Porsche LMP2, GT2 ALMS Race Previews

As the American Le Mans Series travels to the Southwest for round number four, the Lone Star Grand Prix of Houston this Saturday evening, Porsche teams involved in both the LMP2 and GT2 classes have tough challenges from worthy rivals on both the prototype and GT levels as the fight for the season championships is now in high gear.

In the LMP2 class, the Porsche RS Spyders have earned class wins and an overall win in the past two street races, but the rival Acura prototype earned the pole at Long Beach and won the opening ALMS round at Sebring. In GT2, the 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR - new for this year - has finished second to the Ferrari in all three races so far, but Porsche trails the manufacturers chase by only 12 points (20 points awarded for a win) going into Houston.

Porsche Motorsport North America President Uwe Brettel would rather be way ahead in both categories, but points out the close competition is good for the classes and good for the series.

"We would like to be far ahead in the points - especially in the GT2 class - but the fans come to the races to see good racing, and Porsche customers teams have provided just that during the first three events. Patrick Long and Darren Law were less than five seconds short of winning Long Beach in their Flying Lizard Porsche, while Jorg Bergmeister in the Lizard team Porsche lost to the Ferrari by two-thousandths of a second at Sebring. Our overall win by the Penske Porsche RS Spyder at Long Beach was exciting, but the Acura provided stiff competition by taking the pole and turning the fastest race lap," said Brettel.

Brettel also pointed out that, with the street course in Houston being repaved for this year's event, and the race being run in April instead of July, the heat and roughness of the course which plagued teams a year ago should not be a factor this year. In 2006, both Penske Porsche RS Spyders did not finish the Houston event due to transmission problems traced to the beating the cars took from the bumpy track surface.

For Porsche, the Long Beach overall victory by Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard in the LMP2 class Penske Porsche RS Spyder was its second one-two overall finish in the American Le Mans Series (the same Dumas/Bernhard combination accomplished the feat at Mid-Ohio last year), and it was the first time any manufacturer has swept the overall podium in ALMS.

In the LMP2 driver points, Romain Dumas and Timo Bernhard - with their win in the number seven Penske Porsche RS Spyder at Long Beach and second-place at St. Petersburg - lead the LMP2 class with 55 points, while Sascha Maassen and Ryan Briscoe, with their win at St. Petersburg and a second at Long Beach in the number six team RS Spyder, have 45 points.

Maassen and Briscoe trail their teammates due to their eighth-place finish at Sebring resulting from long pit stops for mechanical issues.

Tied for fifth place in the drivers points after its first podium finish of the year at Long Beach are the Dyson Racing Porsche RS Spyder drivers Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger, who were also poised for a podium finish two weeks before at St. Petersburg when a suspension bolt broke with 20 minutes remaining in the event. Wallace and Leitzinger will drive the number 16 Porsche at Houston, while teammates Chris Dyson and Guy Smith will pilot the number 20 Dyson Racing Porsche.

In GT2, the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR team cars have finished second to the winning Ferrari at all three events so far this season, with the Jorg Bergmeister/Johannes van Overbeek number 45 racer second at Sebring and St. Petersburg, and the number 44 team car of Patrick Long and Darren Law second last weekend in Long Beach. Both cars will be seeking their first win of the season at Houston, with team principal Seth Neiman replacing Long in the 44 Porsche.

The number 71 Tafel Racing Porsche of Robin Liddell/Wolf Henzler, which has lead during parts of all three races, hopes to improve on its fourth-place Long Beach finish, while the team number 73 Porsche of Jim Tafel and Dominik Farnbacher also hope to better their eighth place finish at Long Beach.

The number 18 Rahal Letterman Racing Porsche, with Ralf Kelleners and Tom Milner, Jr. at the wheel, has had bad luck in the first few laps of both Sebring and Long Beach, and was headed for a second-place finish in class in St. Petersburg when the car crashed with just nine minutes left in the event. As a new team this year, Rahal Letterman is just beginning to feel comfortable in the ALMS series, and is looking to Houston as their break-out event, as is the new Boston-based Team Trans Sport Racing entry of Tim Pappas and Terry Brocheller, which looks to improve on their seventh and eighth place finishes over the last two events.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R/RS/RSR family of race cars has won the American Le Mans Series GT/GT2 drivers and manufacturers class championship every year but one since the series inception in 1999. Last year was no exception, as Jorg Bergmeister won the championship, and with the aid of his co-driver Patrick Long and his Petersen/White Lightning Porsche GT3 RSR, helped Porsche win the manufacturers title.

Porsche Tuning

Your Porsche is your ride and you're darn proud of it. And you should be! But there's no reason to settle for boring factory specs when Porsche tuning is readily available.

Whether you'd love to change out the wheels, add a some body parts, put an aerodynamic kit on your Porsche, add sport suspension and exhaust, tune the motor or whatever else you so desire there are some excellent manufacturers.

1. Aquamist
If water injection is something you've been considering Aquamist has a great selection for your Porsche. They have a high power magnetic piston pump that is specially designed with atomizing jets. This water pump is activated with a pressure switch that is adjustable.

2. Auto Meter
Has a full line of gauges available for any Porsche model. These gauges are designed to allow you to keep tabs on your cars performance with just a quick glance. Oil pressure, temperature, fuel, and more are all ready to be installed.

3. Cobalt
The Cobalt Boost gages are the highest tech gauges on the market providing you with extreme accuracy and performance above the rest. The black dial faces have white numbering and a nice blue accent. At night the blue light illuminates them.

4. BBS Wheels
Here you'll get counter pressure aluminum wheels that are of the highest technology available. They have their own alloy combinations with their own state of the art casting equipment producing the finest wheels on the market.

5. Bilstein Suspension
If you are looking for the best suspension then Bilstein is the company you need to visit. Anyone who had driven a vehicle with Bilstein Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers will tell you that there is no other experience quite like it. You get the maximum in control and stability giving you the ultimate in handling. But then Bilstein has been in the business of performance suspension for more than 40 years for NASCAR, SCCA, and Rally races.

6. Bosch
This is a company that has literally shaped the history of the car providing a complete line of products to help make your Porsche safer. They are the largest independent supplier in the car equipment market and they are a major contributor in improving safety.

7. Brembo Brakes
This is a company that specializes in brake components for the Porsche. They provide not only aftermarket equipment but also original equipment and there quality is far superior. With over 40 years in the industry they have produced more than a 1000 products. They supply discs and drums for 95% of all European cars.

8. H&R OE Sport Springs
If you've always wanted to lower your Porsche then H&R is the company that can help you. You'll get optimum front to rear balance and street handling performance while keeping that ride of comfort. Sport springs to lower your vehicle and equipment to keep you fast on the track.

There are plenty of other great manufacturers that are ready to help you make the most of your Porsche tuning. The question is what is going to be your first project?

Get The Right Porsche Tools For Installing Your Supercharger System

Your Porsche is hot and it goes great but wouldn't it be so much better with a supercharger? If you are planning to install that 3.6 L inter-cooled supercharger system you are going to make sure you've got the right Porsche tools to get the job done.

This is a great investment. It will increase your power from 320hp to 475hp @5800 rpm and your torque will increase from 260ft to 350 ft lbs @5000-6800 rpm. This system has undergone 12 months of development and testing so it has been perfected.

It was designed with a billet supercharger mounting bracket using CAD software so the parts models are solid and reliable. The bracket was designed so that the OEM bold patterns could be used with no need to make any alterations. It uses 6061 Tx aircraft grade aluminum and the bracket actually mounts to the factory machined point.

The V2 model Vortech supercharger was chosen by the engineers who matched the engines volumetric efficiency with the compressor maps.

The helical cut gears provided the ultimate in performance with a 20 PSI and 1000 cfrm maximum capacity. The serpentine belt routing was specifically designed to keep the rotation of all the accessories correct and to maintain the correct friction on the pulley.

The air to water intercooler was integrated into the engine bay. It was a tight fit but engineers were able to make it work. The lower charge temperatures actually promoted engine safety and improved the quality of the combustion cycle.

The water is circulated by means of an OEM Bosch water pump through the OEM Good Year water lines. The intake air temperatures are also reduced to 104 degrees F and this dramatic drop automatically means an increase in power.

The intake pipe is manufactured from lightweight high temp molded polymer designed for air flow characteristics and as a pressure relief system and it is designed to prevent heat transfer.

The kit includes the following:

• Vortech V2 SQ supercharger
• Porsche OEM water radiator kit
• Vortech Chargecooler
• GIAC chip tuned with larger Bosch injectors
• Bosch high flow water circulation system
• Bosch pressure relief bypass system
• Top speed governor removed
• K&N induction filter
• High temp molded polymer pipe work

It is made in California and it comes with a 1 year warranty. Instructions will indicate what tools you will need. You will need a full set of wrenches, screwdrivers with the appropriate heads, impact gun, and possibly a cutting torch. Remember Porsche tools can be very specialized so make certain you have the correct ones.

Porsche has a full line of tools and there are many different manufacturers. Tools like a Crowfoot for the camshaft nut, wheel bearing and hub removal tools, brake tools; pulley wrenches, the Kukko brake caliper piston spreader, wire terminal extractor, snap ring pliers, K-jetronic fuel injector adjustment tool, oil seal arbor, and the list could go on and on.

No matter what your project is have the right Porsche tools is a great way to guarantee things go smooth. After all your Porsche is real hot and you don't want to do anything to change that right?

Porsche 356 Kit Replica Or Real Deal?

Porsche 356 Kit Replica Or Real Deal?

The Porsche 356 has been used in many movies over the years. But was it the Porsche 356 kit replica or the real deal? The 356 buffs and those that are typically attuned to detail may be able to spot kits from factory cars.

The 356 was used in many movies some fleeting scenes while others very prominent. Movies like Harper, Bullitt, King of the Mountain, 48 Hours, Another 48 Hours, The Kid, Possession, and Anything Else all featured the 356 and there were many other movies where the scenes were brief.

You can almost guarantee that in scenes where a crash or explosion was about to occur a 356 kit was used rather than a factory car. But the question remains if it looks like a Speedster is it really a Speedster?

One thing is for certain there both factory and replica are fun and distinguishing the two can be very difficult without close examination. A 356 Speedster guarantees you superior performance and a whole lot of fun!

The 354 was introduced in 1954 with a light weight model that was relatively bare bones. In no time it became an American race icon winning SCCA races and many others. And 50 years later in 2004 the Thunder Ranch 356 is introduced which is terrific reproduction of the original 1954 model.

The new Thunder Ranch kit is based on a powder coated full tubular frame designed to insure the chassis has proper strength and the weight is reduced to provide the maximum durability.

It features many functions that aren't found in any other Speedsters and one must admit these are truly outstanding features. The hand laid fiberglass is interwoven with composite materials to provide the optimum body. It has a sealed trunk and engine compartment as well as behind seat storage just like the original.

You can choose from a host of custom body and accessory options as well as the twin grill engine cover, GT headrest, and the hardtop option. Plenty of choices here.

And the comparison between the original 356 and the Thunder Ranch 356 is pretty impressive. Both had a 48 inch height with the top down. The Thunder Ranch had 6 inches of ground clearance and 1535 pound dry weight whereas the 356 had 7 inches of clearance and 1800 pound dry weight.

When it comes to engines the Thunder Ranch has a VW Boxer Engine with 1865 cc, and a 4 speed with a top speed of 150 mph. The original 356 had a flat 4 with 1600 cc and a 4 speed with a top speed of 105 mph.

The Thunder Ranch is even fitted with the authentic VDO instruments and Nardi steering wheel, as well as the 15 inch Mangel wheels. It also has a proprietary full functioning fan, shroud, and alternator designed to aid in cooling the engine optimally.

The Thunder Ranch 356 kit is manufactured in California and is known for its superior quality control using exact tolerances for the bumpers, doors, engines, and trunks. The construction includes special blends of polyester resin and high stress points are reinforced providing an overall superior kit from many others on the market.

Pricing depends on the kit you invest in. The Basic kit sells for just under $10,000 and includes body, frame, bumpers, doors, latches, hood and engine, fitted windshield, as well as dashboard and gauges.

The Deluxe kit sells for under $15,000 and includes everything of the basic as well as the 15 inch Chrome Mangel wheels, square weave carpet, panels, doors, top frame, top boot, badges, and curtains.

