Should the lead stay or go?
03-04-2004, 05:19 PM
#1
Track Day
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Should the lead stay or go?
I am in the process of dismantling my '67 for paint and I'm wondering what some of you good folks have done about the blocks of lead molded into the front bumper.
Are they easily removed? Should they be taken out? What impact does it have on the handling if the blocks are removed?
From what I have been told so far, it is rare to still have these chucks of lead in the car.
Thanks in advance...
Joe
1967 911S
1967 912
1969 911T
1985.5 944
Are they easily removed? Should they be taken out? What impact does it have on the handling if the blocks are removed?
From what I have been told so far, it is rare to still have these chucks of lead in the car.
Thanks in advance...
Joe
1967 911S
1967 912
1969 911T
1985.5 944
03-04-2004, 05:22 PM
#2
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Joe - that's an old trick they used to use in the days of the demolishion derby 
None of my old 911s have had that weight, but I imagine there are more graceful ways to improve the stability of the short wheelbase cars nowadays (better suspension components and radial tires for starters). I'd keep the weights in the garage for posterity...
None of my old 911s have had that weight, but I imagine there are more graceful ways to improve the stability of the short wheelbase cars nowadays (better suspension components and radial tires for starters). I'd keep the weights in the garage for posterity...
03-04-2004, 07:35 PM
#3
The Hoffinator
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is this lead that has been put on like body filler, or litterally lead weights added on like you describe?
(some of the better body men use lead filler rather than bondo, as the lead wont crack or fall out).
(some of the better body men use lead filler rather than bondo, as the lead wont crack or fall out).
03-04-2004, 07:56 PM
#4
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I assume you're talking about the wieghts in the front bumper overriders.
According to Mr. Frere's book, Porsche 911 Story, the early 911, when it went into production, had problems with staight line stability and sensitivity to side winds, and the handling and throttle reactions were very sensitive to the weight carried by each wheel, depending on the torsion bar settings.
The quick fix they can up with was to insert cast iron lumps (weighing 24.5 lbs each) into the front bumper overriders. Lead (which was used on the prototypes) was deemed too expensive for the production cars. While it doesn't seem like the weights would have much effect, chief Ing. Helmuth Bott said he could get into any 911 any tell if the weights were present or not by driving it up and down the road.
I agree with GrantG that there are probably more elegant ways to improve the handling nowadays.
Ron
91 C2 Cabriolet
85.5 944 NA
According to Mr. Frere's book, Porsche 911 Story, the early 911, when it went into production, had problems with staight line stability and sensitivity to side winds, and the handling and throttle reactions were very sensitive to the weight carried by each wheel, depending on the torsion bar settings.
The quick fix they can up with was to insert cast iron lumps (weighing 24.5 lbs each) into the front bumper overriders. Lead (which was used on the prototypes) was deemed too expensive for the production cars. While it doesn't seem like the weights would have much effect, chief Ing. Helmuth Bott said he could get into any 911 any tell if the weights were present or not by driving it up and down the road.
I agree with GrantG that there are probably more elegant ways to improve the handling nowadays.
Ron
91 C2 Cabriolet
85.5 944 NA
03-04-2004, 10:23 PM
#5
RL Technical Advisor
Hi Joe:
If you update your front suspension components to the '72-on style, you can dispense with the weights since the car will handle fare better.
If retain the stock A-arms, ball joints, struts, then I'd keep the weights.
If you update your front suspension components to the '72-on style, you can dispense with the weights since the car will handle fare better.
If retain the stock A-arms, ball joints, struts, then I'd keep the weights.
03-05-2004, 12:16 AM
#7
Track Day
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Thanks for the feedback gentleman!
Since I'm going to be keeping the car close to original, I think I'll keep the weights in place.
Seems a rather crude solution for the handling problem. What the heck? Tack 40-50 pounds of dead weight into the bumper just for good measure!
Do I get a bonus factor at the next PCA auto-cross if I have the weights in place?
Thanks again!
Joe
Seems a rather crude solution for the handling problem. What the heck? Tack 40-50 pounds of dead weight into the bumper just for good measure!
Do I get a bonus factor at the next PCA auto-cross if I have the weights in place?
Thanks again!
Joe
