The Winter Works

[Tclynes]

Evening all, Sunday lunch in belly, classifieds browsed, dog snoring, time for the winter plans to kick in for the 912.

We are having one last hurrah to Donington next week with Mission Motorsport then she's having her bits done. The aim is for more power from the same engine, reliability for long trips, and a few niggles, so thought I would keep you posted on here and ask for some advice.

1. Engine is being done by Michael Miller, he's looked after the car since I've had it and the 356 he is doing currently looks excellent, probably going to change the clutch too whilst all is out unless its pristine, I don't want to lose time over the summer, and hill climbs are on the agenda.

2. Alternator - it's got to be an alternator as I don't want a repeat of last years trip and I'm not fixed on originality, any recommendations of who does the best kit?

3. Wheels - I'm getting the current ones smartened up, but need another set for track use (so I'm not burning my good Michelins) but also am aiming to do the Neige et Glacé in 2017 so will need spares for studded tyres. Any recommendations, I would like skinny steels but they seem to cost more than replica Fuchs, any advice?

There's more to be done, but simple stuff, these are my current bits. Any help hugely appreciated...

[neilbardsley]

What are your plans with the engine? Do you already have a big bore cylinder/piston set in the car? If you do have a 1720 engine then more HP/torque can be quite costly? Fancy pistons/cylinders/crank and higher compression ratio aren't cheap. I most admit, to my ignorance, that I've never heard of Michael Miller before. Has he build many 616 engines?

[Tclynes]

Morning,

The engine is not big bore at the moment and I've decided against fitting that kit currently. The engine is coming out after Donington so then we will see where things can be improved and worked on, I've got a bit more job security now so budget wise, not going to go mad, but I'm planning to do this once and it last rather than half job it.

Michael has worked on plenty of them over the years, he doesn't just work on Porsches but the 356/912 engine is one of his favourites. He isn't well known as he doesn't advertise, I only got to know him through doing some medical work for Mission Motorsport. He's saved my bacon a few times with the car already.

Alternator wise, keen to hear any recommendations as want to get it ordered soonish in case there is a delay in it arriving.

[Timo]

Rocket on here offers an alternator upgrade with a new pedestal casting as part of the kit, or Andy Prill offers an alternator conversion that fits the standard dynamo pedestal but think this actually works out more pricey than the first option, depends on your budget and which one you like the look of I guess. Not sure of the technical specs if there is a difference in performance/longevity etc?

[Tclynes]

An alternator kit from the UK would be less hassle.

After some info from Neil, and an afternoon at the workshop with Michael, I've been swayed to go for the big bore, my engine may be ok, but if the engines coming out, it may as well be done completely (man maths is involved here)

[Timo]

Definitely worth going for big bore if you are re doing your top end, roughly 10bhp/10ft ibs increase for the same cost if not less than standard bore.

[Tclynes]

Last hurrah done today with Mission Motorsport at Donington.

First time round the circuit, it was really good, car felt lovely through the Craner Curves, really glad with the Bilsteins. Most definitely the slowest around there, but plenty of people jumping in for a ride.

Now the rebuild begins...

[neilbardsley]

Well done for tracking yours. What is the top speed you have got and how many rpms do you dare push it in (with this engine)?

[Tclynes]

The phrase of the day from people was "it's great to see one of these being used on track" met by more surprise that I had driven it there.

Rev wise, it was getting taken all the way to the 6k red line, and occasionally on the way out of Coppice slightly more due to wanting to keep balance onto the straight. On the straight I didn't see the top speed, it's not that accurate, but over 90mph with a clear line would be my guess.

Quite looking forward to going back when the work is done to see the difference

Tom

[neilbardsley]

6k should be well over 90mph! I've had my at 100mph under 5k but it depends on what ratios you have in your gearbox. I'm never been near 6k. If you are pushing your engine to 6k without a problem how bad can it be?

[Tclynes]

I was being loose with the redline as I knew the engine was for the work bench. But in all fairness it's always ran really well at the top end, it's the 3-4K it's always felt lumpy at, the carb strip, rebuild and tune when the new bits are on should help a lot of that.

I'm only a 4 speeder, but the 4th gear ratio matches the 5th from what I remember, I may have been faster, but always had my eye in the rear view as the 12C was warp speed on the back straight. At One point I was half way along and saw its lights coming out of Coppice, the next moment it flashed past me and was gone.

[neilbardsley]

Honestly sounds more like a carb/distributor issue. Since 3/4k rpm is roughly the transition from the idle jets to main jets (in my webbers). Have you considered a rolling road session? Peter is meant to be very, very good http://wilshers-garages.com/contact.asp

Please read Steve Wright 356 race car thread where the engine had been rebuild a couple of times but then a rolling road session with Peter gained 20hp for 2 hours work!

I'm not trying to put you off but if you don't have to spend money.

[Tclynes]

The rolling road is a great plan, the carbs need a good clean, God knows when they were last off, probably '74!

The engine needs a strip anyway as the tinware is not at its most efficient to say the least, the exhaust also needs a full check over. Haven't had a chance to call Andy Prill yet as the on calls have been awful but may just drop him an email to get the ball rolling.

Thank you for the information on Peter, really appreciated

Tom

[Tclynes]

Right, update time! After being away for a week for a friends birthday (skiing, but looking at the roads the whole time planning a summer trip back) and then a horrific week on call I thought it was time for an update before my next 12 days on.

The engine is now completely apart, and cracking along at a fair pace.

Firstly the stop down exposed what we knew about the tin work being as efficient as an NHS manager, Michael even found an old spark plug and screwdriver tucked down there!





The last person to assemble the engine obviously got bored when they got to the gaskets as there is a lot of bodging with sealant, luckily no long term damage, but I'm glad it's being rebuilt!

The top end is in good condition, some play in the valve springs but nothing that can't be sorted easily. The Pistons and liners are in very good condition, the cam showing some pitting at the tip, these are all to be replaced. Rods are original and tidy, one loose little end bush luckily hadn't spun and caused a disaster. There will be some gas flowing of the ports too, just to keep things tidy.





The crank shows some scoring, so this is off for a regrind and balance.



Tin work is all of, straightened, blasted and ready for etch, prime and paint. Heating system is all there and just needed straightening, my better half was happy about that. Exhaust is awaiting it's blasting, it's a bit worn, but hopefully save able as it does give the car some character.



The alternator arrived from AES, as I've said elsewhere, due to being a '66 some machining is required, but it should more than cope with the demands on the car.



So lots done, lots to do. Carbs are being rebuilt, parts to come from the USA, the decision has also been made for the improved oil filter system, it seemed stupid to do all this work and not protect it.

To top off all the progress, I got back from the garage yesterday to a surprise from my Fiancée, she'd asked Stefan Majoram to paint the car for me as a gift, if you haven't seen his work it's great, so this is going up as soon as I have framed it.



Big post, but it's been a while!

[rinkster]

Great post, Looks like you've have plenty to keep you busy there for a while.

I live about 5 mins away from the Wilshers Garages, Wimpole. So if you take it there for a rolling road tune (That place has a great reputation,
and a waiting list !!!) then let me know and i'll put the kettle on.

Tim