Hey all:

I am going to be participating in a PCA DE with my 996 Turbo near the end of this month. First time having the Turbo on a track. I have some wheel to wheel racing experience through various events, but never in a car this powerful or nice, so I have a few questions.

I have tried to read through past threads, so hopefully this isn't something that has been covered in detail.

1. I will be bleeding out the brake system with Motul or SRF. Right now the car is on Michelin PS2s and stock brakes. Also, there are no performance modifications. The previous owner gave me a set of Pagid RS14 that have never been installed. Should I put these pads on prior to the DE or run the stock pads?

2. Pending the answer to number 1, I have seen some comments regarding peeling or discoloration of the red brakes. I have the red brakes and would like to prevent this to the extent possible. Any tips?

3. My car is in good shape and I would like to keep it that way. Should I tape up the front end with painters tape or use some sort of other solution to prevent rock chips?

4. I anticipate it will be in the 70 degree range during the event. Any tips on tire pressures?

5. Any other general Porsche DE tips?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

if you are going to run the PS2's keep them under 40lbs hot...on a 70 degree day you can probably start out at 30-32 and check them immediately after your first session...do as good a pre-event tech session, check your suspension and wheel bearings for play and make sure the swaybars are ok as those connections can come loose...if you haven't had a recent alignment or ever had a corner balance now would be a good time...bring a torque wrench and check your lugs (94-96ft lbs) before each session...have a hell of a good time and be safe

 

Most of us seem to be using RS29 up front, and RS14 in the rear. However, since you already have the RS14's, install them. They will serve you much better than stock pads for track use.

The discoloration takes a while, but with extensive track use the paint tends to oxidize from the heat. One DE will be fine. Try using them less.

That's actually real advice. These cars are heavy and fast, and less experienced drivers tend to use the brakes a lot more than really necessary.

Long term, clear bra can help with this. My car seems to be a magnet for stone chips.

+1 to GT3 Chuck. Also, you should consider swapping the tires left to right (if they aren't directional) between Saturday and Sunday. Road courses all have more rights than lefts, so the left side rubber takes more of a beating. Check the hot pressures right after you come into the pits and adjust.

Just two... in a 911, the throttle is your friend. Make sure you keep balance throttle in the corners, and if the car feels a little squirrely, add a little throttle and straighten the steering wheel.

Second... Schedule an appointment for plastic surgery to remove the grin the week after.

Good luck,

Jon

 

I don't do anything for paint chips, but they do occur at the front bonnet/bumper and also the area in front of the rear tires, under the IC intakes.

You also get klag all over the place and it's sticky stuff that smears and is hard as heck to get off the paint. Elbow grease for that.

The tire pressure advice above is spot on.

imo, I wouldn't change the pads yet. ymmv

I think the factory pads are OK for your first time. No need to go bed new pads or chew up the rotors with a more aggressive pad. If you are sensitive to your braking, then go ahead, but I think you have a lot more to concentrate on other than pads.

Typically you have to pass a technical inspection. Around here, if your pads are less than 50% you have to change them - so depending, you it's good that you do have a set of 'new" pads. They will work better at the track, but the pads you have now are fine. You will be able to out-brake almost everyone else just with OEM.

I'd work on learning "the line." Go watch some youtube videos of your track and get a sense of what your facing. Know your track; mine is nearly all lefts, so the right front take a slogging. Again, ymmv.

Completely agree about the grin removal surgery ....

 

And remember, if you give anyone a point by it is an absolute failure on your part and a personal affront to your manhood. J/K

Have fun!

PS, I would do everything I could to get a clear bra on first.

 

The painters tape on the hood and bumper will take you 20 min to do ..it is worth doing.

Change brake fluid to motul and use your new pads.......you have them any way . OEM pads suck on the track and can more re easily cook your the fluid and then the calipers paint will burn more easily.
Check you rotors for cracks at the holes between sessions. Small ones are acceptable but when they get long especially near the edge they have had it.

in general,l tires and brake stuff are expendable items on the track so live with it.

This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on !
Elliot

 

Guys,
Just wanted to post a thank you for the advice rendered above. Had the DE this past weekend and everything went great. I did install the Pagid pads and Motul. The brakes were outstanding all weekend. Got some experience running in the rain on Sunday morning.

I will be switching back to the other pads as on the street it sounds like a dump truck stopping with these Pagid pads.

Had the chance to run with an Audi R8 on Sunday, so that was pretty fun.

I will definitely be doing some more DEs in the future.

 

Get a front set of GT3 brake cooling ducts. Less than $50 for the set on Ebay.

Have fun