Standard 996- lift @ high speeds?
Discussion
Does anyone know if the 996 in standard form generates front-end lift when speed exceeds 100mph? I'm finding the lightness of the front end increases quite dramatically at these speeds. This is exacerbated on uphill stretches and less noticeable downhill, and the 'feel' is consistent with aerodynamic lift. The tyre pressures are fine and the tracking seems true.
So is this normal? It makes you a bit of a menace on the track when minor imperfections throw you off-line.
So is this normal? It makes you a bit of a menace on the track when minor imperfections throw you off-line.
I never noticed this on my car, although the engine in the back feeling means the steering is unlike a front or even mid engined car.
If you want more downforce and talk to the right companies (speedart) you can get a fully adjustable GT3 Aerokit for sub 3k fitted. That was good for 302kmh (187ish) on a deserted French Road during which my c2 felt rock solid.
Bennno
If you want more downforce and talk to the right companies (speedart) you can get a fully adjustable GT3 Aerokit for sub 3k fitted. That was good for 302kmh (187ish) on a deserted French Road during which my c2 felt rock solid.
Bennno
Tricky one....I know what you mean,,but having driven 2wd 911 for 8 years or so now I have come to accept this.I feel I can anticipate the front going light before feel comes back..maybe it is a problem,but this is exactly what I prefer from the 2wd over 4wd 911.
It has to be said that this effect is more noticeable on lighter cars & less defined in the 996.
have you tried driving with at least 1/2-3/4 tank of fuel this can affect the balance.
maybe you have more experience of many or better cars and some of have been seduced by the 911 thing & its peculiarities?
It has to be said that this effect is more noticeable on lighter cars & less defined in the 996.
have you tried driving with at least 1/2-3/4 tank of fuel this can affect the balance.
maybe you have more experience of many or better cars and some of have been seduced by the 911 thing & its peculiarities?
That is going to depend on what year 996 you have and what suspension you have. If you are experiancing a "dramatic" increase, I'd have a good race shop check your corner balance and suspension setup. My 2000 Cab, with standard suspension, was rock sold up to 120 or 130. My 2002 Cab with Euro Sport Suspension is also very, very solid.
I did have a bunch of bozos install some stuff on my older car. It was scary at anything over 80mph. I had their work checked by a race shop and they had left the front about 20mm higher than spec. As a result, a lot of air was getting under the front of the car and could not get out, pushing the front up. After a having the car alligned again it was great.
Good luck. I'll look through my mags and see if I can find some factory lift data for you.
Roy
I did have a bunch of bozos install some stuff on my older car. It was scary at anything over 80mph. I had their work checked by a race shop and they had left the front about 20mm higher than spec. As a result, a lot of air was getting under the front of the car and could not get out, pushing the front up. After a having the car alligned again it was great.
Good luck. I'll look through my mags and see if I can find some factory lift data for you.
Roy
its true you might not get it back, but if the nose cone is stone chipped etc then it sorts that out (cost £5-600 of paintwork) at the same time.
plus the engine lid and front PU are worth £5-600 if you offer them to porsche breakers. (fitting and paintwork on my car were organised by Speedart but done at a OPC)
That makes the cost to change about £1800, a figure you may well get back at resale time - besides they look the nuts with the kit fitted and the drive is noticeably different.
Bennno
>> Edited by bennno on Monday 3rd March 10:01
Noticeably different....sure all that extra weight makes them less agile on the twisties!
I think you have got to be doing some SERIOUS speeds to notice any real difference.
not a fan of the latest "Thunderbirds" kit on new GT3.
The old GT3 with the curly rear spoiler looks better to me.
>> Edited by clubsport on Monday 3rd March 12:44
I think you have got to be doing some SERIOUS speeds to notice any real difference.
not a fan of the latest "Thunderbirds" kit on new GT3.
The old GT3 with the curly rear spoiler looks better to me.
>> Edited by clubsport on Monday 3rd March 12:44
domster said:C'mon Kev, exactly what speed were you getting this so called lift
I wish! Nothing that extreme actually Dom. My sphincter won't let me go too far when the car is being thrown off line by irregularities in the surface.
I suspect Ninemeister is right- I've got the car booked into JZ Machtech in a couple of weeks to have the geometry & suspension settings/components checked. They told me it was common and were confident they could sort it.
>> Edited by 456mgt on Thursday 13th March 11:55
456mgt said:
domster said:C'mon Kev, exactly what speed were you getting this so called lift
I wish! Nothing that extreme actually Dom. My sphincter won't let me go too far when the car is being thrown off line by irregularities in the surface.
I suspect Ninemeister is right- I've got the car booked into JZ Machtech in a couple of weeks to have the geometry & suspension settings/components checked. They told me it was common and were confident they could sort it.
>> Edited by 456mgt on Thursday 13th March 11:55
Are you sure it isn't the sphincter settings that need readjusting?

9M's suspension plan sounds a good 'un, and the boys at JZ Machtech come highly recommended. Let us know how it goes!
Cheers
D
456MGT,
I had a fairly similar problem, JZ Machtech had the car this weekend, and did a complete geometry check.
Turned out the Rear suspension was WAY out. Following this being sorted, and all 4 wheels being balanced, the vibrations/front end lightness seem totally cured (although not taken it much above 110 to check)
IIRC Geometry check was about 220pounds.
Dean
I had a fairly similar problem, JZ Machtech had the car this weekend, and did a complete geometry check.
Turned out the Rear suspension was WAY out. Following this being sorted, and all 4 wheels being balanced, the vibrations/front end lightness seem totally cured (although not taken it much above 110 to check)
IIRC Geometry check was about 220pounds.
Dean
It's so nice when you get something done to your car and you can feel the difference within the first 100 ft of driving it. Thanks for the advice- it was spot on.
Had the suspension geometry sorted out today @ J Z Machtech. Turns out the rears were way out for both camber & toe. It was explained to me that this would give the effect of rear end 'steering', causing the car would follow cambers and ridges, and feel nervous. Yep- that's it!
It doesn't any more. Feels nice & planted, much more confidence-inspiring over rough roads and corners more sweetly too. Felt like a different car on the way home.
It's quite a long job- a couple of hours. Cost £258 and it's transformed the car. Very impressed with J Z Machtech. Waited while the car was done and it was no hardship at all. They put my car through first when they realised I was going to wait. Friendly, helpful people and a good vibe to the place. Much better standard than you see in independent Ferrari specialists. Quite enjoyed the day actually- obviously not getting out enough.
The only question on my mind is why it goes out in the first place? I've never needed to have this done before.
Had the suspension geometry sorted out today @ J Z Machtech. Turns out the rears were way out for both camber & toe. It was explained to me that this would give the effect of rear end 'steering', causing the car would follow cambers and ridges, and feel nervous. Yep- that's it!
It doesn't any more. Feels nice & planted, much more confidence-inspiring over rough roads and corners more sweetly too. Felt like a different car on the way home.
It's quite a long job- a couple of hours. Cost £258 and it's transformed the car. Very impressed with J Z Machtech. Waited while the car was done and it was no hardship at all. They put my car through first when they realised I was going to wait. Friendly, helpful people and a good vibe to the place. Much better standard than you see in independent Ferrari specialists. Quite enjoyed the day actually- obviously not getting out enough.
The only question on my mind is why it goes out in the first place? I've never needed to have this done before.
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