0712 - December 2007

the drifter Sacramento Valley Region - Porsche Club of America

December 2007

On the Cover Two Porsche Spyders leading the Audis through the famous “Corkscrew” at Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca during the ALMS race in October.

Photo by Doug Klein

Got Track?

TrackMasters Racing is a leader in High Performance Driver Education events in Northern California, and invites SVR-PCA drivers to Participate in our events.

Come out and stretch your car’s legs on some of the finest tracks in the country!

Fun, safe, and definitely . . .

No speeding tickets!

www.TrackMasters-Racing.com

2007 Board of Directors President Mike Willis 916.363.8313 2748 Tiffany West Way, Sacramento, CA 95827 president@svr.pca.org

www.derporsche.net

Volume 45, No. 12

Vice President Kerner Breaux 916.966.2425 5018 Shadowood Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 vicepresident@svr.pca.org

Secretary Kevin Dougherty 916.983.7774 P.O. Box 6006, Folsom, CA 95630 secretary@svr.pca.org Treasurer Betty Silva 12 Oak Lane, Suisun Valley, CA 94534 treasurer@svr.pca.org

Upcoming Events 3 - December and January Events 4 - SVR 2007 Christmas Party 5 - Porsche & Vintage VW Swap Meet 14 - Drivers Education at Laguna Seca 20 - 8th Annual Sacramento Area Cars, Kids, and Toys Features and Reviews 6 - First Aid/CPR Classes 9 - Porsche Magazines, Subscriptions and Web Sites 10 - November New Members Tour 12 - Bolt-On Performance for your Porsche 13 - Better Headlights for Older Porsches

707.864.0491

Columns and Departments 2 - Chilli’s Chatter 7 - Drifting Back 15 - November Board Meeting 16 -December Membership Report 19 - SVR Goodie Store 19 - Index of Advertisers 20 - The Last Word 20 - Drifter Classifieds

Social Director Cookie Anderson 916.988.6534 6320 Hickory Lane, Orangevale, CA 95662 svrsocialdirector@sbcglobal.net Membership Director Rik Larson 916.481.6084 2120 Maddox Court, Carmichael, CA 95608 membership@svr.pca.org Competition & Safety Director Matt Deter 916.630.8924 5645 Harvest Road, Rocklin, CA 95765 porsche@deter.com

December 2007

Information and Committee Directory Autocross Chair Matt Deter 916.630.8924 5645 Harvest Road, Rocklin, CA 95765 porsche@deter.com

Rally Chair Helen Ashuckian 916.481.2759 5440 Tree Side Dr., Carmichael, CA 95608 helena@lanset.com

Webmaster John Murphy 916.858.2304 11508 Armour Court, Gold River, CA 95670 webmaster@svr.pca.org

Driver Education Chair/Events Frederick D. Rauch 916.989.3199 6610Folsom-AuburnRd.,Ste.5-81Folsom,CA95630 fdr@fdrmotorsports.com/deevents@svr.pca.org

Technical Chair Lisa Thomas lisa@pure9design.com

Past President Jeff Kinder 916.765.2801 4320 Freemont’s Loop, Rescue, CA 95672 pastpresident@svr.pca.org

Charity Chair Susan Fleming 916.985.4142 107 Cobb Court, Folsom, CA 95630 trfleming@comcast.net

Editor Bud Behrens 209.477.6496 6424 Culpepper Place, Stockton, CA 95207 budnmaryann@cs.com

Concours Chair Kent Brandon 916.663.1702 3450 Hector Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658 kent.brandon@ncbb.net

Zone 7 Representative Larry Sharp – Golden Gate Region 925.371.2258 1119 Megan Road, Livermore, CA 94550 larrysharp@comcast.net

Goodie Store Tom Sisson

209.296.5352

14537 Surrey Junction Ln., Sutter Creek, CA 95685

targatom@volcano.net

916.220.5641

G24 Chairs Rachel Johnson/Kim Nelson 916.933.4282 305 Glen Ridge Way El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 kim356@directcon.net Dummkopf Chair Randy Vidmar 916.624.3145 5207 Par Place Rocklin, CA 95677 oldbearbones@sbcglobal.net Advertising Manager Dick MacFarlane

916.482.0652

5740 Windmill Way #11 • Carmichael, CA 95608

dickm@hpsionline.com

Sacramento Valley Region, Porsche Club of America (SVR), publishes the Drifter monthly for its members. Written contributions and photos are welcome and should be e-mailed to the editor. The deadline for material is one month prior to the month of publication. SVR members should notify the membership director promptly of an address change to insure uninterrupted delivery. All material in this newsletter is protected by copyright. However, newsletter editor of others regions chartered by the Porsche Club of America may reprint any article provided that credit is given to the author and Sacramento Valley Region and that The Drifter is cited as the source.

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Chilli’s chatter

by Mike Willis

F

irst of all, Emily and I would like to wish you the best of holidays this year. Hopefully 2007 has been a good year for you and yours.

