Chapter 16. Mimicing the 911R Recipe

With my Boxster R project I've been trying to replicate the ethos of the 911R - a pure driver’s car with emphasis on sensations and engagement. What is the 911R recipe and how close or far am I from it?


911R Recipe:

  1. Light weight : 3021 lbs
  2. Short gear ratios
  3. Magnesium roof
  4. Lightweight clutch
  5. Single-mass flywheel
  6. Lighter battery
  7. Double wishbone front, multilink rear
  8. Magnesium wheels
  9. Carbon ceramic brakes
  10. Thinner glass
  11. Carbon roof, doors, wings 
(1) In it's lowest weight configuration 911R would have no radio or air conditioning which is not something I am interested in. So, in reality a 911R with bucket seats would be closer to 3100+ lbs. My car is already at 3087 lbs ands I have a plan to get under 3000 lbs.

(2) I have been waiting patiently to get shorter gear sets from Guard Transmission. Tariffs have been the main reason for the delay, as far as I can tell. With 50% tariff on imports from Australia the import charges are a bit too high and the parts would be priced higher than what market would support. I sincerely hope there is away to get the cogs in the next few months.

(4, 5) I already got the Ninemeister sigle mass flywheel and it makes a noticeable improvement to the car's character and enjoyment.

(6) Got the antigravity lithium battery and shed 37 pounds

(7) Still have the Macpherson strut suspension but have upgraded many components with Dundon parts for much better geometry/alignment and the replacement of rubber bushings with monoballs has made a significant improvement to car's handling and steering.

(8) Got magnesium wheels and not only do they look nice, they make the car feel more nimble.

(9) Ordered carbon rotors from BSKP Forged and should have them installed this summer. There should be about ~37 lbs of weight loss bringing the car to 3040 lbs.

(10) Looked in to light weight glass options from Plastics4Performance and others but so far does not seem viable, eventhough Silver Rocket claim it works.

(11) Got some carbon fiber parts from Frog Venom such as hood,  ducktail spoiler, rear diffuser etc. 

A 911R has a nice sounding exhaust and the JCR exhaust on my car also sounds very nice. I think the modifications I’ve made definitely bring my car into the same family as 911R - at least like a second cousin if not a first cousin to 911R :)

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