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All of this is very good advice. Perhaps you aren't ready to make the jump to dual-use quite yet.
Let me suggest the absolute minimum that you can do, in my mind, is:
1) Brake flush with high temp brake fluid, RBF600 as a minimum with either RBF660 or SRF being even better.
2) Upgraded front brake pads. Jason's suggestion of the HP+ is a good one.
Those will keep you out of trouble and are the absolute minimum that I would ever consider. If you're going to do a trackday to see if it's worth it that will get you going. Of course, you will be forever hooked and need to follow all the other great advice in this and the other threads.
All great input! Exactly what I wanted for me to proceed with setup. Thanks to all responders! Never have enough input, so I will read all replies and suggestions. Now we wait for warmer weather and the tracks to open, as I prepare the car.
mostly because i didnt feel like typing it. I do like my Pagid yellow brake pads for dual duty
Lots of good advice so far, when you get into the details, I am happy to share all the mis steps and parts changes along the way. For me, the OEM Brakes are good for the track and street, just add the following (I use SRF fluid and Pagid black Fr/Rr).
A lot to do. It all depends on how fast you want to be and how quickly you want to get there. Yep, it costs more money to go faster.
Below is a sequence most of us go thru as we progress thru the ranks and become better and faster drivers. There is a logic to the sequence. As an example, tough to use a bigger brake kit early on if you don't have a decent suspension set-up, stickier tires and the driving skills to control the car. You get the idea. We all approach the list based on our requirements, needs and financial resources, and everyone is different. Master each one and then move to the next item. Every year I would learn boatloads and realize how much I didn't know the previous years.
1. Engine durability first - Can't drive a car that doesn't keep running.
2. Suspension - Good coilovers using GT3 specs and corner balanced. This will provide more stability, balance and speed. You can play with other set-ups at a later time.
3. OEM brake enhancements - more aggressive pads, rotors and racing brake fluid. When you carry more speed, you gotta be able to slow the car.
4. Safety Equipment A - As you start to get faster you need more safety. At least a harness bar with stock seats to run a four point harness. Best case a roll cage and racing seats so you can run a 6 point harness and Hans device.
5. Stickier tires - More speed and better braking means you now need more grip. 200 or even 100 tires.
6. LSD - You now need both rear wheels to put power to the ground.
7. Safety Equipment B - If you didn't get a roll cage and 6 PT harness and Hans, in step 4, you better get it now.
8. Bigger brakes - By now you are carrying a lot of speed and will have outgrown your Oem brake capabilities.
9. Aero - Now that you have the mechanical grip and understand how to balance the car, aero will take you to the next level.
10. Engine Rebuild for more HP - Don't waste your money until you know how to drive your car.
Everyone has a different take on this list. Unless you are flush with cash to throw at the car, take your time. Research what you want to do to the car. Don't think that you need to be Hurley Haywood next week. We all have day jobs and it's not as a LeMans driver, so protect the engine, protect yourself with the appropriate safety equipment, and do everything you can to become a better driver. If you do that, the speed will come faster than you can believe.
Enjoy setting up and driving your car. Nothing better.
Add/Edit: by the way, I did all of this over the last 20 years except aero. This year the only aero I am adding is a GT3 front splitter. And yep, still drive the car around town.
The other important question is where are you located and what tracks are you wanting to go to? In the NE/Mid-Atlantic we always want more 996s on the track with us.
The other important question is where are you located and what tracks are you wanting to go to? In the NE/Mid-Atlantic we always want more 996s on the track with us.
Hope you guys come to Road America one of these years. Chicago region hosts an event over Memorial day weekend and labor day weekend. Can't begin to describe how incredible the 4 mile long track is with size, speed and elevation changes. Heaven!
The other important question is where are you located and what tracks are you wanting to go to? In the NE/Mid-Atlantic we always want more 996s on the track with us.
Hope you guys come to Road America one of these years. Chicago region hosts an event over Memorial day weekend and labor day weekend. Can't begin to describe how incredible the 4 mile long track is with size, speed and elevation changes. Heaven!
Oh, I plan on it, my buddies run WRL there and constantly talk about the speed and technical nature of the track, I cannot wait!
I’ve been on Road America with my stock 99 996. While my car isn’t the fastest - I was passed by Vipers and Vettes all day long - but I still hit an indicated 135mph at the end of the long straight. RA is a blast.
If I had another 996 and were to start over I'd do the following, but this is me! I don't think I'd add mono-***** and urethane bushings before addressing these first.
1. X51 oil pan, I don't like the deep sumps in case I straddle something and wack my engine.
2. Good tires (if you don't have some on the car already)
3. Good brakes (shameless plug!)
4. Suspension, this will be huge once you switch to coilovers, you will be really surprised!
Of course as you start down this slippery slope you will start to figure out that you want some decent seats to keep from bruising your legs up holding yourself in. If its a "street" and "track" car the Euro 996 GT3 Buckets fit the bill nicely. And also before any of this you want to make sure your car is healthy, you will be testing its limits on the track (engine mounts are something very often overlooked, water pump, AOS etc).
Or just go drive it and add these things when you can. Seat time is priceless.
Hope you guys come to Road America one of these years. Chicago region hosts an event over Memorial day weekend and labor day weekend. Can't begin to describe how incredible the 4 mile long track is with size, speed and elevation changes. Heaven!
One of these years... the short tight tracks we've got here in New England remind me of driving in a parking garage.
01-18-2022, 10:41 PM
