I am extremely excited to say that this project will involve some of the best tuners in the industry. The goals of this project, mentioned in the Part 1 project introduction last month, will more than likely be surpassed without any sacrifice in reliability or overall streetability.
First off, Kokeln Racing will be in charge of increasing the car's horsepower. This company is well known for its road-racing success in Porsche club racing, as well as for cranking out mega-horsepower Porsches in its California-based facility. When I told the guys there of my 300-ish whp goal they nearly laughed at me. I think we will see a bit more, and the power will be made with 91 octane.
Power will be put to the ground via a Centerforce clutch. Not only should this clutch system be able to withstand more the torque than this car will be making, it should be livable on the street.
Huntley Racing will be the mastermind behind the suspension tuning. Its road-racing experience will leave me at ease when I deliver the car for its full handling makeover. The torsion bars will be eliminated for a fully adjustable coilover system using Eibach ERS springs, which will also be put to the test on the track.
By the time you read this, Brembo Brake Systems should have a big brake kit available for this car. With very few options for big brake kits for the 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo model/year specifically, Brembo will attempt to fit a larger big brake system. Stay tuned to find out what happens.
Aquamist will be stepping in to help further cool the car's power delivery with a water-injection system. With the success of Aquamist's system on Project M3, I couldn't think of not doing it for Project 951, or any turbocharged car. Repeatability of power after constant acceleration runs through the elimination of heat soak, as well as drastically reduced intake temps, will be the goal with this system. The fine mist should also limit any potential detonation under extreme temperatures.
Lindsey Racing, another 944 Turbo tuner heavy into racing and highly modified street 951s such as this car will become, will be taking charge in the cooling aspect of the motor itself, with heat wraps and an intercooler upgrade. Additionally, some of the products we order from this company may slightly change the overall appearance of the car. Along with their functionality, such parts will make Project 951 look a little more aggressive.
Also complementing overall looks, the addition of Forgeline wheels will personalize the car more to my taste. More importantly, it will allow for more brake clearance and the wider tires that will be mounted for better traction under cornering, acceleration and braking. Forgeline's lightweight, forged wheel will also help reduce unsprung weight.
Some of the accessories this project uses will come from MOMO. Although some MOMO parts are primarily track-only, this project won't steer away from being totally streetable. These accessories will, however, actually serve to reduce weight.
A variety of products will be ordered from Performance Products throughout the project. The company offers nearly everything this and nearly any other Porsche will ever need for maintenance and restoration, as well as performance upgrades.
Lastly, the car's vitals will be monitored through a careful selection of AutoMeter and SPA Technique gauges. All the custom work and special installations will be performed by Don Kravig of Precision Motion in Riverside, Calif. The shop's loading Mustang Dyno will be used for testing as well. Precision Motion will also be used for any maintenance work done to Project 951.
As I write this, I can't wait to get this project going. But by the time you read this, Project 951 should be kicking tail and taking names!