Driving a 911 in the rain, FUN!

[Superman]

My first Autocross was in pouring rain. Standing water. And I went there specifically, deliberately, to spin the car. I failed in four tries.

Today, I can spin this car on command.

[dreeves]

I drove from Boston to southern PA this weekend (no, not to Hershey). I drove back yesterday in some really torrential rain through New Jersey and Connecticut. The 911 did great... I was very impressed. I had some fogging issues as well, but I found I could lick them by keeping the window open a crack. I am going to have to sort out some water-related electrical issues, though. All my luggage in the front got wet, and the electrics started acting up a little.

It was my first very long trip in the car. I stuck mostly to two-lane roads on the way down, and and had a blast driving through the catskills and poconos on the way down. fun!

[Porsche]

I just need to get better windshield wipers. Mine are pathetic.

[911jon]

Of course it is fun! A 911 can be remarkably quick in the rain, it's all about smooth transitions and balance. a bit like riding a powerful bike in the rain, smoothness is everything. I wouldn't agree about the hot hatch thing, but you might have a bit of bother with a Subaru.

In the UK we have little choice, you have to drive in the rain (bit like Seattle!). But never avoid it, it won't hurt your car (unless you are a concours type) and can teach you a lot about driving well in general. On good tyres on the track, your lap times should be surprisingly close to dry. The grip is out there! on the road your enemy is spilled diesel oil. I keep the window a crack open, and use my eyes and nose to detect that.

Drive safely, and have fun, wet or dry.

[IROC]

Like Jon just mentioned, smoothness is the key. I've done many DEs in the rain and I think the key to going quickly in a 911 in the wet is smoothness and trying to maximize your speed in a straight line. Abrupt turn-ins and getting onto the throttle too hard after turn-in will come back to haunt you. In actuality, these cars are still extremely capable in the rain.

Coming home from Rennsport this part weekend, I drove through torrential downpours in a 2400lb car with 245/275 worn out Yoko A032s and didn't have any "moments"...

Mike

[Glasgow 911SC]

Originally posted by 911jon
I wouldn't agree about the hot hatch thing, but you might have a bit of bother with a Subaru.

The Civic Type-R & Cooper S Works are capable machines with similar or more Hp than my SC. They are also very easy to drive at ten tenths according to mags like Evo etc.

[no substitute]

Originally posted by 911jon

In the UK we have little choice, you have to drive in the rain (bit like Seattle!).

It rains here? Yeah, okay, it does. And I agree, it's as much if not more fun than when it's dry.

Originally posted by Ed Bighi
... idolized Hans Stuck.

Starting out at age nine seated beside one's champion race driver father, while running the "Ring" in the wet certainly gives one an unfair leg up doesn't it.

[kjb]

Originally posted by Ed Bighi
There is also a trick that works really well in 911s when sideways. Just read about a certain British fellow named Fitzpatrick who drove 935's.

What's the trick? what's the trick? I can't find it online!

/ j

[svandamme]

Originally posted by kqw
It's all in the condition of tires, suspension and alignment.

and the road >> you don't want to drive an early 911 on dutch roads , at least not on the highway , when it rains
there is zero fun in that > lot's of standing water, lot's of wind ( it's kinda flat this country) and an early is very sucky when it comes to sidewinds...

[Freeman]

What Ed says works - I tried it autoxing last weekend. Of course it didn't make my times any faster, but I kept doing it to recognize and get comfortable with the feel - stay in the gas and let the wheel slide through your hands, once you know what to expect you will know when to grab the wheel.

As for the rain, well, it rained at my last DE and I can now tell you what it looks like from turn 5 at Road Atlanta looking back UP the esses.

[K-Jetronic]

I agree completely with Ed, never look close by when you start to slide. Always look in the distance, if there is only one thing you can hit like a lamppost for miles and you look at it you will probably hit it!!!. Further for counteracting the slide don't think about it just look in the distance in front of the car ( turn your head) and correct asap with steering, if you think about which way the car is sliding and then start correcting you're to late. Keep it in the slide with proper amount of steering and dose the curve with your throttle. To keep it in the powerslide is very difficult, see my previous posted picture. Enjoy,

Gerko
1978sc

PS when you do get out of controle, don''t keep your thumbs inside the steering wheel (if you did let go immediately), press the clutch and keep your brakes locked untill you've come to a standstill. The direction in this case will be the way you were heading anyway just hope there is enough space for the spin you in now.

[kjb]

Thanks for the elaboration, Ed. Apparently the older Porsches have a sort of PSM too. All you need is faith.

Now I just need a big parking lot to practice in the next time it rains. This is the first time I've wished it rained more often in California.

/ J