Thinking of pursuing a Cayman R Hoping some experts could help with the particulars or point me in the right direction for answers.

They came with a sports suspension standard, correct? Similar to the X73 on the 981 chassis? To get the most our of it, GT3 controls arms are necessary?

LSD is standard?

PSE is an option. Otherwise it standard Cayman fare, correct?

Was there a standard short shift or was this an option?

Options to have or not have?

Known issues or pitfalls?

Thanks everyone.

 

Yes, passive sports suspension was standard on the cars, no other options. The x73 was based in some respects on the original design of the spyder/cayman r suspension.

I'll let others answer the need for GT3 control arms but they are a popular track upgrade. LSD is standard but the PSE was an option as well as the short throw shifter.

I'd be on the lookout for one with the buckets as this was a free option at the time and to retrofit it has become expensive. Apart from that 6MT, PSE on Spyder rims is the way to go with these.

 

Thanks.

Looking into one with 6MT, spyder wheels and sport buckets. No PSE. Has AC and Radio. Getting PSE or another exhaust should be easy.

Looks like I'm on the right track.

 

gt3 control arms (or aftermarket equivalent) are necessary if tracking, as stock camber adjustment is quite limited

 

Agree with above. to add, even without PSE the Cayman R exhaust is different to the S.

Also if you track the car regularly in addition to GT3 (or equivalent) LCAs for more camber, 18in track wheels are a good idea. The oem Spyder wheels are very expensive if you bend one.

Overall pretty reliable. Only failures on mine have been the PCM croaked and the water pump started screeching at about 25k mi. Both warranty.

It's a fun DE car. IMO.

 

I love mine. No PSE, very comfortable on long distances. Added a roll cage and Schroth harnesses. Plus GT3 control arms, I'm at 2° camber on the front and 1.5° on the back.

 

They came with a sports suspension standard, correct? Similar to the X73 on the 981 chassis? To get the most our of it, GT3 controls arms are necessary?
===> not sure what they call the stock suspsenions, but it is lower than non R. if you track, you need the GT3 LCA up front to get camber for turn in and front grip

LSD is standard?
==> yes but not a very good one. get guards.

PSE is an option. Otherwise it standard Cayman fare, correct?
===> option



Known issues or pitfalls?
===> if track, add 3rd radiator (std if pdk). u can also add diff/trans cooler but it's very noisy. change to GT3 master cylinder, brk feel improves DRAMTICALLY



Thanks everyone.[/QUOTE]

 

^^^^^^

THAT guy is the last word on the subject

 

I am a Cayman R owner, spec'd my R specifically for DE's and hillclimbs. I've done quite a bit of track time in my R and these are the mods I think you need, and roughly in the order you should add them:

18" track wheels and tires. I'd avoid R comps and stick to 200 TW 'street' tires. Adding wheel studs makes tire changes and brake servicing much easier.

If your car is 6MT, add the third radiator.

GT3 master cylinder and brake cooling ducts
Pagid yellow pads or other real track pads

My R is equipped with a PDK so I've added a diff cooler. IMO, this is a must for a PDK car that will see any real time on a track and it also a good idea for 6 MT cars. As pointed out, the pump is loud, but mine is wired with a toggle switch that I flip on when I am head out on the track, else it is off. You can not hear the pump when out on the track -- engine is much louder.

Stock suspension is fine initially, just get your front camber maxed out (-1.5), then you can upgrade to adjustable control arms and/or camber plates.

Stock LSD it also fine initially, you may want to upgrade down the road. Guard is the way to go.

PSE is a disappointment, not worth the nearly $3,000. Go aftermarket.

Cheers,
DJM

 

Master cylinder failed (12000 mi) Upgraded to GT3 under warranty
Mass air flow sensor failed at 23500 mi. Warranty.
Shift cable broke 24500. Warranty (didn't upgrade because a cause was found - it was rubbing on some insulation which probably caused stress)

so far:
Wheel studs
Fabspeed sport cats/headers (don't have PSE - wanted more exhaust note without cabin drone - mission accomplished)
GT3 throttle body
IDP Plenum
Pagid yellows all around
GIROdisk rotors front (OEM rear)
Schroth 6 pt
Tarett 1/2 cage/roll
Xpel Ult on entire front end/mirrors

came with short shift / LWB seats / AC / radio - otherwise lightly optioned (bought used in 2013 6k mi)

Love the car - lots of fun and very civilized for getting to/from longer distance tracks and taking trips, getting groceries...any excuse to drive it

 

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it.

Seems like PDK would be a good option for a track car. Has the radiator and is faster.

Surprised the car didn't come with a third radiator. I thought all S's and variants did. Looks like an easy DIY.

Never changed a master cylinder. Always up for something new.

The car will be mostly street driven with occasional DE and autocross.

Does the IDP plenum and GT3 throttle body really add the HP they claim? Seems optimistic.

 

Regarding the third radiator: the PDK cars *need* it -- they run hotter. Still with a 6MT and DE's the third radiator is a good idea. It is an easy DIY.

MC change is really easy -- did it myself. Worthy upgrade.

My research suggest the IDP plenum and GT3 TB really require a full system to be effective: improved intake, exhaust headers, and an ECU tune.

DJM

 

I'm not sure what the claimed increase in HP might be. I did it because I wanted to hear the car. I was at Mosport in traffic (loud traffic) and it was the first time I couldn't hear the engine and it was very disorienting. My goal was a louder exhaust note without cabin drone (I test drove a PDK with an aftermarket exhaust and the cabin drone was horrid and I had to get out of the car after 20 minutes because I couldn't stand it - so I was very reluctant to go with an aftermarket exhaust).

I did the plenum and headers/sport cats for the sound and for the engine to "breathe" more at both ends. If I got 20 more HP out of it I'd be surprised - but it does sound significantly better. Not obnoxious - but loud enough it sounds better on the track (I can hear it with my helmet) and has a nice growl on a cold start, and of course sounds great over 5000 rpm.

If I wanted more HP I'd probably go a different route (like a GT4 if I could get my hands on one with LWB).

 

I think that those figures are probably realistic and conservative enough for the plenum, 82mm throttle body and headers you bought.

 

Thanks - I appreciate your opinion.