Opinions needed: to flare or not to flare?

[catuck]

My '75 911s needs wider rear tires! I cram 225 50 16's in there and they rub. I could suck it up and use narrower tires, but I really feel the wider tires help my autocross times, plus I like the look of SC/Carrera flares. I'm also thinking of making it a Carrera Tribute car. Unfortunately, I'm a purist! I know the mid year 911's are not desirable, but with my 3.2 it's really a great car. (so I guess it's not pure anyway!)

More info: there are some rust issues that I plan to fix. So the other thought is to part this car out and buy an SC tub. There are two major things keeping me from this - money and weight. My car is lighter than an SC and I don't think it would be cost effective to buy another car.

Please help me make up my mind!

Side note - why doesn't the spell check have Carrera?

[Walter_Middie]

Chris,

Nice looking car. I agree that some of the desirability of the mid-year is the narrow body - but you have already strayed with the 3.2.

Is the car mostly auto-xed? Or is it part street and some auto-x?

How much rust?

Either way (New SC roller or fix the 75) you are spending and loosing money. If it were me, I'd try to imagine what you want to end up with and just do that. Forget the cost - you're racing (up to a point - you don't want to go crazy). If you think you'd be happy by further modding the 75 and there really aren't any other problems with it, then that's the answer. I've always found that once something isn't working for me, no amount of lipstick and fancy do-dads gets it to where I want. SC rollers are cheap right now - or get lucky and find a 930 with a blown up engine.

[catuck]

Rex,
I checked out your car in your garage - very nice!
I mostly auto-x the car, but some street. I would drive it on the street more if it looked better (the photos don't show paint chips and rust!) I'm planning to re-paint soon thus the pending question about flares. Rust isn't bad - Rocker at back of pass. door, and two spots in trunk/front wheel wells (very easy fix). I have already sunk money in the engine, trans. and suspension - but those are all transferable.
One other issue - my wife will baulk at the idea of buying another car! Plus she loves this one (mostly the color).

I'm leaning towards flaring, I guess I'm looking for someone to talke me into or out of the idea.

[javadog]

If you are going to paint the car anyway, and are otherwise happy with it, I would add the flares. New, they are around $1,200 a pair but I'd wager you could find someone parting out a 911SC or Carrera tub that would cut off and sell a pair for much less than that.

JR

[catuck]

JR,
Yes, I was thinking I would have someone cut flares off their tub. Thanks for the input!

[giovanni86]

don't do that! your car is beautiful!

[catuck]

Thanks - I really do like the lines of the narrow body. That's one reason I'm so conflicted! If the wide tires wouldn't rub, I wouldn't be considering it. I already have camber set all the way negative (great for autocross, very twitchy on the road)

[al lkosmal]

Flare it........

[jmz]

slippery slope.

If you need/want paint then do it if you think you want flares like the previous poster said.

If you REALLY want flares but don't need paint well do it anyway.

Otherwise go look for some revolutions or something with the right offset to squeeze a bit more tire under there. From the pics, it looks like you might be able to reduce body roll just a bit too by some suspension work so there are other ways to get your times down.

A narrow bodied car with as much tire stuffed underneath it as possible and sitting as low as realistically possible makes for a nice and tough looking package.

I have a flared fendered '74 and wouldn't want it any other way. With all the brightwork it is still quite clear that my car is vintage and not just another SC or 3.2 Carrera and I certainly like that about it.

Nice looking car by the way. A torquey 3.2 in a lightweight mid year makes for a quick car around the auto-x course.

[catuck]

Nice long hood! Looks fantastic! Perhaps I should back date it and flare it! The early cars are by far my favorite.

[Reifle]

I drive a narrow body and love it! Leave it - it looks just great the way it is!!

[catuck]

Jay - I'm with you on the brightwork! My car came from the PO with aftermarket flag mirrors - looked stupid. I added back the correct drivers side mirror and changed H4's up front.

Could you post a pic of your '74?

By the way, I'm planning on adjustable sway bars in the near future - already beafed up the tortion bars.

[yel911]

Flare it!!! You'll love it. I had a 74 911 with a 3.2 motor also. I went from 5x15" wheels to 17 Fikse's!!! You know your car better than anyone, make it what you want. Flares can be bought for around $200.
That autocross was @ Fort Devens, right?

[81 911 SC]

Originally Posted by catuck

My '75 911s needs wider rear tires! I cram 225 50 16's in there and they rub. I could suck it up and use narrower tires, but I really feel the wider tires help my autocross times, plus I like the look of SC/Carrera flares. I'm also thinking of making it a Carrera Tribute car. Unfortunately, I'm a purist! I know the mid year 911's are not desirable, but with my 3.2 it's really a great car. (so I guess it's not pure anyway!)

More info: there are some rust issues that I plan to fix. So the other thought is to part this car out and buy an SC tub. There are two major things keeping me from this - money and weight. My car is lighter than an SC and I don't think it would be cost effective to buy another car.

Please help me make up my mind!

Side note - why doesn't the spell check have Carrera?

Just how much of a SC tub are you looking for? I am parting out an 81 SC at the present.

[catuck]

Reifle - very nice! What color is that?

[Busta Rib]

Go wide or go home! But I am biased. Kidding aside, given your hobby of auto-Xing, I don't see why you wouldn't add the flares. You would be able to run wider rears and improve your times. You're eeking out performance, not looks, right? But the added bonus is that it would look good too, IMO. If it was good enough for the factory, it is good enough for you.

If you do repaint, keep the color. It is unique for sure and you will have the added bonus of appeasing your wife by 1) not buying another car and 2) keeping the same color. Marriage credits go a long way, baby. Best of luck whatever you decide to do. Your car is a looker already.

[catuck]

Yel911 - that's right Devens - I'll be there May 15th. You should bring yours down! Did you do the welding yourself? Looks great - love the Fikses! Are they a bear to keep clean?

Tyler, I'll let you know - possibly some flares!

[catuck]

Oh - if I changed the color I would sleep on the couch for a year! No worries, it's too unique and cool to change!

[marksearls]

As others have stated, a stiffer suspension will help. I run 225 hoosiers on 15" Fuchs but have rolled the fenders on my 73 without any rubbing.

[yel911]

catuck, I did the welding, paint, etc.... I sold the car and bought a 993 cab. The Fikse's were awesome, Carrera offsets, 8x17 in the front, 9x17 rears. If you need help or whatever, let me know.... keep the same color though.