The turn key kit sells for under $29,000 and includes everything you'll need to build your car from racing mirrors, roll bars, exhaust, 2275 cc engine, fans, shrouds, and any customization you might request.

And of course there are all kinds of options including leather seats, upgraded gauges, MP3 players, stereo, louvers, GT kit, and so much more. What ever you want it's available.

So the next time you see a 356 zooming down the road whether in a movie or on your local street try to determine whether you are looking at a Porsche 356 kit or a factory build.

Strut Braces For Porsche

Strut braces for Porsche are like any other braces and they are an excellent way to improve the way your car handles. They work exceptionally well for cars that have larger wheels and tires than the stock tires originally supplied. The strut braces will increase the traction which can cause your struts to flex when you are cornering because of the extra load.

1. 911,912,930
It bolts in and is easy to remove and install with no holes to be drilled. Fully adjustable and it can be installed without any modifications and it's not only beautiful it's reliable and safe. The brace is lightweight with a great balance between weight, strength, durability, and price. The brackets are made from 7 gauge steel that's laser cut.

2. 964, 993
Built to the same specification of the 911. This is going to significantly increase the performance of your rear mounted engine Porsche helping to keep the front wheels on the ground when you corner hard. It's really beneficial if you are running extra horsepower, larger wheels, or a really low suspension.

3. 942S, 944, 944S2, 968, and Turbo
Built to the same specifications at the 911 or 964 but designed for the front engine mounts providing an amazing improvement to the handling of your car. It's excellent if you've installed larger wheels, lower suspension, or you are running extra power.

4. Boxster, 996
Same quality as you've come to expect. This bar is built without any compromises. You get a light weight bar that looks great and performs great. It is aluminum with an anodized silver finish. Works great with larger wheels or stiffer springs and shock.

There are several manufacturers that are producing braces which includes Tech Art, Sparco, Hamann, APR, Evolution, Cross, and DC Sports.

A new style of strut brace that's appearing is the true triangulation and it is entirely possible that it may make the regular style obsolete quickly. The tradition design ties the strut towers together forcing them to move in a parallel motion but with no flex.

The triangulation actually locks the towers rigidly in place which maintains the camber setting. They are light weight and rigid and they perform perfect on the track and on the street.

The strut braces will attach near the top and bottom of your vehicles shocks to keep them from flexing during hard cornering. They are an easy add on that's very quick to install and so affordable. So what are you waiting for? Strut braces for Porsche are a great investment!

Porsche Restoration Tips

Congratulations on your decision to take on a Porsche restoration project. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

There are a variety of stages involved in restoration but the two major stages are body work and paint and mechanical. If you are able to undertake some of the work leaving the detail to the professionals then you'll be able to save a lot.

Start by investing in some basic hand tools and checking out the parts that are available aftermarket for restoration. Start with the parts catalogue specific to your car. For this article will spend a little bit of time on the engine.

Your engine compartment is critical to your restoration especially if you are planning to enter your car into any competitions down the road.

1. Carburetors
An original vintage carburetor that comes from the factory is easily distinguished by the greenish-gold coating which is placed there for protection. After a carb is rebuilt or used for many years that coating either wears off or is removed but you can buy an aerosol spray paint that will restore the original patina.

2. Emblems
Some of the chrome emblems have withstood the test of time nicely but others have not fared so well. Start by cleaning off the old paint. Decide then if it will need to be re-chromed and remember the reproductions are always an option.

3. Lenses
Both clear and colored plastic lenses will get dull and scratched from years of wear and tear which includes cleaning. Unless they are really deeply scratched or cracked fine metal polish will usually clean them up.

4. Hoses & Belts
When you are replacing hoses and belts don't just replace with any hose from your local auto parts store instead make sure you buy a proper reproduction hose to make sure your car stays authentic.

5. Bolt Renewal
There is not question that bolts get rusty and grime through the years but using the originals still remains the best option if at all possible. To bring these bolts back to life clean them chemically after they have been removed and use a wire brush to remove rust and gunk. After they are all cleaned up you can spray them with a clear-coat to help preserve them.

6. Wiring
The wiring under your hood is going to get greasy and grimy over the years and the color coding from the factory might even get hard to distinguish. Start by using a solvent to clean things up and remove the dirt. Then you can inspect for damaged wiring and replace what's necessary.

7. Hose Clamps
Crimp hose clamps and tower style clamps were popular in the past. The crimp style are easy to clean and then reuse and many times the tower clamps can be saved too. If you need replacements be sure to choose the correct style for authenticity.

8. Master Cylinder
The master cylinder is specific to your car. Either have the original rebuilt or buy an over the counter replacement. Make sure you install the correct master cylinder not only for looks but for safety reasons.

Your Porsche restoration is going to be a big job but the rewards are awesome. These 8 tips will help get you started in the right direction on your engine restoration and remember there are plenty great online resources so be sure to take advantage of them.

Is Your Porsche Repairable?

You've always been a Porsche man and finally you've found that 1953 James Dean 550 Spyder but its condition is a little rough. The question is - Is your Porsche repairable?

And the answer is - absolutely! Unless the car is a complete right off every Porsche has the potential for being rebuilt from the ground up as long as your pocket book can handle it. And the 1953 550 Spyder is one of the best choices there is.

This was the first real competition Porsche to actually hit the market. It was a two seater with an aluminum body and tubular frame which made it light weight.

The original 550 dominated its class at the Le Mans race finishing in first and second places and eventually going on to win the Pan Americana Mexican race.

Future 550's had the four cam Carrera flat engine and they became the most sought after car in its class both on the track and on the street. Porsche drivers were quick to recognize the potential of this peppy little car.

The 1956 model has some small modifications but they were enough to see it win the Targa Florio road race hands down. In fact it embarrassed some of the competition who had no idea the Spyder was such a tough contender.

For the next 5 years the 550 continued to win and it continued to draw more attention than any other car on the market during that time.

Today the Spyder is still fondly remembered not only for its abilities on the race track but also for its performance on the street. But there's one other reason this car sticks in many peoples minds and that's because James Dean owned one of these spyder's which was fondly called the Little Bastard.

And sadly during a road race James Dean would die when another motorist pulled out onto the road. His mechanic who was with him lived as did the other motorist but Dean was killed at the scene.

It doesn't really matter which Porsche you decide to rebuild what's important is knowing what you might be facing and understanding all the expenses you could face depending on the condition of your project car.

Always choose a car that your budget can withstand when it comes to your repairs. Try to obtain as much history as you can. It's always interesting to know who owned the car where it has been and all the neat stuff that makes "history" what it is. Who know someone famous might have owned the car you are looking to buy.

Set your total budget before you begin. That means what you are willing to pay for the car and what you are willing to spend on repairs. That way there is less chance of overspending and strapping yourself.

Try to choose a car that doesn't need both body and mechanical repairs. If you can concentrate in one area you'll be much better off. Consider if you have the skills and abilities to do your own repairs and decide which is better for you - body or mechanics. You can save a great deal of money by being able to do some of the work yourself.

Consider hooking up with a local group. Many of these groups have some excellent connections and it can help you meet people and in the end save money.

Is your Porsche repairable? It all depends on how deep your pocket book is but at the end of the day almost every Porsche is repairable!

Porsche Rebuilders

Owning a Porsche is a great investment and so much fun to drive too but eventually you will need to rebuild a motor, transmission, or some other major component and you'll be in the market for Porsche rebuilders.

There are several sites that have built quite a reputation for rebuilding Porsches and Motor Meister is one of those. In fact it has a reputation for being the best rebuilder when it comes to Porsche engines and transmissions.

How often have you heard about a back yard do it yourselfer rebuild that goes awry. This is especially common with transmission rebuilds and the main reason is because the builder just doesn't know the tips and tricks.

There are parts that can be re-machined, there are parts that you are going to have to replace with new, and there are parts that you can use used parts for. Knowing what will work can save you time and money.

It also depends on what transmission or engine you are rebuilding. Not every local mechanic is going to have the right tools for your job. For example a Porsche transmission rebuild requires Porsche transmission jigs which won't be found in any old toolbox.

In fact Porsche lists more than 100 tools that are required to rebuild a transmission. And unless you are a Porsche mechanic there is a good chance you aren't going to have all these tools. If you are rebuilding a Porsche engine there are a great deal of tools you will also need.

Buying all these can be pretty hard on your pocketbook and Mickey mousing means you are going to create a big problem for yourself. Sometimes it is better to hire a rebuilder and then just do a re and re.

One common mistake is to think that you can't do a rebuild online because of the additional shipping costs. Actually nothing could be further from the truth.

You are not confined to buying in your local neighborhood where the potential of paying too much is a reality. Shopping online means you can save a bundle because competition is much stiffer.

And many of these companies have special arrangements with shipping companies so they can ship you an engine or transmission for a very affordable amount of money. The savings on the rebuild combined with the shipping can still work out to substantial savings compared to a local buy.

When buying a rebuild online there are just a couple of things to keep in mind besides price - quality and reputation. You are about to part with your hard earned money and you'll want to be sure that the company has a reputation for providing quality rebuilds that come with a warranty you can be confident in. Companies like Motor Meister are a great place to start.

So if the time has come to have to do some major engine or transmission work. Before you take on the huge project of rebuilding it yourself you might consider using one of the many Porsche rebuilders that are around. They can save you time, money, and frustration and have your car back on the road much sooner.

Porsche Radiator

Just 30 years ago any company that decided that selling Porsche radiators was a great business would have been laughed out of town and been out of business in virtually no time. Why you ask? Well that's because earlier Porsches were air cooled and didn't have a Porsche radiator.

Earlier Volkswagens and Porsches were both designed with air cooled engines that had no radiators. Today both companies have come a very long way in their engine developments and especially Porsche with its sports cars such as the Boxster and even the latest Cayanne SUV.

Today every Porsche has a radiator and so if you own a modern day Porsche as some point you will be in the market for a radiator. Even though it took years for Porsche to learn all about the radiator and incorporate it into their cars the radiator itself is a straight forward as any other rad.

Most Porsche radiators use plastic tanks that are light weight with an aluminum core. The design works but it does become brittle and fragile with age. With age the plastic tends to become brittle and when it gets brittle it is more likely to crack which means you will be in the market for a new rad.

The aluminum core is just like any other radiator on the market and it can clog exactly the same way. Flushing regularly can help prevent clogging from occurring.

Here's the good news. A Porsche radiator doesn't have to cost you anymore than a rad for any other car would. You can easily by aftermarket radiators that meet OE specifications and cost a fraction of the cost of a factory Porsche rad.

You get the same quality, the same fit, the same everything. The only thing that is different is the price. And even though you own a Porsche it doesn't mean you have a wide open check book for repairs so saving where ever you can makes great sense doesn't it? In fact many of these manufacturers are so confident in their product that they offer a lifetime warranty. Now what more could you ask for?

There are many great sites online that offer after market radiators and other Porsche parts. It's a smart way to keep your car in tip top shape while staying within your budget.

If you aren't sure which manufacturer to purchase from just do a little research and read some of the reviews that are readily available online. This will help you decide which manufacturer will meet your expectations best and who has the best pricing.

Pricing is important. You don't want to be paying close to the same as Porsche parts would cost for aftermarket parts. You should expect to save at least 40% or more. And you should look for the OE part approval. That tells you that it meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and so there is no worry about doing damage to your Porsche.

If you own a Porsche then it only makes sense that at some point you are going to be in the market for a Porsche radiator so why not be prepared? Know where you can get the best value for your money.

Looking For A Historical Porsche Painting?

The earlier racing years were best described as a time of much unrest with the Grand Prix and Le Mans dominated by teams like Mercedes and Porsche. Germany really did rule the racing industry and there were many artists that spent a great deal of time painting the racing of the day. So if you are looking for a historical Porsche painting you've got some great choices.

Not only were these early race cars interesting the drivers were also very intriguing. Here were a group of men that loved speed and the thrill of the speed. Speeds in excess of 200 mph were common and the drivers of that error did not have any of the protection of the drivers today.

These open cockpits had no roll bars, seat belts, or safety gear of any type. It was very common for drivers to be thrown right out of their car during an accident. At these high speeds you might assume many would have been killed but luckily only a few actually died.

And Gary Doyle was an excellent painter who was able to capture the true essence of these early races. Here was an artist who painted the good, bad, exciting, and the ugly. Here was an artist who was able to bring early racing to life right in front of you.

