Front-end drifting at speed

[jluetjen]

Originally posted by defcon65
The car has stock ride heights as far as I know. It came with the new tires when I bought it. I've been looking for a local independent Porsche specialist with little luck here in Eastern Iowa. There are probably dozens in the Chicago area, a road trip may be in order.

First rule of 911 ownership (at least in my book) is to assume that the previous owner knew nothing about the car (at best), or messed it up and didn't tell you (at worst).

Once you accept that, it's a small leap to ignore what the previous owner told you and check it yourself. In the case of the ride height, it's real easy to check. Get a tape measure and measure from the ground to the top of the fender cut-out at each corner. Post the results and then you'll know if the ride height is even close to right.

[stlrj]

The alignment is critical. My 911 has used, well worn, soft Boge struts up front which I just love and have no problems at 80+mph in a crosswind with two fingers on the wheel.

Cheers,

Joe

[Thrasher]

I'm just curious what you guys are doing with your remaining fingers at high speed.

My car is also very stable, but I still like to keep all ten on the wheel except when shifting.

[stlrj]

It's the two finger test. Better yet, if you could let go entirely to see if the car tracks straight and steady wthout drifting into the other lane, I'd say your ride had dynamic stability which would make your car very easy and comfortable to drive.

I'll take that over white knucles and cold perspiration anytime.

[buster73]

Just for clarification, coming from Germany the standard definition of "high speed" is +125 mph. Everything below is just considered "cruising".

[defcon65]

According to the Iowa Patrol, anything under 90 is cruising and over 125 is waiting for initial appearance.

[Thrasher]

Originally posted by stlrj
I'll take that over white knucles and cold perspiration anytime.

Agreed, but you must not have as many darting deer in your area, because I'd find it difficult to make an evasive maneuver with two (albeit dry) fingers.

[stlrj]

Not only deer but I need to be on the lookout for wild turkey in my neighborhood. But on the freeway, there better not be any 'cause no amount of fingers will do you any good at those speeds bro.

[defcon65]

I like the chin spoiler idea, but probably not the tail. Has anyone ever installed the later-model retractable grille spoiler on an earlier model car?

[450knotOffice]

A few guys have. Tyson Schmidt did it with at least one of his cars.

[Demetri]

Originally posted by defcon65
Tires are almost brand-new Toyo Proxes, maybe 1500 miles on them.

The new Toyos are the problem. Until you break them in, they are going to squirm. And according to my buddy who runs Proxes 4 on his 87 Carrera, until they break in (approx 1-2K depending on driving style) the squirm occurs at straight high speeds and it feels like the front end is loose. They should be damn close to breaking in by now.

My advice is to go for a long drive and get those puppies heated up!

[livi]

Tyres and alignment is crucial. Fresh shocks as well.

I have a stock '85. Switched the old hydraulic Boge for Bilstein standard. Totally transformed the ride, both low and high speed. BTW, my Boge "passed" the bounce test too..

[eddiehotrod]

Joe, what was the eventual fix for your problem? Were your new Toyos to blame, or was it the front shocks? Sorry to resurrect an old thread. Thanks.

[defcon65]

Yes, the shocks, tie-rods and alignment fixed the drifting for me. It now tracks very solid at any speed.

Wow, that is an old one! One of the first threads for me, at least.

What's up with the new look to the BBS? Guess it's been about two months or more since I logged in! Porsche is running great, but I've been bitten by the sailboat bug. Cheaper, wetter, just as much fun.

Ahoy.

[eddiehotrod]

Thanks for the swift reply. Is there such a thing as a sailboat forum?

[stealthn]

As all have said check suspension, but dropping the height would fix the crosswind issues at speed, as would the chin spoiler. Mine was the same on the highway (a little scary) until I dropped it. Then I went the suspension route, now it's a go cart.

Before






After

[azasadny]

I replaced my shocks/struts, ball joints and had the car aligned and the results are amazing! The car feels more "planted" on the road and hugs the road in the turns better then before. The shocks and struts were completely shot as were the ball joints.

[Nine9six]

I wouldn't spend money on alignment and corner balance until I established what hardware I was going to replace first.
Check bearings, shocks & struts, tie rods, ball joints to establish what you needs, or will soon need refreshing. Then get the alignment and corner balancing after all the hardware is installed.