I read that the ALMS RSR's were about 275lbs heavier than the 430's, is this true? I know the 430's are capable of more power with the V8, heck the street car has as much power as the RSR.

If they were similarly powered and the RSR weighed so much more, is there any doubt the RSR's would have won the series if they shed more weight or is it not possible to shed the weight?

 

This might give you some insight on why Porsche struggled and why many Porsche teams are switching to other makes.

My friend with his RSR sold it to move to another make, and I just read that Tafel jumped to Ferrari.


2007 Porsche 997 RSR
Dry Weight: 1225 kg (100 litres capacity, FT3 safety fuel cell with FIA homologated quick fill couplings)
Power: 485/357

2007 Ferrari F430GT
Weight: 1.100 kg for FIA races, 1.125 kg for ACO races (all the liquids at the
standard level, without fuel and driver).
Power: 440/470

 

According to my long discussion with Giuseppe Risi of Risi Competizione, the RSRs are in fact faster on the straights as the disparity in HP would indicate. However, he felt that the biggest advantage was in braking, and this is probably due to the substantially lighter weight of the F430GT. There are some who say that the mid-engine layout of the Ferrari makes it easier to drive at the limit as opposed to the RR layout of the RSR. While this may be true, it seems that clearly weight plays the bigger factor, as the 911 has regularly outperformed its mid-engined or front-engined rivals in the past. What would be interesting is to see what Porsche has up its sleeve for next year, as sports car racing is something they would not want to give up to Ferrari.

 

Agree all over the place....

However, next year does not look too promising either.

The '08 car will have a new trans that sits lower, and better aero. Even with the changes, Porsche's works test driver said it's probably still not going to be enough.

That 430 is a pretty well sorted car.

 

I've owned a Porsche 911 for 30 years(5 in total) but I must say that 430
has to be the best sports car available today.....it's got it all....looks, power, handling,
sound, etc....I want a 430....forgive me Dr. Porsche...

 

Is there no way to get the weight out, or are they at the mimimum the series will allow?

 

I'm tellin' you..

GT2 in GT1....

 

No, there is weight that can be removed. I can't confirm 100%, but I think the Lizard cars had some lightweight trick parts.

You would be shocked at what you have to buy aftermarket to make these cars competitive. They are not simply turn key.

There are all kinds of carbon fiber components available. For example, lightweight wiring harnesses and carbon fiber fuel cells. The list goes on and on...

 

Funny you say that. My RSR buddy actually contemplated doing that.

 

He just spoke to me.

He's pissed.

You better sleep with your lights on tonight.

 

He doesn't happen to have a 996 RSR, 996 RS, and 993 GT2 does he?

 

Not the same dude.

Here is Tim's team web site. (no secret)

Tim Pappas
Team Trans Sport
http://transsportonline.com/