Jack Juratovic was another excellent artist that spent a great deal of time painting the German Grand Prix. He captured some great scenes that involved many of the race cars and drivers from those early days.

And then came along the Silver Cars which continuously changed in look, design, engine size, suspension, speed, and even drivers. There were Mercedes, Porsches, and Alpha Romeos to name just a few. And the cars from this era were not to be surpassed until just recent times.

Thanks to artists like Gary Doyle there is an excellent historical picture of what the past racing days were really like. Of course there are also plenty of films but there's something about looking at that Porsche painting that just brings the imagination of the actual race to life.

But there's more than Gary Doyle, almost every automotive artist of the last 50 years has spent time painting the cars from that Silver Car era. These were cars that were powerful, personal, and made a visual statement so painting them was hard to resist. And the paintings so explicit that you can quickly identify some of the earlier drivers.

Look around some of the galleries. You'll find paintings from many of the Grand Prix races. You'll find terrific paintings that include some of the famous drivers like Carraciola, Neubauer, Huhnlein, and many others. There are even paintings of the crash between Dick Seamn and Ernst von Delius who was killed in that accident.

Gordon Crosby also did some great charcoal drawings of the earlier race days. In fact many would agree that he is one of the most important artists of a historical nature and the artist who actually played an important role in the development and recognition of automotive artists.

Carlo Demand is recognized as one of the most outstanding transportation artists with 17 books to his name relating to racing and 128 charcoal drawings of automobile racing. Graham Turner was a British automotive artist that painted a great deal of book covers as well as paintings.

So if you are looking for a Porsche painting there are plenty of great artists to choose from whether you want something historical or modern.

Porsche Mufflers

You own that great Porsche and there's no question about the quality! But at some point you are going to either want to upgrade or replace worn out exhaust and muffler parts and that's when shopping online for Porsche mufflers makes a lot of sense.

A Porsche exhaust system is much different than many of the other exhaust systems on the market especially on the rear mount engines and the air cooled engines. There isn't a whole lot of distance between the exhaust valves and the back of the car yet the catalytic converter, heat exchanger, and a host of other exhaust parts need to occur so the system often takes a bit of a twisty turning route that can be a bit complex.

But not to worry. If you buy your exhaust system from a company that understands the uniqueness of Porsche you'll have no trouble at all. And you'll get that all impressive Porsche sound too! After all that's half the ride right?

You can easily find OEM parts and aftermarket OEM parts and many of the sites even offer free shipping. Now that's a deal. And with so many reputable sites to choose from you can quickly find yourself saving a great deal of money too. So what are some of your options?

1. Monty Mufflers
Monty prides itself on the quality of their mufflers built from 100% 304 gauge stainless which is really heavy. They also use stainless steel flanges and it's a free flowing system. But wait there's more. They also offer a lifetime guarantee. Now how can you beat that?
2. Pelican Mufflers
Pelican offers not only a full line of stainless mufflers but also a full line of OEM parts for your Porsche so no matter what your needs they can provide.
3. Cheap Exhaust Mufflers
If you are on a budget and want quality but don't want to spend big bucks then these exhaust systems are certainly worth having a look at. Complete exhaust systems including catalytic converters are available for the 911, 914, 924, 928, 944, and 968.
4. Car Stuff Mufflers
Whether you need an exhaust system for your Porsche 911 or your BMW this is a company that specializes in exhaust systems for a host of European cars so you know that you'll get the quality you want at a price you can afford.

There are plenty of other excellent suppliers and manufacturers on the market. When you go to purchase your Porsche exhaust system you will want to know exactly what it is you need to order. Be sure you have the original parts numbers so there is no confusion. All of there suppliers are able to easily cross over OEM part numbers.

You'll also want to make sure you have a look at their policies which include shipping responsibilities, warranty, and payment options. Then you'll have no surprises.

Your Porsche mufflers are as important as your Porsche's engine so take as much time to consider what your exhaust options are as you would for any other element of your car. After all you're a driver with a taste for excellence right?

The 911 Porsche Motor

The 911 Porsche motor was actually the engine that followed the Porsches four cam racing engine found in the Spider. This was a new clean design that incorporated many of the features of the Spider engine.

The Spider engine was known for it's reliability and the new 911 continue to offer that reliability as well as the overhead cam design, air cooling, and dry sump oiling system.

What the 911 engine did was avoid the complex issues of a racing engine. The superior manufacturing process is what really contributed to the overall success of this engine.

This was an affordable engine that incorporated the best metals on the market, the best metal working processes, the best valves, well the best of everything.

If you want more proof of the credibility and reliability of this engine just take a look out at the airfield. This engine design is used in airplanes and blimps consider the fact that it just might be powered by the 911 engine.

Let's have a look at the history of the Porsche motor:

1963 - The Frankfurt show saw the 2-litre 901 introduced which was the successor to the 356 Beetle-based engine.

1964 - The 901 was renamed the 911 after objections from

1965 - The RHD 911 becomes available in Britain and the economy 912 with 1.6 flat four also becomes available

1968 - The 911E sees fuel injection introduced. The sportomatic clutch less transmission also becomes an option.

1969 - Engine bore is increased to create 2.2 liters.

1970 - Porsche scores its first win at Le Mans with its 911 engine.
1972 - The stroke of the engine is increased to give a displacement of 2.4 liters.

1974 - The 911 Turbo becomes the first production turbocharged sports car in the world.

1978 - 911 Turbo gets a 3.3 liter 300 bhp engine.

1979 - The SC gets a 188bhp and 10% better fuel economy.

1980 - The SC's power is raised to 204bhp

Today the 911 engine is still readily available as are parts for repair and even rebuilding. And of course almost all of the Porsche engines are relatively easy to find and so are their parts.

Thanks to online shopping engine shopping is much easier than ever before. Suddenly you have the world at your fingertips and suddenly parts from around the world are easily accessible. Prices vary so be sure to shop around and get the best prices.

Sites like Action Salvage, Pelican Parts, Parts Train, Fantasy Cars, or the Porsche Evolution can offer you a full range of engine parts as well as some terrific information relating to the 911 engine.

In 1973 it had already been 10 years since the 911 was first introduced and the 911 engine continue to be recognized as a quality performance engine. The spirit of the 911 remained as alive as it ever was. And although the engine saw no major changes there were some major innovations, like the shock-absorbing bumpers and the complete galvanized body.

In 1973 Porsche wanted to enter the GT competition so the 911 Carrera RS was specifically designed as a racing-car for the GT. Porsche planned to sell 500 because the race rules required a minimum 500 be built.

In 1974 the market saw an even wilder 911 called the Carrera RSR 3.0. Only 109 were produced. The RSR 3.0 had 20 bhp more power, but weighed 180 kg more than the 2.7. This was accomplished by using a thin-gauge body steel.

This is an engine and a car with a 30 year history and that 30 years has seen some improvements but the overall design and reliability has remained consistent from the 2.0 right through to the 3.6.

Which Porsche Engine Do You Need?

Your Porsche is a perfect example of superior workmanship, exceptional handling and performance, and it is certainly representative of a class like no other. But sooner or later you'll be in the market for a replacement Porsche engine. So which one do you need?

If you drive your Porsche like it was meant to be driven, even with proper maintenance and care, eventually the engine will become worn and tire and require replacement or rebuilding. Here's just a little bit of information to help you determine which engines where used when.

Porsche 911
The 911 sports car is one of the most famous of all the Porsche cars on the market and it was introduced way back in 1964 with a rear engine mount. It has undergone many modifications and changes over the years and it was released ready for the race track, street, and even as a rally car.

1. From 1963 to 1969 it had a 2 L 6 cylinder engine.
2. From 1970 to 1971 it had a 2.2 L 6 cylinder engine.
3. From 1974 to 1977 it had a 2.7 L 6 cylinder engine.
4. From 1975 to 1983 it had a 3 L 6 cylinder engine.
5. From 1984 to 1989 it had a 3.2 L 6 cylinder engine.
6. From 1990 to 1994 it had a 3.4 L 6 cylinder engine.
7. From 1995 to 2006 it had a 3.6 L 6 cylinder engine.
8. From 2006 to present it had a 3.8 L 6 cylinder engine.

Porsche 928
This was the car that had a reputation as the grande tourer. It was often called the land shark because of its shark appearance and its ability to be the closest thing to a land plane.

1. From 1978 to 1982 it had a 4.5 L 8 cylinder single cam.
2. From 1980 to 1986 it had a 4.7 L 8 cylinder single cam
3. From 1985 to 1991 it had a 5 L 8 cylinder twin cam
4. From 1992 to 1995 it had a 5.4 L 8 cylinder twin cam

Porsche 924
This sporty two door car had something other Porsche sports cars didn't. It had the ability to seat 2 in the front and 2 in the back. It was also the first water cooled front mount engine design and it was the replacement for the 914.
1. From 1976 to 1985 it had a 2 L 4 cylinder single cam
2. From 1978 to 1984 it had a 2 L 4 cylinder single cam turbo
3. From 1986 to 1988 the 924S had a 2.5 L 4 cylinder single cam

Porsche 944

This was a high performance sports car that Porsche introduced in 1982 and it was a huge success for 9 years. Originally it was suppose to replace the 924 but for several years both cars sold side by side.

1. From 1982 to 1988 it had a 2.5 L 4 cylinder single cam
2. From 1985 to 1991 it had a 2.5 L 4 cylinder single cam turbo
3. From 1987 to 1988 it had a 2.5 L 4 cylinder twin cam
4. From 1989 it had a 2.7 L 4 cylinder single cam
5. From 1989 to 1991 it had a 3 L 4 cylinder twin cam

Porsche 968
From 1992 to 1995 the Porsche 968 hit the market strong. Prior to that it had the 944 S3 model number that was then carried through to become the 968.

1. From 1992 to 1995 it had a 3 L 4 cylinder twin cam
2. From 1993 to 1994 it had a 3 L 4 cylinder single cam turbo

So no matter which Porsche engine you need there is a replacement out there for your Porsche car. So which replacement is in your car?

Porsche Carrera RS Wheel Power

Everyone knows that when it comes to life one can never be too rich and when it comes to your car one can never have too much horsepower. And the Porsche Carrera RS wheel power combined with horsepower is an amazing combination!

You get a whopping 605 ponies to push those wheels along the pavement and you'll be able to break all the limits. There's only one catch - you are going to need to find a little bit of cash to put yourself into this prize - say around $395,000.

But wait! It really is worth every dime. You get the high tech V-10 with ceramic clutch and brakes, and the light carbon fiber body that will have you cornering as well as any other car on the market.

The engine was originally developed for the Le Mans track but last minute race changes this wasn't to happen. However just a couple of small changes and this engine was ready for the street. Mounted mid ship the V10 has a variable valve control with VarioCam, titanium connecting rods, and a twin flow aluminum intake manifold. These 605 hp gives you tire spinning at 435 pounds of torque. Combine that with a 6 speed manual transmission and your potential is endless.

The twin plate ceramic clutch is the same as the one used in the race cars and it can handle the 8400 rev limit. On the street these ceramic clutches have a fairly normal clutch life compared to the few days on the track.

With all that power near the ground it was really easy to smoke the tires right up to 70 mph. Now how many cars let you do that? And that was with special tires designed by Michelin that had two separate rubbers - a softer outer for better handling and a durable inner designed for wear.

The Carrera RS will take you from 0 to 100 km in 3.9 seconds and in 9.9 seconds you'll be doing 200 km. No worries that you'll easily take that Viper or Mercedes. You've got the power!

The low sense of gravity, incredible suspension, double wishbone front and back springs, combined with the horsepower, and the overall dynamics of the car and you'll think you are on the track when you are on the street.

But of course driver responsibility is important. Just because you've got the power doesn't mean you are free to use it at will. Always drive safely and in a responsible manner. Your top speed with the Carrera is going to be 205 mph because of aerodynamic drag.

Now because of the speed of this car the seats are designed to hug and hold you. That means if you are a little on the heavier side as are most Americans you might have a bit of a challenge getting in and out.

And if you are looking for options you can get air conditioning, navigation systems, Bose audio systems, and a few other interesting options.

If you've got your heart set on owning this powerhouse than one can only assume money is no object. So why not enjoy the Porsche Carrera RS wheel power?

