Entering Porsche 911 in Classic Le Mans or Silverstone Classic
I used the search button first, but nothing of help came up. So I was wondering if any of you can point me in the right direction. Starting of with a 1971 911 T what can and can't I do to be able to enter the car for events like the Classic Le Mans and Silverstone Classic?
Does it need to have the original 2.2 liter engine, is the 2.5 the limit or can I also use a custom built engine based on a 3.0 SC? Can I use the SC brake callipers and how about things like roll bars (heavier) and suspension?
Where can I learn more about this?
Thanks.
John
FIA Papers come in two flavors-
One certifies the car to be an original (THE original?). Owners must provide documentation an unbroken chain of ownership from the past to present as well as show the car continues to meet the original specifications for the years it was raced. This is difficult. I know of one SWB US 911 with that sort of pedigree (Dean Watts' "901").
The other certifies that the car meets in every respect the original specifications. i.e. it differes in now way from the original. The owner provides his car for an inspection against the Factory Homologation Papers. These papers include photos, dimensions and part numbers for just about everything; pistons, rods, camshafts, valve springs, suspension control arms, bushings, torsion bars, sway bars, brake rotor diameter, thickness, & design, and calipers. This would preclude (I believe) 3 liter cases, bigger (or drilled) rotors, even turbo tie rod ends and alloy front cross members. The other critical area of compliance difficulties for many US prepared cars is body materials and finish. Lexan Windshields are specifically forbidden (FIA safety rule) fibergalss and carbon fiber can't be substituted for metal and interiors must be essentially complete (even the seats are in the original specifications). I believe some latitude is given on seats (type but not quantity) and wheels (manufacturer & design, but not dimensions) for "safety" however traditional American gutted interiors are not going to pass. Recently Dr. Bruce O'Neil completed his SWB 911 T/R and received his papers. Bruce has been doing this since the mid-'60s so it's second nature for him. Based on his experienc I would recommend a conservative specification will get the papers much more easily, then you can make adjustments once you're in Europe and see what is accepted and in the paddock. Remember you're in their playground not yours and all men are not created equal east of the Atlantic.
You need to get the origianl Homologation Papers for your 911. ADAC has them. I believe SOVREN (in Seattle) may have them if they are simply a modification of the original 1969 LWB papers. They are in German, but you can easily figure them out with the dimensions and visual aids contained. The you need the FIA rules for 1971 which clearly spell out the modifications to the original Homologated Car which are permitted (any brake lining, for example). I'm not certain whether the 1969 FIA "Appendix K" rules were still in effect in 1971, but you can see them in English here, http://www.sovren.org/competition/competition.htm. Be very careful to pick the correct set Group I, through IV. I believe they make some sense in that Group II is "everything in Group I plus.....". However something that is excluded in Group IV may be included in Group II so don't assume. Also be careful you don't "mix and match" SCCA and FIA rules. Just like SFI and DOT regulations don't allow automatic compliance of FIA certified safety gear and vice versa (this means your seat belts, driving suit, etc need to be FIA certified), SCCA & FIA regulations are different philosophically and aren't interchangeable. ACCUS can handle your inspection and certification though the fees for this are not insignificant (it costs just as much to fail as it does to pass and I don't think they cover re-testing).
After your car has the FIA papers, you can begin the process of making it attractive to organizers. And remember that you'll need more than an SCCA competition license to participate...... None of this is simple, but the rewards can be significant. As someone who has enjoyed competition on European Tracks I can tell you they are 1) Fast and 2) FAst, or did I say 3) FAST! Probably only Elkhart Lake (and perhaps remotely Thunderhill) support the speeds that you will run in Europe.
good luck
johnt