911SC - Observations from First Track Experience

[Gordo2]

I've owned my '83 911SC Targa since 2003 and after many years of enjoying wrenching on the vehicle, I finally got it out to the track for my first drivers' education event.

During Veterans' Day weekend I participated in the DC Region SCCA sponsored / hosted "Helmets off to Heroes" Performance Driving Experience (PDX) at Summit Point Raceway's Jefferson Circuit. https://www.wdcr-scca.org/news/2018/9/24/helmets-off-to-heroes

Awesome event, free to veterans and active duty military - thanks to the WDCR for arranging sponsors and the awesome volunteer instructors and track workers for getting out in cold weather to host us.

Accelerating out of a corner near redline in 2nd gear ~ 55 mph


Observations For Other First Time DE Participants

Vehicle / Track Event Prep

Here's the priorities from my perspective:

(1) Brakes: Ensure your brakes are in top shape. Flush the fluid and replace pads if they appear to have limited remaining life. The event (which included a series of braking exercises) will stress your brake components extensively - you will want your brakes working as good as possible.

(2) Tires: Good tires (wear/condition and performance) will make a big difference on your vehicle's performance and your comfort / confidence when on the track. If your tires are getting old / worn out / with limited remaining tread life - consider replacing them.

- Inspection Checklist If the event doesn't provided it, download a track prep checklist and inspect / prep your vehicle. The checklists are common sense and easy to perform (safety oriented).

- Insurance: It appears most (if not all) full coverage policies don't cover track events. Supplemental insurance for the event was easy / fast to arrange online, and cost is based on your own appraisal of the vehicle's value. I got $30k of coverage for ~$200. Peace of mind if you want to drive the vehicle hard.

Post Event Driving Observations

We performed braking, slalom and skid pad drills before we hit the track.

The drills developed driver confidence, and gave a solid feel for braking / handling performance and limitations.

On the track, your instructor will help you progressively drive faster, but remain within you and your vehicle's limits. Drive to your own comfort level - no one else really cares how fast / slow you are, and ultimately you are responsible for driving safely.

During my last track session I braked late into a turn, downshifted late / fast and got sideways . No other vehicles were near mine when I approached the turn, and I wouldn't have pushed it as hard if there had been. In spite of everything that I did wrong, I still ended up stopped with only the front wheels off the track. The loss of control was uncomfortable, but safe and a great learning experience - better to learn your limits on the track...

Vehicle Performance Observations

My vehicle performed great and was a blast to drive, but was definitely / clearly more challenging to drive in comparison to newer sporty vehicles with ABS, rapid-fire shifting and equal or greater HP (ex. Ford Focus ST, WRX in the above photo). No surprises here, but moreover a confirmation of what I already knew - lots of newer cars can outperform the older cars, but few will ever have the following or passion that the classics offer.

In general, I felt that the lack of ABS (my vehicle was the only one on the track without it), made driving fast - much more challenging. During the braking drills, I found that the front wheels would lock-up & skid relatively easily if I didn't apply the brakes in a very thoughtful / controlled manner (i.e. mashing the brakes for a rapid stop = locked up front wheels). I was glad we executed the braking drills prior to hitting the track - it gave a very good perspective regarding braking performance and limitations (vehicle and driver...).

The vehicle performed best in the slalom and I had the most fun during this event. We didn't time any of the events, but I felt that in this event, I could drive the vehicle as hard /fast as the newer sporty cars.

Lastly, I think the SC performed very well accelerating out of corners and felt very planted.

Of note - my car is far from stock (engine, trans & suspension upgrades). I was a happy that it held together well with no mechanical failures or shortfalls - but would have been equally happy driving a stock 911 that was in sound mechanical condition. Of the upgrades I've done, I think the suspension refresh & upgrades were most notable - comparison of the above cornering photo to photos of other vehicles exiting the same corner makes mine appear to be driving in a straight line.

Into the straight accelerating in 3rd gear ~ 70mph


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Overall I had a blast - it was fun, safe and I met some great folks. I highly recommend an event like this for any driver who hasn't been on the track.

Cost for an event like this is ~$275 (Summit's Friday at the Track event) and ~ $200 for insurance. As such, I may do it once or so a year, but I will definitely be more inclined and interested in participating in some autocross events next summer.

Gordo

[GaryR]

Sounds like a great day and a great cause Don. Couple small tips for next time - Replace your brake fluid with a proper race fluid like Motul RBF600 or 660 (if you haven't already). A Motiv Bleeder makes it very easy to flush if you are a DIY guy (once per year is advised). Brake pads (assuming you have street pads in there), buy a set of racing pads for your DE day (they will last years with your schedule). 20 minutes to swap out on track day. If you are having front wheel lockups at your level I think I would try a different compound pad in front that's less agressive or a stiffer front bar to help with weight transfer... or both. Have fun!

