Another Pedal..

[ralphmusic]

On gearbox we'll see if my shoulders are OK.

Clubsport pack is not required for harnesses, as stated on another thread, it is IMHO an 'occasion' thing. There are several much less expensive ways of fitting harnesses.

I am not sure whether I would actually fit harnesses, I've done 70 track days in the last 7 years in various Porsches including a cabriolet and haven't felt the need so far. (clutching a piece of wood as the straw broke).

 

[ralphmusic]

Off with one badge. Waxed flossing tape and a really hot towel to soften the glue.

On with the decals

Haven’t fallen off yet...

 

[ralphmusic]

Ralph,

Rather odd that the PCM seems to be a slight downgrade on that fitted to the 981. I think it was quite an expensive option on the 981 but is standard on the 718, so maybe there's been some cost saving?

One of the chaps in my Region has (I think) black and white dog-tooth seat inserts on his silver 981 GT4. I think he said that they were UK-sourced but will ask if he's at the next meeting.

Jeff

Jeff,

I think there is more functionality in the 718 PCM, the menus are far less user friendly.

It would be good to hear who provided the seat inserts.

Ralph

 

[Brian_Innes]

Ralph,

I've just viewed the PCA video you posted earlier of the GT4 technical analysis as seen from the underside of the car when raised on a ramp. As a technical man, I love this stuff.

I'm very impressed with the suspension developments on the 982 GT4. The bespoke hub carriers, inverted height adjustable dampers, and track-focused detailing of the anti-roll bar mountings all scored points with me. The brake cooling ducts on the rear brakes also good to see, as was the improved air-flow to the front brakes. Even the length of the drive shafts are 982 GT4 specific, taking account of the revised rear hub carriers.

Interesting comments also concerning the exhaust system. Like my 718 GTS, the application of GPF filters has facilitated the fitting of considerably more compact mufflers.

This car in my humble opinion, is a significant step forward in the chassis department compared to the stock 981 GT4.

I bet you can hardly wait to get your GT4 out on the track.

Enjoy!

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

Just to point out that in case you didn't notice, Ralph mentions that the PCA video is for the 981 GT4 and not the latest car. I think the rear axle stiffening introduced on the 981 GT4 was carried-over on to the 718 range, so your GTS will have it, but I was just wondering if the 718/982 GT4 has additional mods compared with the base range (other than the hubs, driveshafts, ARB and springs/dampers of course).

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Oops! Sorry, my mistake!

I should have re-read Ralph's post before writing. I still enjoyed the technical tour though.

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

I am now on 700 miles, having been to Castle Combe last Saturday and Silverstone today. 6th is 26mph per 1k revs and 5th 22mph. I find I keep looking for another gear on the motorway and this probably goes some way to explain relatively poor 28mpg on largely trunk/motorway miles at light throttle.

Tyre temps coming back today (A41/A34/M4/M5) were 32psi front and 38 rear. Front is near cold temp but rears gain 5psi over cold. The car follows lorry wheel tracks (tramlining) so it is either a ‘feature’ or the alignment isn’t quite right - CG in January will confirm or otherwise and whether the tyre temps are also a result of incorrect alignment.

Next trip, weather permitting is to Goodwood on Dec 23 to an OpenTrack event to join the noise test queue and see what static noise level is. I’m not going on track but I’d like to confirm my belief the car will run on their 98db days. That journey plus some local trips should get me to 1,000 miles by Christmas.

I have some seat bolster protectors coming from the USA so fitting them will give me something to do before the New Year.

 

[ralphmusic]

Fact checked!

Contrary to my post above, front and rear cold tyre pressures should be 29psi and 33psi, respectively. This morning at 7 degrees cold temperatures were 30psi and 34psi, so slightly over ‘should be’ values. Yesterday’s 32psi and 38psi on a largely motorway cruise in coldish/wet weather are probably OK but maybe a small question over rears. Still, the guys at Silverstone yesterday couldn't get temperature into their front tyres (GT4 and Exige 430 Cup) so maybe I shouldn't complain about some heat.

 

[ralphmusic]

I finally got round to fitting Pepita centres to the Lightweight Bucket Seats as pictured. Also shown are the bolster and rear section leather covers, both with French stitching in GT Silver, I got these to protect the original bolsters from wear and tear, often seen on well used seats.

... and a colour coded key from flea bay for £8.

Off to Goodwood tomorrow for LoT's Goodwood trackday on Saturday, hoping the afternoon's weather will be dry...

 

[Motorhead]

Very smart Ralph ... I mentioned some time ago that a chap in R10 has done something similar. Old-school Porsche; and it breaks up nicely the swathes of (boring) black and grey interior.

Jeff

 

[ralphmusic]

Curiously the noise test at Goodwood this morning was 92db and 96db. One side was noisier than the other! ... or perhaps variation on where he pointed his meter.

Castle Combe was 95db so 718 GT4s can run on lower (generally 98db) noise level days.

 

[Motorhead]

Ralph,

I fail to see how a consistent sound level meter reading can be achieved by some bloke waving the meter around somewhat randomly in the vicinity of the tailpipe. Why don't they just construct a gauge to ensure that the meter is held at the recommended distance/location?

As expected, it seems that the 718 GT4 is much quieter than the 981, so there shouldn't be any problems running a standard car at most (or perhaps all?) tracks.

Enjoy the day. At least the Goodwood weather looks reasonable for some dry runs. I presume that you're still running-in and will be limiting the revs today?

Jeff

 

[ralphmusic]

Jeff,

At Goodwood they have a metal rod of the correct length onto which the sound meter is attached. So far so good, but still the opportunity for waving it around.

Yes revs to 4K restrained by running in advice and wet track. It looks to be clearing up but having a squirrelly rear exiting a roundabout in 4th last night and uncertain front grip round Lavant at 50mph this morning, I am not confident of Cup2s in cold wet conditions.

Ralph

 

[ralphmusic]

PS the squirrelly rear referred to above was the car’s

 

[Motorhead]

Yes Ralph, just checked the weather in your area and it now looks a bit variable; gusty too, so take care with those Cup2s - we don't want to hear about any mishaps due to that squirrelly rear..!

Jeff

 

[ralphmusic]

Interestingly, the intake plenum is now cast aluminium

 

[Brian_Innes]

Hats off to you Ralph for going through the very nerve-wracking and lengthy process of getting access to the engine cover.

Interesting discovery. Porsche must have a reason for this change in material. High engine compartment temperatures perhaps?

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

Not me guv.

It is a picture of a 718 Spyder from a German web site.

It does look more serious than plastic and maybe supports the higher rev limit.

 

[AndrewCS]

I am hoping that Porsche introduce the Clubsport Rally car soon to match my plates.

Whilst you`re waiting … Viewed this at their workshop, stunning piece of kit !

 

[ralphmusic]

Great picture Andrew,

Unfortunately mine remains in the garage waiting for a chance to leap for joy and get out for a drive.

Ralph