Porsche 996 Pedals - Heel Toe Operation

When it comes to Porsche pedals there are plenty of options but one of the favorite choices for Porsche 996 pedals are the aluminum ones which are not only attractive they also allow for terrific heel, toe operation.

Wondering what the heck heel toe operation is? Commonly it is called heel and toeing and it is a technique that is used to match the speed of the engine with the shifting of gears.

For example if you are coming up on a corner and need to gear down just braking and changing gears can mean your motor is running just a tad to slow for the optimum speed for the next gear you need to select. What happens is the engine that slows down even more. This is called engine braking.

It is much better if you can just blip the gas while you still brake and downshift. This will cause the engine revs to rise to match the next gear maintaining the correct speed and causing a perfectly smooth shift. There is no clunks, jerks, or engine braking. It is a technique to use for both up shifting and down shifting.

So now I bet you are wondering how you "blip" the gas. Well that's what is called heel and toeing. There are two techniques to accomplish this. You can practice both methods.

With the first technique you use the ball of your foot on the brake pedal then you swivel your ankle to blip the gas to the perfect point for the gear using your heel. Using your upper ball of the foot place it in the center of the brake. This is the oldest method of heel and toe.

The other method used both sides of your foot. You plant the left side firmly on your brake pedal and leave the right overhanging on the gas pedal. Your brake and gas pedal are both the same height so it makes it really easy under heavy braking.

The Porsche 996 pedals are available from several different suppliers online. You can also choose other devices like the third foot which is quite popular. The Techart pedals run around $300 and although they are expensive they are worth every penny and the NR and Tech-efx pedals are both nice. The OMP pedals are a little bit heavier and have a lip so that you can't get caught under the brake pedal. These only cost around $50 which is a great price.
With so many Porsche 996 pedals to choose from finding the right ones for you to heel and toe shouldn't be too difficult at all.

Porsche 944 Performance

The Porsche 944 performance was certainly something to talk about. This sports car had earned a reputation for speed and power and rightfully so. It was introduced back in 1982 to replace the 924 as a level entry car but both were sold side by side for several years.

The 944 was really a land mark car respected for its ability to stand out from the 911 and paving the way for smaller 4 cylinder Porsche engines. Suddenly a 4 cylinder engine was recognized for its ability to perform.

The 944 is not only a performance machine but its also a rugged car with a great suspension and under stressed engine. Over the years it grew in complexity form the earlier 16 valve engines to the reliability of the new engines which quickly earned a reputation for their indestructibility.

The leg room might leave a little bit to be desired but overall the backseat is relatively practical and the large shallow load bay is adequate. It has manageable fuel consumption and looks great all the way around with a body style that has stood up against the changing times.

The prices range considerable depending on the year, model, and options. You can find a 944 for as low as $5000 US and from there things just go up. What you need to be aware of is that you should have additional funds handy because there are probably a few things your vintage 944 might need and there are definitely a few problems you want to avoid.

The 944's had an issue with the tension belt which needed to be adjusted with a special tool. Make sure you don't land up buying a 944 from someone who failed to have the tension belt correctly adjusted or you can land yourself with some hefty bills. Another fault to watch for is the engine mounts which tended to fail on the exhaust side a result of idle vibration.

You also need to watch the water pump which could become an issue especially if the belts aren't properly balanced. If you have to replace the water pump you are also going to have to replace the thermostat.

Check the four point harnesses carefully, the roll cage, and the fire extinguishers. Watch for misaligned body parts and any anomalies. As with any purchases a thorough check is always a good idea.

The 944 uses patented balance shaft technology that was actually developed by Mitsubishi. It's purpose was to reduce the amount of vibration and for the use of the technology they paid $8 per engine to Mitsubishi.

In 1985 some major changes occurred to the 944 which included ergonomic changes as well as air conditioning, an upgraded alternator, change in the oil sump capacity, aluminum control arms, a larger fuel tank, power seats, a larger starter, and changes to the transaxle to name just some of the changes that occurred.

1987 was the release of the super version or the 944S which came with ABS, dual air bags, and more power with the first sixteen valve engine and some other minor improvements.

1988 saw the 944 Turbo S hit the market with the 250 bhp and a standard slip differential. ABS became optional rather than standard equipment.

1989 saw the S dropped with all the S features becoming standard equipment. This was the only year that the 2.7 L engine was used. After that the 3 L engine was introduced and used right through to 1991.

The 1990's were suppose to introduce the third evolution of the 944 but when they began to put it all together they realized that there was so many changes that really they should just introduce a new model so the revamped 944 would become the 968 and it would debuted in 1992.

The Porsche 944 performance was a trait it was recognized for from beginning to end and it was a trait carried forward to the 968 too.

The 944 Porsche Engine

It was the 944 Porsche engine that earned the 944 its reputation. Sure it looked great, shifted smoothly, and cornered like a dream, but it was the engine that earned this car it's reputation.

If you were looking for high performance and you loved the look and feel of a German manufactured car than the 944 was the car to have. First introduced back in 1982 it was designed to replace the 924 as a level entry car. The 924 actually never retired and the two cars were sold side by side.

The 944 was available in many models - the 944, 944 Turbo, 944S, and 944S2. Originally it was introduced with a 2.5 L straight 4 engine which was basically half of the V8 engine.

The engine in the 944 used the patented balance shaft technology which Mitsubishi developed for their 2.6 Astron engine. The concept was to ensure the minimum amount of vibration occurred. In order to use the technology Porsche paid Mitsubishi a fee of $8 per engine that that used this system.

In 1985 the 944 underwent some body and interior changes. It also had the alternator upgraded from 90 amps to 115 amps. As well the oil sump capacity was changed, a larger fuel tank was installed, and aluminum control arms were installed front and rear.

1985 saw the introduction of a high performance turbo engine internally called the 951. This was an intercooled, turbo charged version of the cars standard engine producing 220 bhp at 6000 rpm. Aerodynamics were improved, the gearbox was strengthened up, and an upgraded suspension. There were also more than 30 major engine revisions.

In 1987 more changes occurred. The 944S had a sixteen valve engine which meant more power. There were other small improvements made to the engine as well as the installation of ABS and dual air bags.

In 1989 the turbo was standard equipment and the 944 displacement increased to 2.7 L but for just the one year then the 3.0 L engine was introduced.

In the 1990s the work began on the S3 series but during the revamp process they decided so many changes were occurring that it would infact be better to drop the 944 line and introduce a new line.

The 8 valve SOHC in-line 4 aluminum block and heads were standard with a displacement of 151 cu. in. and 147 HP @ 5,800 rpm. The power to weight ratio was 21.0 lbs per horsepower and the compression ratio was 9.7:1. The engine used the Bosch LE Jetronic system and it was available with either an automatic transmission or a 5 speed manual transmission.

Each year saw a variety of options in the 944 but the basic engine remained steadfast with city MPG at around 20 and highway MPG around 27.

The 944 Porsche engine was an engine you could rely on and an engine that would give you the need pizzazz to have just a little fun. So if you love the look of Porsche check out the 944.

Porsche 996 Turbo - What A Way To Travel!

Just a little over a year ago I had the pleasure of taking the Porsche 996 Turbo on a 1500 mile trek. Boy I gotta tell you "what a way to travel!" If you really would like to take a trip in luxury this is definitely the way to go.

Before you know it the miles have flown by. I've driven many Porsches over the years but this is one is extremely smooth and extremely comfortable allowing one to continuously drive for miles and miles without stopping for a break. Your body doesn't begin to ache and your car doesn't miss a beat.

This is a car that is quiet and refined even when you are cruising down the road at 175 mph. I might add this isn't recommended for anyone who's not experienced or on a road that allows these speeds. Whether you are traveling on the straight and narrow or covering those twisty windy roads the 996 hugs the road and just keeps on moving.

This is a car that lets you do absolutely anything with it while maintaining a true feeling of security. You get superior everything - steering, brakes, motor, and upholstery to name just a few. This is one awesome piece of machinery!

The 996 is a sports car through and through. And although based off the Carrera platform it has undergone substantial changes. Choose from a couple or cabriolet in either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, complete with 3.4 liter engine.

The 996 has a fully water cooled engine, sleeker body, a steeply raked windshield, low noise, and a completely redesigned interior which makes it by all intensive purposes an entirely new car than the Carreras which is the platform for it.

This is a car with 415 bhp which means it can do 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds. The 3.6 liter twin turbo engine is very impressive! And that was just the performance of the first engine. 2002 saw the horsepower increase to 450.

And then along came the GT variants. A little more light weight it was based on the RWD Carrera but the stripped down version which made it much lighter. In 2004 this car did 0 to 60 seconds in 4 seconds flat. It was followed by a whopping 477 hp that could do 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

There was also a special edition introduced in 2000 when the 911 Millennium version was released. This special edition had a violet chrome flair paint finish that stood out and beautiful leather interior with dark maple trim. It was available with an optional 6 speed manual shift. This special edition release was limited in numbers.

Once you have driven the Porsche 996 turbo you'll instantly know what I'm talking about. Porsche produces a wonderful line of cars but the 996 is simply a step above the rest and you'll be wondering why you didn't find this gem earlier. It's the only way to travel!

The 1971 Porsche 914-6 - A Treasure!

In 1969 Porsche and Volkswagen decided to get together to collaborate in making a new sports car. The result was in the introduction of the Porsche 914-6 1969 - a real treasure.

The original 914 has a mid mount engine and it sat 2. It came with a targa top and a 4 cylinder boxer engine.

Volkswagen was looking to replace the Karmann Ghia which was aging and becoming rather boring. Porsche was after a new option for their line. Those with the VW body were the 914/4 models while those with the Porsche characteristics were the 914/6 models. However in North America the 914s were also considered Porsches.

The 915-6 was a low profile car that sat low to the ground with a nice stiff suspension which was perfect if you wanted to get a little competitive. It had hidden headlights that popped up when needed and the targa top easily stored in the trunk space.

The flat four cylinder engine was mid mounted and available in either 1.7 liter with 80 hp, 1.8 liter with 79 hp, or 2 liter with 95 hp. All three engines came with a five speed manual transmission.

The true 914-6 was produced only for a very short time during 1970 to 1972 with only 3360 making it to market. The racing model hit the track with a 2 liter flat six cylinder engine. In fact it finished 6 in the Le Mans race.

This was a rear wheel drive car and it weighed in at 2070 pounds. New it cost $6000 US and that was considered a bargain for what you were getting.

Top speed was 124 mph on the 6 cylinder engine and it has a 1991 cc 121.5 cu in displacement on the 2 L engine. You get 131 ft lbs of torque @ 4200 rpm and 124 BHP @ 5800 rpm.

It used gas, had a two Weber three barrel carburetors, and had a 16 gallon tank. 5 speed transmission is standard and the front suspension was MacPherson struts with single lower transverse A arms and torsion bars. The rear suspension was semi trailing arms with coil springs. Rack and pinion steering was standard equipment and so were 15 inch 165 HR tires.

In 1970 Lufthansa sponsored the 914-6 GT in the Nurburgring. It ran the fastest lap in its class and it came in second. It continued to race in ADAC races and the Le Mans races.

The track winner was imported in 1986 to Massachusetts from Europe. There is spent 15 years locked in a chicken barn completely forgotten. Finally in 2001 it was purchased by the current owner and restored back to its original form. And it once again raced in 2004 at the Daytona International Speedway.

The 914-6 had a short run thus not readily available. So if you have your heart set on this model you are going to have to get serious and get busy starting your search. The Porsche 914-6 is a real prize. The question is are you up for the hunt?

Porsche 928

From 1978 to 1995 the Porsche 928 was the talk of the town. The 2 door coupe body was stylish with sleek lines, and very impressive. You simply couldn't help but get noticed. It was also their most expensive car to find its way to market. Today it remains a hot item and you can still expect to pay a pretty penny to own one.

This car quickly earned the name "land shark" because of its ability to eat up the road in little time. In fact it has earned the title of being the fastest road car in the entire world. And it was a title that it definitely earned.

The late 1960s saw Porsche reveal itself with a new look and feel from the earlier days. In fact there had not only been big changes to the company there had been quite a shake up in the executive too. And with shake ups come new idea.

Ernst Fuhrman was one of the new executives to come on board as Managing Director. He was quick to recognize the popularity of the 911 was about to wane and he wanted to introduce a car to the market that would be not only a great sports coupe but also a luxurious sedan. The design study was initiated in 1971 and 1978 saw the first 928 come to market.

