First DE Help
Thread Starter
Cruisin'
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NYC
First DE Help
I recently bought my first Porsche and asked the forum for the best advice on learning the new car... the resounding response was join PCA and go to Driver's Ed.
From my reading of the requirements, I need a fire extinguisher and a helmet. So I am asking for recommendations here.
I have a 2007 997-S with Adaptive Sport Seats. I have done a lot of searching here and googling and havent come up with any leads other than SpeedTactics offering and the OEM part for sale from Suncoast. I reached out to suncoast for info on installing the OEM part and have not had a response. So what do you guys reccomend for FE and how hard is it for a non-mechanical guy to install?
Also I read that it is important to try on helmets (both on your head and in the car) so its best to shop locally... and I will follow that advice.. but what models are people wearing for drivers ed? full face?
THanks in advance for reading and responding.
BEst,
JJMc
From my reading of the requirements, I need a fire extinguisher and a helmet. So I am asking for recommendations here.
I have a 2007 997-S with Adaptive Sport Seats. I have done a lot of searching here and googling and havent come up with any leads other than SpeedTactics offering and the OEM part for sale from Suncoast. I reached out to suncoast for info on installing the OEM part and have not had a response. So what do you guys reccomend for FE and how hard is it for a non-mechanical guy to install?
Also I read that it is important to try on helmets (both on your head and in the car) so its best to shop locally... and I will follow that advice.. but what models are people wearing for drivers ed? full face?
THanks in advance for reading and responding.
BEst,
JJMc
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
HI Hammer, I just did my first DE with my local PCA chapter and they did not require a fire extinguisher. I saw it in the National rules also. I would check with your local chapter before I would buy one. I doubt they will require the FE.
For helmets, you definitley need to try them on. Needs to be snug but comfortable. You don't want your head rattling around in there if there is an impact. I bought a G-force Pro Force full face helmet about $250.00. Bell makes one about the same price. I think for DEs, these helmets are fine. For racing I would buy a nicer helmet. I'm sure someone will chime in here and explain if the more expensive helmets offer more protection. I would never go on a track without at least a full face helmet. I'm sure your chapter requires a helmet snell rated SA2005. There is alot of info at the snell website about what the rating is. Hope this helps
For helmets, you definitley need to try them on. Needs to be snug but comfortable. You don't want your head rattling around in there if there is an impact. I bought a G-force Pro Force full face helmet about $250.00. Bell makes one about the same price. I think for DEs, these helmets are fine. For racing I would buy a nicer helmet. I'm sure someone will chime in here and explain if the more expensive helmets offer more protection. I would never go on a track without at least a full face helmet. I'm sure your chapter requires a helmet snell rated SA2005. There is alot of info at the snell website about what the rating is. Hope this helps
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 11,202
Likes: 242
From: Ottawa, Canada
I wear a full face Arai GP5W. Great helmet but not cheap.
The fire extinguisher bracket I used was the Brey-Krause with quick disconnect. It's functional and looks nice in the car.
Have fun.
The fire extinguisher bracket I used was the Brey-Krause with quick disconnect. It's functional and looks nice in the car.
Have fun.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 761
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I recently bought my first Porsche and asked the forum for the best advice on learning the new car... the resounding response was join PCA and go to Driver's Ed.
From my reading of the requirements, I need a fire extinguisher and a helmet. So I am asking for recommendations here.
I have a 2007 997-S with Adaptive Sport Seats. I have done a lot of searching here and googling and havent come up with any leads other than SpeedTactics offering and the OEM part for sale from Suncoast. I reached out to suncoast for info on installing the OEM part and have not had a response. So what do you guys reccomend for FE and how hard is it for a non-mechanical guy to install?
Also I read that it is important to try on helmets (both on your head and in the car) so its best to shop locally... and I will follow that advice.. but what models are people wearing for drivers ed? full face?
THanks in advance for reading and responding.
BEst,
JJMc
From my reading of the requirements, I need a fire extinguisher and a helmet. So I am asking for recommendations here.
I have a 2007 997-S with Adaptive Sport Seats. I have done a lot of searching here and googling and havent come up with any leads other than SpeedTactics offering and the OEM part for sale from Suncoast. I reached out to suncoast for info on installing the OEM part and have not had a response. So what do you guys reccomend for FE and how hard is it for a non-mechanical guy to install?