At this time of year SVR has its annual Christmas party where we can reflect on our “happenings” of the past year. We have had more than the normal number of very good events this year. Our event chairs have put forth lots of special effort to make the events fun, interesting, and enjoyable. During the Christmas party we will recognize some of the events with year-end awards for the social, competition and other events which might not fit a specific category.

Your 2007 board did an outstanding job in keeping the club on track while at the same time making it fun. We addressed, hopefully, the Drifter issue and can keep the newsletter coming to your “mailbox,” whether it is the printed or electronic version.

Our newsletter is very important to the club because it brings information about new events and happenings. Also it brings some insight to what we are all about through the articles, photographs and post-event coverage. All this information helps the board make the tough choices on which of our events will receive year-awards. And most important, we are able to give some recognition to the special individual efforts that made them happen.

This year’s Christmas party should be one of the best ever since Niello Porsche has graciously opened their showroom for the dinner, “bar,” (bring your own) and the year-end awards. We will keep the meeting part short so that socializing can monopolize the evening. Hopefully by the time you read this there will be space available. Last year we had over 160 people attend and this year should be the same. There is limited space so there is a reservation limit.

Now to change the subject: for our 2008 events we will have our annual planning meeting in January. Each of you is invited to bring ideas for events. Maybe you want to go someplace and take along some of your friends, or you have an idea for a different kind of event. Last year the idea came up to have a photo rally, and it was one of the most enjoyable days with friends and the Porsches. Another idea for a nice rally was the A/B rally which also was very enjoyable. In each case something different was tried and was “out of the box.” Yes, being out of the box made the promotion harder because many of us get used to doing what we know and are kind of hesitant to try something new. But the efforts of Ann & Matt Hamel and Keith McMahan and Mary Dachauer have set the stage for an annual running of each. There are many more that you can hear about at the Christmas party. But along the same line for 2008, I want to pose a question to each of you. Should we find an alternative to our “traditional” dinner Continued on page 8

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December and January Events

December 15

January 19

Social SVR 2007 Christmas Party; see page 4.

Zone 7 Awards Banquet, Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa; for info, contact Larry Sharp at larrysharp@comcast.net or telephone 925.371.2258.

Autocross & Track

December 6-7 DE Events at Laguna Seca; see page 14.

December 1

January 3

January 10

January 19

Other Salvation Army Toy Run; see page 20.

SVR Board Meeting at RPM at Bradshaw & Highway 50 SVR Event Planning Meeting; for info, contact Mike Willis at president@svr.pca.org or telephone 916.363.8313.

Zone 7 Presidents Meeting, Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa; for info, contact Larry Sharp at larrysharp@comcast.net or telephone 925.371.2258.

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SVR 2007 Christmas Party!

Niello Porsche have most graciously offered their elegant new showroom and facility in Rocklin as the location for our 2007 Christmas Party.

Festive live music, holiday decorations, delicious food, your SVR friends, and Porsches...what an evening it will be!

Get your reservations and menu selections in early.

Only the first 170 members and guests will be able to attend.

DINNER MENU Roast Turkey Served With Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Tossed Green Salad, Rolls and Butter.

Prime Rib Served With Red Roasted Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables, Demi Glaze, Horseradish Sauce, Tossed Green Salad, Rolls and Butter.

Egg Plant Parmesan Served With Rice Pilaf, Sauteed Vegetables, tossed Green Salad, Rolls and Butter.

Desserts A selection of desserts will be served.

Refreshments Coffee, Iced Water, and Soft Drinks will be available at no additional charge.

B.Y.O.B. Bring your own Wine or other liquor. There will not be a Corkage Fee!

Location: Niello Porsche Showroom 4525 Granite Drive, Rocklin, CA Date: Saturday, December 15, 2007 Time: Social Hour, 6:00pm Dinner: 7:30pm Attire: Holiday FORMAL (Black Tie Optional) Advanced reversations only!

Send your menu selections and check made payable to SVR PCA. Mail to: SVR Christmas Party Registrars Tom & Tambra Kroetz 9807 Blue Lake Drive, Folsom, CA 95630 Price: $35.00 per person Menu Selection REQUIRED with your Reservation.

You Have a Choice!

So why not make the right one when you need auto body and paint work? ✦ ✦

✦ ✦ ✦

Deadline: December 4, 2007

Don Joe

3532 La Grande Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95823 (916) 391-4159

State-of the Art Body and Paint Technology Certified Glasurit Paint (Factory Original for Porsche, Mercedes, BMW) Car-O-Liner Unibody Repair Equipment Enclosed Climate-Controlled Spray Booth Industry-Certified Technicians

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25th Year

Porsche & Vintage VW Literature, Toy/Model and Memorabilia Swap Meet Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel 5711 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles Saturday, February 23, 2008 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Admission $5.00 at 9:00 A.M. or early bird $25.00 at 7:30 A.M. There will be over 225 tables of collectibles and 25th anniversary goodies.

For vendor information, contact Wayne Callaway, 1504 East Cedar Street, Ontario, CA 91761, phone 909.930.1999, or go to the website at www.LALitAndToyShow.com.

