Greetings all - just picked up a new-to-me Spyder and can't believe how much I am loving this car. I had an '08 RS60 for several years, and loved that car, this one feels like that on a lot of steroids. A lot of steroids. Practically giddy driving it.

Been reading the forums quite a bit to see all of the general advice and had a question on HPDE setup that I couldn't seem to verify searching.

Looks like the top is not rated for really high speed, and when folks do track it, it is tracked best run with top down. Reading the 2017 PCA rules, there is specific mention then with the top down, arm restraints are necessary.

Am I correct to assume these restraints work with the standard seatbelt? My plan was to use the car mainly stock for an event or two/year.

Thanks - any advice would be appreciated! Perhaps I'm totally missing the boat here and should run with top up, or perhaps I should put in a real man's harness setup?

 

I'm pretty sure our top is rated for the vehicles top speed.....

 

11-12 spyder top rated for 125mph/200km/h, 166mph without.

http://press.porsche.com/vehicles/11...ifications.pdf

scroll down

 

Sorry I didn't see you were talking about the 987's.

 

I'll be driving it mainly at COTA, given the other cars I have driven there, I'd expect to be at 135-155 on the longest straight.

 

Only know about this anecdotally; after I bought my '16 spyder a friend was telling me that he knew that I could drive it in DE's with the top down because his cousin had a '12. The arm restraints are apparently a waist belt with attachments that end in a wristlet that keep the arms in the car in the event of an off. I told him that I couldn't consider it as all I could envision was orange jump suits...

Not sure where you would find the restraints. Just couldn't resist chiming in.. Good luck!

 

congrats on the Spyder! The 987 version is on my list of future cars! However, there is no way a stock 987 spyder will hit anywhere close to 155 on back straight. It's tough enough for us with GT4's to hit 146

cant wait to see your car at Cota!

 

Agree, 987.2 likely mid 130s before T12. (Based on Cayman R experience) Depends on how well you exit T-11, how late you brake for 12 and ambient temps. I recall a 987 Spyder running at TWS top up a few years ago and entry to T1 there is 130+.

 

I figured that would be the max ever. I drove a Targa, and one of the new Corvette's there, hit 140 in both without a lot of practice. So I figured maybe I'll be a little slower, no way I'd be any faster.

Can't wait to drive it there - looks like first chance is December for me. Still can't get over how fun it is to drive.

Just swapped out the stock wheel for one of the Suncoast paddle-shifters, which makes it even better.

So if I am likely to only hit 135, do I risk tearing up the top with it up? Or do I visit the local prison and get some shackles?

 

BTW - these were some of the restraints:
The assumption would be to attach to lap belt I guess?