Ehresmann installed and tuned the 3.8L engine in my car. Good reputation well earned.
My new 982 718 Cayman S PDK
- Thread starter Brian_Innes
- Start date
Brian_Innes
Member
Interesting comments on the PS4S, camber, and Eresmann mods.
Firstly re my imminent tyre replacement, following extensive consultations with Michelin customer services, and my local Michelin retailer, it seems the PS4S option is out of the frame for the foreseeable future. With retailer supply being delayed until November, together with the forum comments on PS4S track performance, I have little alternative but to replace my rear P-Zero N1 with the same again. Cup 2's do not come in the OE section sizes compatible with my 20" wheels. Both Michelin and my retailer have advised against fitting 245 section fronts in place of the 235's. As my car is new and under warranty it would be tempting fate to ignore this advice.
My track driving style is not brutal with the tyres. I take the corner lines of least resistance and use the full width of the track and exit kerbs, carrying as much speed through the corner as my bravery permits. The attached photo is of my left rear P-Zero N1 after 7k miles and 3 track days. Rear camber is 2 degrees and the front camber 1.5 degrees. My most recent track day was Knockhill which is notoriously hard on left hand tyres, both front and rear. My rear P-Zeros are down to 3.5mm on the outside block, with 4.5mm on the remainder. The fronts have 4.5mm on the outside blocks and 5.0mm on the remainder.
My next track outing is Oulton Park in Novemebr and as it entails a 1000 mile round trip from where I live, new rear tyres are necessary. I've now resigned myself to the fact that replacement P-Zero N1's for the rear is the only practical option. P-Zero N1's are not to my liking, but they are a big improvement on the N0 variety and without the cracking.
On the Eresmann mods, looks like good value to me. If my circumstances were different, I would looking to modify my 718 after the warranty expired. The chassis and brakes are well up to it. In future years I would wager that the prejudices some have against the 718 will evaporate once the true potential of the 4-pot turbo becomes apparent.
Brian
Firstly re my imminent tyre replacement, following extensive consultations with Michelin customer services, and my local Michelin retailer, it seems the PS4S option is out of the frame for the foreseeable future. With retailer supply being delayed until November, together with the forum comments on PS4S track performance, I have little alternative but to replace my rear P-Zero N1 with the same again. Cup 2's do not come in the OE section sizes compatible with my 20" wheels. Both Michelin and my retailer have advised against fitting 245 section fronts in place of the 235's. As my car is new and under warranty it would be tempting fate to ignore this advice.
My track driving style is not brutal with the tyres. I take the corner lines of least resistance and use the full width of the track and exit kerbs, carrying as much speed through the corner as my bravery permits. The attached photo is of my left rear P-Zero N1 after 7k miles and 3 track days. Rear camber is 2 degrees and the front camber 1.5 degrees. My most recent track day was Knockhill which is notoriously hard on left hand tyres, both front and rear. My rear P-Zeros are down to 3.5mm on the outside block, with 4.5mm on the remainder. The fronts have 4.5mm on the outside blocks and 5.0mm on the remainder.
My next track outing is Oulton Park in Novemebr and as it entails a 1000 mile round trip from where I live, new rear tyres are necessary. I've now resigned myself to the fact that replacement P-Zero N1's for the rear is the only practical option. P-Zero N1's are not to my liking, but they are a big improvement on the N0 variety and without the cracking.
On the Eresmann mods, looks like good value to me. If my circumstances were different, I would looking to modify my 718 after the warranty expired. The chassis and brakes are well up to it. In future years I would wager that the prejudices some have against the 718 will evaporate once the true potential of the 4-pot turbo becomes apparent.
Brian
Hi Jeff
yes I did read that. I'm asking did they describe a rational. The 245 tyre has a recommended wheel size range and I'd of thought the 20' wheel on the 718 falls within that.
The difference in performance of the cup 2 vs the Pirelli tyre is pretty significant IMO and something I've been very much considering changing on my own car.
Normaly when someone tells me I can't do something I ask for some logic behind that so wondered if it was explained why. Been N rated I presumed it would be a better choice than fitting none N rated 235 super sports
yes I did read that. I'm asking did they describe a rational. The 245 tyre has a recommended wheel size range and I'd of thought the 20' wheel on the 718 falls within that.
