Headers

[Tim Comeau]

2 schools of thought here.

Jim says the Stahl headers don't make a difference in HP. Joe says the MSDS and Bursch don't really make any HP. If that's so, the issue is simple. Change the rules, get rid of them and save the new guys some money. Every car comes with stock headers for free.

 

Here's the other thought .....and we can start gathering data points here.

Dwain was the first to get Stahl headers. These retail for $650. I talked to Jerry Stahl myself and he claimed they make 7 or 8 HP over stock.

 

1. How many people have purchased them now (installed or not)?

2. Why did they buy them?

3. Exactly how much did they cost?

a. the headers.

b. shipping.

c. installation.

 

I'd like just the drivers who have them to answer these questions honestly and accurately.

There is either a perceived advantage or a real advantage with these headers. Real or not, it caused at least 4 drivers after Dwain to spend money on these headers.

So, will ONLY the drivers who have bought them answer the above questions?

[Spec-944#70]

Are you just asking or have you submitted changes to ANY of our sanctioning bodies? I vote no rule changes. Those who have spent time, money, dyno to get the cars setup will be FORCED to spend time, money and dyno to remove equipment that is legal. I have not herd anyone say they lost a race because someone else has headers. Mike W won in my car against a car with headers and I don't have any.

Also did you want to change to Koni's only? Limit Torsion bar size, spring rates?

I am 100% opposed to any rule changes that change current legal cars and force them to lessen their cars. Then I suppose track records will have to stop and start with the new rules also because now the previous cars did not run under the same rules.

Another point is the rule changes won't probably effect mjy car as I run stock headers and Koni's but I do NOT think this is wise to do now.

[944spec92]

Tim:

 

I. Thanks for posting a new topic on the rumoured header issue and potential rule changes. BTW, congrats on the two 2nd place finishes at Thunderhill. It is an awesome track and I have even run it backwards which I will still claim is faster.

 

II. Before I post my responses, I will post some thoughts from Steve Russakov a very experienced 944 engine builder, as well as a proven 944 driver:

 

a. The stock headers are prone to crack at the 2-3 junction. This is a fact and EVERY header that I have seen in the last year has been cracked or repaired in that very spot and some have even cracked at the 1-2 Y. Even repaired headers are not reliable, they will crack again. Running a cracked header is a definite power loss, not to mention the carbon monoxide that is drawn in the cabin from an exhaust leak. New OEM Porsche headers (which are still crack prone) are more expensive than the Stahl....

 

b. The MSDS header is a cheap header that is made of thin wall mild steel and prone to rusting unless it is coated. It also uses a 3 bolt flange that can get caught and damaged if the car happens to have an off road excursion. Even pulling on or off the trailer can catch the flange if the car is low enough. The MSDS header is an improvement over stock as far as power goes and in my experience, does not crack under racing conditions. The difference in peak power over the Stahl is probably negligible, however the Stahl is hand made and uses thicker steel for the tubes and port flange, and is made with longer primaries, an advantage that will not show up on the dyno. You pays your money and takes your pick.

 

c. Finally, it's the prerogative of the competitor to spend their money how they want. They can buy new tires every event, put a fresh engine in every weekend, or pay for private driver coaching to gain an advantage. That is racing and no amount of mandating this or that will prevent someone from outspending another competitor. Spending a negligible amount equal to the cost of running one or two events or the cost of a set of tires on a quality header does not seem unsportsmanlike or out of character for this series.

 

d. If I was a competitor, I would offer that be it headers, struts, or how much you spend on driving shoes, the single biggest factor in running up front is driver ability and car reliably.

 

 

 

III. Now some of my own answers to your questions, Tim, brought to you by my blinker fluid supplier:

 

1. How many people have purchased them now (installed or not)?

 

a. I have raised my right hand and placed my left on the Haynes 944 manual, "I have purchased Stahl headers and am in the process of having them installed on my new engine build."

