dwysywd
Well-known member
Good thing you didn't cut your thumb or finger off few months ago...that would have been awful to miss something like this. Very cool write up. Thanks for sharing.
Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The 12-Gauge Garage
- Thread starter Jack Olsen
- Start date
Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
TRS63
Well-known member
Just sounds like a dream, you earned it! Cannot wait to see the viseos! And my offer still stands if you come again!
Antoine
Antoine
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Just awesome Jack, all the best.
Jimbo..
Well-known member
What an amazing opportunity. Gives me goose bumps. Congrats Jack
OP
Thanks, guys.
It's the GT3 RS motor in a GT3 body with no wing. But then, it also has recalibrated steering, front and rear. And it's lighter than even the GT3 RS. Which means it's quite a bit lighter than the GT3, and with more power.
This video has a lot of the technical details. And if you'll notice, this car has the red PORSCHE text on the side (the other one has black). This is the actual one I drove:
And here are my driving impression -- especially on the differences between the GT3 RS and the 911R:
Obviously, the 911R has less downforce and narrower tires than the GT3 RS. They put a diffuser in back, but I'm not sure how functional a piece like that is in corners, where body roll compromises its function. I believe they had to make some changes to the underbody kit up front to keep front and rear axle numbers compatible. There is also a different (and more 'lively') programming for the rear steering on this model.
Compared to the early 911 I'm used to driving, it's a very sure-footed car. But compared to the GT3 RS, up at speed, it's a lot more lively and engaging. The differences from aero are only going to be a factor in faster corners. But the tire-size differences and (possibly) rear-steering-programming differences give it a nimbler feel even in medium-speed corners. It's something you can toss around more easily than the GT3 RS (although again, all things are relative -- by 2400-lb 1972 is another animal altogether).
I liked that it was a 6-speed (and not a 7-speed) manual gearbox. And of course I like that it has a manual gearbox at all. I believe the gearing is lower than other manual transmissions Porsche makes. This one was built for this project and also future GT projects. There is nothing faster than the paddles in the GT3 RS. But for driving in any kind of street situation, it makes (for me, at least) a better tactile experience to be using my right hand to upshift and downshift. It auto-blips downshifts in sport mode, but you can defeat that if you want to go for the full-on old-school feel.
The weight difference between the 911R and the GT3 RS is something I'd be hard-pressed to say I felt. Both are light by contemporary standards (and also heavy, relative to the 911 I drive). But I'm very happy to see Porsche making a new model that's lighter, and I hope they make good on their talk about getting out of the horsepower arms race and finding ways to reduce the weight (and size, if all my dreams came true) of future models. Modern Porsches feel very light on the track, because of the sophistication of their suspension systems. But I'd be thrilled to see them become actually lighter. There's no substitute for reduced mass when you take a car through a corner.
So which car would I own if I had the money (and an allocation)? It's not easy to answer. Porsche makes it clear that it does not see the 911R as primarily a track car. I don't think the half-cage is even an option on it. And if I were going to the track with one of these cars as often as I do with my 1972 911, then the GT3 RS would be my choice. You are either faster or slower on a track, and the GT3 RS is phenomenally rewarding to drive in those conditions. The paddles just amaze you as you go up or down. Everything about the car is positive.
For recreational street driving and even trips out with your wife, the 911R would be the easy winner. It's just so much fun to drive. There's more personality to its 'tossability' and rowing through the gears on a canyon road is a fundamentally different experience than tapping paddles. And while I fully understand the value of a big wing in 80+-mph corners, it's a different experience when you pull into a restaurant, where people might (in some way) lump you with the type of drivers to bolt wings to their Civics. Having no tail looks cleaner. It shows off the lines of the car better. And my wife would probably agree to sit in it.
Along those lines, I would say that the 911R would absolutely make a viable daily driver. Granted, I drive a 1972 911 with a cage around town, so my comfort level is pretty broad. But it's comfortable, not too loud (there's an exhaust button for when you want the sound to echo off the mountains), and it hasn't been stripped out so much that it feels unsafe or flimsy. It's got all that going for it -- and then it will feel a little more nimble and driver-controllable (if that makes sense) than the GT3 RS would on ordinary roads. So again, if I was a guy who was going to go to the track once a year but drive around my favorite roads more often, the 911R would be a Porsche that would be more rewarding, for me, connecting the heritage of the old cars with the technology of the new ones.