[toddetch]

Thanks for sharing Gordo! Since buying my '80 SC in the summer of '17, I have done a number of Autocross events and have really enjoyed it. I have considered doing a DE event, so it's great to see your observations. My suspension was just refreshed, as well as new engine and trans mounts (as well as a top end rebuild due to a broken head stud...), so I'm really looking forward to being more competitive in Autocross next year. I'm subscribed to this thread to see what others share as well!

[Charles Freeborn]

You're hooked now.... The old cars are a hoot on the track - definitely not the fastest, but if you can handle one you'll be well rewarded.
Sounds like you went in with a good plan, good prep and most of all a good attitude.
I now instruct for 3 different clubs and I'm always pleased when a student comes so well prepared.
For me the brakes were the first thing I out drove - as said - get a set of track pads and swap in at the beginning of the season or before each event. I'm using Porterfield R4S compound. They work well - even okay when cold on the street. A straight track pad will be hairy on the street until they get hot - which may be too late.

Then look at some stickier tires. I'm currently running Toyo R888R's. I do have a second set of wheels for those tires - they're track only.

I've also lowered my car and am running stiffer t-bars (21-26).
Lastly you'll want to get a good seat to keep you planted. If you're not going to run a HANS and a harness be sure to get one that will accommodate your stock 3 pt belts. The Sparco Evo does the trick in my car.

Keep at it and look for incremental improvement. It's a skill set that has to be learned by repetition and can't be rushed.

-C

[GaryR]

A CG-Lock seat belt accessory, if you are staying with stock belts, is a great addition to keep you planted in stock seats...

[Quasimoto]

Great post, thanks!

[Gordo2]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

With regard to vehicle upgrades - I'm confident at this point that the limiting factor & best bang for the buck for improvement needs to be singularly focused on the driver...

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Quick run down on my vehicle upgrades: (track oriented - upgraded during required refreshes with idea that if you are going to go in - go all in... ):

- Engine: 3.2L, carb'd, XDi'd, cam'd, JE pistions, SSI's ... the works. Built to improve low RPM torque / grunt.

- Trans rebuilt with ~ 10k miles since. 2nd gear lowered to 15:30 / 2.0, Wevo internal gate and Wevo all the way to the shifter. Wevo semi-solid mounts on engine & trans. As smooth, crisp as can be expected of a 915.

- Wheels & Tires: 9x17 & 7x17 Euromeister wheels with 3yr old ~15k street miles on Bridgestone RE11A's.

- Suspension: all the goodies... Sander's 22/29 torsion bars, Bilstein HD's on 4 corners, Tarrett adjustable sways front & rear (set to neutral positions), Elephant poly-bronze everywhere, monoballs, turbo tie rods, triangulated strut brace, lowered to Euro specs & corner balanced.

- Seats: Recaro Specialist M's with new seatbelts.

- Brakes: Stock with fresh / new front pads, fresh fluids - calipers / lines inspected and in good working order.

Bottom line - the vehicle was plenty powerful (instructor drives a 85 911 - he was quite impressed), and well balanced / planted in nearly all conditions.

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A few additional notes on braking performance:

Temps started in the high 20's/low 30's, and warmed to low 40's by the time we hit the track. Not the best conditions to get the most out of the tires or track.

Brake pads: I was a 2 days out when I realized my front pads could stand to be replaced, as such I resorted to the fasted option I could find: generic (Duralast) pads from a local auto parts store.

Front / Rear Brake Pad Compounds: Although I don't believe this was a major factor, post event I realized that I had older (with plenty of material remaining) Ferodo pads on the rears. Possible that the performance pads on the rears didn't get to optimal temps & perform as well as the new, street pads on the fronts.

Both front brakes / wheels locked quite evenly (vice single front) - a good indication that the corner balance was spot on.

As such - I think braking improvements need to be focused solely on the driver.

Driver Improvement: I was driving as hard / fast as I could comfortably push it. In hindsight I was probably mashing the brakes as opposed to quickly & progressively increasing pressure to initially get weight transferred forward (for better front grip) and then increasing brake pressure for max braking (i.e. threshold braking).

Transition from acceleration on a straight to hard braking when approaching a corner is challenging - braking, downshifting & trying to hit the mark for turn-in - all demanding of your focus and finesse in one brief moment...

I'm convinced the driver experience factor, coupled with the cold conditions, contributed to my limited confidence in braking performance - and proved to me that a better driver in a lesser vehicle can outperform a novice driver in a faster car... Also convinced me that a novice driver (and possibly moderately experienced drivers) with ABS can probably brake a bit harder / faster / shorter, with less finesse required.

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How the big boys roll:

As if the event wasn't fun enough - I got to ride shotgun for some fast laps with a couple of track junkies driving a 2018 Corvette ZO6, and 2018 Mustang GT350. Amazing drivers and vehicles.

The ZO6 was simply unreal / untouchable with gobs of power and brakes - trailed closely by the GT350 with it's enormous Brembo's and N/A, 7,400 RPM redline engine with that 'Stang exhaust note ensuring the Vette driver didn't need to glance in the rear view to know exactly where it was.

Gordo