Going to Build Racecar -- Need to know differences in early year chassis

[NicolasW]

Hey all -
I've been perusing the forums (and using the search function) and haven't been able to answer my questions....

I'm going to be building a track car out of an early 911 (1970-1979) and am not quite sure which year to get. All I need is the chassis so engine or any other parts changes that went year to year is irrelevant to me. Also, body is not an issue as I will be putting a 993 widebody on the car. Car will be fitted with a full cage which ties into the front and rear suspension, and hopefully I will be using 930 trailing arms with modified mounts.

Now, I know that starting in 1976 the bodies became galvanized, so rust wasn't as much of an issue on and after 1976, but what I need to know are the following?

- Is there any one chassis that is better than any other?
- If I were to get a pre-1976 car, how much rust is too much? What's the best way to go about inspecting?
- Are there any weight advantages/disadvantages to getting particular model year cars?

Basically, all I'm gonna need is a sound chassis to bolt on all the bodywork and parts, all the fenders will be cut off anyway. There is a local mil-spec media blaster and powdercoater in the area (http://www.ascoweb.com/) so I've got that taken care of too.

Thanks in advance,
Wes
'95 M3

[cstreit]

From what I remember, of the long wheelbase cars, the 70-73 had the lightest chassis (all other components being stripped off) of the group.

70-72 apparently have smaller rear shock tower mounts, making the addition of coilovers easier on the later ones.

1973 seems to be the cutoff for most vintage groups.

...and as you said, 1976 and later had galvanized bodies...

So!

I consider 1973 to be the best. Lightest chassis, easier shock mounting, and since most bodywork is replaced with fiberglass or CF in the end, body doesn't matter.

Try posting this in the Racing Forum for more feedback. Welcome to Pelican Parts BBS!

[nostatic]

but 72 has the magic oil tank location...

[masraum]

The earier cars should be lighter, but also less rigid, but if you are putting a cage in then that shouldn't matter. Otherwise, the other main difference will be the galvanized body.

Keep us notified and post lots of pictures when you start.

[Jack Olsen]

My advice: buy one that's already done. It'll be half the price, and half the surprises.

[Tyson Schmidt]

'72 and '73 both have the larger rear shock tower openings.

[89911]

Heres a start:

http://www.pca.org/mart/classifieds.pl?db=race_cars&website=&language=&session_key=3fe70f2a10b00768&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=headlines&category=For+Sale&query=category