 

b. The others that I know of can answer your question directly if they elect to do so. I would encourage them provide any testimony needed and for them to contact me on blinker fluid availability.

 

2. Why did they buy them?

 

a. Because they are class legal.

b. Because I can and my wife does not need a new dress and two pairs of shoes instead.

c. Because of problems with my wife's street 944 stock header over the years, specifically, having to weld cracks more than once.

d. Because I prefer to go with the Stahl header for the quality, safety, and longevity.

e. Because I prefer not to run 130,000 + mile junk yard stock header.

f. Because my old friend and fine 944 racer of yester year is named Mitch Stahl and he has a header named after him.

 

 

3. Exactly how much did they cost?

a. the headers. Right around the cost you posted.

b. shipping. This cost may vary just depends on the deal you get.

c. installation. Included in my engine build-up and this and all the above is between me, my accountant, my favorite IRS auditor, and my lovely wife who has hidden the checkbook. As a matter of fact, I can't find my credit cards either.

 

I'd like just the drivers who have them to answer these questions honestly and accurately.

 

Unless I am under oath and with counsel present I take the 5th. Did I mention I rep go fast blinker fluid?

 

There is either a perceived advantage or a real advantage with these headers. Real or not, it caused at least 4 drivers after Dwain to spend money on these headers.

 

I will honestly and accurately state that Dwain having or using these headers (I have no clue if he does or not) had absolutely nothing to do with my decision. I also have no idea if this will actually provide more ponies on the dyno. I do know that my engine builder put it well when he wrote:

 

"The idea here is to build a reliable, long lived engine that will be as powerful as anything you can legally put on the grid and not burn excess amounts of oil or leak. As you note, seat time is the best dollar spent towards faster lap times. I think most racers leave a lot on the table in the way of suspension setups as well. That is where I'd be concentrating if I was racing 944 spec. There is "the fastest setup" and everything else. Seat time and testing will determine what is the fasted setup. Spec is no different than any other form of racing except for the engine development being limited to what Porsche did at the factory."

 

The first sentance, in a nut shell, is my one and only goal. I asked for an engine that is class legal and built to the rules, that starts (see my previous posts on my problems on this very same forum), that runs, that does not leak, and will last quite a few seasons or until I have to buy my wife some shoes and a dress because I am have to re-build a lousy engine, again.

 

So, will ONLY the drivers who have bought them answer the above questions?

 

Tim, I hope that within reason, I have been able to shed some light on your concerns. Even though I have said to you directly and support you on the same thought that "I also wished early on that the rules would have been made much tighter regulating: stock headers, one shock make, and suspension size, ride height minimums, etc..." But, too late now. Cats out of the bag.

 

Simply put, headers are not the major issue or concern. I say that when I have Bilstein shocks and would hate to see any required Koni class rule. Especially seeing that every Koni I have ever had sucked. This goes for my first '72 911 GT4R race car, my GT2R 911 racer (miss that one), my wife's 944, and my street 911. Which all by the way, now sport Bilsteins for a reason.

 

Thanks for allowing the vent and open forum on current issues. Great class, great cars, great people, great fun, great to be back out soon.

[legoland951]

Some additional information on factory headers. There are 2 different types of stock headers on top of the cast iron exhaust manifold. The less common header (tim got a set from me) has the crack prone area completely wrapped and welded all the way around and I have NEVER seen these crack compared to the partially supported always cracking "common" headers.

[mfoley]

Tim,

 

I'd appreciate a response from you to my question on the dyno post. I trust you're gathering your thoughts and you will respond to this forum.

 

As far as your question. I recently installed a Stahl header and I'm anxious to try it. I've never dyno'd my car but I'd like to if I could find the time. I have three muffler options because my next event is Laguna and I'm concerned about the noise limit. I have a stock muffler, a sport muffler and no muffler.