This was a car that was going to have plenty of power and so the V8 5.0 L with 300 HP would become stock equipment. The first cars has four barrel carburetors but those were soon rejected for the Borsch K Jetronic fuel injection system. Although it was recognized as a real achievement surprisingly sales were initially slow. Over time it grew in popularity but nothing like predecessor models so in 1995 it was discontinued.

It is always all about design and the 928 is no different. The 928 offered a water cooled V8 engine mounted in the front of the car. It was rear drive and had a displacement of 4.5 L and it offered up 219 HP for North America.

This is a car that is relaxing to drive. In fact during its time it had the reputation of being the most relaxing car on the market. You could choose from the Mercedes Benz automatic transmission or the 5 speed dog leg manual transmission.

Lots of luggage space and you can access it with the large hatchback. The polyurethane bumpers were integrated into the tail and nose and they are paint matched to the body. It's classified as a 2+2 because it has 2 small seats in the rear. They may be more beneficial folded down for luggage storage but they are functional.

Porsche was one of the first cars to introduce all wheel steering. Years later Japanese auto makers came on board. It's a great feature and Porsche driver's got to experience it earlier.

In 1980 the 928S was introduced in the European market which eventually made it to North America. The 1987 model had a single disc clutch and an updated 5.0 L V8 engine.

In the latter part of 1986 the 928 S4 variant debuted with a new single disc clutch and new and improved 5.0 L V8 engine that was used in both the North American and European markets. The styling updates were significant and they gave the car a much sleeker, sexier look and feel. But it also made a considerable difference to the weight of the car resulting in a substantially lighter weight overall.

The 1987 model saw the new 928 S4 enter the market. It had a single disc clutch added and an updated 5.0 L V8 engine with an impressive 316 HP. It also has some sporty interior upgrades and a sleeker exterior. It was also considerably lighter than previous versions.

The S4 stayed in production until 1991 when the 928 GT was released. This was the sportiest of the 928s to ever hit the market. In 1993 the 928 GTS entered the scene with a complete makeover with an updated interior and the larger 5.4 L 345 HP engine. A loaded GTS cost more than $100,000 USD making it the most expensive car on the market for its era. Automatic transmission and 6 speed manual were both available. This is a car that today still holds its value on the market.

The 928 was certainly a car that evolved over its 18 years on the market. Some changes were subtle while others where much more bold. But no matter the changes the car underwent it maintained its reputation as a fast, fun, and sporty car to drive.

When it came to performance this was a predictable car with great weight distribution and the powerful V8 kept it a real player on the track easily able to outperform many of the other Porches.

Is A Porsche 904 For You?

Porsche has a reputation around the globe for producing a great variety of sporty cars. There really is something for everyone and one of the all time favorites is the 904. Do you think the Porsche 904 might be for you?

The 904 and 904 GTS began back in 1964 and 1965 with the 904 being the street car and the GTS the race car. You might be wondering why add a race car model to the line?

Well the 904 GTS had a purpose from the get go. It was actually designed to compete in the FIA-GT international racing events. Where as the street version came about to meet factory quotas for street models so was more the result of a technicality than a desire for a street market.

In 1964 one hundred 904's went to market all of which were very aggressively tuned to outperform almost anything else on the market. They featured the four cam, flat four cylinder which was commonly used in racing cars like the 356 Carrera or 550 Spyder.

Twenty of the 1965 models had a variation of the flat six cylinder engine found in the 911 car. And a few also had a flat eight.

Surprisingly the race prepped cars weighed in at only 1443 pounds and they could easily go from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. They had a top speed of 160 mph which is pretty impressive!

In 1964 the 904 GTS easily won the Targa Flori race which is held annually in Italy. It's really not surprising that this powerhouse won hands down.

Both the 904 and the 904 GTS have fiberglass bodies that were bonded to a steel chassis with a mid mount engine. The bonding process actually created a great deal of problems because corrosion occurred underneath the fiberglass and was not easy to spot. In fact it was seldom caught before much damage had occurred. Another problem was how the bodies were actually made. Sprayed chopped fiberglass was sprayed into the mold which meant that there was no consistency between cars for the thickness.

Throughout the years Porsche continued to hold their share of the market with this design. As the 904 evolved parts remained easily available for both the street and race track models.

Today the 904 has become known as the Carrera GTS and it remains one of the best Porsches ever manufactured. This fine piece of machinery opened up this years race track and will eventually be the replacement car for the current 917. It also continues to hold a stronghold in the street version and this twin cam engine is likely to be around for quite some time.

There is no question that Porsche has a fine reputation in the car industry and has had for as long as one can remember. Whether we are talking about the 911, or the 904 from an era long gone to the up and coming Carrera GTS, if you want to stand out from the rest buy Porsche. So is the Porsche 904 for you

Porsche Cayenne Review

It wasn't that many years ago that Porsche was strictly about sportsters and roadsters. But no more! Today Porsche produces a product line for everyone and that includes the SUV Porsche Cayenne.

The SUV isn't that new. It was actually introduced back in 2002. The V8 was new to the Porsche line with the last V8 being produced in the 928 back in 1995. It instantly became Porsche's best seller in North America.

So what has made it such a great hit? It was co-designed with the VW team who were also planning to add a SUV to their line up. The cost sharing strategy was supposed to help both companies.

The chassis is actually shared by three companies. VW uses it in the Touareg sport utility, Porsche in their Cayenne, and Audi uses a modified version its Q7.

When it comes to the engines VW and Porsche share only a base engine. The Porsche engine has had substantial modifications. The Cayenne offers up four great engine choices.

The 247 HP 3.2 L engine, the 335 HP 4.5 L engine, the twin turbo charged 450 HP 4.5 L engine, the Tequipment twin turbocharged V8 500 HP 4.5 L engine, and finally the twin turbocharged V8 520 HP 4.5 L engine. That's a lot of power in an SUV.

You get 0 to 60 in about 5.2 seconds which is the same time as the Boxster S and the Tequipment engine is even quicker. Of course you realize there is no real good reason for that kind of speed in an SUV but it sure is fun having it anyway!

This is a true SUV and thus it is designed to take you where ever you need to go whether that is up the rocky mountain or across a deep river.

So what's it cost you ask? Well the turbocharged version can be purchased for around $90,000. It's priced competitively against the competition which includes the Land Rover, Mercedes Benz M Class, and Range Rover.

The Cayenne has a low profile tire that gives it a much sportier ride that you might expect to be not so good in serious off road conditions. But it's actually the opposite. These tires are very impressive in off road conditions.

4 wheel drive with manual lockable center differential are standard equipment. You also get a low range setting. There are some terrific off road options too which include air suspension, interior switching rear differential, and vehicle height adjustment.

In 2006 Porsche introduced the Turbo S which is a higher output model. It was designed to compete with the Mercedes Benz ML63. You get a whopping 520 HP making it the second most powerful Porsche ever built. O-60 in 4.8 seconds. So is that fast enough?

The Porsche die-hards that like the traditional reputation of the Porsche line which stands for sporty cars that are designed for speed, comfort, fun, and the race track, aren't happy with the introduction of the Cayenne.

Porsche however is in the business to make money and recognized that an SUV could provide them with a steady income and continuous sales that the fickle sports car market could not and thus they added the Cayenne to their product line.

If you are in the market for an SUV and want the quality and reliability that Porsche is known around the world for, you should consider the Porsche Cayenne. It's got a lot to offer for the price.

Porsche Cayman RS

If you are looking for maximum thrills and minimum pricing then the Porsche Cayman RS is what you should be looking at. At least according to Porsche who claims out of all their winning cars this one tops them all. This infact is the most thrilling car Porsche has ever built.

When the Cayman RS was tested on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany the lips they were a wagging from the sidelines. Revieweres were busy discussing what the RS had to offer. Here was a car that was making history and the high performance magazines were quick to pick up on the potential of this car.

The trademark white paint with the red side decal made it stand out just that much more. Add the alloy wheels and you've got a Porsche that is as stunning as the 911 GT. Overall this was a car that would catch your attention on the exterior and interior before you even heard about the performance of the engine.

And with this car is no turbo charge instead you get a finely tuned 3.4 liter six cylinder engine boasting a whopping 295 bhp but it is more likely to produce around 340 bhp. This car will do an impressive 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. Now you have to admit that could be tough to beat. That's enough to even whoop the BMW Z4 and many other cars on the market in this class.

Porsche reduced the weight on the Cayman RS with just a few simple changes such as removing the trim from the interior, added racing bucket seats that were lighter in weight, and using a smaller hard top which all successfully contributed to reducing the overall weight of the car.

A stiffer suspension was also added combined with the ceramic brakes making this one of the best cars to drive on the market. And that's just the changes that they've put out to the public. There were plenty of other design changes that occurred that haven't even been open for discussion yet.

The RS is expected to hit the market for the 2007 sales year. Price hasn't really been determined yet but what is expected is small numbers. After all they do not want to have any impact on the sales of the 911 after all they only want to entice a small percentage of Porsche buyers into this new model.

Now the rumblings out on the street are that the Cayman RS is just the beginning of several new models that are going to hit the market perhaps even for the 2008 season. It is believed that Porsche is actually planning to introduce several new models which might include a stripped down Cayman entry level car, a 911 GT3, a Targa, and a 911 Turbo Cab.

There is also talk about a new partnership between Porsche and Audi where there is talk about a VW R32. I guess only time will tell whether these rumblings are true or not.

Porsche Caymen S

If you are knew to the world of Porsche and haven't been keeping up with the Porsche changes the Porsche Caymen S is basically a Boxter with a hatchback and a steel coupe roof.

But wait there's a little more to it. The Cayman has a stiffer set of springs for the strut suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, and it comes standard with 18 inch wheels.

The Caymen uses the familiar 3.4 liter engine seen in the Porsche M96, Boxter, and 911. Of course it's been tweaked and now it delivers a whopping 295 HP and 255 pound foot of torque. The old Boxter version had only 280 HP and 236 lb-ft to offer.

From 0 to 60 is capable in 5.1 seconds you'll find your top speed at 171 MPH. That's all the speed you'll ever need. The PSM or Porsche Stability Management System is standard equipment on the Caymen. And the Sport Chrono package with built in lap time counter will be optional.

Another option is ceramic brakes. If you aren't familiar with ceramic brakes you should be. These brakes are half the weight of stand cast iron brakes. You get exceptional braking power, less heat fade, and low brake dust. They Cayman brakes are identical to the Boxter's with just a little more air cooling and ABS tweaking.

A look at the exterior and you will instantly know that the body is built off the Boxter platform. In fact many of the body panels are interchangeable. The rear windows are the same shape as the 911 if you were to turn them on end.

The Cayman has a rapidly sloping hatch that drops quickly and deeply and it is accented with a scripted Cayman S on the rear wing which deploys at speeds over 75 MPH.

The hatch is a nice light weight which rises with no effort presenting you with a nice size trunk that is a decent depth. It's very similar to the Boxter trunk.

And there was some smart design thinking here. An aluminum scuff plate covers the area from trunk up to the cargo shelf. There are also two narrow storage bins and there is plenty of useable floor space.

If you are familiar with the Boxter when you park yourself in the driver's seat you'll instantly feel like your back in the Boxter except that the instrument faces are gray and the cargo shelf is behind your head. So are you ready to take it for a cruise?

First thing you'll notice is that the Caymen fits both driver and passenger snuggly. You'll notice the night tight suspension and how the car hugs the road never missing a beat. It's impressively intuitive as long as you don't mess up.

The steering puts you in complete control with the blacktop and its responsible and sensitive to your every mood. Drive it neatly and it will never let you down. Know your car and how to drive and it will be hard to be outperformed.

First impressions are that the Cayman is as snug-fitting for the driver as it was for the passenger and that the mid-mounted engine makes life hard for the air-conditioning; the cabin serves up rump roast over frozen heart as a summer dish.

The chassis has been seriously beefed up and is more of a partner than ever before. Combine that with the Michelin tires that have amazing gripping you are going to have a ride like nothing you've experienced before.

The new Caymen is everything the 911 has always been and more. It's not only a great ride on the street it's also a great track ride. It sounds great, looks great, and performs great. But then after all it's a Porsche and would you accept anything less? If there were awards for best car this one would certainly be in the running.

If you haven't checked out the Porsche Caymen be sure you do!

