I am planning on attending my first DE Event in the next month or so. I be fair, I would not elevate myself to the status of rank novice. I am planning on going there with my Bone Stock 911. Other than making sure all parts are in sound condition (brakes, tires, etc), should I consider any upgrades? I am thinking that I should wait for my skills to approach the capability of the car before I start on that path.

 

Harry,

Personally, I think you have the perfect attitude (no ego) and the right idea (no mods yet).

One caveat: I'm not familiar with the earlier cars, so I'm not sure if there are some recommended mods for safety. (I mean no disrespect with this statement.)

In most cases, upgrading your driving ability rather than the car is the best value you can get for your money. And lots of fun to boot!

Good luck, have fun, and be safe!

-- Melissa

 

Harry,

There are a number of articles on tech.rennlist.com that address improvements that can be made to enhance your drivers education experience. Starting out, however, your bone stock 911 is more than a match for you. Some of the things to make sure of are that your oil return hose to the tank (big rubber one) isn't cracked (other people don't take kindly to oiling the track), that your rubber brake lines have been replaced in the past 10 years and are in good condition, that your brake fluid is freshly bled, that your brake pads have 50% or more pad left, and that your tires don't have dry rot. Most drivers education events require a technical inspection 2 to 4 weeks prior to driving on the track, so do that to allow enough time to fix anything. And enjoy!

 

My first DE was in a 73.5 T with an engine from a 70T in it, and I passed Carreras, 964s and 993s all day. Your car is light, and you can drive it much closer to its limit (although you're probably years away from really matching it, even in stock trim) than the guys with the heavier, more powerful models. It may not be much on the straights, but the 73 is an awesome track car because of its agility and the directness of its input to the driver.

As far as other things to think about, check out this recent Pelican thread:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...threadid=56418

The only real danger of a track day is that it has been repeatedly proven to be hopelessly addictive.

If you've got the time and the bandwidth, click on the picture to see one of my first laps.

 

Harry,

You really don't need anything for DE, except maybe a helmet and a mounted fire extinguisher (oh yeah, and a car).

Have fun!

Richard
'87 Carrera 3.6L

 

If you're concerned about the paint pick up some clear shelf paper from a hardware store. Last time I was out at Firebird for a NASA event everyone was using this - the newer Vette owners practically covered the entire front nose of their cars. Removal is much easier than racer tape.

 

Harry, I second everyone's input plus make sure you wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting sweaty in. Bring lots of water or whatever you like to keep hydrated( remember caffiene is a dieuretic). Bring some good munchies too. The car is important but remember to take care of the driver as well have a great time and really listen to your instructor. If you have the means and you plan on continuing with this, mount a camera in the car. I start the tape as soon as the instructor gets in the car. That way I have our conversations before and after the session. Then you can watch it at home as many times as it takes to absorb what's going on. Those 30 min sessions seem like 2 min when you are out there!!

Cheers, James

 

Thnaks for all the replies. I think my car is just about ready. One question, where is a good place to put a fire extingusher inside the car. I need access to all four seats since my kids like to ride in the back.

I was planning on using my bra to protect the paint in the front although I prefer to drive with it off as the car looks much better without it.

 

I used the Brey Krause fire extinguisher mount to mount the extinguisher in front of the passenger seat. You can see their mount at http://www.bkauto.com/ex2015.html . It says it fits 74-on, so you might want to call them to find out why not a 73. Or contact one of their distributors, listed at http://www.bkauto.com/distributors.html

 

Harry:
For your first event, aside from getting your car inspected and a helmet, have three goals. Have fun, be safe, and learn something (words of wisdom from PCA Potomac Region former chief instructor Bob Williams). I would not make any mods to your car at this time. Drive your car in stock trim, on street tires for at least 4-5 events. This is the best way to learn your car and the car will be more forgiving. You will be very impressed at your car's capabilities in stock trim. After you are hooked and have several events under your belt, then start thinking about modifications. I would start with a good track seat first. It is much easier to drive fast without having to concentrate on keeping your behind in place. Then think about a harness bar so you can mount a camera for in car video. Watching tape after you drive is a good learning tool. It is also good to do before an event at that track. I still watch my in car tapes before events, especially before the first event of the year. I stiff car with a track setup and racing tires will stick better in the corners, but will be a lot less forgiving.

This was all advise given to me when I did my first event in 1997 by instructors when I was a student. I tell students I instruct the same thing. You are going to have a ball. Just make sure you post here afterwards to let us know how it goes.

 

you should also read the "School Tips" secion of this web site
http://www.bellmotorsports.com/


Jim