 

As everyone knows I have been upgrading my car over the last year. I added a limited slip at the beginning of the year and now I've added a header which are both within the rules. Incidently, and in the spirit of full disclosure, I also added a new helmet and a HANS, so I've been spending some money on my racing hobby. I plan to add a data acquisition system, more track time and I'm considering a personal driving coach.

 

I chose the Stahl because in my research it was the best from a performance and quality measure. I won't give pricing information because I respect the vendors who support our series and I wouldn't want to compromise their businesses, however I think it is cheap.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing you on the track soon.

 

Best,

Mark

[Spec-944#70]

This is why Ray is my idol!!! Everyone should worship the ground he walks on and let him pass at every opportunity!! (Like I did at CSW!!)

BTW - Thanks for shipping the "blinker fluid" in solid form. They were on my doorstep wrapped for concealment in a brown paper bag. The instructions say to place solid blinker fluid in a blender and add boiling water and then mix. Although the smell was potent it did do the job. When added to my car I noticed the cars behind me slowing down and even pulling off the track. I guess they just couldn't keep up. In fact a few felt so bad about their loss they were seen throwing up!! Brilliant product!!!

And Mark is in the bag also!!

DO NOT RUIN THIS CLASS!!!!

Come to think of it if change is what you want and also in increase in cars then adopt the rules from SCCA or the 944 Cup guys!! Then we'll have big 944 classes.

[mweeks]

Sorry Tim,

But I justed wanted to add my 2 cents.

 

I have the MSDS header on my car, only because it was there when I bought the car.

 

My feeling is that Porsche has some of the brightest engineers in the world and the factory header as it was designed in the later years of the 944/924S is probably the best setup available.

The engine setup was made to produce the most horsepower and maintain 200,000 mile reliabilty.

 

ALL after market parts makers claim improvements! It is called SALES!! If they said, Ah, my header sucks, it actually takes away 2 HP, how many do you think they would sell?

 

Bottom line; if someone wants to spend the money let them, it helps the parts maker pay his bills, really nothing more.

 

Curiously, of the people who hold track records for this class, how many are using STOCK headers?

[Tim Comeau]

The stock headers don't crack at the 2-3 junction so much as the 1-4 junction. The cast iron headers and the third gen. headers don't crack. It's the second gen that crack at the 1-4 junction.

 

Here's my beef about the non-stock headers.

The cost to build a new, competitive car is starting to escalate. I realize that some guys have spent money within the rules, but look what it's already doing to the cost of the cars.

Nobody's arguing that header choice is within the rules. When newer guys see the front runners all using Stahl headers, they feel they have to have them to compete. There goes the cost of the cars. It doesn't matter if the headers make the claimed power or not.

$650 for the headers

$ for shipping to SoCal

$ for installation

That's the better part of $1,000 added to the cost of our cars.

That's my point. Is it worse to have 10 guys who are presently racing, replace their aftermarket headers with cheap stock ones again, or have the next 50 944's built cost $1,000 more each? That's where my heart is at. What's best for the class? Should we let it go the way of the Mazda RX-7 class or now the Miata class? Who do we blame when it does?

 

To answer Eric's question, I've submitted a rules change request to PCA National so those new cars being built for the rest of the country can get started off on the right foot. At least a better one than we did. This won't really affect any of us here because there's only one PCA race per year here. A POC rules change is not even in sight. Any changes to the NASA rules aren't exclusively up to me and won't take place for a while either. By that time, most of the aftermarket headers will have cracked anyway.

[Spec-944#70]

So can I assume that since we have legal cars running and "if" rules are going to change that you will pick up the tab?? Didn't think so.

Keep the rules as is!! Now that half of us will be illegal in PCA anyway!!

Since you have now admitted to doing this Tim, exactly what "changes" did you ask for?

I just think it's WAY wrong you submitted changes to a sanctioning body without the approveal of the racers involved. Even if you think it's for the betterment of the class. It would be like my wife going and buying a new car without taking me along!!

[Chuck T.]