Niello Porsche will meet or beat any written repair or service order estimate by any licensed independent Porsche repair facility... and perform the work where no one else can, the area’s most modern, state-of-the-art Porsche dealership.

Complimentary 29 point inspection for Porsche Club Members by appointment. Call today.

Niello Porsche Rocklin

4525 Granite Drive, Rocklin.

Showroom Hours M - Sa. 8:30am - 8:00pm Su. 10:30AM - 6:00PM Parts MF 8:00am - 6:00pm Service M-F 7:00am - 6:00PM Parts & Service Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm 1-888-298-3070 • (916) 625-8300

Niello Porsche has designated a Premier Porsche Dealer by Porsche Cars of North America. So now Niello is not only recognized as the longest continually operating Porsche dealership in America, we’re officially one of the best.

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SVR classes in first aid/CPR

by Cookie Anderson SVR Social Director

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n October 14th Sacramento Valley Region coordinated the presentation of a first aid/CPR class for adults, children and infants. The class also included instruction in AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for adults and children. The instructors were Captain Jay Skidmore of the Sacramento Metro Fire District and Diane Spina from the American Red Cross.

We learned how to recognize and respond to emergencies such as sudden illness, fainting, diabetic seizures, heart attack and stroke.

We also discussed insect stings, heat and cold-related emergencies. Manikins (adult and babies) were supplied as training aids for the CPR class, along with AED machines.

We want to thank Captain Skidmore and Diane Spina for putting on such an informative class. I also want to thank all the people who participated in the program.

Clockwise from upper right: attentive students, Captain Jay Skidmore, Diane Spina, victim Rik Larson, lifesaver Matt Deter Photos by Cookie Anderson

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Drifting back – December 2007

by Larry Wilson

30 Years Ago (December 1977)

It seemed like everyone turned out for the December 9th Christmas Party at the Mansion Inn Terrace Room, with dancing to the music of Catbird. The place was packed! It was a terrific party. Merle Dodd, 1977 Activities Chairman, used a point system during the year to record the level of club activity of each member in one of two categories: “New Members” (joined SVR within the last eighteen months), and “Not New Members.” (Merle declined using “Old Members” as a category name.) During the evening’s program, Merle recognized the top five in each group. The top New Members were Jim and Denise Boswell (97 points.), Richard and Gail Burke (73 points), Brian Lewis (40 points), Ted Strutz (32 points), and William and Jan Florence (31 points). The top Not New Members were Ted and Diane Colbert (121 points), Paul and Gail Bates (111 points), Paul Baldarelli and Laurie Adams (90 points), Darrel and C.C. Overstreet (86 points), and Jim and Joyce Karver (75 points).

Board members were not included in the scoring. The top two in each group received trophies. Members of the new board were introduced and the old members were given a token of thanks for their hard work for the club during 1977. Then a serious party began.

The December Drifter had a few statistics on the 1977 Zone 7 Autocross Series. The eight-event series brought out 1,214 entries, an average of 152 entries per event. 821 (68%) were men, and 393 (32%) were women. Golden Gate Region had the highest turnout with 45% of all entries. Yosemite was next with 17%. SVR had the third highest turnout with 13%.

Stock four-cylinder cars were the most popular, accounting for 39% of all entries. Stock six-cylinder was next (37%), and all improved/modified cars accounted for 24% of all entries.

20 Years Ago (December 1987)

Ninety-six members attended the December 12th SVR Christmas Party in the Clarion Hotel’s Terrace Room at 16th and

H Streets; it was a very moving event chaired by Sara Clements.

As pointed out by the disco man, the crowd moved the hotel’s portable dance floor about four feet with their heavy dancing.

Ken Mitchell and Bob Jacobson helped Sara obtain enough door prizes so that everyone won something. A set of Goodyear tires was the primo door prize. Karen Mangin did the table decorations, and Bob Siles and Steve Taggart helped load a full carload of member-donated canned food for Operation Santa Claus.

The evening highlight was President Jim McDade presenting the SVR President’s Award to Allen and Dolores Weddle, and it was received to a standing ovation. Allen and Dolores joined SVR in 1972 shortly after their purchase of a red 1964 Porsche 356 and were instantly active, chairing events including the popular Grand Island Mansion Tour. In commenting about the Weddles, McDade said, “They chair events, they go to CRAB every year, they go to Parades, and they are always available to help with any event. They are also genuinely good people and I am proud to have them as my friends.”

Dual SVR-member Susan Hageman, a member of the Pacific Northwest Region, finished 33rd in the 1987 Porsche Cup competition. In all, 151 drivers earned points in the yearlong competition. Susan was the only woman to earn Porsche Cup points after her unprecedented third consecutive national championship in the 1987 SCCA Solo II championship runoffs in Salina, Kansas. In Porsche Cup competition, she finished in a tie with Bob Wollek and Vern Schuppan, both IMSA Camel GT Porsche 962 drivers. The top fifteen drivers received their awards personally from Dr. Ferry Porsche on December 15th during the annual Porsche Cup awards banquet in Stuttgart, Germany.