The Porsche Boxer Is Worth Every Dime

It's new, it's hot, it's sexy, and it's worth every dime on the price tag. The Porsche Boxster S fondly referred to as the Porsche Boxer is almost completely new right from the ground up with only 20% of the parts carried from the last model.

Porsche is a car where it is evidence that evolution has occurred. This isn't a car that that reacted to demands for change. Instead Porsche was a manufacturer that strived for perfection through evolution. And the new Boxster is definitely evidence of just that.

The differences between the new Boxster and old Boxster is immediately apparent. There are new doors, larger air scoops, ovoid headlamps, bigger sills, bigger air intakes, and tail lamp redesigns. The body has a new look and feel about it.

And of course the inside is completely new too right from the steering wheel to the dials on the dash. The seats are newly designed and the faux leather is impressive. There's nothing left inside from the previous Boxster at all. The new ergonomics are also very impressive with a real comfy feel and lots of room. The steering is easy to adjusted to your height whether you are tall or short and the seat wraps to your body and the glass allows for excellent visibility.

There are two engine versions available in the Boxster. You can choose from the 2.7 liter 240 bhp or the 3.2 liter 280 bhp Boxster S. Two new engine versions but you get to keep the outstanding cornering that you are already familiar with. There's virtually no body roll as this baby sticks to the road outperforming almost any other car in its category.

The new heavier braking system means there is more stable stopping especially at high speeds and a new steering system provides a much better response system making it much more responsive and nimbler than any previous versions.

The active suspension management combined with the electronic damper system results in improved body control at just the touch of a button. There is also the option of the sports chronograph package which gives you a lap timer and a sport button that provides you with better throttle response.

The 280 bhp Boxster S will give you 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. You've got to admit that's pretty impressive. There's a lot of punch in this car. Although by today's standards this might not be the top of the performance train it is adequate and what makes the Porsche Boxer so impressive is the way it handles and the satisfaction derived from driving this car.

The Boxster has long been a part of the Porsche lines and no matter whether one is talking about previous models or the newest model what you can be sure of is the quality that goes with the Porsche line. You know that you can count on Porsche to provide you with a car that's not only fun to drive, but reliable. And the Porsche Boxer is no different!

Porsche Spider

Recent years with the debut of the Porsche Boxster the Porsche Spider has once again come front and center for attention. The 550 RS Spyder was an amazing car perhaps the reason James Dean chose it.

This is a car that has become a legend around the world and there is plenty of folk lore attached to it. It all began with the American auto importer named Johnny Von Neuman. He was really behind the success of the Spider and in fact he was the man who put together James Dean's purchase of the "Little Bastard," for a whopping $25,000.

The Spyder also was extremely successful on the race track which is one of the reasons it has been so popular on a commercial level. With just a 100 horsepower here is a car that has been a winner all around. From the Le Mans from 1953 to 1955 and then in 1956 there 550 had a makeover which resulted in some improvements and it continued to place.

The 547 engine arrived with its twin cam, twin plugs, and dual distributors creating terror among the ranks in its own class and even in the larger displacements.

And if you can't afford the real deal there is some great news because you can always choose a replica or kit car. Sure it might not be quite the same but for those of us on a budget it's a great option.

And wait there's more. If you'd love to provide the tots with their very own Porsche Spider miniature replica. What a blast!! The kids love it and you get a little bit of Porsche in your child's world. These 1:2.3 scale cars are also great additions to a mini car collection.

If you are at all a Porschephile you know the importance of the Porsche 550 Spyder which was seldom beat in its class and more often than not finished ahead of the pack. In fact it took little time for this Porsche to earn the title "the giant killer."

Today Porsche carries on the long standing motor sport traditions. It started back in 1953 and in 1997 a Spyder was still taking the win at the track, the Le Mans 24 Hour race to be precise.

The new RS Spyder has competed at the Estoril circuit in Portugal and the results were impressive with the new 3.4 L V8 engine performing very well. In fact there are high expectations in the air for this new model. It's definitely going to give the other cars a run for their money and that's nice to see. After all Porsche really is a core part of racing and has been for years.

So whether you are looking to buy the newest version of the Porsche Spyder, looking for one of the vintage Spider's, or you've decided to invest in a replica there is definitely an option for you out there. So no matter what size your budget you can be a Porsche Spider owner.

Is The Porsche 907 Right For You?

In 1967 the Porsche 907 was introduced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It came to the track with the 6 cylinder 220 hp 2000 cc engine used in the Porsche 910.

As you know traditionally German cars have the driver on the left. While the 907 broke tradition placing the driver on the right giving them a real advantage on the clockwise tracks.

The 907 also had vented brake disks which had actually become standard on all Porsche models. And with the new long tail body the 907 was capable of reaching speeds of 190 mph. In fact it finished 5th in the Le Mans Race.

The V8 Ford was generating rumors about roles that would be changing in future races and Porsche began to prepare themselves to be able to compete with the Ford V8. The 907 was quickly overworked to include a 3 liter 270 hp 2200cc 8 cylinder engine.

Then in 1968 the V8 and V12 where both banned on the track which left Ford and Alfa Romeo unprepared, and Porsche was hopeful that they would have a chance at the World Sportscar Championship as well as at the Le Mans.

Porsche was extremely serious about winning this year, thus they had 4 cars ready to compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona. These four cars came complete with 20 engineers and mechanics, as well as the drivers.

The Porsche 907 saw a one-two win on the 12 Hours of Sebring. This was the beginning of a completely new winning streak for Porsche. In fact Porsche was predicted to stay champion well into the future years but not surprisingly competition was tough and they fought hard to stay in the top ranks.

The 1968 model weighed in at 1433 pounds. It had an 8 cylinder 16 valve engine with a 2.20 L displacement and DOHC valve train. The horsepower was very impressive at 335 BHP at 8500 RPM and 230 Ft Lbs of torque at 6600 RPM. And the 5 speed manual transmission was a nice smooth shift.


During the middle of the 1968 season the 908 was in a position to take over for the 907 which had scored the victory at the 24 Hour Daytona race. This made expectations for the 908 extremely high. After all rightfully it was really just an upscale 907. But the 908 hit the Le Mans race with more problems than were anticipated.

In order to stay ahead of the competition Porsche decided that it was time to develop a new prototype 5 liter sports car which would become the 917.

Troubles with the crankshaft surfaced. There were aerodynamic problems that needed to be rectified and quite frankly it was a dog to drive.

Today Porsche continues to be a major contender both on and off the race track. If you love vintage Porsches the 907 is certainly worth considering. If you prefer the new models why not have a look at this years 911, Boxter models, or Caymen models.

Once you are hooked on Porsche they'll be no turning back. All you have to decide is whether the Porsche 907 is for you or one of the many other models.

Check Out The Gemballa Porsche

You've heard of double the trouble? Well that's what you get with the Gemballa Porsche. Here you get twice the power of a standard Porsche.

The Gemballa is all about performance and it's not for the inexperienced. No this is a car for the driver with plenty of skill. The Gemballa design is truly exclusive and worth every dime for the serious driver that wants only the best in performance.

You'll find yourself in control of a whopping 650 HP and it has been stripped to the basics to reduce weight. In fact it is so stripped even the doors have been replaced with light weight carbon fiber shells and Perspex rather than glass.

Rear wheel drive and the traction control has been scrapped so the handling is entirely different from anything else you'll have ever driven.

Curb weight is just 1380 kg with 650 HP. Do the math and you'll instantly realize the potential here. The power to weight ratio is comparable to what you'd find in the Skaife V8 super car but it's street legal.

Picture this. Twisty, winding roads, on a warm day with dry pavement. Now that's a ride! 250 km/hr is no problem! But rain and the Gemballa don't mix too well. In fact because the combination is so deadly it was decided some restrictions needed to be placed on the street version.

So if 250 km/hr isn't a problem if one was actually engaging ones brain one might determine that speed like that combined with wet roads and traffic could only lead to trouble. In Germany it tends result in fewer accidents because of the road system. But never the less one has to admit not a great combination anywhere. Trouble is it's hard to keep the foot off the gas petal no matter what the road conditions.

Thomp on the petal and before you can blink you'll be doing 290 km/h on that public road. As you whip threw those gears - first, second, third, forth, fifth, and then sixth, you'll feel a sense of freedom like nothing you've experienced before. Wow what a ride!

The Gemballa is actually based on the Porsche 997 Carrera platform. And 2006 sees it once again hit the streets with it's regular clientele quick to buy into this ultra sporty car that's also extremely reliable.

The performance of this dream car continues to draw attention around the globe. Unless you've actually experienced 605 lb ft of torque it's will be hard to imagine. The 2006 boasts top speeds of 208 mph putting it in a class all unto itself.

And if the powerhouse isn't enough than the body styling is just enough to take it truly over the top. And this year you even get 20" racing wheels for the really ambitious driver.

So whether you choose the 2006 Gemballa Porsche or an older classic you'll experience nothing quite like it with any other automobile on the market. The question is are you up for the challenge?

1987 Porsche 924

When Porsche introduced the 924 it was intended as a new beginning in the Porsche family. Little did they know it would start a trend that would last until 1995 when the 968 would eventually replace the 924. The 1987 Porsche 924 was one of the most popular years for the 924.

This was a front engine mount model with a rear transmission mount. In 1976 when it was introduced to the market it was intended to replace the 914. This was the first of Porsche's small inline four cylinders to be water cooled.

It has great lines with a smooth contoured body and big back window that gave it the illusion of a hatchback. It didn't have fat tire, fender flares, a spoiler, or things like that. No gimmicks here! It was designed as an affordable, sporty touring car.

The 8 valve SOHC inline 4 had an aluminum block and heads. The bore and stroke was 3.94 x 3.11 in with a 151 cu. In. displacement. It had an impressive 158 hp @ 5,900 RPM and the power to weight ratio was 21.0 lbs per horsepower. The compression ratio was 10.2:1 with a torque of 155@4,500 RPM.

It used the Bosch LE Jetronic fuel system which produced 20 mpg (city) or 28 mpg (hwy). That was impressive fuel economy for a car that was classified as a sports car and for a car of that era.

The suspension on the front was MacPherson struts with the lower an arm and coil springs, tube shocks, and an anti-roll bar. The rear had semi-trailing arms, torsion bars, an anti roll bar, and tube shocks.

The 924 was available with a 5 speed manual transmission or a 3 speed automatic. The wheelbase on the 924 was 94.5 with a curb weight of 2734 pounds.

This was a nice quick car with a 0-60 MPH in 7.5 seconds or you could pull 15.8 on a ¼ mile track with a top speed of 138 MPH.

The 924 was a car that was instantly famous and it competed well against cars like the Z line that Datsun had, the Triumph TR line, or the rotary Mazda's that had become so popular. This was a car that was popular with those who loved the look and feel of a Porsche but were timid of the speed of a race car. It looked and felt sporty and racy but it wasn't a race car and so the average driver could easily handle this car. It was easy to shift and it was nimble with great cornering through the curves. A really fun car to drive! And what was even better was the price. Suddenly you could have performance on a budget.

There were a variety of models released all with a variety of different motor sizes and horsepower so no matter what you were looking for there was a 924 style to fit the bill.

Although this was a model that was popular throughout the years, the 1987 Porsche 924 was one of the hottest years of all!

The Porsche 356 Timeline

The Porsche 356 was a sports car buffs dream. The 356 was the brain child of Ferdinand "Ferry" Porsche. The body style was the work of Erwin Komenda and the mechanical came off the VW Beetle the design of Ferdinand Porsche Sr.

When it first hit the market it was available as a roadster, cabriolet, and coupe and over the years it saw many changes both in power and style. You might be surprised to discover that the 356 Porsche was actually Porsche's first production automobile and one has to admit it was a great pick!

This timeline is a bit rough around the edges but it will give you and idea of how the 356 evolved from start to finish.

1948:
Just after the war Porsche located to Austria so that they could be closer to parts suppliers. Ferry Porsche was the designer of the 356. He was the son of Dr Ing Ferdinand Porsche who was the founder of Porsche. The original car used a tubular chassis with an 1100cc engine so it was both light and quick. The gearbox was designed by Frolich and Komenda designed the body of the 356.

The original 001 raced at the Innsbruck city race and it won in the 1100cc class on its very first run. Not surprising! The original 001 sits in the Factory Museum.

1949:
The first 356 Cabriolet is built with alloy aluminum.

1950:
The factory moves to Zuffenhausen and begins producing the 356 where they will stay until 1965 producing around 80,000 cars.

1951:
Innovation continues to impress the world with the 356 Cabriolet and the new split windshield. The 1.3 liter was chrome plated with aluminum cylinders and the very first synchromesh transmission came to be. The 356-002 wins hands down at the LeMans in the 1100cc class.

At the age of 75 Dr. Ing Ferdinand Porsche Sr. died at the age of 75. By this time 1400 people worked under the direction of Ferry Porsche.

1952:
The 1488 cc 70 HP super engine is introduced.

1953:
A deal is made with New York's Max Hoffman which allowed for the introduction of the 356 in the United States. It wasn't long before Hoffman became the US importer for Porsche making arrangements for the Porsche line to be carried around the country. This was also the era where split windshields became bent windshields.

1954:
Hoffman convinces Porsche that they can gain more market share by producing a stripped down version of the 356 for less money specifically designed for the west coast where fair weather and amateur racing go hand in hand. And so the Speedster is born and an instant success with more than 4000 sold in just 5 years.

1955:
The 1600 motor makes it to production. The 1500 GS Carrera motor which is being developed for the race track suddenly finds its way into the 356 line. The A line is introduced which has several small changes to the body style.

1956:
The 10,000th 356 comes off the assembly line and it is celebrated at the factory.

1957:
More improvements saw the T2 prototype with the new transmission. The 644 replaced the 519 with a much better shifter, dual nose mounts, and much better synchros.

1958:
The Carrera engine continued to see improvements that produced higher horsepower. The Convertible came to market replacing the Speedster and it was much taller and luxurious than its predecessor.

1959:
The last Speedster is released and the 1300 engine is also dropped.

1960:
The 356B is given the Super 90 motor. The 90 has a counterweighted crank, Solex P40-II Carburetor, and sodium filled valves.

1961:
The hardtop is introduced and is instantly a hit and is fondly nicknamed the "Notchback". Over 1700 of these cars sold in less than two years.

1962:
Porsche is talking with Reutter about the purchase of the coach maker. The factory launches Christophorus which is a Porsche lifestyle magazine.

1963:
356C is brought to market with the 95 HP SC engine. It has 4 wheel disc brakes, and it is available with an optional 12 volt electric system.

1964:
The 356 production has moved over the 10,000 a year number.

1965
The final Cabriolets come off the assembly line.

After several evolutions the 356 came to be retired in 1965 but today the car still remains sought after and it is common to find them selling for over $175,000. Back in the 1950s you could buy that car new for $4000.

The 356 also made it big in the movies staring in Top Gun, 48 Hrs and Another 48 Hrs. And Janis Joplin has a psychedelically painted 356C. The 356 underwent many changes over the years some mechanical while others cosmetic but what remained consistent was its charm, style, sportiness, and speed. Still today this is a car that gets noticed.

Is the Porsche 906 Your Style?

Everyone has a style and that style is reflected in the car you choose to drive. Porsche is a vehicle with a reputation that's hard to beat and a full line of classics to choose from. One of the all time favorites is the Porsche 906. The question is does it fit your style?

The 906 is also known as the Carrera 6 which was the last Porsche racing car built that was street legal. In 1966 Porsche produced 65 of them.

The 906 was designed by Ferdinand Piëch and was considered the successor to the 904. It replaced the boxed steel structure that had been used on 904. Instead it used a tubular space frame that had a fiberglass body that was done by hand. This meant you could count on consistent results.

It generally had the 901/20 6 cylinder installed which had an impressive 220 HP. This was a carbureted engine although a few designed for the race track did have a fuel injection system as did the 8 cylinder engines.

Another distinctive factor to the 906 was the testing it underwent. Unlike any other Porsche racing car the 906 was actually tested in a wind tunnel reaching top speeds of 280 km/h. Pretty darn impressive for a 2 liter engine.

This era was also full of gull wing doors and the Porsche 906 was quick to offer them as well. The rear mounted engine was covered with big Plexiglas cover which looked very stylish.

It made its debut on the track in 1966 at the 24 Hours of Daytona race finishing in 6th place but winning out against the Ferrari Dino. When it raced in the 12 Hours of Sebring it finished fourth.

The 906 didn't do so well in the 1000 km at Spa or 1000 km Nurburgring where it was beaten by a V8 Chevy. But in 1966 it won hands down in Italy at the Targa Florio.

However things were getting tough at the factory and purse strings were being tightened. So in an effort to save money suspension that had been produced for the 904's was being used on the 906s combined with 15 inch wheels.

This made it a difficult combination to beet out lighter weight cars with 13 inch wheels in the Formula One races. One big draw back was the 5 nut wheels which cost them plenty of time during pit stops.

The Porsche 906 remains a popular street car choice that's known for not only it's great style, sporty looks, and power house engine but also for its reasonable pricing for what you are getting.

There's a lot of value here. In fact you might be pleasantly surprised when you actually start shopping for a 906. And with so many online sights that offer such a great selection of Porsche cars both new and used then you can really take some time to shop around for the right car and the right price.

So really the only question that remains is this - Is the Porsche 906 for you? If the answer is yes what's going to be your color?

You've Got To Love The Porsche 914

Back in 1969 Porsche was about to make a lasting impression on the world with the introduction of the sporty, mid mount 4 cylinder boxer engine, two seater Porsche 914.

The design of the 914 was the result of the Porsche and VW working together to produce a new sports car for each of the companies. VW was looking to find a replacement for the Karmann-Ghia and Porsche was looking to use the 911 components but get a fresh new model.

In Europe Porsche took the 914 body and finished it as the 914/6s while VW took it and finished it as the 914/4s. When marketed in North America both were sold as the Porsche 914.

The 914 did not look like any other Porsche on the market. It featured pop up headlamps, flat deck lid over the rear engine, no backseat, and a vertical rear windshield.

The low profile seats mean you are almost sitting on the floorboards and the firewall is located right at your back. There's nothing fancy about the inside, in fact it is very basic. But it also has all the equipment you'll ever need.

It features a nice large tach which remained popular in many models. It has the same transmission that's used in the 928 where you'll find first down and over to the left.

The suspension is hard, the car rides low gripping the road, and the steering is nice and tight. This is a really sporty little car and when the suns out and the winds warm you can pop the targa top off, roll down the windows, and relax.

The flat 4 cylinder mid mount was available in a 1.7 L providing 80 HP, 1.8 L providing 79 HP, and 2.0 L providing 95 HP. All engines come with a 5 speed manual transmission. It has the independent front with lower control arms, anti roll bar, spring struts. The independent rear has transverse torsion bars and anti roll bars.

Wondering what kind of performance this little gem is capable of? You'll be just a little impressed. The 2.0 L used in the 1973 is probably the most popular of the three engines released. It's a blast to put the petal to the metal and listen to the sound of that rpm band and oh yes let's not forget the power.
From 1970 to 1972 the 914-6 was released but it didn't last very long with less than 3500 actually produced. There were also a small number of 914-6 GTs produced at the same time. They were given the higher performance 911 engine and suspension designed for the race track.

The 914-6 was agile with quick acceleration and good handling and breaking. In fact in many aspects it was considered superior to the 911. To drive it felt much like the 914-4 but in the upper RPM it definitely had more punch.

1974 the cars destined for North America saw the introduction of the 1.7 L engine which was bored to 1.8 L. It was combined with the Bosch fuel injection system for the emissions control required in North America.

1975 saw the end of an era when production of the 914 was ended. Eventually it would be replaced by the 924 and the 914's 2 L engine was continued in the 912E considered a level entry model.

When it comes to cool and "gotta have" the 914 definitely fits the bill. This is a great little sports car that's nice and peppy, has great handling, and lots of snap. And with today's high fuel costs it's a real treat in that department too. You do need to watch for rust though. It is the biggest enemy of the 914.

If you love the look of the sports cars from the 1970's, understand the value of a Porsche, and like to stand out in a crowd the Porsche 914 is definitely a car to consider. So is this the car for you?

The Porsche 912E The Alternative To The Porsche 911

Porsche has released many models over the years but one of the shortest releases and most intriguing was the Porsche 912 E the alternative to the Porsche 911 produced in 1976.

This vehicle was produced for only one year because the 911 enthusiasts were looking for a car that was simpler and cheaper to buy. And the 912E was an instant hit with a huge 911 following.

And I must say I'd have to agree! Of all the Porsche's built for day to day driving the 912E was the perfect combination of body styling, engine, and vintage characteristics. The 912E was a sophisticated car for the era. I mean think about it. We are talking 30 years ago and yet even today it can keep up with the most modern Porsche.

A limited number of five hundred 912E's came from the factory with a sunroof, air conditioning, and tinted windows. A nice added bunch of added features.

This is a car that's easy and fun to drive. It corners wonderfully and zips through the winding roads at a comfortable 85 mph for hours on end. It has plenty of zip in town too. There's no problem darting in and out of traffic and staying the leader of the pack.

This is a car that's hard not to love once you've driven it. In fact don't be surprised if you decide you just don't want to get out from behind the wheel.

And the reliability of the type 4 engine is truly remarkable. Consider this 60,000 miles will likely result in about one carburetor adjustment and a couple of valve adjustments. This is a car that rarely breaks down and that you can rely on!

The gas mileage is pretty darn impressive too! 38 MPG isn't uncommon even at higher speeds around the 75 MPH range. New it sold for around $4800.

The 912E came with a 2056cc Type 4 engine that has 123 HP @ 6000 rpm and 135 Tq @ 3850 rpm. The compression ratio was 9.1:1 and it had a RAT custom camshaft with a split duration and lift. Johnson lifters were stock and the heads were 2.0 914, 44x36 valves. It had a direct fire ignition system with a modified type 4 cooling system and a Bursch 912E replacement with Turbo muffler. It came standard with 185/60/14 tires and a 5 speed transmission.

The 912E may not be a power house but it is certainly adequately equipped for day to day driving and long highway trips. In fact for the money you'll have a hard time finding a more affordable level entry sports car.

What better way to get all the great features of the 911 with the 4 cylinder engine of the 356. After all the 911 was way out of the budget of many a buyer. But the 912E certainly isn't. It's too bad that the market saw only one year of this gem.

For those of you in the market for a vintage Porsche remember the Porsche 912E is an affordable alternative to the 911 and you should certainly consider it.

The Sports Car Coupe Porsche 924

The Porsche 924 replaced the 914 and it was the car that would eventually result in the retirement of the 912. This sports coupe produced by Porsche AG had a nice long run from 1976 to 1988.

It was a two door with two seats in the front and two in the back. It was the first water cooled engine ever used by Porsche and the engine was front mount rather than there traditional mid mount. It had had a very similar configuration to the previous 928 model.

Rear wheel drive and front mount engines were common among other manufacturers but not with Porsche who either used mid or rear mounts. However the front mount on the 924 was a big success taking Porsche from the verge of bankruptcy.

The 924 was actually meant to be part of the VW sports coupe line. Volkswagen had commissioned Porsche to design a fresh car and transmission to work with the Audi I4 engine. But Volkswagen changed their mind and dumped the project and since Porsche needed a replacement for the 914 they bought the design back from VW.

It didn't take long for the executives at Porsche to realize there was a need for a high performance version of the 924. After all they had already experienced the success of turbo on many of their other models.

The turbo charged engine brought the performance of the 924 very close to that of the 911 but the light weight carb also brought more reliability to the car. The biggest problem the turbo 924 faced was the short life of the turbo because of the heat generated. In 1981 the turbo system was revised which solved the problem.

The 924 had a very successful history on the street both in the turbo and non turbo models so Porsche decided that it was time to put a modified 924 on the race track.

They added an intercooler, drastically reduced the weight of the car, fine tuned a few areas, and called it the 924 Carrera. Then off to the 24 Hours of Le Mans it went.

In 1982 the production of the 924 turbo came to an end and by 1986 the sales on the Porsche 924 were almost non existent as the 944 replaced it.

But the 924 wasn't entirely dead because 1986 also saw the introduction of the 924S which had the 2.5 liter engine from the 944. It was slightly faster than the old 924 and it had a lighter curb weight and a better gear ratio. In 1988 the 924S came to halt with only a 4 year run.

