nota_troll

Recently I went to a DE at MSR Houston. I have done several DEs in my M3 but only one in my prior 993. I got in a great rhythm but the WORST thing could have happened.

I drove my friend's Noble! HO BOY! What a weapon. It's balance and power was remarkable.

NOW...I need to do some reasonable track modifications. Since my car is stock I'm making my Christmas list. HWFMR members please apply.

1. Instuction every DE
2. Sell BFG KDWs (not N)
3. Install shock tower brace
4. Install PSS9s.
5. Install Camber Plates??
6. Harness? Sparco Seats?

OH! How do I become a member of HWFMR? I nearly spun twice but recovered both.

TIA. Marcus

EDIT - I've read Rennsportsystems suspension page.

kkim

Marcus,

I'd update the springs/shocks and add a thicker rear sway bar to balance the handling.

nota_troll

Yeah. That's what I was leaning towards. Buying a full suspension (not sure what flavor), a seat and harness. I'm not interested in the cage because I take my daughter to class.

Edward

There he goes, dowwwwnnn the slope

Hi Marcus,

HWFR brother, here ...submit your application to the BigTurtle. The spinning incidents certainly qualify you, but keep in mind that you will be placed on probation should you start passing anyone, unless it's backwards, of course.

As far as modding toward the track goes, be very careful there. I went down that slope ...you know what happens. I'm "only" going to do a few events ...just gonna sharpen up the handling a bit. It's just a seat. But I'll really need the... I ended up giving up and getting a track car

Not to say that you will go this route, but just for perspective, I said I would NEVER get a dedicated tracker. Nice delusion. So I then sold off my track wares from the 993 to bring her back to pure commuter duty, but taking a $$ loss in the process; that's my point (long-winded on this Sunday morning, sorry). Had I to do this all over, I'd have kept the 993 completely stock (except the suspension), and saved for the eventual necessities of the track car. The added benefit to all this is the 993 is safe from any OTE ...my "incursion" with a dirt berm in my SC made me VERY thankful that I got her, and all the guys at the track couldn't resist ribbing me: "oooh, Ed, had that been your 993...." So in addition to the monetary "savings" (if you can call it that ), you save your beauty from potential track incidents. All IMHO, of course. Best of luck in the process.


Edward

TroyN

I'm running the BFG KD's (not KDW's) and like them a lot, great grip. What don't you like about your KDW's?

amfp

I would really know your stock car well before any upgrades. If you really enjoy the car and the track with the 993, my first upgrade would be tires, like RA1's. Second would be suspension. Personally would not go to other mods until someone is in one of the advanced groups. Of course you really need to have car checked out and ensure all suspension is in very good condition, along with brakes, etc. Think I saw about two or three crashes this year when a tie rod broke.

nota_troll

Hey Edward. I get to submit an app!! My friend in a Noble was about to pass me as I spun but I managed to correct and he broke thus moving backwards (does this count). I'm trying to be realistic and hopefully not on a fools errand. Your advice or experience is just what I'm referring to. The slope is tilting more. Since I have some pieces already I'm going to start with a) more instruction b) shock tower brace c) tire pressure(?).

Troy. Absolutely nothing is wrong with the KDWs but since my car was swapping ends a lot I was questioning my mechanical components (and my own abilties of course). Wasn't sure if N rating makes a percetible difference. As Mo suggested maybe I'll be some RA1s for the track but right now I'm buying in small increments so I can appreciate the differences.

Edward

Hi Marcus,

FWIW, I would not spend a cent on a shcok tower brace at this juncture. If you are going to continue tracking her, your PRIORITY should be, all in one swoop: a proper seat w/subhole, a good 5 or 6-pt harness, and a harness guide bar (the BreyKrause is the best, IMHO ...goes in/out in minutes and is one beeeeefy unit). These pieces function together to save your daughter's father's life and health. Forgive me for being frank, but these are your first concerns.

As for what's next, definitely a good set of street tires. I would recommend against getting any R-compound tire until you are verrry comfortable with your car's dynamics and how to handle her. R-compounds will:
a) mask mistakes since their higher grip will cover up many driver-input sins.
b) elevate your speed in corners to where you may not be ready/prepared should the car get out of sorts.
c) R-compounds have a fine line between grip and no grip; what you gain in ultimate grip, you lose in linear breakaway compared to street compounds ...the latter's noise and mushiness at their limits are superb "indicators." Work up to Rs ...you'll be a happier and more skillful driver in the end, IMHO anyway.

Suspension upgrade is up to you, and the nice thing about this one is not so much the lap times, but the increase in driver confidence, and you get to actually appreciate the upgrade every time you drive. And of course, as you point out, yourself, more seat time. Don't get too caught up with "getting gear" such that you lose sight of working on the single, most significant upgrade: your skills.

FWIW, I pass higher HP cars out there, and also get passed by lower HP cars as well (and I respect/admire those guys who work magic in their little Alfas, Miatas, and RX7s). It's all about having fun, and doing "more" while having "less" really does bring about some very healthy grins

Edward

Crimson Nape Racing

I use T/A KD's for my track tires. They are only about 1 second per lap slower than the Toyo R compound tires I was using and last a lot longer. I would recommend harnesses with a bolt in harness bar as a first mod - it's amazing how much it helps when your not using the steering wheel to help keep you in your seat.