chasing my tail

[tmanalio]

My 2002 996 is still relatively new to me. About 6 months. Just put two new Bridgestones on the rear (lots of tread) and yes they were the correct size and stiff sidewalls. The problem I am feeling is the car is VERY unstable at turn-in. Feels like I have an additional 1000 lbs. behind the engine. OR....towing a large trailer and it starts to sway. I have been racing SCCA since 1982 and know what oversteer feels like but this is different. NOW for something I did wrong.

Before I bought the new tires (felt a vibration in my seat during a 1200 mile trip) I jacked up the car (using the engine crankcase) as the jack point. My Son noticed oil dripping from the underside and quickly told me I probably had oil filled motor mounts. He must have been right. Do you think this has anything to do with the oversteer problem. It wants to swap ends and also oscillates for awhile after the turn is complete. Hope I didn't screw it up too bad. tom

[LanceGT4]

Could be right about the rear mounts. Get under the back end and look up at the mounts. One of mine had oil drips, the other was dry but still bad. On a 99 with about 90K miles on it. It did NOT like sweeping on ramps, at all.
How bad was this before you changed tires?
Check your tire pressures. mine seems to like 36 front and 42 rear. I hear that some run even higher with more that 6 higher to the rear. This is for highway cruising in the Pac NW.

Oh, re-read your post. SCCA racing you probably check air pressure first thing.
Let us know what you find

[FPB111]

Change your bad engine mounts. You will notice crisper handling and shifting.

Jacking these newer cars by the engine often causes old mounts to rupture.
There is a large controversy about jacking by the engine.

[mdowell]

I would say there is no controversy. Don't do it. The second time I jacked the car up by the case, both mounts popped.

[tmanalio]

Thanks to all. No more jacking the car from engine. Took a look at what's involved to change mounts......not too bad. thanks again, tom m Ocala, FL

Also owned and raced many British cars until they ran out of oil. Now I run a Miata in ITA SCCA