Porsche is a manufacturer that stays on top of the demands of not only the consumer but also the race track. After all they are an important player on the track. So whether you decide a vintage Porsche 924 is for you or one of the other models is your pick, when you buy Porsche you buy quality, fun, and power combined with an image.

Race Away With The Porsche 935

It was a great day on the track when the Porsche 935 was introduced back in 1976. The 935 raced in the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, IMSA, and the World Sportscar Championship. The 935 and the 930 were twins one built for the race track the other for the street.

It was the Martini work team that debuted the 935 as a Group 4 car. But soon is moved to the Group 5 class for racing which mean many modifications could occur. Modifications like a larger wing, water cooling, and wider axles were all allowed to name just a few of the changes that occurred.

The 935 was a car that morphed often changing its looks on a regular basis. For example it started with a whale tail rear wing and then the rear fenders were extended in the same manner. It was originally going to run with two different noses but then the plan changed and only the aerodynamic version was used.

The original engine was a 560 hp 2.85 L engine a version of the 3.0 L flat 6. The Porsche factory continued to work and develop the 935 to make it the optimum race car. 1977 saw a single turbo dropped for a double KKK unit and even the body got a bit of a makeover.

The 1978 model is fondly referred to as the Moby Dick because of the body shape. It had a long front and rear which provided minimum drag. It had the larger 3.2 liter water cooled engine with four valve cylinder heads and a whopping 750 hp.

The 935 K3 was driven by Klaus Ludwig and even with the torrential downpours he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1979

By 1984 the 935 had won more than 150 races around the world as well as 20 class wins. Those races included the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Sebring 12 Hours, Daytona 24 Hours, Nürburgring Nordschleife, and 1000 km Nürburgring.

The 935 was a Porsche that saw many changes over its life. These changes not only affected the look of the car they also affected the performance of the car. The 935 was the racing version of the 930 street car. And the 935 was so popular it can even be found in the movie called the "Cannonball Run."

Porsche began back in 1938 with many of the components of the Volkswagen Beetle. Today Porsche is definitely a company that knows how to weather a changing market place and remain financially stable throughout the process. At a time when many of the European automobile manufactures have relocated their headquarters Porsche remains strong in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen and the Cayenne and Carrera GT are now being manufactured in Leipzig located in eastern Germany.

Over the years there have been many successful Porsche models and the 935 is just one of those. If you are looking to head to the track the 935 is a great choice and remember if you want that street version check out the 930.

Which To Choose - The Porsche Carrera C2 or C4

The Porsche 964 was the first real production 911 offered with the four wheel drive option. It's really not new technology with the transmission dating back to 1982 when Porsche introduced the 4 wheel drive rally raid cars.

It was in 1989 that the 964 Carrera first offered the 4 wheel drive option. Under normal driving conditions it really is quite difficult to notice much difference between the C2 and C4. In the tight corners the C4 tends to torque up a bit more because of the power being sent to the front axle. Unless you are a really experienced Carrera driver chances are you won't be able to actually tell the difference under basic driving.

Now if you push it a bit things get a little more interesting. You'll find the C2 is more agile and sensitive in the steering and it turns much sharper. The C4 is less sensitive because it has the heavier front end. The higher the speed the more understeer you'll notice with the C4.

With the C4 you'll feel the push when cornering but it doesn't get worse at higher speeds and in fact it feels rather secure because it is very easy to handle at the higher speeds. That means for a less experienced driver there is an added sense of security.

When the roads get wet the tables turn and the C4 suddenly becomes far superior as long as you learn how to handle the C4 and to have a little patience. When you turn into a corner on wet roads with the C4 you find a much more stable cornering than with the C2. It's much easier to drive and it handles superior to the C2 on wet roads.

So depending on what your driving needs and styles are will depend which is best for you. If you are looking for a little light competition or some time on the track consider the C2. Then again if you are going to be spending a great deal of time on wet roads or driving in the winter the C4 will be much more secure for those conditions.

The C4 does cost more to service and maintain than the C2 but then again what 4 wheel drive system doesn't and if it provides you with the stability and confidence that you want than it's worth every extra dime. And the cost isn't that much more.

The C4 transmission has a great reputation for being reliable and strong and the brake system on both the C2 and C4 is the same and requires the same maintenance. The C4 has few troubles except for the occasional sensor or hydraulic system problem.

Choosing between the Porsche C2 and the Porsche C4 is a very personal decision that is based very much on your personal wants and the type of driving conditions you expect to throw at your car. Both offer reliable safe transportation from a manufacturer you can trust to provide a quality automobile.

Mark Donohue's Porsche 917-30

The Porsche 917 was one of two cars Porsche introduced after the competitive era had come to an end. But the 917-30 was one car that was available only to Mark Donohue the Team Penske driver

In 1968 the FIA changed the rules for street cars allowing 5 liter engines on the roads. This was a huge jump from the previous 3 liter restriction. Porsche was quick to take advantage of this change working on two new sports car prototypes.

Porsche had great success with the 904, 907, and 908 on the race track. The 917 was built in an impressive 10 months and it had the type 912 flat 12 engine in a variety of displacements ranging from a 4.5 right up to a 5.4 liter engine.

It had independent front suspension controlled by a unequal control arms with coil springs over tubular shocks. It also has independent rear suspension with unequal control arms and radius rods with coil springs over tubular shocks.

The 917 also had four wheel disc brakes and a 5 speed manual transmission with an aluminum tube space. All models were right hand drive with a variety of different body configurations.

The 917 was finally displayed to the public at the Geneva Auto Show in 1969. In 1970 a partnership arrangement was reached with John Wyer and Gulf Team Wyer and the L series was introduced.

1971 saw the 917L become more stable. In fact there were now three L's entered on the race track winning 8 out of 11 rounds of the Manufacturer World Championship. Once again Porsche was proving its ability on the race track.

The 917-10 entered the line up built specifically for the American CanAm Group 7 race. It was even lighter in weight and it had a larger fuel tank that gave it a 200 mile range. The first season it didn't do nearly as well as they had anticipated.

1972 saw Donohue and Follmer driving the Porsche in this seasons races. Donohue was unable to complete the season because of an accident but Follmer did and he captured the championship.

In 1973 the 917-30 came to market with its twin turbo chargers and 5.4 liter 12 cylinder engine. It could produce between 1100 and 1500 horsepower. This was a car that could go from zero to sixty in 2.1 seconds with a top speed of 238 mph. This was a car available only to Mark Donohue the Team Penske driver. And it was a winner taking home the championship at the Can Am series.

In 1974 it was banned from the Can Am series. Can Am stands for Canadian American Challenge Cup. It was a race that went from 1966 to 1974.

The basic 917 was beaten by many lighter cars like the Alfa Romeo or Ferrari. But on the track the 917/10, 917/20 and 917/30 really did dominated the racing circuit and they simply were unbeatable. Don't believe it have a look at the records.

Over a thousand horsepower plus with the backing of a company that had years of racing experience, combined with some of the best race car drivers on the track and you can see where you certainly have a formula for success.

The Porsche 917-30 was a mid engine mount with rear wheel drive and in 2.1 seconds it could take you from zero to 60 mph with a top speed of 238 mph. If that wasn't enough power to impress then what is?

The 944 Turbo AKA Porsche 951

911, 914, 962, 944, and the list goes on and on. There are plenty of Porsche models on the market over the years and the 944 turbo is just one of those. And the 944 Turbo is one of those models which internally is referred to the Porsche 951.

The 951 was only the model number used behind the scenes but on the street and on the market this Porsche was the 944 Turbo and it was one of the most under rated cars ever. The 951 model number never actually made it into the line up. Instead they decided to stick with the Turbo designation and existing model number.

This is a fabulous sports car that is well balanced. Whether you need to run around town completing errands, need to take a quick trip on the freeway, or you want to cruise along those winding road where you can let your hair down and enjoy the performance of your car, The 944 Turbo can meet all your driving needs. Fast, elegant, stylish, sophisticated, and functional, are all words that describe this car well.

The 944 Turbo was introduced in 1986 and immediately it was noticeable that this was a step above the rest. The smooth front end had the fog lights integrated into the bumper and the rear had a functional but design orientated chin spoiler under the bumper panel. 16 inch wheels were standard equipment compared to the 15 inch tires seen on the 944.

The turbo also seen an interior face lift with a fresh inviting makeover. But the big differences were under the hood with the turbo charged 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that output 217 hp @ 5800 rpm. That was a 50% increase from the 944. That's pretty impressive!

The 8 valve SOHC in line 4 was an aluminum block with aluminum heads and it had a displacement of 151 cu. in. The power to weight ration was 15.0 pounds per horsepower with a compression ratio of 8.0:1. It also had the famous Bosch LE Jetronic fuel system which gives you 19 mpg in town and 25 mpg on the highway.

And of course suspension is important which is why you will find Macpherson struts on the front with lower A arms, tube shocks, coil springs, and anti roll bars. On the rear you'll find semi trailing arms, tube shocks, torsion bars, and anti roll bars. You also get a five speed manual transmission.

If you are wondering about performance you are going to be impressed. You can get from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds and you can do a quarter mile in 14.2 seconds. There's a top speed of 155 mph.

Over the years Porsche has brought many different models to the streets and to the race tracks some more successful than others. And the 944 Turbo isn't the first one to have another name behind the scenes. So the next time someone starts wondering about the Porsche 951 you'll know exactly which car they are talking about.

What Was The Porsche 944 All About?

If you are already a Porsche buff I don't have to tell you how popular the Porsche 944 was and still remains today. If you are knew to Porsche's your about to meet with some fascinating reading. So what was the 944 all about?

Porsche has been building great cars for years but in 1982 it came up with what was going to be a real winner. This was the year the first Porsche 944 hit the market. It was originally introduced as a replacement for the Porsche 924.

This eventually did occur but for a few years both cars were actually on the market side by side. From the get go the 944 was immediately a very popular car available as either a 2 door coupe or a 2 door convertible.

So what was it that made the 944 such a hit? Well there were a few things but mostly it was the high performance and look of this sports car. It was a success right from the beginning but over the years several models become available including the 944S, 944S2, and the 944 Turbo.

When first produced it had only the 2.5 liter engine but over time there were options which also included a 2.7 liter and 3.0 liter engine. Both the 94 inch wheelbase and the 2932 curb weight also made this car very appealing to the sports car enthusiast.

When the 944 first hit the streets it had a straight 4 cyclinder 2.5 liter engine an it had Mitsubishi's patented balance shaft technology. And of course it had the look of a sports car too.

It wasn't until 1985 that it had any major changes done to it. Those changes included some ergonomic changes to the interior, the movement of the antenna, and some improvements to the air conditioning. Optional heated seat were also added, as were powered seats, a larger fuel tank, and some technology to reduce noise.

They also introduced the Turbo model in 1985. Within the Porsche Corporation it was referred to as the 951 but the world knew it simply as the 944 Turbo. It had the same basic engine but it was the intercooled version and of course it was turbo charged so you got a whopping 220 BHP at 6000 RPM.

1987 saw the introduction of the 944S - S standing for Super. This model had dual air bags and anti lock brakes as standard equipment. It also had the first 16 valve engine with 250 BHP.

1989 The S was no more to be with the equipment from the S model becoming standard on the 944 model. The engine was replaced to a 4 cylinder 2.7 liter engine.

In 1990 Porsche released the 944 Series 2 known as the S2. It was a revision of the 944S which had the aerodynamics of the 951. It was also the year the 16 valve 3.0 liter engine was introduced becoming the most popular engine ever in the 944. This 16 valve engine

From 1982 to 1989 113,070 were produced and 25,107 Turbo engines were produced. The 944S saw a total of 12,936 cars produced and the 944S2 had only 6,439 produced. In the big picture that's not a lot of cars which is probably one of the reasons demand remains strong.

Late n 1991 the 944 Series 3 was released but the model number was changed to the 968. It was originally called the 944 S3 but then marketing opted for a name change in the hope of increasing sales. Technically the 968 was the refined version of the 944 offering the best of the best. It also offered a new nose and rear end as well as circular headlamps. The 3 liter engine had a horsepower increase of 240 HP and performance was optimized using the Variocam. The 968 was built up until 1995.

Even though the 944 designation was retired in 1991it didn't mean this was a car of the past and it certainly didn't result in the sales dwindling. Instead it remains more popular than ever. In fact today it remains a "must have" car in the Porsche world.