Bins

This may sound odd BUT.....

Im getting worried about my speeds on the highways/motorways. I enjoy my car so much that ...

Recently I have found that Ive been failing on my self discipline and am driving at higher speeds than I should.

I dont want to lose my license but I dont want to sell my car either. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

Any suggestions on how I may re-assert my self discipline.

Please answer...

Riccardo

Bins,

If you find out I suggest you set up a business and sell the advice, you'll be a millionaire in no time!

Seriuosly though, the only thing I can think of is doing some track days. Most track regulars seem to agree they drive less agressively after having been regularly on the track.

Bins

Hummmmmmmm!

A pretty expensive solution.
I was thinking that if I start tracking, Im gonna incur pretty high costs that I cant really afford at the moment. Tyres, Brakes, Oil changes, more regular servicing, and who knows what else.

Riccardo

Well, depends I think (although I can't speak from experience). Do you use your 993 daily? If not, then I don't think a track day every 2 or 3 months will be that expensive.

Yes, you'll have extra wear, but as a novice you are not going to push the car that hard. It shouldn't be that different from hard street driving and keep in mind you only do about 45 minutes of actual driving in a track day. Maybe in a year from now it will get more expensive, but by then you'll have saved more money anyway.

Alternatively how about a radar? Still will cost £400 though.

Bins

Good point.
I'll have to consider it.
Thanks. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

DJF1

Bins, as I think I'm on the same boat with you like most of the listers here I do three things:

1. Do DE's (track days) whenever possible.

2. Use the cruise control on the freeways.

3. Take the back roads which are not as policed as the highways whenever possible.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Tom

Side benefits: "track therapy" is more fun than traffic tickets.

Back roads are more fun than motorways.

One thing you learn on a track is that any fool can drive fast in a straight line, it's the twisties that are the challenge.

How are English track days set up, I would expect at least 1-1 1/2 hour per day driving time at a DE (usually in 20-30 minute sessions). 45 minutes doesn't sound like much unless you have a LOT of cars and groups. Most track events I've been to have about five groups of about 20-30 cars each.

Palting

Definitely do some track therapy. It is not really that expensive, unless there is a big diff between UK and US. As for the car, it IS built for speed and should not cost that much more to maintain so long as you don't abuse it and don't do it on a daily basis.

I've had 2 track days so far, and have two more scheduled for the month of August. The car is all stock, the tires, pads, etc are not the worse for wear. Shoulders of the rear tires have some "melt" marks on them, but are still fine. On the road, the temptation to "perform" is never completely gone, but it is now easier to control.

In addition, only on the track can you truly appreciate what an awesome car the Porsche is. Bone stock, driven by a novice (me!), the car will outperform several so-called race prepped cars. If I see any challengers on the street from any car now, I do not feel any need to do anything more than smile and a wave them on. I have a Porsche, and they can taunt all they want, I WILL beat the c##p out of them on the track

Mueller

I too find it hard to have self control with the loud pedal.....

in fact just a last week I got a lecture from the wife "we didn't buy you this car to see you get killed in it!!!!"

it's just so hard to drive the speed limit and not want to hit the gas for the acceleration rush...

I'm not driving like a loon, but I have noticed that I'd do some driving that I wouldn't even think of doing in my truck or family volvo

these cars are like heroin

993RS

Get an assignment in Germany. Then you can get it out of your system. Guilt-free speeding is therapeutic.

Christer

An alleged speed of 152mph (indicated on computer) on A12 on Sunday morning. - I know exactly what you mean. I was very lucky because 2 miles up the road I passed a police car parked on the hard shoulder. I had lost about 65mph by then though. It is only a matter of time at this rate!

Christer

Bins

[quote]Originally posted by Christer:
<strong>An alleged speed of 152mph (indicated on computer) on A12 on Sunday morning. -Christer</strong><hr></blockquote>


And I thought I had a problem !!!

Is tha alias for Rennlist "Porscha-holics Anonymous"

Christer

Can I just add at this point that I do not support excessive speed under any circumstances. In this scenario it was very early morning and there was nobody on the road except me (and the Police..). I generally do not drive much faster than anybody else around me.

John W

[quote]Originally posted by Christer:
<strong>Can I just add at this point that I do not support excessive speed under any circumstances. In this scenario it was very early morning and there was nobody on the road except me (and the Police..). I generally do not drive much faster than anybody else around me.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Me thinks he doth protest too much...

I speed every day.
Without fail, I join a whole load of other drivers doing 95 on the motorway.

I understand what you're getting with regard to losing your licence Bins, but remember on the safety front, speed does not kill.
Inappropriate speed kills.

160 on a dead straight bit of road with no one else around is fine (except you'll lose your license). 160 on the M25 in the morning traffic is maybe a bit fast though
Just the same as 90 down some country lanes is a bit quick, but very exhilerating.


I agree with the others - do a few track days.
Most places do 20 minute sessions, with maybe 7 or 8 sessions in a day.
That'll cost you about a tank of petrol, a bit of brake pad, and a slice of tyre.
It will also mean you'll have to have your brake fluid changed earlier.
Apart from that, as long as you keep it on the black stuff and shiny side up, no big bills.
To start with anyway...

Then the buying starts you see
1) set of track wheels/tyres,
2) new sports suspension,
3) maybe a harness,
4) more power !!

One final thought:
You don't necessarily need to track your 993.
You could buy a dedicated track car, which will also get it out of your system, but with much less financial risk if you get it all wrong.

Maybe see you next week at the Surrey beer meet <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Cheers,
John.

Bins

Christer, Dont worry. I wasnt being critical.

For me its the same. Its usually on "reasonably" clear roads.

John, do you have more info on those 20 minute type sessions <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />