95C4VanIsle

Quick question-I will be attending my second autocross this weekend which will be held at a three-eighth mile oval track. The cars have to be moved to the infield area where they sit for prolonged periods for inspection and course setup, and then walking the course. The cars are then divided into two groups, each of which get 4 runs and then on to the second group of cars.

By the time I get a chance to run the course the engine will definitely be cold. I know we are supposed to start the engine and start driving at moderate RPM's until the engine reaches proper operating temperature before revving the engine. This scenario can't be done as there is no way to leave the infield after entering the race site. Would I be better off letting the car idle for awhile before starting my runs (apparently not good for the car) or just go ahead with a cold engine and keep the rev's down (not good for the psyche)?

Any advice appreciated. BTW I am running a 95 993.

Thanks

Joe Weinstein

I would either not participate, or I would run with a motor at full operating temperature.
If you can let it idle long enough to get fully warm, OK. The watercooled Porsches are OK
with long idles, but I'll let the airheads speak about 993s.
Joe

95C4VanIsle

At the last event I did let the engine idle to operating temperature but can't say I was extremely excited about doing so. Maybe others will chime in as well.

Thanks Joe.

Jim Michaels

I think I'd start the car a few minutes early and gradually bring the rpms up as you would while driving off (no need to take it over 3k rpm). It will take a long time for an idling engine to reach operating temps.

95C4VanIsle

I will give it a try-Thanks Jim

springgeyser

To bring up the engine temp quicker while idling, turn on the AC to 'cold'.

95C4VanIsle

Should I turn on the AC and give it a few rev's (say under 4,000) to aid the engine in getting to operating temps if I only have a few minutes to "warm up the engine"?

TIA

AllanJ

Do what you can to give yourself plenty of time to get the engine warm. Run or walk very fast to your car after your work assignment and fire up the engine. Definitely keep it under 4K rpm while it's warming up. Also, you can give yourself more time to warm it up if you're one of the last to move your car into grid. Park at the end of one of the last rows.

Besides getting your car up to operating temp, you need to watch out for those walls. That's a scary track in the wet.

Have fun!

NCporsche

Why not suggest each group of cars get a drive thru before the first timed run.

Good chance to warm up the car, the tires, the brakes, and the driver.

944obscene

Tell the operators that Porsche does not want you to let your car idle excessively and that you'd like a practice run to warm everything up properly. Or, you could request to run in two classes. I'm sure if you get 8 runs then you won't miss one slow one for the sake of learning the course at a slow pace. I bet they will just recommend running in two classes and tell you to take the first lap easy.

Also, one doesn't need to be high in the rev's to attack turns hard. Keep it a gear low and you should be able to still be moderately aggressive while being easy on the engine. It won't be your fastest run, but you'll learn the course.

Slantnose!

Just start it a little early and maybe drive it around slowly (like in a circle or something) before all the runs start.
All our clubs down here wouldn't mind, especially since workers are changing and nothing is going on anyway.
Don't run with it stone cold & don't let it idle forever, either.
Unless mine has been sitting for hours, it warms up quickly enough to run.
Now tires, heh...that's another story.

95C4VanIsle

Thanks for all the suggestions. I should be able to use them as the people running the event are very helpful. I just hope all of the ice is removed from the track this time!

95C4VanIsle

Thanks to all of you for your help. I basically used all of your techniques to warm up the car. The temps were slightly above freezing, then had a downpour, couldn't warm up the tires, but had a ball.

Didn't damage the car but I lost the rear end on a 130 degree turn. I applied the brakes, others have said with a C4 I should have stepped on it. I think I have a lot to learn. I will be ordering some books recommended on RL.

Once again, thanks