Ready for Launch: The Project is Done (big pics)

[Don Plumley]

As much as any race car project is ever "done", mine is. What started off as four innocent track days last November has finished with a fairly purposeful 993 track beast. Here are the threads I've posted about the project:

Project Kick-Off
2nd update
Floorboards
Prep for cage install
Cage Install
Painting the cage
Headliner Install
Battery hold down
Interior In
DME Relocation
Good, Bad and Ugly

Well, that should be most of them. What are not listed are the many questions I posted here and on Rennlist -- I'm indebted to everyone that helped. I have some other folks to thank, but let's show the first set of pictures:





A lot has happened in the past few days to bring this together. I had the car towed to Wevo where Tyson worked his usual evil magic to setup the car. The corner balance revealed the result of putting the girl on the slimfast diet: 2,817 pounds with 3/4 tank of gas. The drive home was amazing...what a beast. I installed a set of Pagid Yellow RS-19 pads, did a fluid flush and bleed, finished up the Schroth Profi II harnesses...and she's done. I drove to Sears Point today to drop off my helmet for a HANS install (and to bed in the pads). Yikes. It's a lot of car for a newbie like me.

And in another turn of good luck, a slot opened up for met at the PCA CDS event at Infineon on Monday so I'll have a chance for an initial shake-out. High pucker factor no doubt.





With the exception of the cage and the suspension setup, I did all the work myself. It's very satisfying. And it enabled me to establish a fairly reasonable modification budget, and I'm pleased to report that my budget variance is less than 10%.

There are many folks I need to thank. First and foremost, my wife and family -- they provided unwavering support and encouragement. The Pelican and Rennlist community -- I can't imagine undertaking this type of project on my own without the resources and talents of those that contribute. Jack Olsen gets a shout out -- I still remember reading the original BBI story and thought to myself, "wouldn't that be fun one day?" That day is here. Todd (Nostatic) -- for helping me understand that a shiny car is not a fun car, and many other things. Bill Verburg -- always ready with advice about brakes, tires and all things 993 RS. Hayden Burvil of Wevo for his advice, support and guidance on Safety and doing it right. Bob Brooks of VB Motorsports for all the important parts and a reliable source of advice and coaching helping a novice bolt in JIC Cross suspension and TRG sways from 2,500 miles away.

And finally, Tyson Schmidt. It was Tyson that first suggested a 964 based track car. He instructed me on two of my four track days. And has been constantly behind the project, with email, PMs and phone calls to help me make all the initial build decisions and is the only other person that turned a wrench on my car.






See you all out there!

Don

(duplicate post from the 993 board, I meant to post it here)

[DUK]

Looks Great Don, now go have some fun.

[Tyson Schmidt]

And done just in time for a Sears point track day!

You've worked very hard on that car Don. You deserve to go have some fun now. I was very happy to give it the finishing touches so you can hit the track with confidence. She should be a great car for you.

You're attention to detail on that car is outstanding. Now, go out there and give it some rock chips already!

[cantdrv55]

WOW! Can't wait to see that car in person. Oh yeah, it'd be great to meet you too. See you at Sears on Monday.

[k9handler]

wow that is a light weight 993...can't wait to hear about it on the track.

[Jon Merck]

Man you are making my 993fever worse...Looks Great! Enjoy...

[Don Plumley]

Thanks all. Noah - I gutted the interior of all sound deadening, heavy factory seats, rear seats, etc. Some of this was offset by the cage. Cat bypass. RS Heat bypass. RS Washer bottle. Oddesey battery. No airbags. Oh yeah - no sunroof. It all adds up...

[PorscheGuy79]

Don,

You know I have kept pace with this project for a bit and I have to say you did a dam good job. Its a properly set up track car, and I guess for me it reflects the same ideals and upgrades that I would have in mind for my future 993 (you know we all have to say future, even if thats 10 years away, someday all of us will own one of these cars).

[juanbenae]

nice window decal ... did tyson sign the underside of you hood though is the real question?

see you monday don.

T$

[PorscheGuy79]

Originally posted by k911sc
nice window decal ... did tyson sign the underside of you hood though is the real question?

see you monday don.

T$

Speaking of...where does one get one of those?

[MJM911SC]

Awesome work Don! I look forward to helping crew with you in the paddock June 23 at Thunderhill. Have fun at Sear's Pt, be sure to make a report.

PS - I am the one who bought his pristine 87 Carrera. It has served me very, very well in daily driver service and I am sure will continue for many years to come.

[Don Plumley]

Originally posted by Noah
Huh. Any idea how much, exactly, you removed? And if you were to continue the diet, what would you do next?

I've often thought that a seriously lightened 993 or 964 would make a killer track machine.

I guess the net weight loss is about 200-250 pounds. The next big things are: Fiberglass RS tail and lightweight (i.e. Fiske) wheels. The next stage would be the remants of a civilized interior (but would have some class limitiations). The hood is really, really heavy.

I also thought a lighter 993 (or 964) would make a great track beast!

[Don Plumley]

Originally posted by MJM911SC
Awesome work Don! I look forward to helping crew with you in the paddock June 23 at Thunderhill. Have fun at Sear's Pt, be sure to make a report.

PS - I am the one who bought his pristine 87 Carrera. It has served me very, very well in daily driver service and I am sure will continue for many years to come.

Oh - I still have such a soft spot for "Das Zoom". But happy she is in a great home!

[juanbenae]

Originally posted by PorscheGuy79
Speaking of...where does one get one of those?

PG79, you have a PM.

T$

[William930t]

Nice project and pictures, What brand of tires are you running, track only or street/track?

[BertBeagle]

Nice work. I know Rolf - we used to work together years ago. Next time you see him mention my name and tell him hello. I will probably seen him at Sears in a few weeks. He does excelent work and the result is something you can be proud of.

What did you use to remove all the carpet glue? It looks like a nice job and one that didn't disturb the paint. I would like to remove the residue in my engine compartment from the noise pad.

Also, are you interested in selling the sunroof parts you removed? Need air deflectors, tracks, cables, hardware.

Thanks

Ashley Page

[Don Plumley]

Hi Ashley,

I might see Rolf tomorrow - I'll do my best to remember to mention you.

I used 3M adhesive remover. Lots of work - ugh. Thanks for asking, but I've already sold off all the sunroof bits.

Don

[Don Plumley]

Originally posted by William930t
Nice project and pictures, What brand of tires are you running, track only or street/track?

MPSC's - street/track, but rare street use - mainly to get to the track!

Thanks!

[cbeers]

yeah, nice sticker Don!

Give me a buzz, PM replied.




Looking forward to tomorrow!

-Chris

[Don Plumley]

First day out on the track was a complete success. Performance/handling-wise, the car far exceeded my expectations. And considering how much was apart and put back together, everthing ran without a hiccup.

OMG - what a beast and what a blast! Well spent 6 months, now for more track time!