Continued

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10 Years Ago (December 1997)

SVR organized (with Mike Willis as chair) the December 5-7 PCA Club Race at Thunderhill Raceway, and it was a great success, hampered only intermittently by rain. Sixty drivers were registered, many from out of town. Results were posted on the SVR website. The event was possible only because of the tireless workers from SVR and other Zone 7 regions: John Miller, Dave Darling, Marianne and Robbie Gardner, Ken Mitchell, Dwight Mitchell, Larry Heitman, Tim Fleming, Mike Ambrozewicz, Jeff Kinder, Greg Peart, Gerry and Tally Wade, Mike Churkin, Mick Mitterholzer and Bob, Del Lisk, Phil Cloud, Rik Larson, Arnold Ramirez, Dave and Dolores Johnson, Phillip Marks, Herb Hoover, Pat deWitt, Rich McGlumphy, Louise Sousouores, and Donna Mitchell.

The December 13th SVR Christmas Party was chaired by Alma Thompson and held at Andiamo’s restaurant on Folsom Boulevard. Bob Peake gave credit to the Thompsons, Clements, and Vidmars for organizing a terrific dinner party and mentioned the percentage of tuxedos was at a record high. In addition to recognizing the outgoing board members, and introducing the incoming members, the evening’s ceremonies also included the presentation of the top SVR annual awards (drum roll, please): Social Event of the Year was the White Elephant Gift Exchange

by Jim, Linda, and Maryann McMahan; Competitive Event of the Year was the Kids’ Rally by Helen Ashuckian; and, the President’s Award went to Mike Willis.

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More Chilli

meetings? Should we try the Saturday morning breakfasts and then a drive like the 356 Car club has been successfully doing?

Should we have a tour that ends at a dinner spot and then have a short meeting?

Think out of the box for a possible alternative to dinner meetings. And let’s talk about it at the planning meeting or send me a note if you are not able to be there in person.

Thanks for all your input and, most importantly, the support you gave during 2007 to keep our region moving forward.

We did have fun. If not why did we do it?

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Porsche magazines, subscriptions and web sites

by Ken Koop, Yellowstone Region (from Old Faithful)

T

here are some excellent magazines available both in hard copy and on the Internet for anyone interested in learning more about Porsches. Most of these magazines publish articles on both old and new models as well as comparisons on various types of Porsches. I will try to describe the flavor and quality of each one of the magazines listed below.

If you’re looking for a special gift for the holidays or a birthday, you may want to consider one of these for the Porsche fan in your life!

Excellence magazine - www.excellence-mag.com. This is a high-quality magazine, with feature articles on all Porsches, ranging from 356s to the current 997. They include comparisons, do-it-yourself, and tuner and race preparation articles. This magazine has high-quality pictures and is very well written. If you subscribe to only one Porsche magazine, this is the one to have. Published nine times a year.

GT Porsche - www.gtpurelyporsche.com. This is another highquality, all-encompassing magazine published in England. It has a British flavor with a good perspective on the European view of the car world. The magazine is well put together with beautiful pictures. This magazine features articles on the entire range of Porsche models. GT Purely Porsche is another excellent all around magazine and a worthwhile read. Published monthly.

911 & Porsche World - www.chpltd.com. A British all-encompassing magazine and probably one step below the two magazines mentioned above. Still, it’s a quality magazine, with articles on all models of Porsches being represented. It also covers the European racing scene. Published monthly.

Total 911 - www.total911.co.uk. This British magazine covers only 911s. The articles are informative and the photography is very good. If 911’s are your main passion, then this might be your magazine. Published monthly.

Christophorus - www.porsche.com/english/usa/news/christophorus. This is a very high-quality magazine with excellent photography and is published by Porsche. It features articles focused primarily on current models and occasionally on older and race models. It covers driving tours in Europe as well as dining and hotel information along the route. Also, it gives you an inside look at what is going on at Porsche in the corporate offices, Exclusive Department, production plants, museum and what Porsche is currently offering to its customers. This is not a car enthusiast’s magazine, but offers more of a general overview of the “Porsche Culture.” If behind-the-scene information and viewing some beautiful European scenery is important to you, then this might be a magazine you want to subscribe to. Published six times per year.

Velocity -www.porscheownersclub.org. Published by the Porsche Owners Club, this magazine is geared to Porsche club racing and features racing types of articles. Club races and results are published; do-it-yourself articles, and an occasional article on current non-race models are also included. The quality of the magazine is below that of all the magazines listed above, but if you like club racing and what is going on in that arena, this magazine offers the very best coverage. Published quarterly.

356 Registry - www.356registry.org. 356 Registry Magazine provides coverage of the 356 type Porsches. The magazine is published six times a year.

Panorama - www.pca.org. Since all PCA members receive this publication, it is listed FYI.

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November 13th new members tour to Montevina Winery photos by Mary Ann Behrens and Kevin Dougherty

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Bolt-on performance upgrades for your Porsche

by Dean Lewellen, Arizona Region (from GOING PLACES)

O

ur normally aspirated Porsches (read non-Turbos) leave the factory in Stuttgart with engines that are leaders in the automotive industry in terms of specific power output--horsepower per liter. The Boxster and Boxster S engines are rated at 80hp per liter and 78hp per liter, respectively, and the 2002 996 engine is rated at 89hp per liter. In comparison, the 2002 Corvette engine outputs range from 61 to 71hp per liter. Run-of-the-mill BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz engine outputs are in the 65 to 75hp per liter range. The Ferrari 550 Maranello, known for its “off the scale” performance, has an engine that is rated at 88hp per liter, comparable to the 996. High specific power output engines are not a new Porsche feature, the 1969 911S engine was rated at 85hp per liter, thirty-three years ago, producing 170 hp from its 2.0 liter displacement engine.

All of the foregoing may be just “folksy news” after completing a series of driver’s education days, a time trial or a season of autocrosses and we find ourselves wishing for more top speed down a straight or faster acceleration out of a corner.

All non-turbocharged Porsche engines from the Model Year 1984 and on are equipped with an electronic engine management system called Digital Motor Electronics (DME). The heart of the DME system is a digital microprocessor (chip) that controls the fuel flow to the injectors as well as controlling the ignition spark timing. A reliable bolt-on increase of 12 to 15 horsepower can be obtained from a good Stage 1 chip that is programmed to be compatible with the fuel octane level available and leaves the rev limiter cutoff unchanged. There are several recognized suppliers of replacement DME chips.

Performance gains from bolt-on aftermarket exhaust systems are minimal at best. They sound wonderful, even sound more powerful, but at most five additional horsepower is the very best one can expect when the stock engine rpm range and the stock camshaft profile is maintained. Keep in mind that five horsepower is within the power variations that exist from the temperature from a hot day to a cold day. Porsche really does a very good job of providing sufficient muffler flow capacity with their Original Equipment exhaust systems, but they are just too quiet for some folks.

On the air intake/filter side of the engine, Porsche’s design and OEM parts provide intake air flow that is non-turbulent and properly metered for good drivability. Again, bolt-on modifications in the way of air boxes and special filters result in a more sporting sound but little, if any, power increase. The addition of five or six 1 inch to 11⁄2 inch diameter holes in your OEM plastic air box outer cover will enhance airflow a little while certainly making a nicer sound at wide open throttle. Expect no more than five horsepower from the addition of these extra air inlet holes.

The sum of the above parts is between 20 and 25 horsepower at the top end, which will provide some noticeable gains in top speed from your basic stock engine - not bad. The on-board Mass Air Flow Sensor and the oxygen sensors in the exhaust will make the corrections necessary to handle these subtle power gains. Still not satisfied? Read on, but bring your checkbook.

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Larger bolt-on engine power increases, thirty or more horsepower, can be achieved through a compatible combination of a “mapped” DME chip upgrade, a high flow air intake system, and a high-performance exhaust system. A chip may be “mapped” (read programmed) to account for changes in compression ratios, camshaft profiles, air mass flows, exhaust headers, and other modifications. The rev limiter cutoff value and fuel/air ratio in the cylinders can be altered and controlled as well. Pay particular attention to the words “compatible combination” when thinking about chips, air boxes and exhaust systems. Remember, a mapped chip upgrade that provides a marked increase in the fuel flow rate to the injectors will not increase the engine’s power output without a matching increase in the amount of air flowing into the cylinders from the intake system to maintain the mapped fuel/air mixture ratio. A higher performance exhaust system is also required to collect and handle the increased flow of exhaust gases exiting the cylinders. In other words, the total performance goal is sort of like sitting on a three-legged stool where all three legs must be present and compatible with each other for a good balanced result.

To take advantage of the higher potential gains from a Stage 2 or Stage 3 mapped chip, some internal engine parts will need upgrades to operate at the higher engine revs where the additional power is made and the performance is felt. The 3.2 liter and 3.6 liter 911 engines from 1984 through 1998 all need higher strength connecting rod bolts, and, higher strength valve springs and retainers to operate above 7000 rpm for prolonged periods.

These modifications may stretch the term “bolt-on” somewhat past the limit, but the experiences of those going down this road before us have proven them to be wise and necessary investments.

A higher performance camshaft upgrade should be considered as well when the valve spring and retainer changes are made.

Continued on page 14

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Better headlights for older Porsches

by Lisa Thomas, SVR Technical Chair

W

hile driving our 993 on our way home from a beautiful weekend in Mendocino, we found it very difficult to see the winding road at night. Obviously, both of headlights on the car were working, but it seemed necessary to keep them continuously on high beam. We decided we’ve been spoiled after driving our newer Porsches at night - those that come equipped with Xenon lights. Model 993 is not that old, but its halogen lights are not at all adequate. My Cayenne came with Bi-Xenon lights from the factory as a $1200 option, and the RUF has them, too; on the Boxster they are a $1070 option.

A search on Google came up with 250,000 matches for Xenon light kits, several mentioning HID (High Intensity Discharge) light kits. (I have seen such lights at car shows that were installed on cars that also had orange lights illuminating the pavement underneath, TV screens on the sun visors, and several 16-inch speakers in the trunk. I never thought to put them on a Porsche. I couldn’t picture my Porsche with purple or green eyes.)