I am willing to show off my Dyno sheets anytime. that said does anyone have dyno sheets on a car with header$ and the same car before headers ? Just good info.

just my 3cents

chuck

NASARM 944-spec director

[944 Swede]

Tim, who are the front runners (active drivers) using Stahl headers?

[Packfill]

1) Dwain loved the Stahl Headers sooo much on the Bernheim Polka Dot car that he didnt put them on the "Timinater"

 

2) Tim, I would propose that 944Spec cars have not gotten more expensive to build... just look around, they are for sale everywhere. I can buy and build a car for 10K that will run up front... anyone willing to put down 10K, I will build a car and win a race in it b4 delivering it to you...

 

3) I am asking you to dig deep. Is this rule for the drivers? OR for the guys trying to make money building cars... I have NEVER heard a driver complain about the cost of building a car for this series... If I already had 2-3 built with stock headers and Konis that I was trying to sell, however, I might be concerned.

 

4) Who gets to submit rule changes to PCA National. Why you... Can I submit rule changes... can I call them and talk to them about these rule changes... Why is this only coming out now, instead of after a spirited discussion with the racers.

 

Tim, you are a great guy and have done IMMENSE amounts to help this class, but I do not feel this is in the interest of the class, and have yet to see anyone on this or any other form that agrees with you. Does that not carry any weight? Do you and the other directors really feel like you can autonimously make rule changes without consulting the people paying the bills??

 

I am really surprised and bewildered.... I am also curious why you chose this rule, as opposed to limiting 88s, LSDs, 924Ses, or any other item that we KNOW costs a ton of money. Just think if I had to have an 88, or an after market LSD? This is extra thousands, as opposed to the rule that you went after which is $600...the price of a set of tires...

[Spec-944#70]

PD asked me to post this!!

If we are going to go the way of ruling out headers because of the expense, about a thousand bucks and good for say what, a few tenths, half a second? I say we also outlaw LSD's! They are way more expensive than headers and have reported to achieve lap time improvements in the range of 1.5 seconds. So, that's something 'you have to have' more so than a header and costs 2-3 times as much. And while we are at it, we should rule out sway bars that are almost 20 pounds lighter because that then becomes another have to have. Now, clearly I'm talking tongue in cheek. As said already, it's too late, the cats out of the bag. You know I recall people saying a couple years ago things should be a 'little' bit tighter and it was rejected. Maybe then you would have got traction. But not now, you need the $2,800 LSD to get traction now!

 

It's funny, I have had it drilled into me that it's 'seat time seat time seat time". But yet all of a sudden it's 'cost to compete at the front' and the things that will prevent you from being there (at the front) will be these headers and the Bilstien shocks. So which is it? Seat time or spending? It's also funny - it didn't seem to be a problem last year when I saddled up against the Bernhiem budget and had to go toe to toe with that money. Didn't seem to be a problem then? Or was that just not a problem for anyone NOT running in POC? i.e. If it doesn't affect me then it's not a problem?

 

Soooo, anyways, for the record. I have 3 track records (not to gloat, but to make the point), all with Koni's, stock headers, Weltmiester sway bars, stock engine (running at Willow at 125 hp and 134 hp at Cal Speedway) and that was against the Bernhiem budget. So, I guess driver does make a big difference? Because I know the Bernhiem car had all the items in question. Also for the record, I bought the Bil's, I was curious about them. And yes, they do feel different. But I've yet to prove if they are any faster?

 

And anyway, rule out headers, people will just chase more expensive ways to find hp which will be worse for the guys without it, or money.

 

P.D.

I agree with him and others! It's too late and it seems like the only way you'll be competitive is to slow down the front runners. And again I post that Mike W won at WS in my car (stock headers, Koni's) against some of the cars with different setups!

 

Maybe the Director of the series shouldn't be racing in it. It looks to be creating a conflict of interest.

 

Lets just race!!!!