It's the GT3 RS motor in a GT3 body with no wing. But then, it also has recalibrated steering, front and rear. And it's lighter than even the GT3 RS. Which means it's quite a bit lighter than the GT3, and with more power.
This video has a lot of the technical details. And if you'll notice, this car has the red PORSCHE text on the side (the other one has black). This is the actual one I drove:
And here are my driving impression -- especially on the differences between the GT3 RS and the 911R:
Obviously, the 911R has less downforce and narrower tires than the GT3 RS. They put a diffuser in back, but I'm not sure how functional a piece like that is in corners, where body roll compromises its function. I believe they had to make some changes to the underbody kit up front to keep front and rear axle numbers compatible. There is also a different (and more 'lively') programming for the rear steering on this model.
Compared to the early 911 I'm used to driving, it's a very sure-footed car. But compared to the GT3 RS, up at speed, it's a lot more lively and engaging. The differences from aero are only going to be a factor in faster corners. But the tire-size differences and (possibly) rear-steering-programming differences give it a nimbler feel even in medium-speed corners. It's something you can toss around more easily than the GT3 RS (although again, all things are relative -- by 2400-lb 1972 is another animal altogether).
I liked that it was a 6-speed (and not a 7-speed) manual gearbox. And of course I like that it has a manual gearbox at all. I believe the gearing is lower than other manual transmissions Porsche makes. This one was built for this project and also future GT projects. There is nothing faster than the paddles in the GT3 RS. But for driving in any kind of street situation, it makes (for me, at least) a better tactile experience to be using my right hand to upshift and downshift. It auto-blips downshifts in sport mode, but you can defeat that if you want to go for the full-on old-school feel.
The weight difference between the 911R and the GT3 RS is something I'd be hard-pressed to say I felt. Both are light by contemporary standards (and also heavy, relative to the 911 I drive). But I'm very happy to see Porsche making a new model that's lighter, and I hope they make good on their talk about getting out of the horsepower arms race and finding ways to reduce the weight (and size, if all my dreams came true) of future models. Modern Porsches feel very light on the track, because of the sophistication of their suspension systems. But I'd be thrilled to see them become actually lighter. There's no substitute for reduced mass when you take a car through a corner.
So which car would I own if I had the money (and an allocation)? It's not easy to answer. Porsche makes it clear that it does not see the 911R as primarily a track car. I don't think the half-cage is even an option on it. And if I were going to the track with one of these cars as often as I do with my 1972 911, then the GT3 RS would be my choice. You are either faster or slower on a track, and the GT3 RS is phenomenally rewarding to drive in those conditions. The paddles just amaze you as you go up or down. Everything about the car is positive.
For recreational street driving and even trips out with your wife, the 911R would be the easy winner. It's just so much fun to drive. There's more personality to its 'tossability' and rowing through the gears on a canyon road is a fundamentally different experience than tapping paddles. And while I fully understand the value of a big wing in 80+-mph corners, it's a different experience when you pull into a restaurant, where people might (in some way) lump you with the type of drivers to bolt wings to their Civics. Having no tail looks cleaner. It shows off the lines of the car better. And my wife would probably agree to sit in it.
Along those lines, I would say that the 911R would absolutely make a viable daily driver. Granted, I drive a 1972 911 with a cage around town, so my comfort level is pretty broad. But it's comfortable, not too loud (there's an exhaust button for when you want the sound to echo off the mountains), and it hasn't been stripped out so much that it feels unsafe or flimsy. It's got all that going for it -- and then it will feel a little more nimble and driver-controllable (if that makes sense) than the GT3 RS would on ordinary roads. So again, if I was a guy who was going to go to the track once a year but drive around my favorite roads more often, the 911R would be a Porsche that would be more rewarding, for me, connecting the heritage of the old cars with the technology of the new ones.
clutch93
Well-known member
Jack, great review of the 911R. It seems like they've captured the essense of the vintage porsche all the while blending in newer technology and also a huge amount of power and refinement. It's truly a beautiful car and I'm sure it's a blast to drive! Congrats on being a part of such a cool adventure, I'm sure you enjoyed it to the fullest!
jimgood
Well-known member
What a great experience, Jack! I'm so envious.
Jimbo..
