mickey6

I am wondering what the driving styles are for everyone on this MB? I occasionally have the 996 do some short 20-60 mph sprints but nothing above 3500 RPM. I don't think she is happy as she likes to be driven hard.

Also what tracks are available in the Northern Virginia area, where I can take her just to try and see what her limits are. I hate to speed and put everyone's life in danger including mine.

thx.

MiCkEy

pat056

I work out in the country, so my daily drive is 35 miles one way, one traffic light and 2 stop signs. Curvy road in good condition. I get her pretty warmed up sometimes...75-80 is common. I target the rpms at 3,000-3,500 but regularly hit 5500+ on accelerating, passing, etc.
As far as tracks...VIR!! It's in southern Va., but worht the drive. If not VIR, then Summit Point. I've not been to Summit Point but I thinks it's much closer. It's not the experience VIR, though IMHO. But then, not many tracks are

DanDotDan

I usually shift at 4,000 rpm when I'm just toodling around, butI go to 6,000 rpm or more when the mood strikes me. I don't think that this is 'driving it like I stole it'.

rcg412

Mickey - I drive it like I stole it every time I drive it (Daily Driver)... Tach is always at 12 o'clock (4K RPM).

HOWEVER - being from the great Commonwealth of Virginia, and experiencing its many fine counties, both northern and central, I will say that it is the ONLY state I am hesitant to really speed in. The troopers are merciless and 73 in a 55 is reckless driving... which you know is a misdeameanor.

Advice to you would be get a Valentine 1 radar detector, and risk the worthless $40 fine. Then drive it a little more aggressively, but less than 100mph

Ross

pongobaz

Once up to operating temp, I don't shift below 4000 rpm.

1999Porsche911

"I occasionally have the 996 do some short 20-60 mph sprints but nothing above 3500 RPM."


I would not call it a "sprint" at 3500 rpm. If this is the common driving experience in the 996, no wonder so many burn oil. Bounce off the rev limiter a few times a day amd you'll not only better protect your engine but you'll have a lot more fun driving.

rcg412

+1

Patrick E

Once up to normal operating temps, I rarely shift below 3500. I always try to let it run to redline at least once per drive. As noted above, I think the engine likes it. Better yet, I like it! Also, +1 for VIR. Best track I've driven by far (although Mont Tremblant is not too bad!).

UFO007

My on board computer thingy tells me that my current average MPG is 13ish. What does that tell you?

AndyK

I never got the "drive it like you stole it" thing. If I stole a car, I would drive it very carefully, so as not to get caught! I prefer "drive it like you rented it"!

That said, I always wondered if you go to redline, does it matter what speed you are going, or what gear you are in? Does running at redline in 3rd do the same thing as running at redline in 5th?

1999Porsche911

Doesn't matter what gear. It is just as important to engine brake from redline a few times every once in awhile to keep the mating of the rings and cylinder wall as tight as possible.

LJpete

Take it to Summit Point. It's around 45 mins to an hour away from you. 3 great tracks to learn and try. Also try autocross if you are looking for a lower speed slightly safer way to learn your car.

You are in luck because there are a lot of great clubs that hold events both High Performance Driving Events (HPDE or track schools) and Autocrosses in the area. Clubs like PCA (we have 2 chapters in the DC area) and BMW club (they offer a friendly autocross environment) and many others. By the way, PCA does both Autocross and Drivers schools and offer arguably some of the best environments to learn.

Hope this helps,

Pete

Benjamin Choi

i like the hold the revs high (i.e. not shifting at 3K) just cuz i love the noise, but i rarely bang gears on public roads.

JimB

Once it's warmed up I never shift below 8000.

AndyK

Meaning take it to redline, then ease off the gas without braking = good for the engine?