LTP

Hi All,

I'm a new Porsche owner and getting my 2012 Cayman S ready for track day as a newbie. I'm planning to track as much as I can, and would love some advices for wheels options and set up as well as the pros & cons.

Is 18" always a better choice than 19" as not many wheels clear 380mm bbk but more tire choices and cheaper?
Is it worth to use forge on track or flow form is good enough as 18' flow form is about 20LBS?
Do you guys always prepare extra set of wheels track day or just tires, if just tires, do most track provide mount and balance?

Appreciate all feedback.

Thanks

Bill Lehman

There are more tire choices for 18". The OZ Alleggerita is a popular and proven choice for a Cayman application. It is cast. No tracks I run offer mounting and balancing and I use mounted wheels and tires.

zedcat

+1 on the OZ Alegeritta wheels. I have 120+ days on a set of 18s and no problems (except damage to one due to driver error). Most tracks I go to do not have tire service on site. My home track is 60 miles away so I swap wheels the day before.

If you are new to DEs I'd say consider driving the car stock for at least 2 or 3 events. Just make sure you meet the organizer's tech requirements- fresh brake fluid, sufficient pad thickness, sufficient tire tread depth, etc. As I slid down the slippery slope, I upgraded brake pads/fluid, then track wheels/tires, then GT3 LCAs for more neg camber, then bucket seats, then rollbar/6pt harness/hans. Not saying that's the right sequence but think it's fairly typical. Best of luck.

WheelsB

PM with info on the way

LTP

Thx for the tips. Bill, noted on the tires. Zedcat, I like your sequence, def will drive in stock 1st. What type of damage usually occur due to driver error?

Do you guys think 380mm bbk is a must down the road? I have told they are too heavy and throw off the balance of the car.

zedcat

My home track (TWS) has some spots that are pretty rough off track. Few weeks ago I misjudged the track edge and dropped the right front just off the edge and as luck would have it right into a hole. Bent the edge of the rim and slight bulge in the tire. Did not lose pressure and drove home carefully. I think the wheel can be repaired but just to be cautious I bought a new one and a new tire.

Most 987 drivers I know have upgraded brake pads, and some 2 piece rotors in stock size. Also the gt3 brake ducts. Very few have gone to a full BBK. Depends on track and driver style too.

LTP

do you think ppl don't do bbk upgrade is because it will throw off the balance of car as they quite heavy? or lack of choices of 18'' wheels to clear 380mm.

or is upgrading brake pads, and rotors are good enough for track day.

Thanks again

RDCR

380mm, that is a big *** rotor! I think there are better solutions using the same 6 piston front calipers using rotors in the 350 to 355mm range. I've seen some really fast guys who are fine with stock calipers, stock rotors or Giros along with race pads / fluid. I'm another fan of the OZ wheels mentioned above: very light, good bang for the buck IMHO.

zedcat

Of the 987 drivers I know (intermediate to advanced run groups) I think most do not go to bigger brakes due to high cost and relatively small benefit. Stock Porsche brakes with street tires can usually engage ABS so more braking force won't slow the car any faster. Over the course of a 25 min session the heat dissipation is manageable with race pads, high temp fluid etc. I've run DOT R tires without brake problems. Maybe with Hoosiers or true slicks big brakes would have a benefit. Or in longer sessions since bigger brakes can take more heat. A track like COTA is hard on brakes. I only go there a couple of times a year though. I could see considering a bbk upgrade if tracking often there.

LTP

OK, i guess all comes down to track size, and driving skills.

ML///

I think you might be jumping ahead of yourself. Focus on a getting a set of track wheels and performing your track day to learn how to drive your car appropriately. You'll soon discover you area of improvement. The difference between forged and form flowed is negligible as you start out. Based on your driving style and ability you'll see where you need to focus. This focus or area of improvement will likely drive your areas of improvement. My suggestion is try your car stock. Then take it step by step.

LTP

agree ML, driving style improvement is priority.

just wanted to budget myself from the start, and get all the possible mod knowledge as well

thanks

Merry Xmas to All