Scott at Team Harco

In order to pound out the damage incurred by the gracious assitance of a 16 year old driver (who really has no business with a driver's license) - I discovered that my car's fenders are quite heavy. Granted, the metal gauge is significant - but there was also a full shellacking of this obnoxious rubbery substance that was at least 2mm thick throughout.

Being the weight conscious (on the car at least) individual that I am - I scraped all the offensive material out of the fender that was removed. The total weight of this labor was on the order of 3 pounds. It seems this material is inside all four fenders and also on the primary body structure within the fenders. My conservative estimate is that there must exist at least 25 to 30 pounds of this stuff just within the fenders. I understand the rust protection and sound deadening properties of this material - but I don't like the weight handicap.

So, my question remains... is this common to all 944s or is this a possible dealer (or aftermarket) applied process? Being that my car has spent all its life in the rust belt, it seems possible that it may be applied outside the factory. On the other hand, I had the opportunity to measure corner weights a few years ago and the total vehicle weight was just over 2700 lbs. From what I have seen this is at, or below, the specs applicable for my car (85.5, N/A).

I guess I know the answer. This is standard "equipment" and it's there for the reasons stated above. So if I want to do something about it - it's going to be a lot a work. So far I've deleted the A/C, the charcoal cannister, some sound deadener and a few other minor items. I'm looking at the front tie-down brackets and other possible weight savings. Short of stripping the car down to nothing, and starting over, there may be as much as 100 to 150 pounds to be eliminated.

Sorry for the rant - It's just that I have this philosphy: "weight is the enemy". Porsche understands this as well as any manufacturer. I'll have to build my own RS or Club Sport - I sure can't afford to pay for one.

Happy Motoring

seb928s

Hmm that's standard it helps your body from rust. I wouldn't remove it.

Scott at Team Harco

Too late

jabbadeznuts

Three pounds too late.

Yabo

just don't rally it, and get frequent underbody washes at carwashes that do so. you might be ok. Might be ok.

MM951

Heh, can always spray it with POR-15

Porsche-O-Phile

It'll give you some impact resistance if you ever blow up a tire too - those rubber shards can do some damage - I know this from experience with my truck! If you just have paint / metal there it'll dent it.

helzerr

You've discovered one of the secrets, why Porsche's (and most other European imports) sound more "substantial" instead of the "tin can" feeling you get from Japanese imports.

Scott at Team Harco

"Don't rally it". That's funny! I did take it last year when I worked as a marshal at the Cadillac Forest Rally in Michigan. There was so much sand and dirt stuffed in the engine compartment and inside the wheels - I thought I'd never get it all out. In fact - yesterday, I found plenty that was still on the lower horizontal surfaces. I have most of the front half of the engine apart now, so most everything is exposed.

In addition to the body work, I'm deleting the A/C, rebuilding the steering rack and pump, replacing the outer tie rod ends and the oil pan gasket. Should have a nice clean and fresh front end in two weeks time.

On a note regarding the rubber sealant - there are still the huge plastic inner fender shields that are on these cars. These babies should provide plenty of protection against road debris etc. It won't protect against salt spray - but I don't use "Herbie" in the winter anyway.