GT4 Static Noise Test

[bcr5784]

Mustangs said:

Thrown off Brands recently. Wont bother going back, that place has become a joke

Lots of tracks have probs with the locals, some of whom would like an excuse to close the track down.

[DiscoColin]

gsewell said:

So how come Porsche in the wisdom make a track day car that is almost too loud to go on track???? That borders on the definition of fit for purpose.

Because (a) most buyers never take them anywhere near a track (b) most buyers want noise (c) it is fine for Spa, the 'ring and a large portion of continental circuits (as well as Silverstone, where the UK PEC is) (d) they don't import many GT models to the UK anyway and only a small proportion of those few are Clubsports anyway.

Do bear in mind that from a noise point of view at 3/4 redline, the GT4 is far less shouty that the 991 GT3 too...

[bcr5784]

DiscoColin said:

Because (a) most buyers never take them anywhere near a track (b) most buyers want noise (c) it is fine for Spa, the 'ring and a large portion of continental circuits (as well as Silverstone, where the UK PEC is) (d) they don't import many GT models to the UK anyway and only a small proportion of those few are Clubsports anyway.

Do bear in mind that from a noise point of view at 3/4 redline, the GT4 is far less shouty that the 991 GT3 too...

While b and c may well be true, I doubt a is for the gt cars. It's not like porsche to miss an opportunity to overcharge for an optional track day option.

[DiscoColin]

bcr5784 said:

DiscoColin said:

Because (a) most buyers never take them anywhere near a track (b) most buyers want noise (c) it is fine for Spa, the 'ring and a large portion of continental circuits (as well as Silverstone, where the UK PEC is) (d) they don't import many GT models to the UK anyway and only a small proportion of those few are Clubsports anyway.

Do bear in mind that from a noise point of view at 3/4 redline, the GT4 is far less shouty that the 991 GT3 too...

While b and c may well be true, I doubt a is for the gt cars. It's not like porsche to miss an opportunity to overcharge for an optional track day option.

The Porsche Experience Centre is not a track day by the normal definition (more like a corporate driving event), thus it qualifies as track time little more than parking at a race meeting. You would clearly be surprised to know that most GT cars in the UK are not tracked much if at all (about 10 years ago they were much more common on track, but in recent years the UK cars are drying up). Most aren't even specced with buckets, and clubsports have typically been on or around a quarter of UK cars for pretty much every generation of GT3. Unfortunately - the value situation means that a lot of owners are viewing them as investments to be used sparingly rather than toys to be played with. According to the DVLA, half of RS models aren't even taxed to drive on the road in the last figures.

[bcr5784]

I'd be interested to know some real figures. I did see somewhere that porsche expected 80% of Gt4s to be tracked but have no figures on how that has panned out. If only a minority are actually tracked you must believe that they are bought for the image or kudos rather than anything else.

[ChrisW.]

Well I'm hopeful that the GT4 fraternity will inherit the ethos of the original 964RS warriors ...

It's looking good so far.

My GT4 was only at 104dB at Oulton because I was asked to take it to 6,000 rpm.

5500 should have been nearer the mark ... maybe something to mention ?

[pec996]

Took mine on Bedford back in Jan. Static is no problem, just remember to dip the clutch when you rev the engine

But you will get black flagged if you dont lift when passing the (very obvious) microphones. Just lift a little and you will be fine

And all of the above with the exhaust switched off obvioulsy!

Trikster said:

Hi guys,

Got my first trackday in the GT4 booked up at Bedford end of next month where the limit is 101dB static -

Am reading mixed feedback in various posts as to what the GT4 is actually registering on the statics, anything up to 104dB, can folks post what they've been registering

We're taking the 987 Spyder up too that day (Mrs Tricksters first 'solo' track driving, so be warned ) - so will post some comparisons after the day for those who are interested

TIA

[iantr]

My experience(s):

Goodwood - tested at 99db @5200 with aircon off and clutch in. 101db day, no problems with drive bys

Brands Hatch - I was initially asked for 6000rpm and tested at 103db. After a gentle and patient discussion I was allowed to retest at an asked for 5600rpm. This time I remembered to sort the aircon and the clutch and was pleased to hear him say 99db. However, my car was subsequently black-flagged for exceeding the 101db drive-by limit. This was with an instructor driving; he was "using more of the cars potential" than me. After a warning chat I was allowed back out, and had no further issues. I think 101db is going to be a problem if you are absolutely on it at the wrong place....

[ChrisW.]

Well at least the 5600 rpm did the trick ...

Did they tell you where the noise meters were ? Generally the tracks are equally frustrated with the noise limits but they cannot work without them --- if that makes sense.

I know that one of the meters at Donnington goes straight through to the council --- even though the airport is next door !!

[iantr]

ChrisW. said:

Well at least the 5600 rpm did the trick ...

Did they tell you where the noise meters were ? Generally the tracks are equally frustrated with the noise limits but they cannot work without them --- if that makes sense.

I know that one of the meters at Donnington goes straight through to the council --- even though the airport is next door !!

I do think having the clutch in helps. I doubt the aircon makes any difference though!

We were told that there are at least 5 meters at different points around the track. They go straight through to the council. The circuit have been forced to operate a one chance policy, you get one warning but if you infringe again you are off.

I am off to read the threads on baffles. If there's a sensible/practical/non-harmful way to knock a few db off I think I will invest.

[CarreraLightweightRacing]

gsewell said:

So how come Porsche in the wisdom make a track day car that is almost too loud to go on track???? That borders on the definition of fit for purpose.

Porsche are designed and built in Germany, where they are so not an@l about db limits at circuits.

How do bikes get on at tracks in the UK; as surely they are much louder than cars?

[GT4 fan]

Has anybody been stopped from a track day at Bedford due to GT4 being too noisy (limit 101db)?

[dunc_sx]

O/T - I took a very quiet car to Blyton Park once and got black flagged for tyre noise, I got told to go slower round the corners or I'd get sent home

[cp996]

gsewell said:

So how come Porsche in the wisdom make a track day car that is almost too loud to go on track???? That borders on the definition of fit for purpose.

Porsche sell cars to markets outside the UK. European track days are much better- no silly noise restrictions.

[IainR]

Took the (standard) GT4 to Bedford today. It passed the static noise test fine (no sports button or sports exhaust).

Black flagged on the drive by. The marshalls are all good guys and very reasonable. As someone says above you need to short-shift / lift past the four (obvious) microphones on the GT circuit and then things are fine - but that soon becomes pretty tedious. It’s a shame because Bedford is a really great track to really push it (long, not busy, loads of run off) but the reality is you just can’t in a GT4.

The photographer in the BMW i3 has the right idea.