When I searched for “Porsche HID lights,” Vertex came up.

This firm offers kits for all models and are available in bright white and blue. We ordered the single-beam model, meaning our kit would replace just the low beam in the headlight in 8K-color temperature (blue). The cost for the kit came to $259, including free shipping. The lights came in a really nice package that included everything needed, along with detailed instructions with pictures specifically for the car model. But in this case though, they sent instructions, for a 986/996 rather than the 993. When we called, they were very apologetic but said they don’t have specific instructions for the 993. We decided we could figure it out, using the 996 instructions they had included.

After eyeballing the situation, we determined we needed to access the back of the headlight housings from the inner wheel wells. Unfortunately the wheel wells are sealed with plastic inner fenders. We removed those, and found we still could not see the back of the headlights because on the passenger’s side there are oil cooler lines and the horn; and on the driver’s side, the windshield washer reservoir is in the way. We removed those and found that though we could see the back of both of the headlights, we could not get to them. We decided that Vertex didn’t provide instructions for the 993 because nobody would attempt the installation.

After referring to the 986/996 instructions, we noticed one of the pictures that showed a headlight release tool that would make it possible to take out the entire headlight housing through a hole inside the trunk. Sure enough, inside the trunk of the 993 there was a long lever, and after un-clipping and moving it, the headlight housing was released as a unit and it popped out the front of the fender. At first we thought all of our efforts to remove the inner fenders had been useless. But as it turns out, for the 996 they recommend mounting the new ballasts inside the trunk and removing an existing rubber plug in the trunk to route the wiring from the ballast to the headlight. For the 993 there is no existing hole, so rather than drilling into the fender,

it is recommend to tie-wrap the ballasts inside the fender well because as tight a space as it is, it was much easier to mount the ballast from inside the wheel well than it would be to reach in through the headlight hole and try to secure them.

In the end, the installation was really pretty simple. The wires leading to the existing light bulb are attached to the new ballast input wires, a location for the ballast is found, and the new HID bulb is placed in the socket. In fact, it was so easy and effective that I decided to put a kit on my mother’s Volvo because she has a hard time seeing at night. This time I ordered a kit from one of the tuner companies called XenonEyes. This kit came in a cute little silver brief case and included all of the needed hardware and general instructions. Having done this before, the job was very easy and took about half an hour. This kit cost $155 for the single beam kit, and a kit to replace both beams would cost $250. The type of headlight you have H1, H4, H7, etc. will determine whether you can replace only one or both beams. The main difference between the kits is that the one from Vertex for the Porsche comes with new Bosch headlight backing plates with pre-drilled holes for the new wiring leading to the ballasts. If you feel comfortable about drilling holes on the plastic plates already on the car, it is worth the money saved, and having three to five times the brightness when driving at night is definitely worth the time and money spent to upgrade to HID Xenon lights.

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Bolt-0n continued

The high flow intake system that matches up with the Stage 2 or Stage 3 mapped performance chips can be either an internal velocity cone type like a PowerFlow unit or a performance air box type like a Weltmeister or even your drilled out Original Equipment air box. A K&N air filter’s higher flow capacity would be compatible with these air box setups. The matching high performance exhaust system should consist of a header system for collection and flowing of cylinder gases to a muffler/exhaust pipe system. There are several high performance exhaust system providers. A properly matched Stage 2 or Stage 3 setup will provide a real and measurable performance increment from the additional raw power output plus the higher rev capacity available.

We have now established both ends of the “bolt-on” upgrade performance spectrum. The 20-25 horsepower upgrade can be created under your engine lid for several hundred dollars. A Stage 3 or higher upgrade which may boost power by 35-45 horsepower will set you back several thousand dollars, including the internal engine upgrades required for sustained higher rpm operation.

You pick your horsepower and pay the price, so to speak. It is worthy to note here that the first 20 horses come fairly cheaply and easily but the next 20 horses come at a much higher price due to the complexity and the related upgrades needed.

Besides the engine, there are other areas of your Porsche where bolt-on performance upgrades will improve your lap times or run times: suspension and brakes. Upgrading these components as the engine power is increased will keep the car in overall balance. Again, the three-legged stool analogy: if you add more go power, you should add more handling control and stopping power to keep the total performance of your car in balance. Consider a set of performance springs or torsion bars plus a set of performance struts and/or shocks along with the addition of a front strut tower brace to keep the suspension members in touch with Mother Earth in all competitive situations. Brake caliper, brake pad and brake rotor upgrades can be added much like the stages of the mapped DME chips to keep your Porsche’s stopping power matched to the go power selected.

Our Porsches are one of a very few automobiles in the world that can be tuned and improved stage by stage with OEM-quality bolt-on performance upgrades. There is a vast array of choices, options and products out there that have proven track records, no pun intended. Each owner can create his or her own unique performance niche with bolt-on upgrades depending upon the height of their expectations and the depth of their pockets.

Enjoy!