The difference in performance of the cup 2 vs the Pirelli tyre is pretty significant IMO and something I've been very much considering changing on my own car.
Normaly when someone tells me I can't do something I ask for some logic behind that so wondered if it was explained why. Been N rated I presumed it would be a better choice than fitting none N rated 235 super sports
To add some 'data', I have 8.5" fronts and 11.0" rear 20" wheels. I used to fit 245 & 295 MPSS and the tyre wall rim protection overlapped the tyre wall. I am now running Cup2 same size and there is no tyre overlap beyond rim. Of course that is more about sidewall stiffness but still a consideration.
At a Silverstone track day earlier this year a 981 Boxster S on standard 20" wheels was running Cup2 245 on the fronts and circulating quickly with no tyre issues.
I can see why Michelin and tyre supplier say no but I wonder whether real usage would support their view.
At a Silverstone track day earlier this year a 981 Boxster S on standard 20" wheels was running Cup2 245 on the fronts and circulating quickly with no tyre issues.
I can see why Michelin and tyre supplier say no but I wonder whether real usage would support their view.
Brian_Innes
Member
Thank you all for your helpful comments.
I can confirm the 20" wheels on my 718 are 8.5" rim width front and 10.5" rim width rear.
Both these rim widths fall within the compatible range for the GT4 Michelin Cup 2 N rated sizes, e.g. 245 x 35 x 20", and 295 x 35 x 20". However, these tyres are not the recommended tyre section sizes for the 718 CS, even allowing for the fact that the rim sections are compatible with the GT4 tyre sizes. Any warranty claim validity issues that may arise should my new car develop any drive train or suspension problems would surely be compromised by fitting non-standard tyre sections to my 718.
As I have stated in a previous post, Michelin Cup 2's are my preferred choice of tyre best suited to my needs so long as I am fit enough to continue track driving my 718. My previous Cayman R which was out of the manufacturers warranty period, had Michelin Super Sports, then subsequently Cup 2's fitted.
However, I have another problem to deal with.
Unfortunately for me, I have motor neurone disease, (MND), and though at present it is only affecting the dexterity and grip of the fingers in my right hand, the illness is a progressive one, and at some point in the not too distant future I shall have to sell my 718, most likely before the 3 year warranty period expires.
The realistic options open to me regarding the choice of tyre replacement are therefore limited to the manufacturers original specification, rather than simply the practical options that I would usually consider viable had not been inflicted with MND.
So, it is looking like replacement rear P-Zero N1's are my only realistic option in my particular circumstances.
Brian
I can confirm the 20" wheels on my 718 are 8.5" rim width front and 10.5" rim width rear.
Both these rim widths fall within the compatible range for the GT4 Michelin Cup 2 N rated sizes, e.g. 245 x 35 x 20", and 295 x 35 x 20". However, these tyres are not the recommended tyre section sizes for the 718 CS, even allowing for the fact that the rim sections are compatible with the GT4 tyre sizes. Any warranty claim validity issues that may arise should my new car develop any drive train or suspension problems would surely be compromised by fitting non-standard tyre sections to my 718.
As I have stated in a previous post, Michelin Cup 2's are my preferred choice of tyre best suited to my needs so long as I am fit enough to continue track driving my 718. My previous Cayman R which was out of the manufacturers warranty period, had Michelin Super Sports, then subsequently Cup 2's fitted.
However, I have another problem to deal with.
Unfortunately for me, I have motor neurone disease, (MND), and though at present it is only affecting the dexterity and grip of the fingers in my right hand, the illness is a progressive one, and at some point in the not too distant future I shall have to sell my 718, most likely before the 3 year warranty period expires.
The realistic options open to me regarding the choice of tyre replacement are therefore limited to the manufacturers original specification, rather than simply the practical options that I would usually consider viable had not been inflicted with MND.
So, it is looking like replacement rear P-Zero N1's are my only realistic option in my particular circumstances.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
In posts elsewhere on this Cayman forum, the 987/981/718 debate rages on unabated. 718 owners such as I, only have to mention something good, or improved, about the car compared to the earlier models, to unleash a volley of disdainful criticism from those who consider the 718 to be somehow unworthy of the Porsche brand. A comparison with Subarus, Toyota GT86, and VW Golfs have been a repetitive feature of some of the derogatory comments made about the 718.