Well-known member
Jack, the inter-webs tell me that the car costs $186 K. Question: Can you get me a discount? I think about 95% off would work. Thanks buddy
sbosecker
Well-known member
Jack Olsen;5565324 If anyone has any questions said:
OP
Thanks! They've more than doubled the power. And it's lighter than the main 911 models. But it's not 800 kg, which was how light they got the original back in 1967. Porsche has talked about reducing weight as a corporate goal (as opposed to the horsepower arms race), and I would love to see these models get smaller and lighter. In a corner, there is no substitute for low mass.
Even if I had 186k, I wouldn't be able to get an allocation for this car. They only made 991, and they're all spoken for -- and then some. Hopefully, this approach (and some of this technology) will be continued in the future down through the product line.
I don't see any set-up changes coming out of this. I just finished a new rear wing, which is about 30% larger than my last one. I'm going to be testing it later this week. The new car definitely makes me jealous when it comes to power. It's smooth, linear, and still very raw feeling.
Elvan had done several years of the Porsche 'Ice Force' driving school in Finland, where they spike the cars' tires and go racing on ice. He loves drifting, which makes him different than me. I think that will become clear in the drifting lesson at the end of the series.
jimgood
Well-known member
So, Jack, would you rather have just lapped the track or did you enjoy the rally route more?
marty_p
Well-known member
That is some incredible news, Jack!
Cheers to our definitely deserving, Porsche-designing garage guru!
Cheers to our definitely deserving, Porsche-designing garage guru!
megalo
Well-known member
Jack, your Porsche instructor had a bad day today at COTA: http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/pirelli-world-challenge-rolling-start-ends-in-big-crash-1763190288
OP
Wow. From winning the first race of the season to that -- all in one weekend. I've read that he's okay. Hope that's true.
Congrats Jack, well deserved!
I wonder how long it takes before you'll put some ITBs on your engine in a quest for more horsepower though
I believe Jack's car has a Varioram intake manifold, which is almost explained here:
http://instant-g.com/OldRoot/Products/36Conversion/VRAM.html
Needs more diagrams, and there are some others out there. Resonance chamber stragetgies, but even better, different length intake tracts for different rpm. Since this is also a street car, the long runner/low end torque would be hard to give up.
I'd guess a lighter intake setup could be built if it was just ITB's or slide throttles and air horns, but it's not a pure track car.
Q: What's a pirate's favorite sports car?
A: 911ARRRRRGH.
_
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thetastelingers
Well-known member
WOW!
Congratulations on being selected to be a part of such an event! You are very lucky.
Thanks for sharing the experience.
Reading your opinion on the 911R was very informative. It's a shame they limit the production on cars that a lot of people would purchase.
Sorry to read about the saw (that should be nicknamed "JAWS") incident, but glad to read that you didn't lose as much as you could have.
The playhouse build is something I've wanted to do since I saw such a thing on our honeymoon to Yosemite back in 2006. Seeing yours makes me want to build one even more.
Congratulations on being selected to be a part of such an event! You are very lucky.
Thanks for sharing the experience.
Reading your opinion on the 911R was very informative. It's a shame they limit the production on cars that a lot of people would purchase.
Sorry to read about the saw (that should be nicknamed "JAWS") incident, but glad to read that you didn't lose as much as you could have.
The playhouse build is something I've wanted to do since I saw such a thing on our honeymoon to Yosemite back in 2006. Seeing yours makes me want to build one even more.
OP
Thanks.
Squankum, I don't have the varioram intake. I think it came out in 1996, which is also when they switched to OBDII engine management. The 1995 engines are used more frequently in swaps because the OBDI stuff is easier to mess with, since it uses a removable chip.
Squankum, I don't have the varioram intake. I think it came out in 1996, which is also when they switched to OBDII engine management. The 1995 engines are used more frequently in swaps because the OBDI stuff is easier to mess with, since it uses a removable chip.
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You're laboring under CARB swap rules, also? Does that include intake manifold? i.e., intake horns wouldn't look very 1995 to an inspector/referee?
Maybe you need a Varioram that's operated by another pedal for your left foot to stomp on? Or a simple RPM sensor... let's not turn driving this car into a one man band!
.
Maybe you need a Varioram that's operated by another pedal for your left foot to stomp on? Or a simple RPM sensor... let's not turn driving this car into a one man band!
.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
CA requires bi-annual emissions checks for all cars and light trucks newer than 1973 
It used to be only til the vehicle we 30 years old, but some ******* in the legislature "fixed" that...
