Timed peerfectly Lunchime....
Brands Hatch News Flash
- Thread starter John Sims
- Start date
oceancarrera
New member
Peter, glad it wasn't worse than it was! At elast Druids was probably the best place to go off...[:-] Take solace that lunch was about as tasty as that gravel [:'(]
ORIGINAL: Peter Empson
.....Been doing some more thinking and remembered that I thought I might need to replace the front brake discs too as they were mighty hot when I came to a stop. They looked extremely blue when it was being loaded up, so can't help thinking they're possibly warped []
How about a nice set of medium blacks with drilled discs. Test driven on Beaky. Mmmmm nice! [
]Any excuse [
]. Beaky is going in for some front suspension work this week. I was having similar thoughts but fear the credit card would go super nova.........and nobody wants a Nova.
See also safety notice at http://www.pcaucr.org/site/page.jsp?pageid=222
And also see http://www.autobahnperformance.com/projectcar_balljoint.htm
I know I'm being cruel but it is only because I want them as well. [8D]
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Group buy?
Did wonder but @ £1000++ a pair I don't think there would be many takers. I'm not worried now because GWR are going to sort out Beaky for me with cunning motor sport technology - see other thread about smashed ball joints. http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=261547
eastendr
New member
The navigation bars haven't updated yet because I'm still processing uploads, but look here
http://www.cannell.co.uk/BH050207-28.htm
http://www.cannell.co.uk/BH050207-28.htm
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
When I parked there I didn't realise it was a tow away zone
Peter,
You're being very relaxed about the damage done to your car during recovery.
Is this the normal way of recovering a car from the gravel?
- Potential damage to wheel spokes? I'd hate to think what might happen to the mags on an RS.
- Actual additional damage to the front wing! I'm amazed!
If this is how they normally treat a car it has made me have second thoughts about tracking my pride & joy at Brands Hatch.
Glad you're okay. Hope you get the car sorted quickly.
Rich
You're being very relaxed about the damage done to your car during recovery.
Is this the normal way of recovering a car from the gravel?
- Potential damage to wheel spokes? I'd hate to think what might happen to the mags on an RS.
- Actual additional damage to the front wing! I'm amazed!
If this is how they normally treat a car it has made me have second thoughts about tracking my pride & joy at Brands Hatch.
Glad you're okay. Hope you get the car sorted quickly.
Rich
Rich wot you worried about...............![]
]
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
Hi Rich,
I can't say if this is normal or not, but they didn't have many options available. Control tower wanted them to drag it out but the marshalls refused as they felt it would do a lot more damage - I think the vehicle they used cost them more which is why they were hesitent, but that's only a guess.
Trouble is, how do you move a car with only three attached wheels? Of the equipment they had to hand I think they did a pretty good job. I suspect craning it on to a low loader without having a wheel to tie it to wouldn't have worked and that would have then risked structural damage to the car.
I'm quite relaxed about it because a). it could have been a lot worse, b). it was due a full respray anyway (and I already have some fibreglass wings to go on) so it just forces me to get it done sooner than intended and c). I won't know what the bill will be till Monday![
]
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
This is rather long post I'm afraid, but I thought it'd be quite nice to add the outcome to this thread.![[FONT=verdana,geneva"]](/forum/styles/default/pcgb/space.gif ". [FONT=verdana,geneva\"]")
I finally picked my car up last night, as expected the work has been pretty extensive, the full repair list was much as discussed elsewhere, the following parts/work was required: -remove half a bin full of finest Brands gravel-replace Tie rod (original bent)-wishbone (obviously!)-rear wishbone mounting threads required welding/reinforcement as they'd ripped out-front tyre (precaution)-front braided hoses replaced (precaution)-refit/replace PAS belt (knocked off by gravel) To recap from elsewhere in the thread the other extra mods were as follows: -Powerflex bushes everywhere possible-Elephant Racing torsion bar bushes-Rennbay 19mm race ball joint kit-Refurbish Leda suspension, revalved to firmer spec -new Eibach springs 400lb/ft front and 250 rear (plus torsion bars)-Racers Edge camber plates -Full corner weighting, lowering and alignment done on JZ's rig All of the firms involved were fantastic and offered great service. Leda did a beautiful job (the shocks looked like new) and even supplied the camber plates quickly and at a great price. I must say a special thanks to RPM Porsche who did all the hard work, over 30 hours labour in all in fact and put up with the car being a major PITA as it was seriously in their way. If I'm honest it has all added up to