Porsche 997S Test Drive Plus.
Discussion
This morning I went to Mira to test drive a 997S, which some of you may think is a bit late since I have owned one for nearly a year. You would be right but hey its a free morning of buggering up somebody elses car.
This car had the PCCB, a short shift gear lever, Sports Chrono and PASM. So a quick impression of each follows.
PCCB - Pedal travel is so much less than my conventional brake setup and immediately inspires a load more confidence. A slam the brakes on test at 100mph proved absolutely nothing to me as I have no idea if my brakes would have coped as well. Would I order them? Not on your nelly at that price but the brake feel was nice.
Short Shift Gear Lever - Thank god it can be retrofitted as it gives a really immediate, good impression. It is so positive that it should be fitted as standard.
Sports Chrono - Although I have always regarded this as a gimmick it did reveal one excellent trait. As it sharpens up throttle reponse to throttle movement it means that when heal and toeing you don't have to bend your foot so much to build up the revs. On downchanges I absolutely loved it and coupled with the PCCB brake travel it makes life a lot easier. The clock and all the rest of it is just a stupid waste and even the instructor said it is useless on track.
PASM - The Porsche adaptive damping is one step forward in technology too far. Firstly the car never feels alive around you like my -20mm (conventional sprung car) and the steering seems desensitised as a result. Camber changes and quick direction changes also upset the car and it never feels settled. Would I ever get a PASM car? no chance. Oh and it looks like a 4x4 sitting next to mine this morning.
Finally the track driving was in the wet and the instructor was in no mood to die with little run off area before hitting a great wall of tyres. There were no mad antics from me but i still enjoyed the experience and will hopefully get back to Mira on the wet handling circuit soon to test a Cayman S
Drove a C4S with the Short Shift Gear Lever a few weeks back and loved the shorter change.
Spent the first 10 mins checking it was actually in gear when I changed up or down as the throw was so short it made you double check as I thought it hasn't gone into gear, but after you get used it, its great.
Spent the first 10 mins checking it was actually in gear when I changed up or down as the throw was so short it made you double check as I thought it hasn't gone into gear, but after you get used it, its great.
Mine was the B & M one which can be had for around £200 ish.
If reasonably competent you can fit it yourself but may be better to get your friendly 'Indi' to fit for you as it wont cost a lot.
I know Porscheshop do them, but try a web search
and see what you can find as there may be some better offers out there.
Once its fitted you will check that you have actually changed into the next gear as the throw is reduced so much.
Happy hunting. Mark
If reasonably competent you can fit it yourself but may be better to get your friendly 'Indi' to fit for you as it wont cost a lot.
I know Porscheshop do them, but try a web search
and see what you can find as there may be some better offers out there. Once its fitted you will check that you have actually changed into the next gear as the throw is reduced so much.
Happy hunting. Mark
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