Rallying 86 Turbo

[sgl1966]

Hi, I am looking for information as to what events an early (M44/51) 86 Turbo could be used for in relation to historic rallying and where regulations in regards to the build of the car could be sourced. The car was registered 15/05/86 . I do have a copy of the FIA Homologation of the 944 Turbo dated June 86 which places the car in group B although I can find no information that anyone used a 944 turbo as a rally car at that time.
Thanks Simon

 

[Andy97]

I think that the 220 turbo is the only 944 that was homologated, and yes in Group B. Probably because at the time there was talk of a Group B race series as well as a Ruropean Tarmac rally series. I'm not sure whether the 944T was ever used in international,rallying though.

Historic rallying usually has classes for Pre 81 and often a Post Historic class for pre 1986 cars. I think that the individual cars do actually have to be Pre 31 Dec 1985 though. The best bet is to contact the Historic Rally Car Register (HRCR) for details of eligibility.

 

[944 man]

Youre going to need a 1985-built car, even for the newest category (4).

 

[sgl1966]

Thanks for the replies, is it build date or registration date that is important ? Invoice date from Porshe is 11/04/86 so build date would be earlier if able to source.

 

[sgl1966]

Just checked, its registration date. Shame.

 

[Andy97]

Found this list, whilst googling this subject (it's raining and Le Mans is over!)

It covers the cars that seem to be allowed in the Group 4 Post Historic category (1981-1986):

http://hrct.co.uk/cat4_1982/

No mention of a 944, probably because the homologation date wasn't until June 1986?

928S is allowed, though.........

 

[944 man]

I believe that a letter from Porsche would allow a 1985 built car to compete, although I am not certain because the historic rally people are funny, to say the least.

 

[Andy97]

This gives their view on the philosophy behind historic rallying:
http://hrct.co.uk

 

[white944]

You need to establish the date of manufacture.

 

[gothatway]

I don't know about stage rallies, but if you're interested in the endurance type of event it would be worth your while studying the events' individual regulations. Within the UK, 31/12/85 is the most common cut-off (date of manufacture). You will find that for European events, the dates can vary widely from one event to the next; likewise any penalty for forced induction. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Irish had a totally different set of rules []

 

[sgl1966]

Thanks for all the replies, I will call Portsmouth OPC tommorow and try and get a build date for the car.
Simon

 

[944 man]

Better off contacting Porsche in Stuttgart. An OPC/PCGB combination will probably be worse than useless. A CoA may help but theyre generated by Porsche Cars GB, so see my earlier comment...

 

[944 man]

I always presumed that Porsche 'only' homologated the 944 Turbo into Gp.B because they didn't produce enough of them for Gp.A/N homologation. It was either or, but not both.

 

[benjj]

I'll reply more fully later but, as said above, it is manufacture date NOT registration date.

If you sneak into 1985 manufacture you can register it as a Class 4 Historic Rally Car with the MSA, get it logbooked and compete in any rally that includes a Class 4 entry list.

Porsche UK are very helpful as well as Stuttgart.

 

[benjj]

Ok, a bit more on this. 


As said above if the manufacture date is on or before 31/12/85 then you can register it and use it as a Cat 4 Historic. If it's later then some car clubs and rally clubs run the modern 'Targa' class where pretty much anything goes. 


However, with all the above comes the following prerequisites:


The engine, brakes (discs and calipers), method of fuelling, gearbox and handbrake must stay as originally fitted. 


This means NO power upgrades via chip/remap, no big brake upgrades (only as per standard fit, pads are open though), no sequential box, no hydraulic handbrake and no changes to the injection system inc injector upgrades. You also can't run a throttle cam. Re suspension you can upgrade and strengthen but not change the original design. In this case it means you need to keep the torsion bars but can add a helper spring. Topmounts are open.


However you CAN use parts from after 1985 providing they're identical to those from the pre 86 cars. For example if you shit your turbo you can replace with the same item from an 86+ car. Same for block etc. Changing from a 220 Turbo to a 250 would be frowned upon.


Last point, and it's a kicker - tyres. These have to be a MINIMUM of 65 profile. No excuses and no acceptance from scrutineers. This was a minimum of 70 profile until the end of 2014 and it took the MSA years to relax the rules to allow 65s.


Drop me a pm if you want to chat more on spec and setup.