924Board.org

[Ken Greenfield]

Hi Folks,

I am a new member to this BB. I am a bit out of my element on a 924 BB, and I am hoping that you folks can help me. Like you I am a Porsche enthusiast. Most of my experience with Porsches comes in the way of 914's.

Much of that experience is in 914-6 race cars. I currently have two Vintage 914-6's which I campaign in two different Vintage classes. I recently became aware of a 924/931 race car that is in the market. It is the former Apollo plastics car and appears to be well known in DP and GT-3 SCCA racing.

What can you kind people tell me about the 933 and do you have any first hand knowledge about this type of car generally and this car specifically. Some of my questions include:

1) Reliability. Is this car reliable and well made enough to not cost a fortune to operate. In the 80's I was associated with a team that ran a factory derivative of a 944 Turbo or perhaps more correctly a 944 GTR. The car was blazing fast but very fragile. I don't need that same kind of situation with the 933. Of course I realize it is not turbo charged but in my cars I stress reliability over speed. I'll take less speed for more reliability any day.

2) Especially in the areas of the motor and the tranny. What in the world is a "snail shell" tranny? I gather it is a five speed. Is it all synchro? How would you relate it to a 901 gearbox as used in 914's and early 911's. Is it any more difficult to use and to rebuild than a 901. Are parts for the motor and tranny available. Especially gears and other parts to build back up equipment?

3) I have raced 944's which are lovely cars. How would you rate a 933 to a 944?

4) PLEASE help me with unasked questions or advice. The pros and cons of this type of car.

5) Any real weak points in the car that I ought to know about?
I guess I need a quick course in these cars and any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated. In addition to whatever you post might I trouble you for a PM to rittmeister@tampabay.rr.com. Thanks in advance. Ken Greenfield
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Ken Greenfield

[Dutch924-racer]

Talking about this car ?

http://bringatrailer.com/2011/05/19/bat-exclusive-1980-porsche-933-scca-factory-racer/
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937 trackday car
Series 2 engine
951S turbo and intercooler
Fast road camshaft
Forge recirculation valve + boost controller

[Lizard]

It should be a pretty reliable car, but I would recommend doing the rod bearings every season as a safety.

The "snailshell" transmission is a transmission similar to the 915 Porsche transmission. It uses a dogleg shift patter, and is a very stout transmission short of a weaker 1st and second syncromesh from people not knowing how to drive.

There has been many changes to most of the 933 cars that I am aware of over the years. So many things will likely be known only to the owner of that car.

I recommend that you go and view the car in person, and ask for records. The records should show as to how much repair the car really needed on the track.
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3 928s,

[Ken Greenfield]

Hi,

Thanks for the very good advice. That is good to hear that the snail shell is similar to the 915. I am used to the 901 so something similar to the 915 will be a huge upgrade.

In my opinion the 901 is the poorest Porsche transmission made. Part of the problem is the linkage designed for the 914-6. There are some after market things that one can do to help but Porsche made many improvements in the transmissions that followed the 901.

Thanks again for your response and advice.
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Ken Greenfield

[924RACR]

Corrections are in the Racing forum... the snail box is based off the 901 box, not the 915.

And no, I would not expect that car to be so reliable like an ITB car etc - much more highly stressed.
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Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[Ken Greenfield]

Dear Vaughan,

Thank you for your comments. While it would have been nice if the snail shell is more like the 915, I am used to the 901 in my 914-6's. I would actually expect the snail shell to be better as the linkage on the 901 in a 914 is lousy. There are some cures that one can do but a 901 for a 914, but it is not the eiest tranny to deal with until one gains some experience.

As to reliability I understand that there will be some issues as the 933 is a real race car. I have that same issue with one of my 914-6's as it is a semi tube frame all out GT-2 car and that takes a bit more preparation. But that should be some of the challenge in it. Thanks again for your comments.
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Ken Greenfield

[v8carreragts]