Rich in Wisconsin Engine Progress

Well slow steady progress continues, here's some shots of where we are at. I'm very pleased with the work but wish progress was a little quicker. Ignition parts coming in later this week, so I know what that means. Check that header system out.

Rich - Looking good! You realize that those pictures are considered SOC porn don't you?

Jim, no. Should I be posting more or less?

Oh Yeah! Nice Pipes!

~WB

More is good!

I should note that the header system is the work of Chris Foley. It was a tough fit, but we made it. It looks great Chris, now I can't wait to hear it!

looking very good Rich!

What are the specs on your T4 again?

Was a 1.7 just going up to 1.9, am told to expect 100-110hp. At this stage I'm just looking for a good, reliable ride. Once I get somes miles on it and see how it performs, we'll see where we go. Something tells me I am going to be real happy with this as it is.

That's about what Lane Anderson has in his Beck (a 1,915cc) as well as a lot of others on here and, as far as I know.....He's been very happy with his.

Good Luck!

GN

Gordon, 1911 to be exact, it's a Type 4. I'll be able to shut the lid and drive forever...I hope. Thanks for the well wishes.

Well, Great jumpin JC!! Who let all those snakes loose in your garage?? Looks like Medusa under there. Hope it's all balanced right and flows freely.

Gonna be cool, indeed.

Kelly, it's looking pretty good from this angle too.

Another few days have gone by and the progress is painfully slow. But it is being carefully completed and thoughtfully worked on. Just too many projects at his shop and I am certain my car is suffering for it.

Hey Rich - Marty (in Chicago) tells me that Quaaludes help with the car anticipation jitters.

Yes, Jim, and I think he will need way more than I will.

I still have the shakes.

Jeez, Tom, you should be in ecstasy.

Hey Rich---lookin good! I especially like the tins you have--you can see them best in the middle picture. You are gonna be one happy camper!

Now is the time to consider an Espar heater to extend your driving season there in Wisc. The best dealer for these that I found was Espar of Michigan, the owner is Ray Lawrence who is a car guy too and extremely helpful. He's located in Commerce Township and his number is 800/837-3900. (I'm assuming that you won't have heater boxes??)

A Type IV in a Beck. A great combo!

Actually am, but that 9 months was hard :)

Jack
Tell us about your Espar heater installation. which model, where mounted, where diesel container is located, etc.

Rob, Jack posted a nice write-up about his new Espar heater somewhere on here...I'm sure it can be found easily with a little poking around.

That's right Jack, as my headers clearly show, no heater boxes. Hell, if Cory Drake can drive around all winter with no top, who needs heat. It actually will be on my things to do list. First though, is getting it running.

Rich - you should know that Cory Drake is NOT of this earth!

Also: big difference, Winter-wise, between MD and WI

Yeah. Wisconsin winters start in August and end in July.

Rich,
Fantastic work so far; whatever you're paying that guy, it looks like it'll be worth it in the end. The tricky part in any fabrication effort (for me, anyway) has always been to make it look simple when it's completed. Hiding wires, using as few fasteners as possible, minimizing hammer marks and so on ... THAT's hard to do.

BTW, it makes a huge difference to me how warm I am while driving.
I use an old Luftwaffe leather coat and a fighter-pilot's fleece-lined helmet in winter. If it's raining, I use a mutted-up pudding bowl and British goggles.

I picked the coat and two helmets up right after the Mother Ship left me here to fend for myself. El Guapo was the advance party. Anderson's always been here.

You are correct Commander Cory, those wires have got to get their act together. When will the ship be back for you guys? We'll miss you if you must leave.

I'm sorry Rich, but we aren't leaving. You humans are.

BWAH HAH HAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa..........

Tuesday afternoon, 6/14/2011, visited Fabson Engineering and I found the engine almost completed. Oil breather connected, MSD ignition connected and wiring almost complete. Some fine tuning and it will be ready to come to life...maybe this week!!! Now I have to start fretting over getting my registration and plates. Fifty laps around my cul de sac, a few loops of the subdivision every day will get old quick.

Then of course, I can't get enough of the view of the header system...

What fan shroud and cooling tins did you use for your type 4 conversion??

Mike

Two sets of Type 4 tins...as for the shroud, I'm not completely sure what type was used, I can verify that for you. There is the same oil cooler from the 914 engine hiding back there behind the shroud. I have a thread on ShopTalkForums.com, "Type 4 Into a Beck Speedster" within the Type4rum section where you will find more detailed photos of the fabrication. A Type 1 section was used near the crank pulley and a section of the same was used to extend it further back to get it under the aluminum apron.

Mike, maybe these will help illustrate the fabrication.

Wow!! Great metal work. I wonder how it will flow. Hopefully you get equal, or close to equal cooling across all cylinders. You do know about Jake's DTM...right? I really dig the "looks" of your all metal tins and shroud.

Mike

Yes, Mike, it was a toss-up between the proven performance of Jake's DTM or this more old school approach. I'll see when I get my bill real soon whether or not is was financially worth it or not. In the end, I think the cooling will be sufficient living here in Wisconsin where it is 56 degrees and raining today on the 15th of June. Besides, it was built with the intention of a good, reliable daily driver and not a race car. Also, the whole deal looks a little more period correct. Plus, this is a Type 4 with a mild build, 1.9 liter from the original 1.7. My builder has good experience with all things Porsche and used to race a 914 so I feel confident in his recommendations and local reputation for knowing what he does. He has also been taking care of my '86 911 coupe, rebuilt the transaxle last year and I have had no problems there. I'm feeling pretty good about the whole experience so far. When I have so much money that I don't know what to do with, I'll consider speaking to Jake. In the meantime, I think I'm in for a good time real soon.

Rich--I am enjoying the good progress on your build. I am looking forward to seeing the completed project. You are going to have a great set up.

One thing--I don't know if you priced Jake's DTM or not but it's not all that expensive. Folks who do business wilh Jake are not spendthrifts--certainly I'm not. He's not cheap but at the same time
you definitely get what you pay for---I know I did.

I'd be willing to bet if the person carrying out this work charges anywhere near modern labor rates, a DTM kit could have been purchased for the same money.

The DTM isn't for everyone, and neither is the Type 4 Conversion. My products are also not for everyone. Richard and I talked at the outset of his project and the feeling was somewhat mutual that what we offer is probably not what he was best suited with.

Hey Rich - nice work.

one q though - on my CMC - i don't have that much extra room on the sides of the engine (maybe 1" clearance to the 2x2" rear frame).

i'm guessing you have measured, but how wide if your engine bay?

Yeah, I hear ya Rich. I REALLY like the way your setup came out. Looks fantastic! I am a 914 guy also, and have built a couple type 4 engines, including a 2056 with Jakes cam and rocker setup. That engine screams. The 1911 combo is a great engine too, and should kick butt in a speedy, weighing what it does. Just gotta rev it up a tad more to get the torque, with that 66mm crank. Ps....my 914 is for sale. ;-P

Mike