Also I read that it is important to try on helmets (both on your head and in the car) so its best to shop locally... and I will follow that advice.. but what models are people wearing for drivers ed? full face?
THanks in advance for reading and responding.
BEst,
JJMc
Try a DE with Schattenbaum or jersey shore or NNJ region and save on the FE till you have a few DE's under your belt.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,213
Likes: 861
From: 01776
Many chapters (such as NCR and NER) do NOT require a fire ext for your FIRST DE. If (when) you become hooked, then you will need a FE installed. As Chris said, Brey Krause offers a wide array of brackets for most p-car applications.
If you think you'll continue to do DE or autoX, then by all means by yourself a good helmet. If you think this may be a one time thing, see if you can find a friend and borrow a helmet that fits for the event.
Read about the line on the track that you are going to DE. There are usually written descriptions giving a turn by turn explanation. Also, check out YouTube with search terms like PCA to see if you can find some 997s on your track. This can be a good way to learn the line assuming the vid is from a capable driver. Also look at www.trackpedia.com which is a great resource for links.
Go in open-minded and humble and you'll do well. ALWAYS be open to instruction: I have yet to meet a 'bad' PCA instructor.
After you get hooked, sign up for PSDS (perferably the two-day course) and watch your driving bump up several notches!
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
If you think you'll continue to do DE or autoX, then by all means by yourself a good helmet. If you think this may be a one time thing, see if you can find a friend and borrow a helmet that fits for the event.
Read about the line on the track that you are going to DE. There are usually written descriptions giving a turn by turn explanation. Also, check out YouTube with search terms like PCA to see if you can find some 997s on your track. This can be a good way to learn the line assuming the vid is from a capable driver. Also look at www.trackpedia.com which is a great resource for links.
Go in open-minded and humble and you'll do well. ALWAYS be open to instruction: I have yet to meet a 'bad' PCA instructor.
After you get hooked, sign up for PSDS (perferably the two-day course) and watch your driving bump up several notches!
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
Trending Topics
Moderator
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 11
From: Connecticut
Last year CVR changed from FE in all cars to those in White, Black, and Red (so novice groups Green and Yellow are no longer required). You might check with the chapter you are driving with, perhaps they will reconsider / waive the requirement for a first timer.
Otherwise, the Suncoast unit is pretty easy to install. Unbolt the seat, tilt it up, bolt in the OEM FE mount, re-bolt the seat. I moved one from car to car, but had the dealer do it as part of the trade (he didn't charge me, but said it was very easy). By the way, the "metal on metal" requirement for FE in PCA events is met by the OEM unit. There is some high density plastic in the frame, but the bolting piece is metal on metal. I had mine checked and approved.
Otherwise, the Suncoast unit is pretty easy to install. Unbolt the seat, tilt it up, bolt in the OEM FE mount, re-bolt the seat. I moved one from car to car, but had the dealer do it as part of the trade (he didn't charge me, but said it was very easy). By the way, the "metal on metal" requirement for FE in PCA events is met by the OEM unit. There is some high density plastic in the frame, but the bolting piece is metal on metal. I had mine checked and approved.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 2
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 14
From: Wellington. FL
I assume you are running street tires? if so, start out with your "COLD" tires at around 30F / 32R after the first two runs, check them again "HOT" and bleed off any pressure until you get to 36F / 38R I have the same car, with 19's, and this HOT pressure is ideal for the DE.
Other than that, just pay attention and have a ball...you are not going to believe how these things perform on the track. it is not even comprehensible what it can do, and street driving gives you no inkling.
Other than that, just pay attention and have a ball...you are not going to believe how these things perform on the track. it is not even comprehensible what it can do, and street driving gives you no inkling.
uninformed gas bag
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
(contemplating on whether gas bag is one or two words)
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,517
Likes: 188
From: Melbourne Beach
http://vista.pca.org/jsr/
We still have room for the August 26,27 event at NJ Motorsports Park. Nice new facility.Love to have ya.
We still have room for the August 26,27 event at NJ Motorsports Park. Nice new facility.Love to have ya.