a rather eye watering cost, but I'm sure that'll be forgotten soon (about the time of the next trackday I expect). Anyway, enough about the process, now the results... It is pretty low (as requested) and has what appears to be fairly aggressive suspension settings (I haven't got the print outs yet but they will follow). Cosmetically it desperately needs spacers at the front as the wheels look so inset now. I'll get some pictures tomorrow if it's nice, although the dented wings make it look anything but pretty. I've not driven it that far yet, but I can say it has amazing turn in. No understeer, zilch, nowt, nuffink. I have a suspisicion that it will swing into oversteer first, but this is beyond the scope of road testing. Leda did suggest I may have chosen springs that were a little too hard at the back and this may be the case, but I suppose I'll find out at the first trackday. The increased precision, presumably thanks ot the removal of all the rubber bushes, has made it feel so much tighter and it seems to track direction changes as a whole, there's no waiting for it to settle before deciding what to do next. It's also rather comfy which is surprise, you can feel the extra edge when going over speed bumps (slowly!) but it rides rather nicely, it's at minimum on the damper settings now but I'll probably add a couple of clicks for the road. In hindsight I would choose even stiffer springs, as a guide I think 500 or 600 for the front would be perfect for me, tragically Leda had an exchange policy which would have let me try others options without cost, but at least the springs aren't expensive. I was concerned it'd be noisy too, but apart from a few quiet groans from the rear over slow speed bumps there's nothing noticeable, although my car isn't exactly quiet anyway. The occasional knocking noise I had from the rear since the Leda was first fitted has now gone completely, whether this was a fitment issue or a revision that Leda implemented I do not know. The only down side is that the steering seems heavier at speed than I remember and doesn't self centre the way I think it did. I've either got used to driving our (over assisted) van recently or that's just a side effect of the settings chosen. Time will tell, I need to re-learn this (you have to push the wheel rather than guide it back after turning in, if you see what I mean). I suppose it could also be a steering rack issue which might have taken a bit of a knock during the accident. There's still a bit of work to be done, I need to put a few miles on it then RPM will have it back to give it the once over, then it'll be off to the body shop get the wings fitted (but not painted yet). I've then got insurance and a 12K service to think about...
I finally picked my car up last night, as expected the work has been pretty extensive, the full repair list was much as discussed elsewhere, the following parts/work was required: -remove half a bin full of finest Brands gravel-replace Tie rod (original bent)-wishbone (obviously!)-rear wishbone mounting threads required welding/reinforcement as they'd ripped out-front tyre (precaution)-front braided hoses replaced (precaution)-refit/replace PAS belt (knocked off by gravel) To recap from elsewhere in the thread the other extra mods were as follows: -Powerflex bushes everywhere possible-Elephant Racing torsion bar bushes-Rennbay 19mm race ball joint kit-Refurbish Leda suspension, revalved to firmer spec -new Eibach springs 400lb/ft front and 250 rear (plus torsion bars)-Racers Edge camber plates -Full corner weighting, lowering and alignment done on JZ's rig All of the firms involved were fantastic and offered great service. Leda did a beautiful job (the shocks looked like new) and even supplied the camber plates quickly and at a great price. I must say a special thanks to RPM Porsche who did all the hard work, over 30 hours labour in all in fact and put up with the car being a major PITA as it was seriously in their way. If I'm honest it has all added up to a rather eye watering cost, but I'm sure that'll be forgotten soon (about the time of the next trackday I expect). Anyway, enough about the process, now the results... It is pretty low (as requested) and has what appears to be fairly aggressive suspension settings (I haven't got the print outs yet but they will follow). Cosmetically it desperately needs spacers at the front as the wheels look so inset now. I'll get some pictures tomorrow if it's nice, although the dented wings make it look anything but pretty. I've not driven it that far yet, but I can say it has amazing turn in. No understeer, zilch, nowt, nuffink. I have a suspisicion that it will swing into oversteer first, but this is beyond the scope of road testing. Leda did suggest I may have chosen springs that were a little too hard at the back and this may be the case, but I suppose I'll find out at the first trackday. The increased precision, presumably thanks ot the removal of all the rubber bushes, has made it feel so much tighter and it seems to track direction changes as a whole, there's no waiting for it to settle before deciding what to do next. It's also rather comfy which is surprise, you can feel the extra edge when going over speed bumps (slowly!) but it rides rather nicely, it's at minimum on the damper settings now but I'll probably add a couple of clicks for the road. In hindsight I would choose even stiffer springs, as a guide I think 500 or 600 for the front would be perfect for me, tragically Leda had an exchange policy which would have let me try others options without cost, but at least the springs aren't expensive. I was concerned it'd be noisy too, but apart from a few quiet groans from the rear over slow speed bumps there's nothing noticeable, although my car isn't exactly quiet anyway. The occasional knocking noise I had from the rear since the Leda was first fitted has now gone completely, whether this was a fitment issue or a revision that Leda implemented I do not know. The only down side is that the steering seems heavier at speed than I remember and doesn't self centre the way I think it did. I've either got used to driving our (over assisted) van recently or that's just a side effect of the settings chosen. Time will tell, I need to re-learn this (you have to push the wheel rather than guide it back after turning in, if you see what I mean). I suppose it could also be a steering rack issue which might have taken a bit of a knock during the accident. There's still a bit of work to be done, I need to put a few miles on it then RPM will have it back to give it the once over, then it'll be off to the body shop get the wings fitted (but not painted yet). I've then got insurance and a 12K service to think about...
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
ORIGINAL: Diver944
Sounds impressive Peter [
Lol! Perhaps I did get a bit carried away [
], but thought I might as well give it the once over whilst it was apart []You know what though, it feels totally familiar, just better [
]I haven't booked a trackday yet, RPM are doing one at Bedford next weekend but due to work I don't think I can make it [
]I rather fancy doing Bedford West circuit now I've seen it, it flows so much better than the full GT and must be kinder on brakes/tyres too. I want to do Oulton this year, but really ought to try a more familiar circuit to get my head around what it does closer to the limit.
I'm almost a little hesitant though, if anything else happens to the car then that could be the end of my fun for a long time, which isn't something I want to think about [
]
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
I hope this isn't getting too boring [8|] Promise I'll shut up soon []
Went for a bit of a run today and wanted to elaborate on what I said yesterday.
Firstly, I'll take back some of what I said about the springs, I think they are in the right ballpark, I wouldn't go too much stiffer as there are a lot of poor country roads around here and it can get a bit lively.
There is a bit more tyre noise in the cabin but it's only really audible on light throttle at speed on smooth roads.
I found a nice empty roundabout in the middle of nowhere that I could takle in a reasonbaly enthusiastic manner. Mid corner there was the faintest feeling that the front tyres were starting to get to their limits, but adding more throttle simply transformed it into a wonderfully neutral cornering stance. Think I'm going to have to pay a lot of visits to Milton Keynes soon, the home of the roundabout []
Had a slightly unexpected moment earlier on, a Fiesta pulled out in front of me on a long straight, I went to change lanes to overtake and the speed of the turn in almost caught me out when combined with the strong crown of the road, throw in a few nasty bumps to kick the nose off line and it took a few corrections to keep it straight. I must remember I have to 'guide' the steering wheel and not turn it, which is a bit tricky as it's quite heavily weighted now.
I also did a brake test and found that on a flat road its not as stable in a straight line, but this isn't exactly unexpected. I must mention the brakes too, I have my fave pads on again and they're incredible even if it is a bit too easy to lock a wheel at times.
So in summary, I'm chuffed with the car again. It is harder work on it's current settings but is even more involving than before which is a compromise I'm more than happy with.
Enough waffle, here are the piccies:
Hmm, I do like new and shiny... The Racers Edge camber plate.
Yes I know the bonnet's out of alignment again, need to have another go at it soon. Haven't even got around to fitting the bumper cover back on again either []
Here you can see how the rear edge of the wing has been squashed by the wheel (the whole wing has been forced back against the A pillar too).
And on the nearside the damage caused in getting the car out of the gravel.
Sadly it's going to look a sorry sight for a while longer until it's finally ready for the bodywork to be seen to.
Best regards,
Peter
]Went for a bit of a run today and wanted to elaborate on what I said yesterday.
Firstly, I'll take back some of what I said about the springs, I think they are in the right ballpark, I wouldn't go too much stiffer as there are a lot of poor country roads around here and it can get a bit lively.
There is a bit more tyre noise in the cabin but it's only really audible on light throttle at speed on smooth roads.
I found a nice empty roundabout in the middle of nowhere that I could takle in a reasonbaly enthusiastic manner. Mid corner there was the faintest feeling that the front tyres were starting to get to their limits, but adding more throttle simply transformed it into a wonderfully neutral cornering stance. Think I'm going to have to pay a lot of visits to Milton Keynes soon, the home of the roundabout [
]Had a slightly unexpected moment earlier on, a Fiesta pulled out in front of me on a long straight, I went to change lanes to overtake and the speed of the turn in almost caught me out when combined with the strong crown of the road, throw in a few nasty bumps to kick the nose off line and it took a few corrections to keep it straight. I must remember I have to 'guide' the steering wheel and not turn it, which is a bit tricky as it's quite heavily weighted now.
I also did a brake test and found that on a flat road its not as stable in a straight line, but this isn't exactly unexpected. I must mention the brakes too, I have my fave pads on again and they're incredible even if it is a bit too easy to lock a wheel at times.
So in summary, I'm chuffed with the car again. It is harder work on it's current settings but is even more involving than before which is a compromise I'm more than happy with.
Enough waffle, here are the piccies:
Hmm, I do like new and shiny... The Racers Edge camber plate.
Yes I know the bonnet's out of alignment again, need to have another go at it soon. Haven't even got around to fitting the bumper cover back on again either [
]
Here you can see how the rear edge of the wing has been squashed by the wheel (the whole wing has been forced back against the A pillar too).
And on the nearside the damage caused in getting the car out of the gravel.
Sadly it's going to look a sorry sight for a while longer until it's finally ready for the bodywork to be seen to.
Best regards,
Peter
edh
New member
Glad to see it's all back together - a 944RS? []
The lower ride height just suits the 944 so much better than the standard height.
Maybe you should get some track days in before you fit the new wings? - if you're worried about bending it now, you'll be even more cautious when it's got them fitted. I reckon it'll take you all of 15 minutes to forget about the RPM bill []
Oulton's a great circuit, but not a lot of run off in places - Druids is a corner that can catch you out. I did it in the dry, but can imagine it's quite intimidating in the wet. Plenty of room at Silverstone and Donington though []
]The lower ride height just suits the 944 so much better than the standard height.
Maybe you should get some track days in before you fit the new wings? - if you're worried about bending it now, you'll be even more cautious when it's got them fitted. I reckon it'll take you all of 15 minutes to forget about the RPM bill [
]Oulton's a great circuit, but not a lot of run off in places - Druids is a corner that can catch you out. I did it in the dry, but can imagine it's quite intimidating in the wet. Plenty of room at Silverstone and Donington though [
]
Peter Empson
PCGB Member
Cheers Ed.
I wasn't too worried about bending it as such (well not until you mentioned it!), it was more a concern in case there was a mechanical issue like an engine problem.
I put another couple of hundred of miles under the wheels today, too many motorway miles for my liking and not enough bends []. I think I'm getting used to the 'on a knife edge' feeling that the steering has, but honestly its only really happy and truly stable when there's some cornering load going on.
I'm thinking about booking Donington this Sunday (which I think Paul will be at) as I'm itching to give it a proper run, but this will depend if Ollie can fit it in to give it the once over in time.
Thanks for the info about Oulton, I've never been there but have played it a lot on the Playstation and can see what you mean about the lack of run off. If I do make it over later on this year I'll certainly be taking it easy.
Best regards,
Peter
I wasn't too worried about bending it as such (well not until you mentioned it!), it was more a concern in case there was a mechanical issue like an engine problem.
I put another couple of hundred of miles under the wheels today, too many motorway miles for my liking and not enough bends [
]. I think I'm getting used to the 'on a knife edge' feeling that the steering has, but honestly its only really happy and truly stable when there's some cornering load going on.I'm thinking about booking Donington this Sunday (which I think Paul will be at) as I'm itching to give it a proper run, but this will depend if Ollie can fit it in to give it the once over in time.
Thanks for the info about Oulton, I've never been there but have played it a lot on the Playstation and can see what you mean about the lack of run off. If I do make it over later on this year I'll certainly be taking it easy.
Best regards,
Peter
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