It used to be only til the vehicle we 30 years old, but some ******* in the legislature "fixed" that...
alpinewhite
Well-known member
CA requires bi-annual emissions checks for all cars and light trucks newer than 1973
It used to be only til the vehicle we 30 years old, but some ******* in the legislature "fixed" that...
I thought it was 1976 and newer.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/smogfaq
"Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles 1997 year model and older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) of more than 14,000 lbs, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, motorcycles, trailers, or gasoline powered vehicles 1975 and older."
So he needs an aircooled Tatra diesel then? I wonder if they made a V-6...
(Just kidding.)
I was talking about swap rules, modern motor into older car. I was under the impression (from far away*) that the things swapped in had to live by the rules of its year.
(Just kidding.)
I was talking about swap rules, modern motor into older car. I was under the impression (from far away*) that the things swapped in had to live by the rules of its year.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Hmmm, time for some research, I wonder if someone got them to bend it to a rolling 40 years? (from the old rule of 30 rolling) I KNOW it was '73 when passed...
Outlawmws
Well-known member
These current laws are totally absurd as there are probably more 50's and 60's cars left than 70's and 80's vehicles... (Plastic & vinyl disintegrate; steel & glass don't...)
And: from BILL NO: AB 2683 Analysis:
And: from BILL NO: AB 2683 Analysis:
OP
Yep. I'm exempt from smog inspections. But as it happens, my engine would pass for the 1995 tests.
OP
Well, here's the first video where you get to watch me acting (ouch!) and driving (fun!).
(Click on the picture to see the video.)
(Click on the picture to see the video.)
1Garageman
Well-known member
WOW, that is a cool video!
Did they have you spin out on purpose to show how much better the car drives with the PSM activated?
Did they have you spin out on purpose to show how much better the car drives with the PSM activated?
OP
Thanks.
Yes. I had to spin a bunch of times. Most of the drifting shots after that were also done with the PSM off. But they're making their points for potential buyers.
Yes. I had to spin a bunch of times. Most of the drifting shots after that were also done with the PSM off. But they're making their points for potential buyers.
ajohno
Well-known member
Looks great Jack thanks for sharing.
TLCObsession
Well-known member
Really fun!
shortykorte
Well-known member
Very cool. I'd still be looking for the start button.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
Looked great Jack, thanks for sharing. Richie
kjdhawkhill
Well-known member
I know that "Skid pad = fun."
I believe that "Skid pad with great car = more fun."
20 year old fleet Crown Vics are not great cards.
I believe that "Skid pad with great car = more fun."
20 year old fleet Crown Vics are not great cards.
Duker
Well-known member
Video was great, you look good in the new model.... Maybe too good. It's a slippery slope Jack, at first you're entertaining your GJ legion of fans and the next thing you're plucked from the race track and doing commercials. It always starts with the commercials... Sure the car commercials are cool but then you are discovered and the next thing you know....underwear ads... Covers of Abercrombie & Fitch catalogs ...oh the humanity.... Of course, as you know...then comes the movie offers, how can you say NO to reprising the classic Steve McQueen role of Frank Bullitt.... And there you have it... You have lost your soul and have gone from your single pursuit of perfection to "giving into the man!" I am not saying..... But I am just saying!
Other than that... it was very cool!
Regards
Duker
(I apologize in advance to Jack and all other writers ( and English Teachers ) for my butchery of our native language and my lackadaisical attempt at satire. This is what happens when I can't play in the garage...)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Other than that... it was very cool!
Regards
Duker
(I apologize in advance to Jack and all other writers ( and English Teachers ) for my butchery of our native language and my lackadaisical attempt at satire. This is what happens when I can't play in the garage...)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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slik560
Well-known member
I can see it: TRANSPORTER IV [with limited passenger seating] Eat your heart out, Jason Statham.
hewey
Well-known member
Soon it will be Jack Olsen and Magnus Walker facing off in a reality TV series where they build and race custom Porsches against each other 
Seriously though, congrats on the fun gig Jack, and for taking the 'reality' smoke and mirrors with a good attitude And it's great to see companies like Porsche paying attention to the enthusiasts and acknowledging their passion.
Seriously though, congrats on the fun gig Jack, and for taking the 'reality' smoke and mirrors with a good attitude
And it's great to see companies like Porsche paying attention to the enthusiasts and acknowledging their passion.