6 cyl Gaskets (head)

[pasini s]

Hello Dorien,

well, that Porsche manifold must have had lots of wrong holes in it....
:-)))) but the awesome cost of replacing it is due to the fact that, being
my 911 a Turbo, you have to pull down the whole engine/transmission assembly
to get some access in that zone. Do you think that I did ever imagined to
check if porsche put the right number of layers of copper/aluminum/bronze in
this manifold? noooooo.....

On a brighter note I'm experimenting Audi/VW 16"x6,5 steel wheels as
replacement for the 409 16" Dunlops, and I have found a set that might be
very, very similar (and straight, something my Dunlops are not anymore).
I'll keep you posted about it.

Ciao
Stefano

[Claude]

Originally Posted by pasini s

On a brighter note I'm experimenting Audi/VW 16"x6,5 steel wheels as replacement for the 409 16" Dunlops, and I have found a set that might be very, very similar (and straight, something my Dunlops are not anymore).

Stefano

Stefano, is there a reason you are not looking at the steel or alloy wheels offered by Bristol Cars:

"Wide Steel Wheels:
Allow you to take full advantage of modern radial tyres. Enhances adhesion, handling precision and tyre life. Maintains original style but give a subtly more modern and sporting appearance.

Classic Alloy Wheels
Styled to resemble 1960's alloy wheels so that they compliment older style Bristols. Wider rims suit modern radial tyres for enhanced performance and tyre life."

I ask because I hope to hear from someone who has actually bought them and can give a report on their appearance and performance.

Claude

[pasini s]

Hello Claude,


that's a good question. I asked for those wheels in the past and was told
(quite honestly) that the original steel wheels are no more available in the
original size/design. Wider wheels are not so nice for the look of a classic
car (IMHO) and I hate alloys on classic cars, if they were not born with
them. I am looking for new steel wheels for this reason and Audi/VW wheels
seem easy to adapt....but I have to make some more trials, as the wheel
offset might be a trifle different and you need the place where you can
drill the holes to install the pins to locate the hubcaps.

Ciao

Stefano

[Nick Challacombe]

I may be wrong but I am sure I have seen 409's on Minilites which were
around and used a lot in the 60's.
I thought that because they were in period the factory may have offered
them, or even Tony Crook Motors at the time.

Just a thought, I know if I am wrong I will be shot down in flames. They are
being produced again at the moment, quite
popular at Goodwood this year on Triumphs, Minis et al.

nick

[Claude]

Originally Posted by pasini s

I ...was told (quite honestly) that the original steel wheels are no more available in the original size/design. Wider wheels are not so nice for the look of a classic car
Stefano

Did you actually determine that the wider wheels make the look of the 409 change? I imagine Bristol would have changed the 16" wheel to a 15" and made it slightly, but not noticeably wider with some of the increase going inward provided it did not cause the tyre to rub. It would be worthwhile asking Bristol before making your decision, as you then know you have a factory certified wheel which can have some benefit in the event of failure.