V2Rocket

I was pretty sure someone discovered the NAs can go to about 140...

oh I did some math yesterday, not entirely sure if the method is accurate but it gave me a chuckle.

The 944 has 150HP and a top speed of 140MPH. We know that in order to go twice as fast you need eight times the horsepower. Instead of going 280 I decided to find out how much power it would take to get to ~200. Since 200 is roughly 1.5 times as fast as 140, we cube 1.5 and get 3.37.

3.37 * 150 = 505, the HP rating of the similar weight/Cd, 200MPH+, Z06.

JimV8

The stock setup is plenty for weekend track stuff as long as its fresh. I'd put my money into R compound tires. I have Fuzion ZRI and they're pretty good but its still easy to outdrive them, like last week when I did a perfect 180 coming down from 150 kms and went into a corner with too much brake and too cold tires. That was at the Dunnville track, not the street I might add. The stock brakes are plenty good and while the pads dust up stopping goes on without fade even after hard use. Good shocks would probably be next and the stock Boges or whatever the flavour of the day are plenty. If you want more performance you really need to look at another platform and go for a raced prepped 944. It'll be a lot cheaper than building one yourself.

orcadigital

I did the same with my 914 which has now become a full PCA Club Racer. Tires are the single best thing (bang for your buck) that you can do to lower track times. That being said, if your goal for track driving is to become a better driver, i would take the car out as is (aka stock) and learn how to drive it. Then upgrade things as you go, suspension, track tires, etc. You will gain much more as far as skill goes, by upgrading things when your skill is enough to appreciate those upgrades. If you just want to drive fast on the track, by all means, break out some R compound tires and stiffen up the suspension.

I think as many have said, Porsche did engineer a lot of handling and performance into these cars, and i dont think you will be disappointed with a bone stock, good condition 944.

Driver Skill > HP

VaSteve

Agreed, you want the car to be holding you back, not vice versa. Time to upgrade from the stock springs.

Hotshoe

Thanks for all the great advice. I completely understand the need to keep things simple to maximize the learning process. I suppose I'll do the springs, sway bars and Koni's as suggested and then upgrade if/when I feel the need.

I'm not that interested in running a set of track tires for now. I just want to show up for a "relaxed" PCA track day right from the street, do some laps for fun and then head straight home. No wrenching, no hassles. I'll stick with the shifter kart for when I have the urge to turn pull some g's. Bang for the buck there's not much close. Although it's nice to have a roof over your head and not have to worry about getting tossed when you touch wheels!

M758

I have had my 944 spec car to 6000 rpm in 5th gear in draft at Cal Speedway. I ran about 200 rpm less in clean air. This was at the entry to the banked turns 1 & 2 and the car was flat out, but never gained more speed to the brake zone either in clearn air or a draft. I figure that without the scubb of the banking I could hit the limiter in 5th with a longer true straight. The issue is not many tracks have straight long enough to do that. Maybe Brainerd, but there if you have a corner even taken flat out it will cause tire scrubb and no more speed. I am not sure about the daytona banking, but figure it would max out at about the same speed. I could watch the RPM's increase all the way till I hit the corner and they would stay right there for the rest of the way.

6000 rpm in using .829 5th and 225/50 R15 tires calucates to 132 mph. I did draft pass a honda H4 race car a couple time going that fast.

jaje

Wow - an H4 car can get up to 130mph?

M758

For me to pass him when I was doing 132 mph he had to be going under 130.

Still an H4 Integra is quite fast in a straight line and since they are not shaped like bricks run fairly well at high speeds.

V2Rocket

Can you calculate that with a .7297 5th gear and a 3.88 FD on 225/60/15?

M758

calculate what?