996 tracking?
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Midwest - Zero land
996 tracking?
Hi guys, I have been a lurker for quite a while. I own a rainforest green 2000 c4 aero. I joined the PCA last year and did several autocross and DE events in my area. I really enjoyed these events and am doing more this year also. Last month Panorama magazine Tech Q&A fielded a question whether the 996 engines were reliable enough for track use. The editor did not feel that these engines were up to the task (IMS, water pump etc). He also expressed the opinion that the IMS fix was not a lasting soln and that engine failure could happen even with the IMS repair in a track situation. I love my car and am frankly freaked out about this article - what do you think?? I would like YOUR opinions on this matter. If this subject has come up before please just send me the link and I will investigate further. Love your website, visit often, great community!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 629
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From: LA
Racing/tracking is hard on a car... any car. And sometimes, not often, there are failures... of various kinds. But on rare occasion, there are failures on your favorite canyon run, or in rush hour traffic.
I track my car... it's one of the main reasons I got it (drive it often on the street as well). I bought a roller with an IMS failure (it had been a daily driver...) so we rebuilt the motor - and it's good and strong. I feel pretty comfortable....... but it could fail - I accept that risk.
If you can - track it and have a ball. If you can't bear the thought of it breaking...
then maybe it's not for you...
I track my car... it's one of the main reasons I got it (drive it often on the street as well). I bought a roller with an IMS failure (it had been a daily driver...) so we rebuilt the motor - and it's good and strong. I feel pretty comfortable....... but it could fail - I accept that risk.
If you can - track it and have a ball. If you can't bear the thought of it breaking...
then maybe it's not for you...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
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From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
I base my decision on which car to track on several factors, one of which is cost and availability of replacement parts. Since 5.7 liter small-block v8's are (exaggeratedly) a dime a dozen, I'm somewhat more likely to flog my Corvette even though the 911 is a better track car in some respects.
That said, I'm not afraid of thrashing my 996, but I do understand that the likelihood of a machine breaking is dependent on how hard you use it. This is true for blenders, M96 motors, and everything in between...
I love to wind the Porsche out to redline, but when it comes to complete hooning, like locking out the front brakes for epic burnouts and big, smoky drifts, the Corvette is my go-to car.
That said, I'm not afraid of thrashing my 996, but I do understand that the likelihood of a machine breaking is dependent on how hard you use it. This is true for blenders, M96 motors, and everything in between...
I love to wind the Porsche out to redline, but when it comes to complete hooning, like locking out the front brakes for epic burnouts and big, smoky drifts, the Corvette is my go-to car.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Wilbur by the Sea, FL
I would absolutely ensure you have an upgraded oil sump baffle system. I will not track my car again until I have that completed, if ever.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post12292128
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post12292128
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Mooresville, IN (Life Long Cheesehead)
When I had my 996 C4 Aero I tracked it 4-5 times a year for 4 years. My car never ran better after a weekend event and it is simply amazing what these cars are capable of. The waterpump and IMS thingy didn't scare me. The wp will give you signs of impending failure like a whine or leak. The chances of an IMS failure on the track are far and few.....but it can happen, crap anything can happen. What did me in was oil starvation on sweeping turn. This happened only after I added track tires and guess what? It was my fault. After upgrading suspension, brakes and finally track tires I was asking for trouble because I did nothing to compliment oil lubrication. IMHO if you are using street tires for a DE than you are fine while just maintaining the health of your car. IF you add track tires please add a X51 baffle to the sump pan or get a deep sump pan kit. Your wallet will thank you.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,697
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From: Chicago
As Pete said, the oiling can be the biggest issue of running these on the tracks as naturally it is not a dry sump motor like the previous versions. Outside of the x51 baffle, something like an Accusump and secondary pump retrofit could greatly reduce any oiling issues.
x51-version.jpg
x51-version.jpg
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Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Midwest - Zero land
Thanks so much guys, great input - has anybody had a IMS retrofit fail in normal driving, aggressive driving? How important is the water pump issue? I presently have 30K on the car, no issues - but I will look into the oil sump issue. thanks much
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,697
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From: Chicago
Depending on where you run, it maybe beneficial to add a center radiator if you don't already have one. As for the lower temp tstat, I'll leave that one alone.
Anytime when you're tracking you should always make sure all maintenance is up to date first including the WP.
The general consensus is the IMS fails a lot less in spirited higher rpm driving. Don't lug the motor and you should be fine.
Anytime when you're tracking you should always make sure all maintenance is up to date first including the WP.
The general consensus is the IMS fails a lot less in spirited higher rpm driving. Don't lug the motor and you should be fine.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Wilbur by the Sea, FL
This.....but do not ignore the oil sump or you could have a serious issue that you will kick yourself over. It's not worth $10-15K for a mistake.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 216
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I have Ohlins/solid top mounts, my new RE-71R's are being installed today, wanted something softer/better grip than Pirelli Rosso. I've only done 2 AX and 2 track days since I bought it, but have many more planned for the 996 this year...
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,562
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From: Miami, Fl.
My LN deep sump/spacer kit only drops the pan an inch or so. My car is very low also and I can understand the concern but again I've never bottomed out even with the tall manhole covers in Miami.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10,424
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From: SOcialist republic of CALifornia