Unsurprisingly such negative comments come from those who do not own a 718. Instead, a brief encounter through an OPC test drive is sufficient time for some to appraise the 718 and consign it to the rubbish bin. No matter whether the test drive is over one, two, or three hours, or even one, two, or three days, their opinions are entrenched that this car is no more than a face-lifted 981 with a crappy 4 cylinder turbo engine and is to be avoided at all costs.
This purpose of this post is not intended to prolong the by now tiresome and repetitive arguments surrounding the 718 and for some, its questionable merits. The headline title of this thread is "My new 718 Cayman S PDK", and as such it is my own personal opinions on my experiences with owning and driving the car as it was designed to be driven. The reason I chose the 718 rather than a used 981 GTS PDK, was that new orders for the outgoing 981 had closed by the time I had made up my mind to sell my much loved Cayman R manual. The upside of choosing the 718 was that I would have a car specced exactly as I wanted. It was a calculated gamble on my part as the new model Cayman had been receiving mainly negative reports in the motoring media, most of which were related to the sound coming from the 4-pot turbo engine. Almost grudgingly, the professional scribes did acknowledge the improved dynamics and cabin technology of the 718 along with a sniffy agreement that the new car braked and handled even better than previous mainstream models.
All of us in the Porsche Club love our cars whatever the model we own and drive. I have no entrenched views on other models of Porsches whether they be old or new. At the national club events I have attended, I enjoy browsing and chatting with other Porsche owners of all models regardless of how the wheels are turned. As enthusiast owners we all love driving our cars, and across this spectrum of owner/drivers we all have our own reasons for owning our Porsches. Some Porsches are daily drivers, others are second cars to be driven on high days and holidays, there are the garage queens to be polished, fettled, and transported gingerly to the show and shine events. There are also the dual-purpose touring and track day cars, some of which are gently or radically modified according to the owner's preferences. It is this latter group to which I belong. My Cayman R was gently modified for motorsport and track day use, but my current 718 Cayman S PDK is OE standard by necessity, as in my circumstances it would be foolish to ignore the warranty problems that would arise if I deviated from the factory spec. The progressive illness which has afflicted me since 2015 may unfortunately force the sale of my 718 before the warranty expires. I mention this because it may explain why I made the decision to sell the Cayman R manual when I did, and choose the PDK option on my replacement Cayman. It also importantly prolongs the ownership and enjoyment of driving a sporty Cayman which otherwise I may have had to close down prematurely had I retained the manual gearbox car.
My lifetime with cars has been dominated by motorsport participation in autotests, hill climbs and sprints. I was fortunate in learning to drive aged 12 on my grandparents farm. I passed my driving test first time aged 17 and immediately started competing in motorsport events. It started with Minis, then a Lotus Elan, Cortina 1600E, Scirocco, Mason Stiletto Imp, and finally closing with my Cayman R. I accumulated a modest collection of awards for my motorsport endeavours over the 50+ years I actively competed in competitions. I am now retired from competitive motorsport. I still enjoy participating in Porsche Club track days and hopefully I shall still be capable of doing a few more before I am forced to close that particular door.
This perhaps explains why my comments on the driving aspect of my version of the 718 are slanted as they are. Through many years of expert professional coaching, I have come to fully understand the dynamics involved in piloting such an able car as the 718 at high speed through the corners on some of the best race tracks in the land. I hope to continue doing that for a wee while longer.......
Brian
Unsurprisingly such negative comments come from those who do not own a 718. Instead, a brief encounter through an OPC test drive is sufficient time for some to appraise the 718 and consign it to the rubbish bin. No matter whether the test drive is over one, two, or three hours, or even one, two, or three days, their opinions are entrenched that this car is no more than a face-lifted 981 with a crappy 4 cylinder turbo engine and is to be avoided at all costs.
