993inNC

It may work for an AX, but for track use, I have decided that I would rather not depend on something as infallible as a viscous style awd system to save my butt at close to 100 mph (in some corners) The car handles better at high speed without the front connected, so I'm sticking with it. With a track alignment, you'll want the extra speed from loss of weight vs. the front wheels turning. Plus the less weight, the less to stop, the deaper the corners can be taken....etc. I guess it come down to the use of the car. Where you are, you need the awd. Where I am, I don't and its not worth having for the track so.......

Wilder

Now that makes a little more sense. I'm still undecided but the input certainly helps to make an informed decision. It's a similar situation with wheels and tires. Going as wide as I have is great for AX but won't work as well at the track, I'm sure.

993inNC

not necessarily (that last comment). Its all about weight and "track" front to rear. When I ran my VW's at the track (water pumpers not air) they tend to have a slightly narrower track rear than front. The more you brought that difference together, the better they handle.
The AWD in these cars I believe, was intended for lower speed inclement weather applications along with the ABD system, not haulin' *** at a track and loosing it at over 100 mph in a corner. The reaction time is to slow for the system to save you. The only issues I've seen with my car, is the ABD kicking in with to much rear wheel spin.....it still works on all 4 wheels. Not sure what the effects would be of disconnecting it or whether or not it would screw up the ABS.

Wilder

Interesting. I wonder how much changing my track has to do with how the car handles. My wheels are custom offsets and the track is definately different from stock...wider in the front, making it more even with the rear.

993inNC

should be better!

mkhn

In light of "only" getting 85lbs back, what is the gain back in terms of parasitic losses in the drive train by dumping the fwd?

jmayzurk

I don't have a scale, so I can't really, er, weigh in on how much lighter the car is. Nor do I have any idea what the parasitic losses might be...

What I can tell you after driving it for a few days is this: The car feels different. It feels lighter, the steering is better, and whether it's psychological or not, the car feels faster to me, even on the street.

It does spin the tires more readily in second gear now...not so much so that I would call it a "handful," but it is definitely more lively. Good! It's a sports car. It feels like a 911 should in my opinion. If I wanted a 4WD Porsche SUV I would have a Cayenne.

Jean

TB993TT lost about 0.5 seconds when he moved back to 4WD from 2WD, over approximately a 7second timed 60-130mph run. About 7% including weight savings.

JJayB

I keep asking myself why would the best engineering company in the world (Porsche not GM) develop an all wheel drive for their high horsepower cars.

Multipile- choice answers below:

A) To avoid paying lawsuits when the *** end hits the wall first
B) So internet mechanics can remove the heavy drive system so the *** end hits the wall first.
C) So internet driver can dilude themself that the handling is crisper when the *** end hits the wall first.
D) So Viperbob can become filthy rich selling 2 wheel drive conversions.
E) All of the above.

Answers will be posted later to keep TB, Jean & Brad from cheating.

Jimmy

Jean

Excellent post JJayB!

All of the above!

AndyT

JJayB have you ever had a 2wd P-car ? I had a 930 prior to my TT. The rear end control is not difficult to master. It's actually fun : )

TB993tt

On a smooth track perhaps, but with turbocharged 700+NM on uneven roads with crappy weather a bucking rear end trying to whip round at 90mph became a little too much "fun" for me

Jean

I agree...just before the *** end hits the wall first.

JJayB

Humm.. pretty hard to argue fun. How about the reported 25% of the 996 GT2's that have crashed. Guess, they had a little more difficulty mastering the rear end control. As a matter of fact I know two GT2 drivers who were having fun before the *** end hit the wall. BTW, they were experieced club drivers. I'm sure they will appreciate me not posting their names.

Why even TB, has come back to the fold understanding the importance of all wheel drive with 700 NM of torque. Guess I don't have to eat humble pie after all.

For those who have been waiting for the correct answer
Jean got it right its E. ALL the above.

911/Q45

I would love to see you and Stuka on the 996GT board go at it Jim!