Should I go widebody (Keith, emptyo help..)

[Jeff Alton]

Okay, So I have been following a couple of threads about converting to a widebody. I have a fully prepped Carrera 3.2 (3.4) that I am thinking about going widebody on. I am motivated by the work being done by other Pelicans. Everything else on this car is modified. The only stock thing is the body shell.

Am I nuts, or should I do it?

Pros.....

- Car need paint anyways
- I can weld
- I can fit fiberglass parts
- I have not driven it in 20 months anyways.......
- I build 40+ sets of wheels a year so sourcing them is not a problem.

Cons....

- I already have TWO sets of F/G bumpres fitted to the car
- not sure how long this will take
- Gotta buy new tires (already have new ones for the 2 sets of 17's I currently have)
- could be a lot of extra work.

Here is the state the car is in now....





Car is a DE/Track car with big power (for a NA car) and big brakes and 935 suspension.

Should I weld the rears and buy F/G front fenders? Or just put it together and enjoy it?

Thanks

[Britain Smith]

Do it. If it is a track car, I would go for fiberglass in case you kiss a wall or another car.

-Britain

[Jeff Alton]

Who has good fitting F/G front turbo fenders?

It is mostly a DE car, but I keep it street legal. I am not sure I can afford to ball it up in wheel to wheel. But, I am sure I will end up there with it soon....

Cheers

[favrok01]

if you go wide body i would like dibs on that f/g front please.

[Jeff Alton]

I have two of them......

cheers

[rennch]

Pornsche all the way.

Widebody. Just cut those rear fenders, and you're committed.







They are what embody the Porsche experience....

[Jeff Alton]

"PORNSCHE"....Ha, I am wearing my t-shrit right now!!!!

Michael, how is your work progressing?

Cheers

[rennch]

Check my project thread. I just updated it!

[Jeff Alton]

On my way there now!

[EarlyPorsche]

I feel like flares might become the slant nose conversions of the 80's one day. Or all these RSR conversions. They were cool and expensive at some point and now you can't give them away.

[klaucke]

Narrow body is more svelte, and has the aero benefit. You can still fit plenty of wheel/tire under narrow body flares for great performance. If I were you, I'd just get my car back together and drive it.

[EarlyPorsche]

Good point Klaucke. Not only that but narrow bodys size tires have less turning resistance from the center of the pivot. I would just keep my Porsche narrow and then modify my driving. This whole flares and conversion phase is going to end and then guys like me are going to have to convert these cars back to stock one day. I will say that Emptyo you are doing a great job, a bit more grinding on the flare welds and you should have a pretty smooth body. I like grinding and welding to the point where you use a tablespoon of filler on a weld like that.

[eimkeith]

Jeff, I'd be interested in take offs as well (unless I go widebody myself)

That is an excruciating decision, I know. If I did it (in your situation), I'd do steel flares, welded. FG front fenders are a PITA for fitment and ultimate finish on a street car.

As far as the comment about the widebody becoming passe in the future, I am of the opinion that era-correct modifications/changes don't become passe. 930-look on an eighties 911 is no fashion crime, I assure you. Turbo tails on narrow cars, possibly a different story.

Of course, 930 flares and a duck might be really cool in a muscle sort of way...

[Gunter]

Man, how can you not drive for 20 months?
I believe in upgrades and modifications but there is a point in time when you have to enjoy the results.
What's the sense of endless down-time?
Do the work in Winter and drive during Summer.
I participate in most of the runs (The CanAm June 1st in OR was a gem)
There are a few runs coming up right in your backyard, Jeff, like this Saturday, the 23rd. And then runs in July and August.
Been going on these runs for years but haven't seen you participate????
Forget the wide-body craze; drive and enjoy!

[favrok01]

PM me price on your sanded down and ready piece when you decide.

[euro911sc]

Jeff,

You have to put it back together and drive the snot off it... Then you will know if you will want to wide body it... I suspect you car will convince you that you need not make that journey just yet...

Gunter:

I've been down that long too and it sux big dead donkey ***** I've take to driving my 'other' car and it just isn't as satisfying

Best regards,

Michael

[Jeff Alton]

Thanks for the feedback!

It is taking so long because I only get a few hours a week to work on it. I am a busy guy, and a single father. I also have suffered the odd lack of motivation from time to time as I look at the project and what is left.

That said the car is getting closer now. Interior will be in (except dash cap) by the end of the week, so that leaves fitting the F/G hood and finishing the wiring harness for the new motor. (plus paint)

I am just a the point where I don't want to have spent all of this time and money and then realize I should have done one more thing.....

Gunter, I still get to drive Porsches, have friends by regularily who toss me their keys. Still not the same as driving your own, but still fun.


Cheers

[boba]

Jeff,
Finish all the mech items and then drive it for awhile. You can hold off on the paint until you see if you need more mechanical grip with the motor and brake package. If you like it as is, paint it over the winter, if not flairs and paint over the winter. As you pointed out wheels are not a issue and it sounds like the parts you have will find new homes with no problem.
Regards,
Bob

[favrok01]

Honestly i agree with the masses wiring harness is about 2 hr.
interior one day and the hood just throw it on best you can then take the poor girl out man she has been waiting to run for you for way damn to long.
do the wiring harness first, start her up and let her yell at you for a bit maybe then you will have some more motivation

[rennch]

True to all. You should be able to fit 17 X 8's and 10's under there. 245 and 275. That's as wide as I'll probably go with mine anyway. I just liked how the RSR looked.