This purpose of this post is not intended to prolong the by now tiresome and repetitive arguments surrounding the 718 and for some, its questionable merits. The headline title of this thread is "My new 718 Cayman S PDK", and as such it is my own personal opinions on my experiences with owning and driving the car as it was designed to be driven. The reason I chose the 718 rather than a used 981 GTS PDK, was that new orders for the outgoing 981 had closed by the time I had made up my mind to sell my much loved Cayman R manual. The upside of choosing the 718 was that I would have a car specced exactly as I wanted. It was a calculated gamble on my part as the new model Cayman had been receiving mainly negative reports in the motoring media, most of which were related to the sound coming from the 4-pot turbo engine. Almost grudgingly, the professional scribes did acknowledge the improved dynamics and cabin technology of the 718 along with a sniffy agreement that the new car braked and handled even better than previous mainstream models.
All of us in the Porsche Club love our cars whatever the model we own and drive. I have no entrenched views on other models of Porsches whether they be old or new. At the national club events I have attended, I enjoy browsing and chatting with other Porsche owners of all models regardless of how the wheels are turned. As enthusiast owners we all love driving our cars, and across this spectrum of owner/drivers we all have our own reasons for owning our Porsches. Some Porsches are daily drivers, others are second cars to be driven on high days and holidays, there are the garage queens to be polished, fettled, and transported gingerly to the show and shine events. There are also the dual-purpose touring and track day cars, some of which are gently or radically modified according to the owner's preferences. It is this latter group to which I belong. My Cayman R was gently modified for motorsport and track day use, but my current 718 Cayman S PDK is OE standard by necessity, as in my circumstances it would be foolish to ignore the warranty problems that would arise if I deviated from the factory spec. The progressive illness which has afflicted me since 2015 may unfortunately force the sale of my 718 before the warranty expires. I mention this because it may explain why I made the decision to sell the Cayman R manual when I did, and choose the PDK option on my replacement Cayman. It also importantly prolongs the ownership and enjoyment of driving a sporty Cayman which otherwise I may have had to close down prematurely had I retained the manual gearbox car.
My lifetime with cars has been dominated by motorsport participation in autotests, hill climbs and sprints. I was fortunate in learning to drive aged 12 on my grandparents farm. I passed my driving test first time aged 17 and immediately started competing in motorsport events. It started with Minis, then a Lotus Elan, Cortina 1600E, Scirocco, Mason Stiletto Imp, and finally closing with my Cayman R. I accumulated a modest collection of awards for my motorsport endeavours over the 50+ years I actively competed in competitions. I am now retired from competitive motorsport. I still enjoy participating in Porsche Club track days and hopefully I shall still be capable of doing a few more before I am forced to close that particular door.
This perhaps explains why my comments on the driving aspect of my version of the 718 are slanted as they are. Through many years of expert professional coaching, I have come to fully understand the dynamics involved in piloting such an able car as the 718 at high speed through the corners on some of the best race tracks in the land. I hope to continue doing that for a wee while longer.......
Brian
AndrewT
Member
Brian, I always enjoy reading your well thought out descriptions of your 718 experiences. If only you were still competing, I have a feeling that the 718 would be a great hillclimb car.
If there was a 'thumbs up' smilie I'd use it but the best I can find on this website is a [s5].
Keep the reports coming.
Andrew.
If there was a 'thumbs up' smilie I'd use it but the best I can find on this website is a [s5].
Keep the reports coming.
Andrew.
Certainly I'll second that Andrew; and I have to admire your fortitude Brian in facing up to such a debilitating condition. A great example to us all and, needless to say, we all look forward to hearing about your Cayman exploits on here for as long as you feel able.
Interesting to read the list of competition vehicles you've had Brian, and I note that back in the 80's a certain Brian Innes was the purchaser of a semi-space-framed Mason Stiletto chassis ( http://www.imps4ever.info/racing/races/mason_stiletto.html )..!
I wonder, would there be a wee dram in that cup you're holding..?? Sláinte..!
Jeff
Interesting to read the list of competition vehicles you've had Brian, and I note that back in the 80's a certain Brian Innes was the purchaser of a semi-space-framed Mason Stiletto chassis ( http://www.imps4ever.info/racing/races/mason_stiletto.html )..!
I wonder, would there be a wee dram in that cup you're holding..?? Sláinte..!
