I recently bought a used 997S; most recent previous cars an E46 M3, and C5 ZO6. I've been doing DE events about 6 seasons now, so I was anxious to get this car on the track, and I did last week. After going through a suspension replacement with the M3, I wanted to get a car that I could enjoy for casual DE track use, without a lot of modification. I drove the Cayman S and C6 ZO6 before deciding on the 997S. And I'm pleased to report I could not be happier with the decision. I did nothing to the car except alignment, brake fluid service, and switching to a set of Pagid yellow pads. Obviously, there are modifications that would make the car better for the track. But, for a stock daily driver, I couldn't ask for any better. There is mid-turn understeer near the limit, but nothing like the amount in the stock M3. And with a gentle throttle lift, the car readily turns, and then it can take heavy throttle with good grip on through the turn. Except for some wet skid pad time, I don't think I engaged PSM the entire weekend. It seems to be a very good system, and allows sufficient slip without intervention to accommodate the style and skill of most drivers. My car has the OE Michelin PS2 tires, and they performed great. Again, R comps would be better, but for street tires, these have very good grip. The brakes were an absolute joy the entire weekend. No fade, and with plenty of feel to modulate precisely; at least, within my skill level. Overall, the tires, brakes, and suspension seem almost perfectly balanced, at least for a modestly skilled driver. I think Porsche has done a great job with this car. For those who may be considering a 997S, and have track needs similar to mine, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

Great report...just in time for those of us heading to DE events in the next month or so. What were your cold and hot tire pressure settings?

 

Well, I tried to keep around 36 front and 40 rear, hot. As the day got warmer, I was bleeding air, and the pressures at the end of each session were a bit higher. I was using the OE 19" wheels and tires. I expect 18's might need a little higher pressures. I didn't really experiment with pressures, maybe I'll do more with it next time.

 

Nice write up! I've never been to a track so hopefully this year I can do it! I realize I have a Cab but too me I'm not looking to compete I just want some good old fashioned gas burning, rubber melting, engine revving fun

 

Thanks for the great write up. I just recently did my first DE ever. I came away with the impression that if PSM were to kick in, you would be far enough out of kilter that you would be very glad it was there. Did you play around at all with PASM sport mode and/or the SC sport mode (assuming you have an SC)? I'm not too fond of either on the street, and didn't want to mess with it on my first DE. Just curious to hear from someone who's got track experience & has compared the various modes on the track.

 

Good summary and agree 100% they did everything right with this car!

 

elh0102

I really enjoyed your post, especially in light of your diverse track experiences. What track did you drive? Where are you located? If you are in CA, I'd PM you with info about a private track group that you might enjoy. It's mostly Vettes but there's a few of us "kraut mobile" guys out there keeping them honest.

Also - be sure to subscribe to Rennlist. You won't find a better group of people or a better source of info about your car and your interests than right here. Please subscribe and support this incredible forum!

MC

 

On my first track event I didn't mess with the Sports mode or PASM much. Now I always enable Sport mode and PASM sport mode when I am on the track. I find it easier to rev-match when blipping the throttle with sport mode on i.e. better throttle response. I also experienced less body roll and less understeer with PASM in sport mode...makes sense since it is a stiffer setting.

 

I guess I might open a can of worms here, but you asked. I know Porsche has a long reputation for functional, performance engineering, and I think that quality remains. But, when it comes to the PASM and throttle Sport modes, I think the marketing boys probably had the last word, especially with regard to the latter. I did most of my sessions with Sport activated for PASM only, but I'm not sure I could tell much difference. The stiffer setting feels like it might be over-damping the suspension. Irregular surfaces leave the car nervous, as if the dampers are over-powering the springs; i.e, the settings might be more appropriate for stiffer springs. But the track was smooth, and everything seemed to work fine in either mode. The Sport throttle setting is a neat little gimmick and, as far as I can tell, useless. As you are no doubt learning, driving efficiently involves avoiding doing things that get in the way of smoothness, especially things that upset the suspension. The Sport throttle setting is, for me anyway, just too sensitive. It gets in the way of precise throttle modulation. Now, maybe that's just my hamfisted driving, but that's my opinion. I didn't really play with the SC at all. I don't care about lap times, and I didn't want any unnecessary distractions as I was trying to learn the car. The advice I offer a new driver with this car, lock the seat belts in place, turn the key and go. The default settings are fine.

 

Well if the can of worms gets open, blame me. I brought it up. I wanted to hear from someone with more track experienvce. My experience exactly wrt the accelerator sport setting. Just too difficult for me to modulate. I suppose maybe if you used it ALL the time, you might get used to it and like it better, but I'll stick to the default setting also.

Ditto on the comment about joining as a paying member. This is a great place.