What's wrong with this picture? (warning--graphic)

These parts are supposed to be attached to the bottom of my track 944/968 track car's engine. At T6 at Spokane Raceway today, they all fell off at once. This was accompanied by a sudden and severe oil leak, then lots and lots of smoke. Apparently, these parts are pretty important, because right after they came off, the car would not move. In fact, it would not even start.

Oh well, time for the LS-1 transplant.

[Aufenbahn]

What's that the bottom of your oil pan?

[Endat]

used to be... did you smack the ridges on a hard corner?

[Dantilla]

A couple years ago, just as I entered the main straight at Pacific Raceways, I checked my mirror.

Hmmmm........ Nothing but a fog bank. Strange. I just drove there, and it's a clear day.

Then came the second "Hmmmm....": Why is there smoke in my car?

At 100+ mph, I decided the wise thing to do was kill the ignition, and coast to the nearest flagging station, as they have fire extinguishers there.

After a quick exit (Track drivers- please practice this!) and a tow back to the pits, we put the car up on jackstands and learned the balance shaft housing decided it had had enough. More pieces like those pictured above came out from under the car.

After a late evening, the car was back at the track the next day. I missed qualifying, but was able to start the race from the back of the pack.

Isn't racing fun?$$$

[idontknow]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

These parts are supposed to be attached to the bottom of my track 944/968 track car's engine. At T6 at Spokane Raceway today, they all fell off at once. This was accompanied by a sudden and severe oil leak, then lots and lots of smoke. Apparently, these parts are pretty important, because right after they came off, the car would not move. In fact, it would not even start.

Oh well, time for the LS-1 transplant.

Oh this one's easy, you have dirty oil

I think it was a number 2 rod bearing. My 22-yo daughter was driving the car (it was NOT her fault), so fortunately it happened on the slowest part of the track, where she was going maybe 40 mph. She did everything right--got it slowed down and right off the racing surface.

We routinely see 150+ on the front straight at Spokane--it's the longest one in North America, they claim. It it had happened there, it would have been ugly--the rear tires are covered in oil.

You are right Dantilla--racing i$ fun!

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

...the rear tires are covered in oil.

The one good thing from loosing a balance shaft housing- I rust-proofed the chassis of my car by coating everything with fresh 20-50 Mobil 1.

The downside was coating some pretty fresh Hoosier tires with fresh 20-50 Mobil 1.

[SolReaver]

Yea, that hurts. I don't think duct tape and some sealant is going to work. I know things look bleak...But an LS1 transplant? Would it do ANY good to mention how much easier it would be to put the engine the car was designed for in there? Nah, never mind. Go ahead.

Originally Posted by SolReaver

Yea, that hurts. I don't think duct tape and some sealant is going to work. I know things look bleak...But an LS1 transplant? Would it do ANY good to mention how much easier it would be to put the engine the car was designed for in there? Nah, never mind. Go ahead.

You're right, of course. The LS-1 is just a day dream. The car is, however, already a hybrid, since it is a 968 engine in a 944S2. That conversion was a big enough pain.

I'll pull the head and see if it was damaged before deciding what to do.

[porsche4life]

Why not just toss another 968 motor in?

[SolReaver]

oh, so those were 968 pan pieces! On a transplant....that's a Double ouch. Dude...That's GOTTA hurt. Take a sedative. Get some rest. Take a look at it when you feel up to it and let us know how extensive the damage is.

Originally Posted by SolReaver

oh, so those were 968 pan pieces! On a transplant....that's a Double ouch. Dude...That's GOTTA hurt. Take a sedative. Get some rest. Take a look at it when you feel up to it and let us know how extensive the damage is.

I will. This one was built, though--JE pistons, Carillo rods, lightened crank, etc. Put out 240 hp at the wheels. Stall and all, it lasted 10-12,000 track miles, redlining at 7600 rpm. It was a bullet.

[SolReaver]

To quote from Apocalypse now (GREAT movie)............

The HORROR, The HORROR........

It was a pretty impressive explosion. Will post pics once I get it up on a lift. Hopefully the head is OK, but often the piston gets loose and hammers the head too. This ain't my first time to this particular rodeo.

To quote from Apocalypse now (GREAT movie)............



The HORROR, The HORROR........

[JoshB]

Wow - just wow!

[notthd]

+2 on the WOW... I feal your pain. If you get stuck I have a spare engine complete and still in my parts car.... but you are a little far from me. Hope all turns out OK.

Cheers, Mike

Originally Posted by notthd

+2 on the WOW... I feal your pain. If you get stuck I have a spare engine complete and still in my parts car.... but you are a little far from me. Hope all turns out OK.

Cheers, Mike

Where are you located, Mike? I might be interested in the engine.

[notthd]

Im in Forest Va.-

Any one else have a 968 long block for sale? West side of the country is better.

[piperporsche180]

I feel bad for you! I have never had anything go terribly wrong at the track thus far. I suppose Gingerman, Grattan and Road America have been very kind to me.