Jeff
Brian_Innes
Member
Ha Ha! 
That particular cup was indeed filled with a "wee dram" at the presentation many moons ago. Happy memories of times now past.
Thank you Andrew and Jeff for your kind comments of support. It's my intention to keep my 718 and my club activities going as long as I can. It's a big part of my life.
Meantime I'll keep the comments coming on the forum regarding my experiences with the 718 CS whether good, bad, or indifferent.
Tyres are the current vexing issue I'm working on.
Brian
That particular cup was indeed filled with a "wee dram" at the presentation many moons ago. Happy memories of times now past.Thank you Andrew and Jeff for your kind comments of support. It's my intention to keep my 718 and my club activities going as long as I can. It's a big part of my life.
Meantime I'll keep the comments coming on the forum regarding my experiences with the 718 CS whether good, bad, or indifferent.
Tyres are the current vexing issue I'm working on.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
As the weather was good at the weekend had an enjoyable 184 mile tour to the north and west of the Moray coast were I live. The 718 CS PDK seems to be getting better and better with every 1000 miles I put on it. Now at 7300 miles, most of which has been on Highland roads, the engine is even sharper and more responsive, beautifully torquey and powerful, and with a deliciously smooth power delivery out of the many tight corners and steep hills that is the normal driving terrain in my locality. My fuel consumption for this particular trip averaged 32.4 mpg at an average speed of exactly 40 mph for the total of 184 miles. Those of you know the winding Highland roads will understand this to be a respectable pace given the terrain.
The -20mm lowered sports PASM has proved to be an inspired choice. It's an absolute gem of a set up. In normal mode it is beautifully compliant and comfortable while keeping the car flat during cornering. Even on sport mode, the ride is not at all jarring and over-firm for road driving. Compared to my Abarth the ride comfort is positively luxurious! The suspension seems to have settled-in nicely over the last couple of thousand miles, aided no doubt by the recently revised geo settings. The 20" Carrera Sport alloys also fill the wheel arches perfectly and I don't find the ride harsh at all. I could use the 718 CS PDK as my daily driver no problem at all, so easy is it to live with.
I have finally made a decision on replacement rear tyres. Being down to 3.5mm the rear P Zero N1's needed imminent replacement. With all the delays and postponements on the Michelin PS4S tyres now put back to November at the earliest, the best option was to go for 2 replacement rear P zero N1's. Not my ideal choice, but for my circumstances, the only realistic one. I chose Oponeo online as my supplier as they offered the best price of £207 for each tyre including VAT and free delivery. The latter being a deal-clincher as my Highland postcode sometimes carries extra cost penalties for carriage. The P Zero N1's are currently in transit to my local tyre depot for fitting as soon as convenient.
Brian
The -20mm lowered sports PASM has proved to be an inspired choice. It's an absolute gem of a set up. In normal mode it is beautifully compliant and comfortable while keeping the car flat during cornering. Even on sport mode, the ride is not at all jarring and over-firm for road driving. Compared to my Abarth the ride comfort is positively luxurious! The suspension seems to have settled-in nicely over the last couple of thousand miles, aided no doubt by the recently revised geo settings. The 20" Carrera Sport alloys also fill the wheel arches perfectly and I don't find the ride harsh at all. I could use the 718 CS PDK as my daily driver no problem at all, so easy is it to live with.
I have finally made a decision on replacement rear tyres. Being down to 3.5mm the rear P Zero N1's needed imminent replacement. With all the delays and postponements on the Michelin PS4S tyres now put back to November at the earliest, the best option was to go for 2 replacement rear P zero N1's. Not my ideal choice, but for my circumstances, the only realistic one. I chose Oponeo online as my supplier as they offered the best price of £207 for each tyre including VAT and free delivery. The latter being a deal-clincher as my Highland postcode sometimes carries extra cost penalties for carriage. The P Zero N1's are currently in transit to my local tyre depot for fitting as soon as convenient.
Brian
Brian, I must congratulate you on your extraordinarily well-balanced reports which I enjoy reading every time. The one on August 26 was a masterpiece. Thank you for bringing such calm and and reasoned analytics to your personal opinions, and keep them coming for as long as you can!
