John Mclane

Initial impressions from a track day with a C4S:
Pre-track upgrade: Cup2s. Stock brakes.

First and most important IMO. The car drives large. Not so much the weight (although it is a bit of a porker), but I needed to relearn the rotation and apex coming from a C2 base. Nothing major, the car actually accepts mid curve corrections without any major issue. Likely combination of PSM, 4wd, and mechanical differential. Not me.

Brakes, while better than base are inadequate to say the least. I think it's related to the pads/fluid in combination with poor driving skills and I could not gauge the electric brake boost being the culprit. I wanted to see what I was dealing with, so I kept it stock for this day. I could say it was a significant error. At least change the fluid to SRF. I boiled driving 9/10th for too long. It's a short track without much in the cooling the brakes. More like a giant Autocross, not my favorite at all. That's where the high hp and weight combine to show that this is not a "track car". I believe a combo of SRF and pagids/ endless will remediate that. I didn't want to change pads bc it's the end of the season and I didn't feel like sounding louder than a dump truck. The discs I think they can be used until their life, then I'll see what's available.

The 18 way seats are phenomenal. The seatbelt will tighten the first time you brake hard and will stay that way for the session. The car builds up speed very quickly, it's very fast on corners, the steering is very responsive. The chassi is just unbelievably composed on the bends. Sliding optional, easy to correct.

Typical Porsche, improved a little bit in all corners to make it into a better overall car. That's coming from the fabulous 991 and 991.2.

So, the usual, work your brakes before going to the track. The Goodyear tires I didn't bother to try.

G650

Thanks for the report.

Regarding tire choices, I’m curious as to your thoughts on the Goodyears. I understand all US cars will come with these.
From what I’ve heard, Michelin Cup 2s are the way to go for the track, but wear too fast for daily street use.

I’ve been using Michelin PS4’s on my current M3, and consider them to be the best all around street tire by far. I’m planning on switching my 992 C2S over to these tires as soon as the Goodyear’s wear out.

Thoughts?

G650

Computer somehow managed to duplicate post, can’t delete.

John Mclane

I'd have Cup2s even if I wasn't tracking the car. They take turns with Alpins, so my use of them is essentially on track season, so maybe I'm biased. Now, I've never tried the PS4, I've heard great things.

One major difference on the 992, that was not that obvious on the 991 is the steering feel. It's no GT3, of course, but it's really good with those tires.

The Goodyears are meh. I drove them for 300 miles and swapped. I didn't want to waste the last track weekend on lame tires. Did just that with lane brake fluid...

G650

Thanks, I’ll give the Cup 2’s some serious consideration.

When I put the PS4’s on my M3 to replace the stock Contisports, the difference was night and day, it literally improved the handling of the car 100%, the vastly improved grip and final breakout of the tires at the limit is so gradual, linear, and communicative, It’s like driving a completely different car.

Consequently I have a very high opinion of the Michelin’s and plan on switching to them. Only wish the car came equipped with them, like some early test models I’d seen.

John Mclane

Try the PS4s. Michelin has the right size for the 992 and Costco can order them, best price by far... if you track the car, Cup2s, no doubt. I'm running 315/30 on the rears as the 305/30-21 are not out yet. No issues beyond my wallet...

phefner

John,

Throughly enjoyed watching you ripping up BlackHawk today. Look forward to seeing how you get that 992 sorted by next track season.

How do you think the 992 is going to do at a venue like Road America?

Cheers.

John Mclane

Thanks! I think this car is fitted for a power track like that. Next track season I'll try to put some effort on going there at least 3x with other DE groups as well. Laps inc, MVP etc. pity that's the only close by (3hs!) fast track. Our friends in Florida enjoy low taxes and lots of tracks, most of the year around.

Blackhawk is ok, but I feel that's more of a motorcycle track/autox. Today was particularly slippery. I checked some of my videos and I could see all the skid marks on 5, where that asphalt patch is. That's a spot that a lift would normally do, but I had to go hard on the brakes, even then slid a couple of times.

tcirillo

thanks much for this report, even though i won't track this 'daily driver' at all...still very interesting

aggie57

Agreed - thanks for sharing this. I do track my Porsche's, being able to do that then drive them home, and to work on Monday, is one of the things that's special about them.

SK991.2

Yes, everyone needs to track their 911...at least once a year just for fun... you'll hardly ever be able to appreciate the sound, handling, and potential of these motors in public..
You don't have to be a serious tracker either.. I like to just get a little better, enjoy everything the car has to offer, and be safe!

John Mclane

Track shenanigans are fun...

John Mclane

Lap of BFR. Second lap ever on the car, still trying to tame its porkiness

Lap of BFR

phefner

You zipped past that Cup Car like it was just standing there! I think that was early in your session so cold tires right...

Hey on turn 5, what do you think of a little later turn in so the track out puts you more at the middle, than all the way right having to then track back left for 6? Was experimenting with that some at the last session, seemed like an easier braking segment, more stable, going into 6.

Like how you handle 2.

I can’t believe your hitting the kink at 117.

Cheers!

John Mclane

I didn't notice it was a cup car...
My tires were cold as well, had some trouble with proper temps all day. On 5 I did that, as I got more comfortable with the car. Once I nick the apex on the left, I can put a lot of g's coming out to the right, lots of fun (and escape area). Love the Cup2's. Actually, way too many to the point that braking on 6 was a major issue. Momentum is p = mv. It's a porker at high speed. Poor brakes... The suspension is a major positive on this car, I may not need a DSC box (991.2 wont fit, selling mine).