944 Spec tech session?

[993Panzer]

I think it is definitely a combination of both skill and hardware tuning.

She routinely is 3 seconds faster than me and at Fontana she was 4 seconds faster with 888's and 5 seconds faster with slicks (i am rounding the numbers-so dont get riled up about the 1/10's "OK").

My driving skill will improve at a much slower rate than I can improve my car--so that is where I am putting my immediate attention. One major difference in our cars is that I am running 28MM bars and 350# springs--she is 30MM and 400# (i believe).

Here is what I think--my competitor has a lighter car/headers/short 5th/regular 944 gear box/sponsors and a pro mechanic as a team-mate. In addition to improving my driving I need to improve my car as much as I can. I finally just got camber plates and have taken as much weight out of the car that I can--although I still have headlights and wipers.

My skill will improve with track time--my car will improve by listening to guys like Tim, Chuck, and Jackie--and acting on that information--that is why I think this tech session could be so valuable--someone should write a booklet outlining optimum tuning both on the chassis and suspension (comparing torsion bars and spring rates with track times). Just my 2 cents!

Toby,

Here's my 2 cent advice to you. Make what ever changes you feel you need then don't touch the car. Leave it in the same configuration and work on your driving. The improvements you see will be in your skills, not in hardware changes. Talk to as many drivers as you can about how they're driving a particular corner or section. Ask some of the drivers that are instructors to go out for a few laps to get their input. Ride along with some drivers for a few laps to see what they're doing. IMHO the most important thing is seat time and focusing on improving your skills. Remember that good advice may come from the most unexpected person/driver.

Good luck!!!

[Tim Comeau]

Toby,
I hear ya.
Dave,
I'll second your advice. But I'm also trying to let Toby know that the playing field, with respect to Toby gunning for Jackie, is not level.
Your 28's and 350's are a fine set up. People win 944 Spec races with that set up.
Don't misunderstand me guys. I'm not saying that Jackie can't drive, I'm saying that gearing is a HUGE advantage.
Let's look at one gear pair.
1. Tall 5th = 37:27
2. Short 5th = 35:29
That's the number of teeth on each gear of the gear pair. It's only a few teeth, right? Huge difference in performance.
Toby, you'll see exactly what I mean when we bolt a regular 944 tranny into your 944S.

Well, we learned a couple things there about suspension set up and gearing......Now can we get back to talking about a 944 Spec tech session.

[LUCKY DAVE]

Jackie's car is obviously well set up and tuned, (kudos to her "tuner", she has top of the line equipment) but that's not the thing that counts the most in racing.
The driver is 90% of the equation, and Jackie could turn fast laps driving a forklift.
Good equipment only goes so far.

[Tim Comeau]

Well,....I guess we'll have to settle it at the kart track.....

[elcap00]

As long as I get a supercharged Kart I am in

To be clear in regards to my competitor---I think Jackie is a fantastic driver and more than that she is very sweet and fun to be around.

She told me once "winning is everything"---I am taking that to heart

Now-back to the tech session

[mrondeau]

IMHO it's about 75% driver/25% car. The more you work on your driving, the better you'll be and the more you'll be able to appreciate the changes you make to your car. Now that we have that clear, when do we have this tech session/kart race?

[Curt Yaws]

Do you guys allow 911 drivers to participate here? Can I come along to the 944 spec session? I just might learn something.

[Tim Comeau]

Curt,
Yes, I believe the biggest lesson you'll learn is that you should have bought a racing 944 instead of that tail-draggin' 911! OHHHHH!!
No, but all seriousness aside, of course everyone is welcome.

It's been pointed out to me that if the event involves karting, it can't be a PCA sanctioned event. This is because of insurance decisions made at PCA National. I'm ok with that. It sounds like people want to go kart racing though?
I suppose it could be a PCA event up until the point we separate and then gather at the kart track as a non-PCA get together?

So let's start fleshing out this plan, set a date/time, etc.
I think it should be on a Saturday. May 3rd sounds good? Is that enough time for you, Chuck? For right now, let's say it's a non-PCA event.

[elcap00]

For me--May 3 @ 9am is good--tech session 9-1130--lunch and then Karts @1230/1-ish

[Jackie C]

1st off, I'm honored that I've been included in this post. 2ndly thank you to all my friends who have my back!!! Now.....WHAT A BUNCH OF CRYBABIES! (Tim) I don't know where you got your misinformation, oh yeah, maybe it was the time I came back from instructing and you had opened my hood and were examining my car. If you'd like to see my car, sponsors or work with my mechanic, just ask. I've always tried to help all the 944 drivers and so has Phil. I left spec class because I wanted to go faster, and I am, so stop comparing apples to oranges. If you want to have another one of those spec challenges and put up your car Tim, well, I'm all over it. Otherwise, put up or shut up.

[pdy]

She told me once "winning is everything"---I am taking that to heart

Maybe Jackie meant "Whining is everything".




Seriously, check out the rules - I don't se anywhere any points assessment for "Improved Driver".

And I know I could use some modifications there...

[mrondeau]

May 3rd looks good for me.

[Jackie C]

btw, I didn't get the s motor until 8 weeks ago, so come and get me!

[Curt Yaws]

I'm no good for May 3rd. Will anyone be selling videos? How about a week night?

General comments:

Phil's not gonna like it when he hears that Dave called Jackie's car "a fork lift."

Several years ago Tim told me I could get 2 more seconds by spending lots of money on my car, or I could get 5 more seconds by learning to drive it.

I'm now certain I made the right choice of a car. It's not really the car that's the issue, it's that you 944 drivers are out for blood. You scare me.

[Irksome]

Darnit, I had already decided to go, but May 3 is my son's 7th birthday, and I will be busy. One of these days you 944 folk will gather on a day/time I can join!