TrackMaster/ SVR December Drivers Education Events December 6th and 7th Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca High-Speed Driving School for Beginners and Novices Includes In-Car Instruction Classroom/Download Sessions Novice Run Group Operated under PCA Rules Run groups are limited to 20-28 participants to maximize track time and minimize congestion.

Reservation is first-come, first-served. For more information, contact Frederick D. Rauch at deevents@svr.pca.org or call 916.989.0580 or register at www.trackmasters-racing.com.

TMR events are operated by PCA member Doug Gale of TrackMasters Racing. SVR events are operated as SVR/PCA events with logistic assistance by Doug Gale/TMR. DE events are not intended as timed or race events.

Any timing is done for personal purposes only and is not part of the operation of the events.

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November 7, 2007 SVR board meeting

by Kevin Dougherty, SVR Secretary

P

resident Mike Willis called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Attending: Kevin Dougherty, Matt Deter, Helen Ashuckian, Kern Breaux, Cookie Anderson, Jerry Cupler, Mike Willis, John Murphy, Dick MacFarlane, and Ray Silva. The October minutes were previously reviewed and then accepted at the meeting.

Pre-Event Budget Reviews

• Half Moon Bay Tour, April 4-6, 2008: Approved

• Revised Laguna Seca D.E.: Approved New Business

• 2008 Niello Support: Kim and Mike met with management and it went very well. One change is the concours will not be on Fathers Day. Niello folks will write a tech column in The Drifter.

• 2008 Zone Calendar: Mike will be going to the Zone 7 presidents meeting this weekend and will take along CRAB 34 flyers and registration forms.

• Toy Drive: Dick MacFarlane gave an update regarding the toy drive at Sunrise Mall on the first Saturday in December at Sunrise Mall from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with the Corvette Club and Euro Sunday, as well as Radio 96.1, The Eagle.

Old Business

• Drifter Subscriptions: Not too many folks are responding.

More will when the ballots are mailed.

• Advertising: Dick gave an overview of some changes in the ad spacing in the drifter. Billings have gone out.

Board Member Reports

• CRAB (Mark Judish): Mike passed out CRAB 34 flyers on Mark’s behalf.

• Advertising (Dick MacFarlane): (See Old Business above)

• Competition (Matt Deter): The Zone 7 Autocross went well, with 32 cars on Sunday when the course was run backwards.

There will be a trailer party on December 2, 2007 to clean up the autocross trailer.

• Driver Education (Frederick Rauch): There are 80 cars registered for Laguna Seca. The board approved a revised budget.

• Drifter (Bud Behrens): Bud will be editing the Drifter again in 2008.

• Financial Report (Betty Silva): The club is in good shape.

Betty issued a 17-page report. Mike wants each chair to check to make sure all of their postings are correct.

• Membership Director (Rik Larson): Highlights: SVR has a total of 1,149 members, which includes 642 regular members (up 8 from October) and 507 affiliate members. There are 14 dual members.

• Social (Cookie Anderson): The November 12th dinner meeting, with Bruce Anderson as guest speaker, is a go.

• Rally (Helen Ashuckian): The season is ending with the Zone 7 Moonlight Monte Carlo rally. Helen will not be chairing the rally committee next year because her 108-year-old mother needs her assistance more and more. Yes, 108 years old.

• G24 (Mike Willis reporting for Kim & Rachel): The last event in 2007 will be the Towe Christmas tree decorating party and potluck dinner on November 25th. Lee Deter will be taking over G24 in 2008.

• Christmas Party (Kim Nelson): Many of the Niello folks will be in attendance.

• Goodie Store (Tom Sisson): Sales have been good, especially on the new member tour.

• Webmaster (John Murphy): John has put together a C/D of about 270 pictures to run in the background at the Towe Museum Christmas tree decorating party to run in the background. There were just under 1.3 million hits to the website so far this year.

The most-requested files have been the October and November Drifters. New Zealand is the country of choice this month.

• Vice President (Kern Breaux): Kern filled in with his usual humor throughout the meeting.

• Past President (Jeff Kinder): Jeff is in Mexico.

• President: The events of the year were selected by the board and will be announced at the Christmas party.

Adjournment was at 9:04 P.M. the next meeting will be at RPM on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. This will be a joint meeting of the 2007/2008 boards of directors.

Respectfully Submitted, Kevin R. Dougherty, 2007 Secretary

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15

Join in – December membership report

by Rik Larson, SVR Membership Director

SVR has 642 regular members and 507 affiliate members for a total of 1,149 members plus 14 dual members.

Directory Update: If you have any corrections for our directory database, please contact Rik Larson.

