Nice report--thanks for sharing!

 

Thom-

I only meant that it behaved like a typical bone-stock sports car - it is not really dialed in for the track. It was no worse than a stock 996, if not a bit better.

I added an update to the end of my original post to clarify that.

I think the PASM made a big difference. I'm sure it contributed to how well the 997 handled the pavement imperfections. I also tried a lap with PASM set to non-sport. It still handled well! The only problem with that is the traction control intervened too much.


-Ray

 

Great reading. Thanks!
Your brakes on the 997S should feel about the same as the Turbo -- they're the same parts.
Ride height will be an issue, but we're working on the necessary modifications to the factory hardware and software settings to lower a car with PASM by an inch or so (along with geometry changes to minimize bump steer) and I'm sure companies like Cargraphic (haivng much earlier access to the 997) will bring something to market sooner than most.

I'd suggest adjustable anti-roll bars and even simple changes in tires and pressures can help to balance out understeer or at least help the driver drive around it.

The diff is another story. We'll have to wait and see what's happened in the transaxle before just dropping 996 products in there. The same is true for intake and exhaust -- I'd suspect some products from the 996 will translate happily to the 997 or even the 997S, but I'd be cautious ... even more cautious than usual ...

 

Great report - nice to see the sport chrono display times so large on the Nav screen

 

Adam, if you guys come out with a lowering system, please let me know!

Re: tire pressures - I did play with that a little. By looking at the track wear on the tires, I deduced that the rears tires needed a little less psi. I would say about 41 or 42 psi cold, instead of 44 psi. But that was just at this track on that day - your mileage may vary...

A stiffer rear sway bar may help too.

 

I've seen some guys running wild tyre pressures. I've seen anything from 30 to 50 psi hot to get the right balance.
My 997S arrives shortly (colour me exptectant) plus we have "friends of the family" making cars available for R&D.
But suspension takes time. Headers take time (and money!) Plus we want to stay on good terms with Mr Porsche, so we need to be careful about warranty. And there's this funny little thing called quality ...

So it will be early 05Q1 when our products reach the market for 997S customers. I can't wait!

 

I was told by Porsche that the 20mm option with LSD in Europe is for non PASM cars only. The PASM cars (standard on the U.S. 997S models) are 10mm lower than the regular 997 suspension. The 20 mm LSD option ( again only available on non-PASM cars) is 20mm lower than the regular 997 suspension and hence only 10mm lower than the PASM cars.

So even if they bring this option to the U.S., it will only be available on the regular 997 not the 997S.

So I guess we have to wait for the tuners to work their magic.

Amir
2005 Carrera S

 

The Sports Suspension option is a no cost option available for the 997S (extra cost for the non-S) *in lieu of PASM*.

If brought to the US (all sources indicate it will, just a matter of timing), it is going to be the same ride height as PASM, that is, -10mm, instead of the ROW -20.