Hey everyone!
I recently purchased this 2009 Cayman S with the 6 speed manual off BAT. I haven't actually picked up the car yet (will do later this week) but I am already digging through the forums here looking for the information I need, and so far it has been very helpful. This thread I'm using to document what I'm going through with my car, as well as clarifying anything I'm still unsure about. For now, my plan for the car is to take it to open track days here in California and start building up my experience on the track. Over time (when budget allows) I'll modify the car to suit this purpose. I also plan on using it for weekend driving, still, so currently I'm not considering stripping it out and going full bore with it.
Right now, I'm compiling the "bare minimum" that I need to do to the car to make it reliable and usable at the track, including maintenance and mods.
This car has ~70K miles on it, and has supposedly been serviced based on the recommended Porsche intervals. The 60K maintenance was completed, and it has has a new OEM clutch as well. Based on this, it seems to me that the main maintenance item I want to take care of prior to taking it to the track is doing a transmission fluid change. As with everything, there seems to be a lot of back and forth on what fluid to use - I'm still trying to decide between the main 3 people suggest, Redline 75W-90NS, Mobil 1 Delvac 75W-90, and OEM fluid. Since I plan on using this car primarily for the track, I'm looking for the fluid that will best protect under heavy loads and heat, even if it means forgoing easier shifting when cold. Input welcome on this one.
Are the water pumps a concern on the 9A1? Any other maintenance items I missed or things I should check?
Onto the modifications - as I'm sure you all know, the consensus is that the LCAs are the first thing that need to be done to be able to setup proper track suspension geometry. I've been looking into pricing out the 996 GT3 LCAs (99634112190 and 99634112290), but it seems like the inner pieces (99634144190) are way more expensive than they used to be ($250+ ea). If I go this route it seems like getting a monoball inner is the way to go. Also looking into the aftermarket LCAs like the ones from RSS and Tarett. Seems like 20mm worth of spacers (including the litronic bracket spacer) is what I'll need. If anyone has a hookup on pricing, let me know.
Now, for brakes. Everyone seems to go with the GT3 front brake duct swap, so I'm going to grab those (99734148492 and 99734148392). I'll be doing a full flush with a high-temp fluid, and when I get the car I'll inspect the rotors to see if they have enough life left and not too much stress cracking. Brake pad choice is another one where there is no consensus (unsuprisingly) but it seems the two common choices are from PFC and Pagid. I also see a split in people that swap pads for track days, some say you'll lose performance doing that, some say it's just fine. Looking for your input and experience on this one.
I plan on trying to find a second set of 987 S 18" wheels so I can run some stickier tires and swap back to the PS4S on the street. If anyone has some at a reasonable price (especially if you're local, Northern California) let me know. Or if someone is selling any of the below items feel free to reach out.
Mod list update 11/26/20
Maintenance:
Transmission Fluid - Redline 75W-90NS
Coolant Flush - Pentosin Pentofrost++
Castrol SRF Brake Fluid
Track alignment, current specs: -2.8* F -2.3* R camber, 8.7* front caster, 0 toe front, .15 toe in rear (each side)
Ride height (hub to fender): 350mm front, 360mm rear
Rented durametric: Removed airbag light for driver's seat/passenger AWS, disabled TPMS, side markers as turn signals, comfort windows
Completed Mods:
"eBay" Short Shifter
Numeric Shifter Cable
RSS Front LCAs
Ohlins R&T coilovers
GT3 adjustable front swaybar, Tarett front drop link
Tarett GT rear swaybar, SPL drop link
Stomski Racing tie rods
Torque Solution toe links
Tarett Toe link lock plates
Ferodo DS1.11 brake pads (F/R)
Sebro Slotted Rotors (F/R)
GT3 front brake ducts
Center radiator
Apex Racing EC-7R wheels w/ Nitto NT-01
Technoversions brace
Race headers
OMP WRC-R Seat
GT2 extended seatbelt buckle
Brey Krause slider adapters
Top Gear valved exhaust
Function First "Soft" 60A engine mount insert w/ new OEM mount
Function First Transmission Mount Upgrade
Mod wishlist short-term:
Wheel studs
Tow hook
Rear Brake Ducts?
Mod wishlist long-term:
GT3 Master Cyl?
Rear LCAs
Other bushing/mount replacements?
Tune?
Let me know if I missed anything you think is essential Otherwise, input is welcome on anything, including recommendations on future mods, brands, etc. Hope to see a few of you out there on the track!
