I have a 997.1 C4 that I use as a DD but I also track it 12+ times per year. I have done Bilstein PSS10's and GT3 swaybars and the car is dialed in. As this is the same awd system as the 997.1 turbo, I have been considering whether or not to make the jump for some additional power. VIR is where I usually play and my C4, while great in the turns gets crushed on the straights. I am running 2:16s on PS cups.

Any thoughts or experience to share here? People talk about the turbo being 'soft' suspension wise. Would the mods I did to my C4 address this and give me the benefit of the turbo's significant power advantage over my current ride?

Appreciate any experience or feedback.

 

With PASM set to sport the turbo is pretty stiff, however it could be better. I plan to make the following suspension mods later this year. Coil overs, sway bars, drop car to European spec ~ 1 inch lower. I find that tires make the biggest difference through the corners and with the high amount of torque on the turbo you can be accelerating quickly out of the corners and pull away on the straights. Currently running pirelli trofeos. Other mods I am making include exhaust. Have just done an ECU update with softronic to add 70 more hp and more torque.

 

2:16 at vir Is pretty damn quick. With mild suspension tuning you will hit 2:0's without too much effort.

 

I track my 997.1 Turbo 20+ days/year and I love it. I upgraded to the TPC Stage 3+ suspension and it truly transforms the car ( had car aligned, corner balanced etc to their specs ). It is absolutely the best thing I have done and suggest you call them if you decide to go this route. Add some Hoosier R6 tires and you'll be very happy. Last year I ran low 2:08's at VIR at the beginning of the season and only the second time out on new suspension ( I've only been to VIR that one time and I love it and heading back in a week or so ). This winter I did the APR ecu flash, FVD Brombacher straight pipes, GT2 brake ducts and other minor brake upgrades so I am really looking forward to being in the 2:06 range??? I know lot's of people think the GT3 is the only track platform, but with proper suspension, alignment, and some weight loss the TT is a great DD and track toy IMHO!!! Good luck if you guy the turbo I don't think you'll regret it a bit!

 

The turbo demands a much more deft touch, imo, than a C4(S). Whereas you can typically get away with applying big throttle at apex in a C4 and count on the awd to pull you through without too much drama, the turbo demands proper throttle modulation, smoothness and attention to when the turbo's really start to spool up - around 4K typically. If that occurs before you reach track-out and you've gone to WOT prematurely, your line will change rather surprisingly and not necessarily for the better. Lifting only makes matters worse. It's a faster car for sure, but one that is harder to drive fast if that makes sense. Once you get the feel, however, it's too much fun!

Also, it's been my observation that with a properly set up suspension and with a host of other qualifiers which I admit are seldom found in the real world (similar driver skills, tires, alignments, etc.), the turbo is more than capable of running with the GT3's in a DE or time trial environment. It's a little quicker down the straights but gives away a bit in the corners primarily due to weight differentials. I would imagine at a track like VIR with it's long straight(s) the turbo would be a great tool! I know that when I have to back out of mine at 130 -140 mph at High Plains Raceway, it's still pulling just as hard as it was at 80 mph. Let me know if you have other questions since my TT is pretty well set up like your C4 and I came from a C4S. Best,

 

I have raced bikes for years at VIR (north course) and don't know much about racing cars. I had the stage 3 TPC suspension done on my tt and it is very, very good. There was a write up in Excellence I think where a tt with that same suspension and lots more power did a 2:03 in hands of a pro level driver.

that back straight is very long, but a turbo would be a lot of power.