Mastering the Rear Engine
From Ryan Dunn to Pelle Lindbergh there is a dark allure to the 911. A lot of people have lost their lives in these cars. They’ve even dubbed some of the older cars “the Widow Maker” Let’s shed some light on how to control a rear engine car.
Brake in a Straight Line
Read that sentence and then read it again. Now read it one more time. ALWAYS brake in a straight line to stay safe, but especially in a 911. You want to get the car slowed down before the corner and avoid trail braking. Older versions of this sports car are much more sensitive to this so be extra cautious. Once the weight transfers forward that engine will swing around a lot easier than you think.
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The throttle is your friend…until it’s not
“If you slide the back end make sure you stay in it” was the advice I was given by an old boss who had worked on Porsches for decades. He was right. Because of that rear engine lay out when you start to slide the back end you need to keep the weight planted. Lifting transfers that weight forward, just like in the braking zone and subjects that big flat 6 to a gut wrenching slide that you might not recover. You don’t floor it, but just finesse the throttle so it keeps the back end down. It’s not easy so approach the limit at your own risk!
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Slow is Fast
Approach the limit slowly and work up to speed when you’re pushing the envelope. The last thing you want to do in a car with a big lump of metal hanging off its backside is to go in too quick. Take baby steps in finding where the limits of grip and cornering forces are. A lethal combination in the 911 is to go in too quick to a corner and have no way of getting out. It’s all about controlling the weight transfer.
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Go to the Race Track
The best way to figure out how to stay in control while riding that edge is to do it in a safe environment. Start at autocross where the speeds are slow and work your way up to track days. If you get it wrong at an autocross you’ll take out some cones. Get it wrong on a high-speed course and you might take yourself or someone else out. Your reward will be worth it in the long run as you become a better driver and explore the true limitations of your Porsche.
>>Join the conversation about Mastering the Rear Engine right here in Rennlist.com.
In Summary
Remember to always brake in a straight line, get the car slowed down before the corner, pay attention to how early you get on the throttle and remember in a small slide to not make any abrupt lifts off the throttle. Be smart, have fun and enjoy your 911 no matter what era it may be!
>>Join the conversation about Mastering the Rear Engine right here in Rennlist.com.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