I recently purchased this 2009 Cayman S with the 6 speed manual off BAT. I haven't actually picked up the car yet (will do later this week) but I am already digging through the forums here looking for the information I need, and so far it has been very helpful. This thread I'm using to document what I'm going through with my car, as well as clarifying anything I'm still unsure about. For now, my plan for the car is to take it to open track days here in California and start building up my experience on the track. Over time (when budget allows) I'll modify the car to suit this purpose. I also plan on using it for weekend driving, still, so currently I'm not considering stripping it out and going full bore with it.
Right now, I'm compiling the "bare minimum" that I need to do to the car to make it reliable and usable at the track, including maintenance and mods.
This car has ~70K miles on it, and has supposedly been serviced based on the recommended Porsche intervals. The 60K maintenance was completed, and it has has a new OEM clutch as well. Based on this, it seems to me that the main maintenance item I want to take care of prior to taking it to the track is doing a transmission fluid change. As with everything, there seems to be a lot of back and forth on what fluid to use - I'm still trying to decide between the main 3 people suggest, Redline 75W-90NS, Mobil 1 Delvac 75W-90, and OEM fluid. Since I plan on using this car primarily for the track, I'm looking for the fluid that will best protect under heavy loads and heat, even if it means forgoing easier shifting when cold. Input welcome on this one.
Are the water pumps a concern on the 9A1? Any other maintenance items I missed or things I should check?
Onto the modifications - as I'm sure you all know, the consensus is that the LCAs are the first thing that need to be done to be able to setup proper track suspension geometry. I've been looking into pricing out the 996 GT3 LCAs (99634112190 and 99634112290), but it seems like the inner pieces (99634144190) are way more expensive than they used to be ($250+ ea). If I go this route it seems like getting a monoball inner is the way to go. Also looking into the aftermarket LCAs like the ones from RSS and Tarett. Seems like 20mm worth of spacers (including the litronic bracket spacer) is what I'll need. If anyone has a hookup on pricing, let me know.
Now, for brakes. Everyone seems to go with the GT3 front brake duct swap, so I'm going to grab those (99734148492 and 99734148392). I'll be doing a full flush with a high-temp fluid, and when I get the car I'll inspect the rotors to see if they have enough life left and not too much stress cracking. Brake pad choice is another one where there is no consensus (unsuprisingly) but it seems the two common choices are from PFC and Pagid. I also see a split in people that swap pads for track days, some say you'll lose performance doing that, some say it's just fine. Looking for your input and experience on this one.
I plan on trying to find a second set of 987 S 18" wheels so I can run some stickier tires and swap back to the PS4S on the street. If anyone has some at a reasonable price (especially if you're local, Northern California) let me know. Or if someone is selling any of the below items feel free to reach out.
Mod list update 11/26/20
Maintenance:
Transmission Fluid - Redline 75W-90NS
Coolant Flush - Pentosin Pentofrost++
Castrol SRF Brake Fluid
Track alignment, current specs: -2.8* F -2.3* R camber, 8.7* front caster, 0 toe front, .15 toe in rear (each side)
Ride height (hub to fender): 350mm front, 360mm rear
Rented durametric: Removed airbag light for driver's seat/passenger AWS, disabled TPMS, side markers as turn signals, comfort windows
Completed Mods:
"eBay" Short Shifter
Numeric Shifter Cable
RSS Front LCAs
Ohlins R&T coilovers
GT3 adjustable front swaybar, Tarett front drop link
Tarett GT rear swaybar, SPL drop link
Stomski Racing tie rods
Torque Solution toe links
Tarett Toe link lock plates
Ferodo DS1.11 brake pads (F/R)
Sebro Slotted Rotors (F/R)
GT3 front brake ducts
Center radiator
Apex Racing EC-7R wheels w/ Nitto NT-01
Technoversions brace
Race headers
OMP WRC-R Seat
GT2 extended seatbelt buckle
Brey Krause slider adapters
Top Gear valved exhaust
Function First "Soft" 60A engine mount insert w/ new OEM mount
Function First Transmission Mount Upgrade
Mod wishlist short-term:
Wheel studs
Tow hook
Rear Brake Ducts?
Mod wishlist long-term:
GT3 Master Cyl?
Rear LCAs
Other bushing/mount replacements?
Tune?
Let me know if I missed anything you think is essential Otherwise, input is welcome on anything, including recommendations on future mods, brands, etc. Hope to see a few of you out there on the track!