Type 4: Secrets Revealed

Type 4 Exhausts

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By popular demand I will be covering the Porsches, the 1970-1976 914 and the elusive 1976 912E. Both of these cars were Type 4 powered and utilize unique exhaust systems.

I must first preface this part by stating that I am not an expert when it comes to Porsches. I'm a VW guy, but that doesn't mean I don't like Porsches. Actually, that is far from the truth. I do enjoy Porsches, especially the two models we are covering here. So if what I write here is false or I'm missing some facts, feel free to contact me and let me know.

914: The 914 is a unique vehicle in the Type 4 line up. Unlike the rest of the Type 4 powered vehicles, the 914 is mounted mid-ship, so its exhaust system is unlike any other. The stock heater boxes that originate at the exhaust port and travel almost all the way to the rear valance. There the boxes bolted to the stock muffler.

A comprehensive test of the 914 headers was available in the February 2002 issue of Grassroots Motorsports magazine. I would suggest that you see if that back issue is available and get a copy if you are looking to familiarize yourself with the 914 options.

The Tangerine Racing SuperHeader is shown here with both stages of muffler for maximum sound reduction. This system comes highly recommended by 914 owners.

There may be more options for the 914, but these are the ones that I am most familiar with. Probably the best exhaust system for the 914 is the SuperHeader from Tangerine Racing. Chris Foley, owner, is a regular 914 racer and is very meticulous about the construction of his system. Numerous dyno tests have shown that the SuperHeader provides a wide range of power.

Another option to the Super Header is the custom fabricated heater boxes. This way you can have a race header but still retain the heat for those cold mornings.

Kerry Hunter's header for the 914 is another excellent choice for the 914. Although it doesn't quite produce the power like the Tangerine offerings, it's price performance makes it a worthwhile acquisition for most 914s.

If the Tangerine SuperHeader is too expensive for your wallet, then I'd suggest looking into getting a header from Kerry Hunter. This system performed well in the Grassroots Motorsports tests, but I've yet to hear from someone who owns one on how it does. This header does feature 1½" tubing, which is smaller than the Tangerine's 1⅝".

This means that the Hunter system will probably do well with the stock size engines, but it will probably choke off the engine that is larger or driven to higher rpms. If the car budget is tight and you don't mind losing the heater boxes, the Kerry Hunter header should be on the top of your shopping list. You might get every last horsepower from you engine like you would from a Tangerine SuperHeader, but then you'll be saving some money.

For those on a tight budget, the Bursch header is the winner. Although it won't give you every last drop of power from your engine, it does well on the street.

The next two systems use the stock heater boxes, or the pricey stainless replacements. The Bursch header is the best option if you want to retain the heat in the cabin. This means that the Bursch header will be fine for a stock or near stock street car, but not the best option if you intend on racing. It may not flow as well as the Tangerine or the Kerry Hunter systems, but then that doesn't matter when you are trying to warm up on your morning commute to work in the winter.

The 914 Monza exhaust system is fine as a replacement for the stock muffler, but if you are looking to gain some power and to make your engine more effecient, look elsewhere.

The last option I will cover is the "Monza" system. I wouldn't even call the Monza system a header; it's actually a muffler replacement with custom tips. As a result, the performance is the lowest of all of the systems I listed here. The one appealing facet of the Monza is its affordability, and some do enjoy its sound. If money is tight, and you aren't looking to win the next SCCA race then the Monza system maybe for you.

912/912E: Take a '76 911, remove the six cylinder and replace with a 914 spec 2.0L and you get a 912E. As a result, the 912E, made only for one year, 1976, is a unique car. This unique combination means that the 912E requires a special exhaust system

The Tangerine Racing SuperHeader for the 912E allows the 912E to become quite a suitable platform for both the track and the street.

Tangerine Racing sells a version of their well-tested SuperHeader for the 912E. It utilize 1⅝" tubing and can be purchased with two different "mufflers", so you can tune your exhaust to your engine.

If you want the most performance for your 912E, invest in a Tangerine SuperHeader. For such a capable and unique Porsche, it's worth the investment and is practical if you've ever seen the prices for replacement parts.

Jake Raby of aircooledtechnology.com runs a Tangerine Superheader on his 912E with a custom built 2056cc. He's told me that his 130hp engine has gotten near 40 miles per gallon at upwards of 80mph, while making a trip in excess of 1,000 miles. That kind of efficiency is only possible with a well designed header.

A-1's system for the Type 4 powered 912 and 912E

A-1 Muffler and Raby's Aircooled Technology have teamed up again to produce another exhaust system for an early 912 with the Type 4 engine. This header, similar to A-1's Sidewinder header, places their Magnaflow muffler on the left side of the car and places the exhaust tip in the stock location.

Like the other A-1 systems, this header does away with the heater boxes, but you are gaining a lot less restrictive system. I've seen many of the other A-1 headers and mufflers, and I've had the opportunity to talk with both Jake of Raby's Aircooled Technology and with Tiger of A-1, and let me tell you, this system is a well designed system. A-1's attention to detail in fabrication is superb.

Bursch 912E header provides a economical alternative to the stock system and the Tangerine system.

If your budget is modest and you require the use of the heater system, Bursch manufactures a header for this unique platform. Due to its similarity to the 914 systems, I will say that its use should be regulated to a stock engine. Reports from 912E tuners have said that the Bursch header is a fine replacement for the stock muffler, but it doesn't equal the power potential of the Tangerine SuperHeader.

356/550 replicas: information on the Type 4 conversion in the 356/550 replicas.

another paragraph on this conversion.

Thanks go to Rolf Christensen, Ron "Plastermaster" Roberts, Ephraim "Ephry73" Castillo, Rich Craig, Tom "Tom Notch" Hansen, and Jake Raby for all of their help in gathering the information and supplying photos. Thanks guys!!