche go with spaceframe for 917 over mono?
Well Keith,
there seem to be a lot of people called Graham chiming in, so I thought I,d better hold on a bit before answering.
Many of the answers given so far "border" on the right side, but are somewhat confused.
First, to answer your specific question, we have to go back in time. Porsche were always somewhat obsessed with weight, knowing that their torquey and lightweight air cooled engines could score impressively with lightweight body work. Cars previously, such as the birdcage Maserati, had shown that space frames could work, and with the advances in glass fibre manufacture, moulding and the huge success that Porsche were having in hill climbing and circuit racing the mid sixties proved to be pivotable in the ladder to space framing.
After all, the formula cars were space framed, so why could,nt a lightweight body and two seats work.
My view is that the designing and building of the pretty, but quick, 904, was the start of the run up to the final 917. The chassis was in steel and of a box girder construction and relied on the fibreglass body to give it strength and rigidity and it ability to carry larger and more powerful engines. So, with its success, the door was opened to the run of space framed cars, starting in the main with the Carrera 6, leading, as rapid developments and successes took place to the 908 (907s) 910s and finally the 917s in 1969.
Remember also that techniques in alloy welding in those days was not as we know it now, and the use of aircraft grade tubing, and 3 chassis constructed of magnesium, was going to look more like haemorrhoids than the beautiful flowing welds we see now. They did need that lightweight bodywork bonded to the chassis to give substance to the whole !!!!!!
Please do not think that the 917s ran off into the sunset trouble free. The whole programme of development and risk taken by Porsche and the main running team in the form of JWA, makes a remarkable story, one that would take too long to write here.
Hope this short reply helps you.
Doc Watson;499061 While drifting into the 917 again I have a question for Graham.... Whats it like in a 917 going through Eau Rouge at full chat??? its something I will very probably never experience myself. [/QUOTE said:Well Doc,
This is the truth. Thrilling, exciting, awesome ................ but initially for my 1st lap there with the 917 way back in 2005, somewhat concerning.
In the 917 the seating position is in a lying down position, very forward in the car, with as you said, ones feet ahead of the front axle line. Very comfortable, but despite what appears to be a large area windscreen from the outside, when looking out, the viewing is a little more restricted. Going into the dip and then the right curving bend is fantastic, vision perfect, but as you start the climb and the track begins its roll out, i lose ALL site of the track for a second or so until you near the top. From that 1st lap, onwards I knew what to expect, but in traffic you just have to drive with "confident caution" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a phenominal feeling going into it flat out, but then at that speed you are trying to keep it on the track as it is trying to throw you off to the left as I,m sure you must have seen many times in YouTube footage, etc, etc. It does catch a lot of people out, especially in damp conditions, and believe me Spa enjoys four seasons in one day on a very regular basis.
Spa is quite simply wonderful and until you stand at the bottom of Eau Rouge you cannot really comprehend what a steep climb it is.
The picture I,ve attached shows some of the assembly area and a few of the 82 cars waiting to go out for official practice, and you can see part of that famous bend climbing up in the distance.
A definite "to do" for anyone as a trackday or race meeting. When you eventually finish your 40 and have it sorted, it is a track you must "taste" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm actually moving towards the no HTP jac, getting it road legal is the goal.... but I do like to get period parts where I can. As for value all I know is what I have spent, I think I have gained some monetary value if all totaled up, the question is how much is it worth now.... how much on the road and how much with a HTP?
if I list the parts I have would anybody like to play 'how much is it worth now?'
To finish a shot of my favorite car engine of all time....
You only really need the HTP if your going to actually race!Do you think the inspectors would overlook my 917's V8 and titanium chassis parts?
Other than that it's straight up legit, honest :drunk: