modifications for track use

[Yoda]

Hi

I am thinking of buying a Boxster S for weekend use and a few track days. Has anyone undertaken some worth while mods on their car for track use? Any car I buy is likely to be 5 + years old and probably around 50k miles so I am particularly interested in things that might need to be renewed eg suspension, brakes, tyres etc.

Thanks

 

[Tony Daniel]

I sometimes use my '03 Boxster S for trackdays, I found I had to change the suspension for the Porsche M030 set up before I liked the handling of the car but after fitted that and some 'race' pads I've found the car goes quiet well[].
The only other thing I would like to add is a harness as I tend to be sliding around, my non-sport seats are very comfortable but don't keep me gripped very well.

Here's a clip from last month at Oulton Park :- http://www.vimeo.com/1443213

 

[JCB..]

As Tony stated 030 or something like it is without question the single most effective option.

Standard brakes will cope but you will go through normal pads quite quickly.

Don't expect too much in the way of tyre longevity! [8D]

 

[Yoda]

Hi Tony

Did you look at any alternatives before going for the Porsche M030 set up eg KWs or Bilstein adjustables etc? Presumably, to use a harness you need a GT3 / recaro type seat with cut outs to slot the harness through?

Thanks

 

[Tony Daniel]

Yes I nearly bought a set of KW's but somebody then said how good the M030 set up was.
The fact that prices for Bilsteins/KW's are about £1500-1600 for shocks and springs, and the Porsche M030 spring/damper kit with thicker anti-roll bars was less than £550 was just an added bonus!
I don't want to have to change my seat if possible, so I'm going to try a set up like this first

Seats and harness here:-http://www.motordrive.com/acatalog/copy_of_Interior_.html

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If it helps, swapping the seats for GT3 one's is very easy.

I've got them in my car and I swapped them myself.

 

[Black80XSA]

Talk to Chris Franklin at Centre Gravity before you do anything with suspension - he can give you a set up to suit your needs, whether it be std, uprated or aftermarket suspension.

Do your research re tracking cars - fast road and light track use are OK, but hard track use might lead to oil surge issues - Boxster engines aren't the most robust to start with.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

ORIGINAL: Black80XSA

Do your research re tracking cars - fast road and light track use are OK, but hard track use might lead to oil surge issues

True ...as pretty much acknowledged by Porsche in the owners handbook, where it says fitment of slicks is forbidden.
I believe someone makes a deeper/modified 996/Boxster sump pan which is intended to mitigate this. I haven't seen anything on it for a long while though.

You could also take a look over at the Boxster Racing board - http://www.boxcar-racing.com/forum/ where there is a weath of info. But it is a US-based forum so some of the ideas may be a little wild []