Not sure if this is the right place for this. Planning on taking my 78 GT4 to a Porsche trackday at Castle Coombe in July. First time I've taken this one on track. Anyone got any helpful hints or suggestions / things to watch out for (other than the obvious....!) with this car. I'm not a complete novice but this is the first time I'll be out in the F Car. Thanks all Mark Taiwan/UK
Mark the GT4 is the perfect track car. Just make sure you've done the pre-track stuff like change the brake fluid, check pads, inspect tires and check for leaking fuel! Other than that have fun!
Be wary of the track - Quarry etc - maybe get an instructor Make sure your fans work and keep an eye on your water temp - it may be quite hot & humid that day and the GT4 does not cool as well as the GTB/GTS on the track Enjoy
308s including GT4s, starve oil (oil pressure goes to zero) in prolonged right hand turns. Oil sloshes to oone side in teh pan and the oil picup tube goes dry. Make sure the oil level is at the very top of the dip stick (I would add another 1/2 quart on top of that) and keep and eye on your oil pressure. Needs an aftermarket addittional bafffel in the pan to "solve" the problem.
Very good point... and make sure you check the level just after you shut it off before the oil gets a chance to drain out of the cooler.
Good point. If you plan to track the car more than very occasionally, consider a rebaffled sump or at least an Accusump- the latter helped a bit on my old GT4 track car, but better baffling (or a dry sump!) is preferable in my experience. Also, keep an eye on the oil temp- I ended up adding an extra oil cooler too. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'd heard about the oil problem before but figured that I won't be going 10 10ths or anything like so as long as I keep my eye on the temp and pressure it should be ok. Good hint on the slight overfill though - thanks. Promise to post pics afterwards. Cheers Mark
Mark, You'll have a blast in the GT4. Took mine round the Brands Hatch GP circuit last year. Very forgiving most the time, just make allowances for the brakes.... it is a 70's car after all. As you press on abit, you'll be surprised how close you can stay with 355/360's etc.... yup they'll disapear up the straight, but you'll most likely stay with them in the twisties. Agree, overfill the oil slightly... usual checks, type pressures a couple of psi less than usual, use a lap to cool down before coming in. Richard (pic.. early morning at Brands with another GT4) Image Unavailable, Please Login
Up the tire pressures at least about 5 lbs all around and see how hit handles. You may want to add more pressure depending on how much tire roll (chalking the tires will tell you). Check the pressures all around as soon as you get off the track and adjust accordingly. You want the same pressures (i.e. temp) all around. As you get more aggressive, adjust for over steer / under steer as needed.
Here's a few of me at Mosport just outside of Toronto... and here is a link to a full lap in a GT4 at Mosport. Not my car but I am filming in the passenger seat... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KyKOmEBXwo Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
