Unstable high speed ?

I have the 996 C2 on a 2003 3.6. The car feels rock solid, more so than any of the others i test drove but at over 80-100mph it feels slightly unstable, not shaking as such but as if it doesnt stick to the road well. Tyres are good, wheel ballence is fine and car in good order. I drove the Gallardo yesterday (first time this year) and at the same speed its superior in road stance. ANy ideas ?

Isn't the Gallardo quite a bit wider and lower ?? My 996 did go a bit light at those speeds but never felt unstable, above that and it did seem to squat down and feel even better. I also had a Geo check which made the car feel so much better. Whilst Chris Franklin was doing his tour, quite a few people commented on how after he had "tweaked" the geometry on how much more the car felt planted... he's midlands based so might be worth a visit.. garyw

The 911 does feel more lively at very high speed, particularly when it's windy, as a result of its compromised aerodynamics and rear weight bias. On the otherhand, at sub 120mph speeds, it is very tactile with lovely feel and feedback. At Millbrook, the driving consultants were saying that the 997C2s and C4s move around much more than the GT3s on the high speed bowl. At 140-150 mph the GT3s feel glued to the track because of the aerodynamic package. You could fit an aero-kit and lower suspension to a 996 but, IMO, the standard car looks better without it.

Im sure it is also a case of me getting used to the car. The Gallardo is lower and wider so maybe not a fair comparison but the only one i have to go against at the mo (other than the wifes 107) Ive just been out in the 996 and its fine upto 80mph, the weather today is calm with harly any breeze but it just feels as if your not solid to the floor if that makes sence. Maybe its the lightweight ?

Might be worth trying a front spoiler lip - See: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=261556

As if the seering is very sensistive? The steering does get twitchy at higher speeds and is often described as 'lane changing' tendency.

Hi, My thoughts are that the C2 at circa 80-100 will have a sense of instability due to front lift. The steering is twitchy but after this the aerodynamics kick in and get more planted. Especially evident at spirited driving!. Driven several C2's and this is apparent on all. My C4S is a totalluy different driving experience. Personally prefer the more sure footed C4S. But purists argue that the C2 is the best and real driving experience especially the GT3. In the right hands awesome machine. Not a cause for concern but worth getting geo check up for peace of mind. As for the Lambo comparison, well cannot be a comparison, different animal!!!!! Regards Alan.

This all makes a lot of sence. I think the car does get better after a certain speeds.

Generally my C2 feels well planted. I've only found it disconcertingly floaty once your the other side of 150. But I do find it quite sensitive to cross winds. If your over 100 an unexpected crosswind will move it around quite a bit.

As discussed previously, when I first got the C2... the fact the engine is way out back, the front can feel a little 'floaty' at times. I have had a small spoiler fitted under the front PU, I also corrected the tire pressures (were 33/38 now 36/44) and this has made the car a lot more sure footed. Upto 120 the car is fairly lively, but very direct steering (what I love about driving the car), after that I find the faster you go the more planted it gets. I'm off to the Nurburgring this weekend, so hope to see 170+ at some point [ ]

Ive a 2000 miles trip to hamburg then holland and back again this week so will play about with the tyre pressure to see which feels better.

Also, as Alan says, a geometry check would also be a good idea if you haven't had one done.

A full tank of fuel also makes a difference.

Or a bag of cement in the front locker!