First HPDE with the C4S - Report

This past weekend I participated in my first HPDE event with the 2003 C4S. I was in Green/novice group (I've done HPDE events, but not for 3 years and never in this car), but got moved up to Blue by end of the weekend which was nice. Was with The Driver's Edge, who is a Texas-based school and it was at MSR Houston. All in all, the car performed beautifully. Having taken my ex-F10 BMW 550i to this very track and it heat-soaked like crazy and the brakes gave up even in the morning sessions, I was a little hesitant about how well the 911 would hold up over 8 sessions over 2 days in the Texas heat/humidity. I have to say, I certainly could have pushed WAY more than I did. This is my daily driver, so I didn't want to just go nuts and take risks of course, but there was so much more in the car left it's kind of crazy. I have stock brakes/pads that have maybe 5k miles on them, just had a service a month back, did a track-day inspection (their requirement) and went ahead and had the brake fluid flushed, as it had been about 18 months (with the same 5k miles on them) just for peace of mind. Brakes didn't sweat an inch, even after heavy use on Sunday (was much hotter this day and less windy and everyone had picked up the pace a good bit). I certainly will look into track-use pads for next time though, for extra performance and so not to wear out my daily ones so quickly. I'm also running a set of Sumitomo III-whatevers, that did pretty well considering they are at the very end of their life (right at 5 years old but lots of tread left), but I knew this event was coming up, so I've already placed an order for some Michelin Sport 2s (not Cup 2s). My instructor is a big deal in our local PCA region and after some initial teething issues (I got worse on the first day as it went on due to some miscommunications between us) it was great to have him, as he knew my car very well and what it could do/take, so he kept pushing to take corners better and more efficiently, brake later, etc. My car has a Tip, and I had to change my hand position on the wheel (per his request) to do better up/down shifts, and that was part of the issue on Saturday, but I got used to it and by Sunday I was doing so much better. With this track, I only needed to be in 2nd and 3rd gears anyway (we learned along the way), but I will say I have to get driving gloves for next time. I will say, having two large, husky guys in this car I'm sure weighted it down a bit (both of us easily 6'4+, 275-290lbs), and with the power loss of this being a 16 year old car, some of the 'lesser', more modern cars would catch us up on the straights but it held it's own just fine in the corners. Some of these smaller, high-pressure turbo'd cars are no joke on track, I was pretty surprised. But, timed laps and outright speed (at this level of HPDE) aren't the focus and learning correct pass-by procedure is needed at all HPDE levels (Green thru Red solo), so it didn't upset or bother me on wave-bys. I had a 997 C2S and I think two prior-gen Cayman GTS' in my class so was good to see some metal from Stuttgart around. Tons of other beautiful 911s there during the weekend, and since when you drive, you don't get to see your car in motion, watching other 911s/Porsches was fun too. Anyway, all that to say, can't wait for the next one, and if anyone is hesitant about doing something like this, even with your daily or stock or base Carrera, get out there and have fun! Green novice won't let you get out of control (or shouldn't anyway), and your car can take it all day and then some. I would rev the engine all the way to redline every time and it didn't matter. Zero heating issues either. Just pop the rear deck after each session to assist in cooling off and I had no problems. Hearing that flat 3.6 scream on track along the main straight wall was just glorious. Wish I had the sound recorded! I have PSE on mine too, so even better.

I am curious for your impression of having the all wheel drive C4 vs the C2 you mentioned. Seems like each have their proponents. I hope to do a track day of some sort in a year or so but want to get to know my car first.

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And the next one, and the one after that... Hey, maybe I'll do this to the car and have even more fun..and then maybe I'll do that..and that...and that! Have fun and be safe!

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I really didn't have many issues. I had only one 'incident' where the rear-end got loose (came in too hot to a pretty tight left hairpin) but I actually caught it pretty quickly and didn't spin or really even lose that much speed, which my instructor applauded me for. The RWD BMW was much more tail-happy, even though the engine is at the front. With 440hp and even more Tq, it could light up the rears pretty easily. I want to go 2WD with my next purchase simply for a little less maintenance costs and less weight. The AWD C4S feels as heavy as it is, especially on track. I didn't have much understeer though, not like I thought I might. But, my wife is an Audi driver and likes the Quattro/AWD system and wants me to keep my 911 for safety reasons, so we'll see how we compromise. But, I personally feel safer in an understeer incident than I would in an oversteer one (especially on track) so maybe I will keep the C4S thing going... Also, nothing gets you 'knowing' your car like an event like this! It really does give you the full spectrum of capabilities, what to be mindful of, what the engine and brakes can do, etc. Just keep it smooth and consistent and you'll be fine!

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Our local PCA chapter has a COTA event coming up in Sept (which I've driven before) so I definitely plan to make that one!

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yep, I have a b6 and b8 S4 and when I wanted a 996 I felt more comfortable having all wheel drive so I bought a c4. It was immediately in an accident (before I had even seen the car) so I am still waiting to start enjoying the car. Quattro grip makes me a little lazy on modulating power, especially while turning. I totally admit that.

i tracked my 2003 c4s for two sessions just 2 weeks after buying it. having never driven a rwd porsche or any other sports car prior to the c4s, i pushed it hard on the track and never gave a thought to the rear end getting away from me. the c4s always feels like its glued to the road/track.

Thanks for sharing!!

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This was like that for me too, absolutely. I can't wait to see what having some proper 'quick' tires on this thing will be able to do, especially with some track pads!

I love seeing posts like this. I've been tracking cars since 2002. It is neat to look over the years to see how much the cars attending have changed. Like you said, lots of fast cars (with fast drivers of course) out there now. The go-to car over the years was the E36 M3 or Miata. Now you see so many varying cars that range from BRZs to Corvettes, etc. My 1992 Prelude with VTEC swap (200 hp)back then used to shock a lot of people. lol If I were you, I would seriously consider some type of oil baffle if you don't already have one. Oil starvation is a HUGE concern in these cars!

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There was a new Audi TT-S on track, and that was a QUICK car. No surprise with it being an S, but dang. I will bring that up to my tech before I go to the track next for sure. I'd read about the oil starvation thing, but thought it only affected the 3.4L engines? I could be wrong though and mis-remembering.

3.6 is just as suspect to oil starvation as 3.4. If you are not overwhelming your AOS (blowing clouds of smoke after high g corners when throttle plate re-opens), you probably shouldn't be too worried about oil starvation. That said, if this is something you plan to continue to do, you'll want to upgrade to a deep sump with a windage tray. My Accusump is sitting in the garage since I upgraded the sump. .02

Thanks RSB. I am in the woodlands too.

So cool. I've got my car less than a month ago and am planning to track it from time to time too. It's in the shop now for some track upgrades (center radiator, oil deep sump etc. Did you prep the car for this event, other than brake fluid flush? Did you use your regular street tires?

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Awesome, thanks for sharing. Honestly, with decent track tires, alignment and brake pads, these things are properly quick around the track. I would also echo the deep sump/baffle recommendations. Also, take lots of pictures and post them for us too! Well done!