Educate me on PCA tech sessions

MrScott · 12-11-2009, 07:16 AM

On Feb 27th Zone 1's holding a 'Tech Tactics' weekend:

7:30 am. Registration Saturday
8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Tech Sessions Saturday

6:30 pm, Cocktails at Ethan Allen Hotel
Dinner Speaker: Hurley Haywood
7:30 pm, Dinner at Ethan Allen Hotel

New to PCA here so what can I expect? Are these typically geared toward older cars, newer cars? Beginners, advanced DIY-ers?

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Typically geared towards the older stuff.... With it being general like that it will probably all be pretty basic stuff... I wouldn't miss it though... Especially if Hurley Haywood is going to be there...

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

I went to the first two Tech Tactics that were held here in Danbury. They used to be held at the Farnbacher-Loles facility but it is being held this year at Danbury Porsche. I left each one that I attended severely disappointed. And now, even though it is less than five minutes from my house, I won't go to this one.

The days are broken up into different sessions covering different topics. But, the one thing that they all have in common is that someone is trying to sell you something. There are brake sessions put on my brake manufacturers, tire sessions put on by tire manufacturers, etc.

As with the local PCA meetings at Danbury Porsche, I'm sure the sessions will be held in the service bays. The acoustics are horrible and you will have a difficult time hearing the presenters even if they bring in a good sound system. Plus, depending on the weather, there is a good chance it will be cold in there.

The host hotel, the Ethan Allen Inn, is old, worn and tired. Forget getting a good night sleep since the walls are very thin and you can hear everything going on around you. The food is the typical rubber-chicken with over-cooked green beans that you experience at third-rate banquet halls.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Oh ok then... Sounds less than thrilling...

I'm used to a tech session here in OK... We go change the tranny is someones car...

MrScott · 10:32 AM

I assumed the entrance fees were in lieu of sponsorship... No objections to manufacturer demos (Chuck from Elephant is always welcome in my garage) but there's a difference between a brake expert working for a manufacturer and a brake salesman; seems you're saying it's closer to the latter. Thanks, I appreciate your candor.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Too bad. The tech sessions for the PCA Potomac rocked! We had all the local shops sponsor one, some were better than others, but all were good. They usually ran 8am-2pm, donuts and coffee in the morning and pizza and soda for lunch. We had a few lifts for inspections for the upcoming DE and another lift or two for folks to do minor jobs like oil changes, brake flushes, etc. I really, really miss it. I don't think we have anything like that here in Phoenix. A lot of times the shop owner was on hand or had his crew there to help out free of charge. Several times I got into a job and needed parts or tools I didn't have and they always hooked me up. I was a tech inspector, so I spent the whole time under cars, poking around and learning a lot. It was pretty cool when the first 997 came in and I got to poke around it.

MrScott · 12-11-2009, 02:49 PM

That's just what I'm looking for. Haven't done any metro PCA events yet, hope we're not a wine and cheese crowd...

VaSteve · 12-11-2009, 04:56 PM

I met a guy from NYC at a DE down here at Summit Point. The fellow asked me where he could buy a tarp to cover his **** from the rain. He was from Manhattan. They don't have hardware stores up there?

I think you might have a wine and cheese region.

In all seriousness, I know metro NY does some track days, they must have some sort of tech session.

TimT · 12-11-2009, 05:35 PM

Metro NY has some low key tech sessions usually at local shops..

The one at the Ethan Allen is a Zone 1 tech session..

Whine and Cheese? yes some of metro is into that

then there are us that do this

http://www.rudtnersracing.com/Videos/WatkinsGlen05.wmv

http://www.rudtnersracing.com/Videos/WGI05.wmv

MrScott · 12-11-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaSteve

The fellow asked me where he could buy a tarp to cover his **** from the rain. He was from Manhattan. They don't have hardware stores up there?

I'm going to assume the blocked word starts with an "s"

Not much camping here unless you count the homeless, so yeah, not surprising.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaSteve

In all seriousness, I know metro NY does some track days, they must have some sort of tech session.

Anyone, anyone?

MrScott · 05:53 PM

You must have replied while I was typing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimT

The one at the Ethan Allen is a Zone 1 tech session

I see, Zone 1 is not the same as Metro PCA, got it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimT

then there are us that do this

http://www.rudtnersracing.com/Videos/WatkinsGlen05.wmv

http://www.rudtnersracing.com/Videos/WGI05.wmv

You work at Rudtner's? Maybe we've met, I was in there a month ago or so. My car's quite a ways off from a full track car... so do I need to know the secret handshake?

MrScott · 12-11-2009, 06:02 PM

Just finished watching those clips. Is that your '69 flying past a GT3?
What's the story with that 914-looking beast in the second clip?

TimT · 12-11-2009, 06:25 PM

I have known Bill Rudtner for 15 years or so... I don't work at the shop full time, but I help out on big projects, and races, give engineering advice etc.... The car in the vids is Bills 935 clone... that 914 beast is Nick Venturas 914 with 956 power..

My '69 is a bit slower than those.. 2:25's at the Glen... 1:05 at LRP those guys are turning sub 2:00 laps at the glen

MrScott · 12-11-2009, 06:51 PM

I think I saw the rear end of that 935 clone in his race trailer. Impressive.
I had to look up 956: "2.65 L turbocharged Flat-6, producing approximately 635 hp"

Alright well if I see you around I'll say hi. Meanwhile I'll keep my eye out for local Metro tech sessions, thanks.