LI Steve

I am new to the 964 world... had the car a little over a week at this point, and I am really enjoying it (though haven't driven it the last few days due to the monsoon here in NY).

I am registered for my first DE at NJ-Lightning on April 24-25, and was planning on taking the 928 (as I did not have the 964 when I decided on going). I've been on the track before, but never with a P-car. So, now I am considering which car I should use. If i were an experienced driver, the choice would probably be easy (i.e., the 964). But, I am a novice, so I am not sure which way to go.

Any advice would be appreciated. Here are my thoughts so far:

Pro 928:
1. Car is 100% reliable, I know the history, etc... not worried about a mechanical problem.
2. I am very comfortable driving this car - have a lot more experience in it.
3. It is easier to drive than the 964 (remember, I am not a pro).
4. It is an Auto.

Con 928:
1. It is an Auto.
2. It is heavier than the 964.
3. It is in better overall condition than the 964, and would be more painful if I had an incident.

Pro 964:
1. Better track car (for experienced driver?).
2. More rewarding / fun to drive.
3. Potential to learn the car a lot more than I do now.
4. ??? (Please fill in the blank).

Con 964:
1. I am not as familiar yet with driving this car (only had it a week).
2. Not yet convinced it is as reliable as the 928 (seriously!).
3. It is a stick, and I am not comfortable heel-and-toe downshifting.
4. ??? (Please fill in the blank).

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!
Also, is anyone else planning on going on the 24th?

Thanks,

hawk911

how about the weight balance of the 964 over the 928. The '28 is easier to spin

LI Steve

Really? I thought it was the other way around?!? I do have a lot to learn if that is the case...

James Bailey

Your 968 cab weighs about 3,250 the 928 about 3,450 or 200lb delta , like having a passenger. Both have good weight distribution but the 928 auto is a real 50/50 and as such is HARDER to spin. The difference in torque is HUGE 225 for the 4 banger , 302 ft lbs for the 5 liter ;horsepower is 236 vs the stated 288. A few simple tweeks and the 928 puts out even more power ! Your lap times will be much better with the 928 top speed on long straights higher as wind resistance becomes more important than weight. Run the 928 concentrate on being smooth use that torque to power out of the corners and have FUN ! I would not run any cab car without a roll bar just asking for trouble....at 6 ft 4 I am too tall to duck

Streetfighter

Why not try and track a 944?

hawk911

I didn't realize the 928 was so well balanced. Why do so many people spin them then? My co worker spun one right into a light pole, and whenever we have 928s on road runs, the 928s are VERY ginger on the turns.

LI Steve

Hey Jim,
Thanks for the reply. I am not considering the cab at all (same reason as you, I like the area above my neck too much to risk, and I don't want to put a roll bar in it).

I am considering the 964 coupe against the 928S... And I do have a few mods on the 928 (PorKen chips, X-Over, etc...), so you are on the right track there.

LI Steve

That would be ideal, if I had one with a roof!

I do not want to put a roll bar into my cab, since I often put my kids back there...

mojo747

DE the 964. You know you want to. I did an autocross in mine shortly after I got it and it is the best way to learn what it can do. Powering the turns with the *** hooking up and controlling the understeer with throttle to get it to do just what I wanted was a RUSH! Wow. I need a cigarette.

911Jetta

It's not about which car is better, it's about which car you want to drive better.

Take the 964 to the DE, even though you've only had it a short while, one DE will add years to your drivers' experience and it will go along way towards alleviating much of the concern you currently have due to your lack of 964 seat time. Plus doing a DE with a manual will also add a lot to the experince.

Remember: the miles you don't drive a 964, you don't get those back!

James-man

Do your first DE or two in the car most familiar to you. Do the rest in the car that is of most interest to you.

dimmer

The 928 spinouts being reference are most likely an issue of the driver pushing the throttle too harder. As Jim stated, they have a lot of torque. In addition, the torque curve is fairly wide also (has an "M" shape) due to the intake configuration. Air takes one path when RPM less than 3000 and another beyond that.

Not trying to diss the 964, I like them very much and they're relatively rare.

2002M3Drew

Speaking as an instructor, I think one of the biggest mistakes new track drivers make is focusing too much on equipment, that is, the perfect car, the right mods, tires, etc. The best DE car at this level is a functioning car that has properly-serviced brakes and good tires (among all the other safety and reliability checks a car should go through before being driven on the track). Your first track days should be focused on you, the driver. Truthfully, you could bring out a minivan and still learn a ton. That being said, I think the better choice of your two available cars for DE is the 964. Forget about the "difficult to drive" reputation. You are going to be relearning most of what you think you already know anyway. The 911 platform has proven to be a very reliable (and very satisfying) car to use on the track, as evidenced by how many are out there at every event. It is a great car to learn performance driving in.

pantera43

Steve, I wouldn't hesitate one moment to use the 964. You have a great opportunity. In two days you will have learned a lot about the new car and your skill set will have grown double. As far as spinning, get that out of your head. Every car can be spun while pushing the envelope. Your a Novice, go at your own pace you feel comfortable with. Its a DE and not a race. You'll have an instructor at all times to help guide you.

I would go through the car as mentioned to make sure its safe. A few things: I would bleed the system and use ATE Super Blue. Make sure you have good pads all around, especially the front. Check your tires for aging and dry rotting. Check tire pressures. Torque the wheel nuts to make sure they are tight 90-95 lbs, especially between sessions. Check your fluid levels especially the oil. You will need to add oil at the track.

Steve, you will have a load of fun and you will be back for more. Be safe.

Dan

boxsey911

Unless you have the time to attend to all the stuff Dan mentions, I would take the 928 on the basis that you know its state of preparation. There's nothing worse than wasting your track time due to finding something is not up to scratch.

You'll discover a whole lot about the ability of the 928 on track and if you take the 964 on the next one (yes, you'll be hooked after the first), you'll find that it's a whole lot more capable on track than the 928