PorKen

Someone must make, or be able to make a manual shift body for the 722.? Mercedes box. (Paging Steve Cattaneo?)

That would be ideal, combined with a higher stall converter.




Or...remove the converter, install a manual clutch for takeoff only, and have instant shifting.

James Bailey

Sept 26-27 th Streets of Willow one day school and a D E event on the 1.8 mile track about $300. Then October 24-25 Fontana Autoclub Speedway infield road course for the STS drivers again around $300 for two days...plus tires fuel hotel etc. etc. All the Porsche club events use a 13-13 rule. ANY body damage and you MAY get suspended for 13 months ,time to think about your driving style If you get a warning you are on probation for 13 months. As most will admit RACING even drivers education quickly becomes expensive because you will break stuff. It is very unlikely that your wife will enjoy track time but it is possible. I can only think of two or three couples who both do events.

James Bailey

While the auto trans does weigh more than a manual about 70 lbs , the auto has no heavy clutch assembly bolted to the flywheel and that auto weight is near the rear wheels. The automatic is less precise at inducing throttle oversteer which can be used to help rotate the car in tight low speed corners.

Drewster67

Ive tracked my Euro auto for the past few years off and on (lately it seems my Mustang gets more track time)

The biggest thing is to know when to downshift -

atb

A long term track car build puts you in kind of a quandry. I'm going through this right now myself. You only want to buy stuff once, but at the same time you want to be able to track the car as you go along. I would wait on purchasing any expensive race related safety items until you are closer to the end of the build. For example, other's have mentioned that the harnesses have expiration dates. Rather than buy a new set, that may or may not be class legal anyway, you could probably find a newly expired set for very cheap. I'm actually going to be running a borrowed set of expired harnesses in my car so I can DE it during the build. Same situation with the racing seat. I'm borrowing a used unit that has cosmetically seen better days, but it'll get the job done until the car is closer to being done.
Just make sure the equipment is in safe condition, and you can probably find some great deals out there. As your car gets closer to completion and you get closer to committing to racing, you can then make the big cash commitment and buy all the good stuff. If you decide that the platform isn't going to work for you, then you can bail and your not into it for a lot of money, but stil have a decent DE car on your hands.

BBX

Thanks again guys,
James B- If all goes as planned, I would like to make the sept 26-27 event, although, I have raced my bike on the Streets of willow track, and it seems like it would be too small for a 928? Maybe a miata or 240z but a 928? hmmmm, a lot of low gear changes? I figured the auto would be better suited for larger, higher speed tracks. But what do I know...
As far as body damage, I'm sure passing wouldn't be allowed at this event right?
atb- (my favorite dj by the way) I've been following your thread and one of my inspirations for getting out there [cheaply!]
I bought all used stuff so far, pair of sparco sprints 80 bucks, roll bar 250, two sets of harnesses (expired) free. But I hear you can just replace the webbing part for less?

I'm waiting for Zoltan944 (Sean) to get down here and help get the S4 started today. I was at his place last night with Luan (redshark1990?) helping out with a intake R&R. We're going to be media blasting his valve covers at my place today.

Has anyone else ever brought their wife along with them? are passengers allowed? Was she screaming like in a roller coaster or like a plane crash?

Thanks again for all the priceless advice!

James Bailey

POC only allows instructors to take passengers. I am an instructor and have given many rides so far no screaming, some do get car sick, most push hard on the imaginary brake pedal on the floor board. The Streets is plenty wide just has many corners There is controlled point by passing on the two straights. All students run in the slow group and have an instructor in the car all the time. It is a learning experience.....Other track clubs have very lenient rules some you just show up with the money and they turn you loose !

Drewster67

With my primary club (ASA/Pro Auto Sports) - All newbies MUST take the DO (drivers orientation class) regardless of experience.

The first two morning session are " lead and follow" passing is not allowed in the first session. Second session and afterwards - only on the straights with courtesy and point by. (Instructors required for the morning sessions)

If a student has previous track experience - myself or another lead instructor "tests" the students out. If we feel the student is worthy of running in a different group/class - then we bump them up same day (that way they get more for their money and they are most likely to return for the next track day)

As far as passengers goes - Students are not permitted to take passengers

All other groups besides the race group are allowed passengers.

Check with your club beforehand.

James Bailey

Ah Yes .... "Check with your club beforehand " before buying a car or turning a wrench go to a track event of the group with which you wish to run.... See how they do it ,see what it takes , decide IF YOU want to run with them.....and when ever possible buy a "completed" racecar from someone who is moving on (ran out of money)....

Drewster67