Five ways to improve your Porsche 911’s performance
Porsche rarely gets it wrong with its creations, the iconic 911 being a case in point. However, even the various exemplary versions of the neunelfer can be improved upon, providing not just more performance but more enjoyment.
Tyres
Perennially underappreciated, it has become clichéd to refer to tyres as “the only thing connecting your car to the road”. But, there’s a large degree of truth in the statement. Not all tyres are born equal however.
Different tyres offer different levels of grip in wet and dry conditions while manufacturers’ unique constructions and compounds also affect the level of feedback to the steering wheel. Most Porsche 911s have more than one N-rated tyre choice so it pays to try them all out and choice your favourite.
Suspension geometry
Improving your Porsche 911’s suspension doesn’t have to be as comprehensive (or expensive) as fitting a new set of aftermarket ‘sports’ dampers and springs. It can be a simple case of perfecting the geometry.
Each corner’s camber and toe settings can change over time so getting the right alignment can transform your neunelfer’s handling and get the most out of your tyres. If you’re a fan of track days, suspension geometry setup is vital.
Contact points
Getting the most out of any driving experience often starts with your own comfort. This means sorting the two major contact points inside your Porsche 911: the seat and the steering wheel.
Depending on your height and shape, Porsche’s standard bucket seats don’t always provide the perfect fit while having the right steering wheel is all about the feel at your fingertips.
Gear shift
This is especially relevant in classic Porsche 911s where the gear linkage/cable eventually wear, resulting in a sloppy, vague-feeling shift. A worn out 915 gearbox can be a nightmare but a recently rebuilt one is one of Porsche’s great joys.
The throw can on classic neunelfers can also be a little on the long side, so modifications such as Wevo short-shift kits prove popular, making each gear change quicker and improving your experience behind the wheel.
Fuel injection
More of a concern for those who have built (or are building) their own air-cooled flat six for a Porsche 911 project, the way your engine is fed its fuel can define your driving experience.
Contrary to some internet chatter, fuel injection – whether mechanical or electronic – provides better throttle response but carburettors are easier to tune for home mechanics, and they provide some awesome induction noise. Like tyres, this one comes down to personal preference.
How else would you improve your Porsche 911’s driving experience? Join the debate in the comments below or head over to your Facebook and Twitter pages now.
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