[944mechanica]

Some additional information on factory headers. There are 2 different types of stock headers on top of the cast iron exhaust manifold. The less common header (tim got a set from me) has the crack prone area completely wrapped and welded all the way around and I have NEVER seen these crack compared to the partially supported always cracking "common" headers.

 

While I don't have any business as a "non-competitor" (at the moment anyway) joining into this spirited discussion, I do need to make a correction to a previous quote attributed to me.

 

I said in error that the 944 NA 8 valve headers tend to crack at the 2-3 junction or "Y". This is in error and a slip due to years of repairing cracked 2-3 headers on 944 turbo's, which have continuous cracking and warpage problems with the 2-3 exhaust manifold.

 

On the 944 8 valve NA cars, the 1-2 header is the one the fails. This is a typical failure that is common on quite a few cars that have a long tube steel header attached to an aluminum head and is due to the differing expansion rates of the two metals. Porsche addressed this problem by adding an accordion joint to the 1-2 header on the 944T and slotted holes and composite O rings on the 16 valve cars. The latest version of the 8 valve NA header does not fail nearly as much as the early version because it is manufactured significantly stronger and doesn’t have a weld seam at the ”Y” like the previous versions. However, it was only fitted to late 1988 and all 1989 engines 8 valve engines and is not easy to find used.

 

Add another rare and difficult to obtain part to the 944 spec “must have list” joining the ranks of 1988 pistons and LSD units. At a list price of $477.66, the improved 1-2 header is close enough to the cost of the much discussed Stahl header that it is no longer a discussion point.

 

I will offer that the competitors, at least on this board, show admirable good sense in requesting continuity and rational thinking regarding rule changes. Best of luck to all of you. This is a great series with great people and long overdue IMHO. .

[Capt Squid]

I had Stahl headers installed when I had to have my engine rebuilt recently.

 

I also had heard about the stock steel headers cracking and I did not want to put the cast iron back on because of the weight. The fact that the Stahls were new and made of heavy wall tubing was a plus. I paid $650 installed. If I could of bought a set of late factory headers for $100, I probably would of gone that route.

 

If I picked up 5 hp in the top end of the powerband then I probably lost it in the mid-range. I have had headers on street cars and have found they do not add much hp through the powerband unless you change the heads and cam.

 

Case in point, I chased Tim around Willow in the Sunday race. I would usually start closing on him in 5th gear at the end of the straights. He had better exit speed in 5 and 9 so I lost the little I gained. Was the closing due to the headers or the fresh engine? Who know? Bottom line is that 5 or 8 hp does not offset better exit speed.

 

BTW, the headers make the exhaust louder so I had to put a more restrictive muffler on for Laguna Seca. Any extra hp I had is lost in the muffler.

 

I agree that we should try to keep the cost of a spec car down so we can grow the class. Problem is that no one is going to buy all the aftermarket headers that are floating around in the class.

 

In a perfect world, the rules would of outlawed headers, LSDs, short 5th gears, raising the compression to 88 level and the car would weigh 2700 lbs.

[mweeks]

If a car has a header and is making significantly more HP, then I suggest checking the AFM,Throttle Body and Cam.

 

The header will make benefits of cylinder evacuation over the stock header IF there is more air going in! By adding the header alone will make negligable differenences.

 

As a 944SPECtator, for now, I have watched and looked at many of the cars on and off the track. The fast cars are the ones that are on track several days a year.

 

Again, it REALLY boils down to seat time and talent.

 

Sorry to point out the obvious but, we do not all have the driving skills, so to say it because so and so have a chrome widget on his car, thats why he is faster is rediculous.

 

If I was concerned, I would take the $650 Stahl money I was planning to spend and use it for 4 track days! That would improve lap times faster that a new shiny widget.

[mweeks]

Please excuse the spelling errors, it was early.

