Heel'n toe in a 997 GT3 RS

[LaSource]

...so how do you do it??

My approach is the literal keeping the toes on the brake pedal and rotating the lower heel onto the throttle to blip.

I am very comfortable with it in a 996 GT3 or RS - whether on the track or on the road. The pedal position is super sweet and it works well (of course I could further improve my timing, but thats in the detail). I have found this really helps when braking on a damp / slippy surface to maintain a stable rear axle.

However, my problem is that I cannot get used to it in a 997.2 RS. The throttle pedal is too low with respect to the brake pedal and I can't find the throttle with my heel when downshifting. If I try really hard to extend the heel downwards I end up doing a super blip that almost slams into the limiter.

I find the lack of this ability makes me slower in the 997s and on my last outing on a slippy surface I kept getting a twitchy rear axle under harder braking.

Is the solution:
1. keep practicing it will come
2. modify the pedal position e.g. I've read on rennlist that you can bolt a thicker plate on to the throttle pedal to 'raise' its height - although this should work, I am not confortable with making permanent changes to the pedals
3. change the approach to heel and toe - instead of using the heel, use the outside of the foot to blip the throttle whilst keeping the ball of the big toe on the brake. At the moment I am not used to this approach and my feet do not seem wide enough but perhaps wider shoes would help (e.g. some piloti shoes)

Some informed views would be helpful.
Thanks.

[LaSource]

Trev450 said:

I use the outside of the foot method and only have size 7 feet.

I agree that some cars are easier to H&T in due to pedal positioning, but I usually manage ok.

Instead of raising the throttle pedal you could try adjusting the brake pedal slightly lower.

Thanks. I'll look into it though recall reading somewhere that the pedals are no longer adjustable (apart from major surgery/bolt ons/etc)

[LaSource]

braddo said:

Personally, in the past I have always used the technique you describe but I have since found it works better with a top-hinged throttle pedal. For a floor hinged throttle, I am finding that using the side of the ball of your foot for the blip is more effective.

I need to practice in the GT3 more. Heel and toe was more fun in my old Elise and Alfa where you could just give the throttle a quick bang with your heel (because the throttles were top-hinged).

Edited by braddo on Monday 26th January 11:03

I have used both the 996s and an e39 M5 with floor hinged throttles and both are very easy for the 'heel' technique. However it seems for the 997s Porsche used a different set of development drivers. Maybe Walter was busy that day

[LaSource]

Slippydiff said:

^ This.

Or buy a 991 GT3/RS

Edit. If you can't do 3 (ie it doesn't feel natural/instinctive) then you could modify the throttle pedal, I'm not sure if the throttle pedal is part of the FBW assembly, if it's not, modify it and buy another pedal come sale time.

I have the same problem with my 964 RS's, here's my fix ......

Ha! I must admit I did start to realise why the 991 GT3 is likely to be so much quicker with less to worry about in the footwell!

Having said that I love the challenge of learning this in a manual and therefore its no no to a PDK box for now.

At the moment it does not feels natural with the other approach. It feels like I am going to have to learn all over again with a new technique...back to the classroom.

[LaSource]

Thanks all for the views.

Some cracking videos there. The Walter Rohrle one is the most amazing/funny.
He is tap dancing on the pedals! Using both feet interchangeably on almost all three pedals!
(...and where did they get the nut case spectators from? Pamplona?)

Looks like I'll be practicing the side of foot technique. Seems quicker as well as there is comparatively less foot movement. Senna made it look so smooth and simple.

...I'll leave the rennlist adjustable pedals as a fall back.

[LaSource]

Thanks Steve. Interesting points ref race car application.

I notice the earlier posted video was teaching the side of foot method for the 997

To be honest HnT is not really a big need on the road...perhaps only on a spirited country drive or approaching a tasty roundabout just allows you to practice a bit. Plus on a 996 it not a conscious effort anyway.

It's really on the track where it was a problem. I've only had one outing on track in a 997 and I couldn't get the hang on the day. I also had a 996 with me that day so did not spent enough seat time in the 997 to learn.

I am getting the impression that the 997 will need track levels of harder braking to facilitate the manoeuvre.

[LaSource]

Steve Rance said:

This is how I HT in a GT car. Please do not view this film as 'how to drive a 911' - it isnt. Lots of things that I would do now. Early days for me in a 911. I watch this now and cringe a little. Never the less, an idea of how I HT. May work for you, may not - but its an idea

http://youtu.be/6pguj0ED9Po

Nice clip.
I use a similar approach currently - though at less than half your foot speed plus I think my timing is a bit off - ie too much gap in between blip and clutch engage.
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0

When I tried it on a 997, the throttle pedal was not there
Will also try braking harder next time.

[LaSource]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I seem to recall making you an offer to come check it out. Offer still stands - once it gets a bit warmer!