Gang:

This will be my first Porsche. I have been driving BMW's for YEARS. And I know nothing substitutes for seat time but I was wondering what advice you guys have of driving a C2 (no traction control). I would really like to keep her out of the weeds, if you know what I mean

Thanks

 

Gas is on the Right and the Middle pedal (or left one if you get a Tip) is the Brake, that stops the car...Same as all cars. The tricky part is finding the ignition Keyslot!

But seriously, when I got mine I just drove it slow in the beginning. It's tempting to go fast right away, but my advice is to just start slow and get a feel for the car.

 

Is that round thingy the steering wheel?

I have heard that if you start to slid in the corners to not let off the gas. Why is that?

 

corners: slow in fast out.
do not lift!

'I have heard that if you start to slid in the corners to not let off the gas. "

if your tail is already twitching mid corner, you obviously have little traction. if you then let off gas, weight transfers to front tires such that you have even less grip in rear. and since you are still in the middle of the turn, the tractionless rear end tends to want to swing around to the frong!

996 is much better than pre 89 cars. but still, it's rear engined.

 

That's right... I found that adding gas sets the suspension. Lifting unsettles it. First place this became apparent to me was the "bus stop" at Watkins Glen. Once I started to understand the feel of the suspension and it's abilities, adding the gas is the best way to drive the car quickly! And that's what it was built for!!!!!

 

absolutely, what these guys have said is one of the hardest things to learn since it's kind of anti-intuitive. if the rear end of the car starts to feel loose give it the gas and let the power get you out of trouble! i works at any speed. well, i can't verify at any speed, but i've had the rear end come loose at 120 and slammed on the gas to get it back in line. that really gets the heart pumping!

 

This article may be helpful.

 

Tim
Get used to the braking performance. Following the lead of "slow in, fast out", I found that practice getting threshhold braking right is very important. Practice getting the nerves right helps as well!
Have fun.
Ian in Toronto

 

Tim - If you want to learn the handling characteristics of a 911, you should come out to 2nd Creek Raceway (near DIA). Open driving Wed-Sun 9-5. Costs $60 for 4 hours - just need a helmet. It's very informal and relaxed - drive at your own pace.

-Grant

 

Grant:

That is a great idea! When it gets here I will have to do that. (Would a football helmet work?)

Thanks gang for the tips. I will be trying them all out when the car gets in

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Grant has the right idea. The best way to find out about your 911 is to take it to the track. Less intimidating but just as challenging is the autocross. You can find out all about these activities and what else you can do with your 911 by joining your local Porsche club. That's how I got to find out about all the tracks that are accessible to me, al well as learned a lot about Porsche. One WARNING: track driving is VERY addicting .