[PeanutinCA]

If indeed the exploration of these changes has come about because of one or two cars on the grid, then address those 1-2 cars? Don't pi$$ off every other driver who is running the basics. Ask all drivers to throw in $10 for some dyn otime and randomly test some cars. If the numbers are significantly higher than everyone else, then deal with it. Either via removing their headers or some other method (weight penalty). But it's silly to mess with say 10 cars for the sake of 1. Just a thought.

 

P.D.

[Tim Comeau]

Eric,

There's no "admitting" anything. That would imply there was some crime being committed or something. Any PCA member can submit rules change suggestions to PCA National. When was the last time you raced at a PCA Club race? So it doesn't affect you at all.

I suggested removing non-stock headers because they add to the cost of the cars and the Bilstein AK part number shocks. Those shocks allow for spring rates (between 400-800 lbs) way out of what is the normal range according to Bilstein here in Poway.

Again there's no reason to consult those who are unaffected by this possible change. In fact, there are only a couple of us in SoCal who have ever had a PCA racing license. So relax.

[Tim Comeau]

Jim,

Please don't even make it sound like I suggested this rule for selfish purposes.....(the guys building the cars to sell). Come on......

If anyone has been selfless about this class , it's me. I've sunk so much money, time, into the development and success of this class that it's sometimes embarrassing. I only want what's best for the class itself and I've been around racing long enough (20 yrs) to see what happens when rules get stretched.........

That aside, As I said, anyone can submit rules changes to PCA. There's no need for a spirited discussion among the PCA racers here. If you're a licensed PCA club racer, you get a newsletter and it tells you now is the time to submit rules change suggestions.

 

Of course what my fellow drivers say and think carries weight with me.

 

No, me and the other Series Directors don't feel we (speaking for myself) can make changes without consulting the drivers. I don't know where you got that? I stated earlier that I was only one of 4 Series Directors. Besides, don't you remember how I took a poll among the drivers for input regarding:

1. short shifters

2. exterior mirrors

3. throttle cams

etc,.....?

The reason I chose these rules was that they are bad for the class. How bad? Bad now or bad later? We'll see. It's clear that many POC and NASA drivers don't want the header rule changed now.

 

Why not address the 88's, LSD's, 924S's?

1. No reason to ban the 88's. The major difference is the compression ratio which can easily be matched in any of the earlier cars by shaving the head. Mute point.

2. Lots of cars being raced were delivered with factory LSD's. There are now too many cars with various types of LSD's to go back and have them removed. As opposed to the number of cars with aftermarket headers, which according to a poll I conducted last year was about 8? total.

3. No reason to ban 924S's. The single difference between these cars and the early 944's is the narrow body, which is offset by the narrower track width of the 924S. Nobody's arguing that? Again, mute point.

 

Let's put the header thing to rest for a while and see what drivers think about it a couple years down the road.....

[mfoley]

Tim,

 

I have a PCA Club Racing License so it effects me. It also effects everyone else in this class because we're trying to build 944 Spec racing across clubs and across the country. You know this because we've all heard you preach it many times.

[Packfill]

Tim, if we are going to have this dicussion, lets ONLY deal in facts...

 

I suggested removing non-stock headers because they add to the cost of the cars

 

They will. But lets not forget that most will have to purchase the lighter, better OEM headers. These will still cost $100? plus installation...

 

and the Bilstein AK part number shocks. Those shocks allow for spring rates (between 400-800 lbs) way out of what is the normal range according to Bilstein here in Poway.

 

This is just plain poppycock. Which engineer at Bilstein told you that a shock that is factory set for 380 lbs of compression and 180 lbs of rebound can handle a 4-800lb spring? And more importantly WHO IS RUNNING THESE SPRINGS. Are you really changing a rule to protect us from something that might one day happen? I am aware of not a single car that has EVER run over 500 lb springs and currently not a single car that runs over 400... the consensus on ideal sep up is 350.... I have tested up to a 500, but have 350s on my car getting ready for Laguna Seca.... (oh sh#t, are we gonna ban changing springs now???)