AndrewCS
Active member
Hi Brian,
I did a similar trip last Friday, albeit South of you ... in and out of the Cairngorms, we are surely `blessed` with the perfect arena for our cars ... the PDK of my recently acquired 981 CS adding to the already wonderful experience, thank you again for your prior advice and runs in your CS.
I did a similar trip last Friday, albeit South of you ... in and out of the Cairngorms, we are surely `blessed` with the perfect arena for our cars ... the PDK of my recently acquired 981 CS adding to the already wonderful experience, thank you again for your prior advice and runs in your CS.
My friends have a holiday cabin on the Isle of Skye and I'm very envious of the relatively empty, challenging and scenic roads in your regions where I've had the pleasure of driving my CS on a few occasions. Mind you, I'm always wary of the wayward sheep and - more recently - deer..!
Brian, I'm glad to hear that you've resolved your tyre issue. Unfortunately I think that you were left with little choice in the end and hope that it won't detract too much from your enjoyment of the 718.
Keep the reports coming..!
Jeff
Brian, I'm glad to hear that you've resolved your tyre issue. Unfortunately I think that you were left with little choice in the end and hope that it won't detract too much from your enjoyment of the 718.
Keep the reports coming..!
Jeff
Brian_Innes
Member
Thank you all for your very kind, and supportive comments.
I enjoy reading them all and it's good to hear of other Porsche owners "biting the bullet" and moving to a 982/718. I try to be honest with my opinions on cars I have owned. If my 718 CS PDK had turned out to be a disappointment, or fallen short of my expectations, I would have had no hesitation in saying so. This car would no longer be in my ownership if it had proved to be as unworthy due to the new engine characteristics as some motoring journalists and other "experts" would have us believe.
On both road and track, daily driver or tourer, the 718 is a very good car indeed. I would unreservedly rate it as the best mainstream Cayman yet.......by a considerable margin.
Moving on to my next task. I am very apprehensive about how best to remove the carpeted parcel shelf cover so I can replace my engine air filter element. On my previous Caymans this was easy to do. With the ever-improving cabin build quality of new Porsches the fitting of the parcel shelf on the 718 is much more complicated. I still have the proper wooden spatula tool used for levering off the front edge of the shelf, but with snug fit of this item on my 718, it looks a tricky operation to do without damaging the trim and/or the shelf itself.
Anyone got any ideas on this?
Brian
I enjoy reading them all and it's good to hear of other Porsche owners "biting the bullet" and moving to a 982/718. I try to be honest with my opinions on cars I have owned. If my 718 CS PDK had turned out to be a disappointment, or fallen short of my expectations, I would have had no hesitation in saying so. This car would no longer be in my ownership if it had proved to be as unworthy due to the new engine characteristics as some motoring journalists and other "experts" would have us believe.
On both road and track, daily driver or tourer, the 718 is a very good car indeed. I would unreservedly rate it as the best mainstream Cayman yet.......by a considerable margin.
Moving on to my next task. I am very apprehensive about how best to remove the carpeted parcel shelf cover so I can replace my engine air filter element. On my previous Caymans this was easy to do. With the ever-improving cabin build quality of new Porsches the fitting of the parcel shelf on the 718 is much more complicated. I still have the proper wooden spatula tool used for levering off the front edge of the shelf, but with snug fit of this item on my 718, it looks a tricky operation to do without damaging the trim and/or the shelf itself.
Anyone got any ideas on this?
Brian
Brian,
Although it's for the 981, this could be useful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czInFGZWo84
Indeed, the procedure appears to be much more complicated than that for the 987.
Jeff
Although it's for the 981, this could be useful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czInFGZWo84
Indeed, the procedure appears to be much more complicated than that for the 987.
Jeff
Brian_Innes
Member
Thanks Jeff.
What a palaver! The engine cover access is a much more complicated procedure than was it on my 987's.
I'll post my experiences of the air filter replacement in due course.
I had better run through that video again..........and maybe yet again...
Brian
What a palaver! The engine cover access is a much more complicated procedure than was it on my 987's.
I'll post my experiences of the air filter replacement in due course.
I had better run through that video again..........and maybe yet again...
Brian
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
