Trip and Track Report
If you were reading any of my previous threads you know I have been away for a few days picking up my highly modified 2004 C4S. The modifications were done by Evolution Motorsports and I flew in last Friday with my 26 year old nephew to pick it up at their headquarters in Tempe, AZ. It was 105 degrees.
Nate picked us up in his H2 and drove us to Evo where we spent the day with the car. We drove the car from Tempe and arrived in Vegas Friday night. Had a blast in Vegas. Spent a lot of money, saw incredibly beautiful women and got plenty loaded. We did stop by the Wynn and toured the Ferrari dealership. They had an incredible F-50, Mclaren SLR, and Ferrari 430. As soon as I find my Compact Flash Card reader I will upload some pics.
We left Vegas for a 1600 mile drive home to the South Puget Sound Region. The drive was uneventful except for a few high speed runs. We touched 150 mph in the plains of Idaho and many times covered several miles at 120 mph. This car was born to drive that fast. It cruises so comfortably at 100-130 mph. Mileage was 32.6 mpg with an average speed of 82 mph! (this was over 2.5 hours) While I think it could use some down force at these high speeds, the car felt very planted. The new suspension is simply stunning. The car drives more accurately and responsive than ever before. I can feel every little burble in the road inspiring confidence that I am never exceeding the limits of traction or control.
And the power. I have a completely new car. There is a noticeable increase in power at the lower power bands. The car pulls stronger and has more grunt. While I haven't measured 0-60 yet, I would guess at times like 4.2 -4.4 Pulling to redline in second with a crisp shift to third is now a heart pumping experience. Roll on from 60mph in 3rd to hit 100 in less time than I had ever imagined. This car is quick.
This is the first installation of an Evo Supercharger with the NEW GIAAC program. EVO/GIAAC recently spent two days tuning and remapping ECU programs to arrive at a new program that provides more power and improved throttle response. The dyno showed 411 HP at the wheels, nearly 500 HP at the crank. This was recorded at 97 degrees and 1500 feet above sea level. I live in considerably cooler temperatures and at sea level. I plan to re-dyno the car at a local shop soon.
We arrived in the Northwest Monday night and Tuesday morning (0520) came very early. Despite having spent the last 20 hours in the car, I was anxious to hit the road and head to Pacific Raceways in Seattle. This is a great track with many challenging turns and beautiful scenery. I was excited to enjoy the day with my new car really wringing it out.
I was not disappointed. The car has a new stronger character. Not only more powerful, but more poised and precise. The new Bilstien PSS9's combined with front and rear antiroll bars have made a noticeable difference in handling. (PSS9 settings - 4 front, 5 rear) The car seems effortless to guide to the exact spot. I was hitting my apexes spot on and using every inch of available room at exit while at full power.
The brakes are amazing. I now have 6 pot GT-3 brakes with a light weight aluminum hats up front. New stainless brake lines with Pagid Yellow pads. As the brakes warmed up, they really felt great. I could drive the car deeper into the corner and progressively apply and release the brakes with more effect. Coming down the straight at 140 mph and braking to less than 65 mph for a tight sweeper is fun! Not a bid of fade after 12 hard laps. I can definitely tell the difference between the standard turbo brakes and these new GT-3 brakes with custom hats. This was a very worthwhile upgrade.
Supercharger performance at the track was stunning. The car had more power all across the speed continuum. Out of the apex, I would usually be full on feeling a mountain of torque across my chest. This car pulls hard. My Sports Exhaust sounds like it is on steroids. I loved the sound before but it really has a deeper tone. One guy who heard me drive by on the straight said it sounded like a V-8. I love it.
The 4S performed flawlessly early in the day when we had wet conditions. Solid grip and traction that "pulled" me out of corners. I of course had the PSM turned off. As the day dried out I was able explore the limits of the car deeper and was finding myself driving at a different level. Much faster with much more control.
I am very, very pleased with my "new" car. The upgrades are noticeable improvements in performance. Props to Evolution Motorsports for an excellent experience and quality work. The EVO Supercharger, EVO Big Brake Upgrade, EVO front (carbon fiber) and rear antiroll bars are all great additions to the car.
I look forward to further exploring the limits of the car and enjoying my new power and performance.
As for why I didn't get a Turbo instead? I don't own a Turbo, I own a C4S. My car not only has more power than a Turbo, it has better brakes and better suspension for less money than a stock Turbo. $90k for the 4S, add $20K for the mods and I have a better performing car for a lot less money. I could give a crap about a Turbo badge or resale value. I am holding on to this car for another 4 years. BTW a 4S is lighter than a Turbo by 200lbs which more than makes up for my fat ass.
http://cylliance.com/porsche/evo/c4sevolution.htm