 

 

1. No reason to ban the 88's. The major difference is the compression ratio which can easily be matched in any of the earlier cars by shaving the head. Mute point.

 

Why is this a mute point... The 88s have better suspension geometry, a better (faster) computer, and better pistons, and yes, the c/r can be changed on a older car to match, but decking the head has disadvantages as well.

 

2. Lots of cars being raced were delivered with factory LSD's. There are now too many cars with various types of LSD's to go back and have them removed. As opposed to the number of cars with aftermarket headers, which according to a poll I conducted last year was about 8? total.

 

I believe that more cars started a race this year WITH after market headers, then without... 8 is crazy... I can think of 12 off the top of my head... look at the race results and do the math...please.

 

3. No reason to ban 924S's. The single difference between these cars and the early 944's is the narrow body, which is offset by the narrower track width of the 924S. Nobody's arguing that? Again, mute point.

 

This "advantage" is much harder to quantify then a header rule. You claim that Dwain having the Stahl headers was a factor. Well, when Dwain went to build the ultimate SPec car, what did he start with? A 1988 924S. Also, I beleive you changed the rules to allow wheel spacers on the 924S didnt you? Doesnt this aid the track width? I believe that more people ARE concerned with 924Ses than with Headers... (Although I think few are concerned with either...)

 

Let's put the header thing to rest for a while and see what drivers think about it a couple years down the road.....

 

Thank you for making this issue public. I am willing to let this go for now. I feel we have overwhelmingly stated the RACERS collective opinion. We will now wait to see who is listening....

[Chuck T.]

" Well, when Dwain went to build the ultimate SPec car, what did he start with? A 1988 924S. "

 

Cool my new car is a 88 924S !

 

Thanks for the info guys .... our last race at pueblo there was a 944-spec car with headers and straight pipes. I think he had the same power as me on the top end but It really seemed to hurt his bottom end torque. As a result he was really over revving the engine to keep it in the upper range.... The engine only lasted the practice time did not even qual.

 

As for rule changes remember PCA club racers are going to adopt S1 or S2 , if they choose S1 then there will be a whole bunch of racers out there pushing on the/our rules we need a pitbull to go after any rule benders in our class. If Tim is that "pitbull" then it's ok by me (Thanks for your work in our class) if Tim is not that "pitbull" we need to find someone else to do the job. Personally I think it is a thankless job and don't want it, but we do need someone to do it.

 

RIP "Headers"

 

Chuck

[944 Swede]

Tim,

I'm glad to see you came to your senses and decided to leave the issue about headers alone. I'm not clear on if you're still suggesting a rule change to PCA...?

If you are still asking PCA to change their rules from the established 944spec rules I will indeed object and ask that you would reconsider.

The idea with 944spec rules is to act as a uniformed group to all organisations, PCA, POC and NASA.

Including scca is a whole different topic.

 

If I were you and if you're interested in growth and controlling cost, I would not change established rules like free headers, free chips etc. but realize that racers are getting more creative and tighten up the rules where it won't hurt anyone today.

 

I can give you many examples but here's one to consider and one I seriously thought about doing but since I'm a front runner I just haven't had the motivation to do it yet.

 

Unsprung weight is a big "slower downer" and I could legally use lightweight 2 piece aluminum rotors and save myself a ton of weight.

 

So spend some time to look for "loop holes" like that and save us some future silly suggestions.

 

Please tell me it "won't make that much of a difference" or "it's not in the spirit of the rules" and I will laugh all the way to the podium.

 

Please educate the new guys building cars and tell them not one thing will make a difference but it is the sum of all things that makes a difference.

 

Auto racing is not cheap but winning will always be expensive.

 

The only constant in auto racing is change but this class can't afford any silly changes.

 

Keep up the good work Tim.

[mfoley]

Mikael,

 

You've captured what many of us have been trying to convey.

 

Well said !!!