Oil Lines and Tire Clearance

[Tspringer]

I just installed the oil lines and thermostat on my '69 911S from Elephant racing. My car previously had the thermostat in the engine bay and the lines ran through the rocker panel. I cut the old lines out as much as possible (would have to remove the rocker to get them all).

I installed a complete Elephant Racing finned oil line set, the bigmouth fender mounted cooler and all the engine oil lines to match. Chuck was great getting me the complete set and even customizing one fitting to match my car. Great service and a gorgeous product!

The fitting of all this stuff was pretty straightforward, but not as easy as I expected. It all fits, but its very tight in places and patience is required. I finally got it all installed and looking exactly like all the photos say it should. One thing I am a bit worried about is the thermostat rubs against the body of the car. ITs actually pressed against the body fairly firmly on one corner. Hope this does not cause a problem.

My question: It appears as if the oil lines running from the engine to the thermostat and then from the thermostat to the oil tank will interfere with tire clearance. I am hoping to run 225 rear tires on 15x7 Fuchs. These are not "R" wheels, but I know they have been fitted to other early narrow cars. Seems some people have no problem.... others do.

It sure looks as if the oil lines would limit tire clearance on the inside of the wheel well? I have not fitted the wheel/tire yet because my rear suspension is still apart, but what experience have others had with this?


Terry

[ZCAT3]

Terry - all the 911s fitted with the front cooler from the factory have the lines going through that area without an issue. People do run into tire clearance issues when they go to very wide tires, but I would think you will be fine.

[Elombard]

More Pics please! : -))

[Chuck Moreland]

From 73 to 89, the factory pressed a little indentation into the rear wheel well. Those factory lines fit into the indentation, gaining just a little more tire clearance. Maybe 1/2 inch.

Your car doesn't have the indentation.

I'd test fit the tires and see if you have a problem first, you may not. 225 x15x7 on a narrow rear typically rubs on the outside.

If you need more clearance, you have a couple options:

- Those stock lines can be bent so they run a couple inches lower and in further

- Replace the stock lines with custom hoses that run up over the top of the wheel arch

Again, I'd try the tires first.

[Chuck Moreland]

Here is a pic of some lines that have been relocated:



Bill Verburg's car.

[Joe Bob]

I did the same on cab...I also used a 1/4 spacer for the wheel....