New Members (Joined October 2007)

Changes

Donald Fraulob & Melissa Brown Sacramento, CA 95816 don@ffblaw.com 916.233.5453 ’74 911

Paul & Bridget Robins Granite Bay, CA 95746 probins@rcsis.com 916.224.9925

Brian & Jim Heiland Rancho Cordova, CA bgheiland@sbcglobal.net 916.988.5907

Walt & Bettie Sieburt Placerville, CA 95667 bbarker@infostations.com

’02 911

Gregor Anderson & Nicole Sigg Fair Oaks, CA 95628-2525 ’71 914/6

Robert Dong 916.617.4264 ’87 911

Anne Hitchcock & Richard Brown Orangevale, CA 95662 annelists@rich.and.anne.com 916.988.5907 ’01 Boxster

Curtis & Bobbi Vandewalker Auburn, CA 95603 drejvl@sbcglobal.net 916.652.5863 ’83 911SC

Kirk Lewis & Caroline Shanafelt Carmichael, CA 95608 kjlew2005@yahoo.com 916.483.4224 ’96 993

Chris & Rhonda Watson Loomis, CA 95650 denali@surewest.net 916.532.3932

Zoe Martin Loomis, CA 95650 zoemartin_7@hotmail.com 775.853.9503

Transfers In ’88 944

Morgan McGilvary Cedar Ridge, CA 95924 duffsretired@sbcglobal.net 530.477.1377 ’07 Cayman S Robert & Debbie Michaels Shingle Springs, CA 95682 Robert.michaels@e-hps.com 530.676.0479 ’07 Cayman S

Keith Pasko Carmichael, CA 95609-2660 keith.pasko@gmail.com 916.548.6506 (from Los Angeles Region) David & Beverly Thompson Auburn, CA 95602 dbthompson@usamedia.tv 530.268.6692 (from Loma Prieta Region)

Norman & Janelle Dalton ’07 Carrera

Mark & Dee Ford Auburn, CA 95602 John & Karen Hawkins johnhawkins@ascendance.net Bryan & Mary Hayes El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 916.941.9474

’02 911 James Howard & Betty Nelson jrhoward@sbcglobal.net Christopher Schofield 916.795.3806 ’78 924

’85 944

Debbie Sheehan Auburn, CA 95602 530.878.2815 Anniversaries Robert & Sandy Sime [5] Kevin A. & Kenny Tse [5] Hank & Cathy Feenstra [35] Congratulations to Hank & Cathy on their 35 years in PCA

Robert & Ann Neeson Lincoln, CA 95648 neeson@starstream.net 916.408.8088

’01 Boxster

James & Suzanne Plank Pollock Pines, CA 95726 jsplank@directcon.net 530.644.4451

’81 911SC

16

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fdrmotorsports.com

Offering PCA Club Member Pricing On Performance and Appearance Products

Frozen Rotors Brey-Krause Crow Enterprises Porterfield Pagid Sparco CarGraphic USA UniChip Call or visit our website Phone 916.989.0580 E-mail: fdr@fdrmotorsports.com

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17

MP Parts We have a wide variety of used parts for late model

Porsches We specialize in Boxster, 996 and other models.

3501 Recycle Road • Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 (916) 638-1323 • (916) 853-8577 FAX Check out our inventory at www.mazdaporscheparts.com

18

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Santa comes but once a year

T

his is your big chance to score with your significant other(s) - or even the insignificant ones!

Come visit Ol’ Jingle Bells at the Goodie Store and get good stuff! We’ve got really nice T-shirts ($18.00), polo shirts ($30.00), and denim shirts ($35.00), with different logos (see the web site.)

The fleece vests ($35.00) and the microfiber jackets ($55.00) make great gifts. And if you don’t like what we have in stock, well, you can just ask us to order what you want. If you order early enough, we should be able to get it in time for Christmas. Good prices and shipping and handling are cheap compared to other places.

Look at it this way. Even if the recipient doesn’t like the gift, it could be used as a “white elephant gift.” Of course, if the gift were literally a white elephant, that would make it pretty useless.

Have you ever wondered why a useless gift is called a white elephant?

Well, white elephants were rare, even in Siam. If you found one, the emperor automatically owned it and you couldn’t harm it. When the emperor wanted to punish someone, he gave him or her a white elephant as a “gift.” The recipient of the gift couldn’t ride it or work it, but they still had to take care of it and clean up after it. And you know what elephants do besides eat. The gift was useless; thus the expression.

Help out your club and yourself! Get your goodies from Santa Tom at meetings and events, or contact him at 14537 Surrey Junction Lane, Sutter Creek, CA 95685, telephone 209.296.5352 or e-mail targatom@volcano.net.

Index of Advertisers A & S BMW

European Body Shop Fabrication Specialties

FDR Motorsports

Frank’s Automotive

IPB – Autosport

Karma Kreations

MP Parts

Niello Porsche

18

2 4 17 IBC IFC 8 18 5, BC

OK Tire ‘n’ Wheel

PartsHeaven

Performance Products

The Racer’s Group

Reflections in Glass

RPM Kart Racing

Silver Star Recycling Trackmasters

Walt Stickel

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IBC 18 17 17 2 3 19 IFC 7 19

Drifter Classifieds Drifter Classifieds for Porsches and/or Porsche-related parts or accessories are available at no charge to PCA members (pictures with text are $15 each); non-members may submit ads, $20 each; pictures with text add $15 each (member & non-member). Make check payable to PCA-SVR and send with ad to PCS-SVR, P.O. Box 254651, Sacramento, CA 95865-4651. Commercial ads are not accepted. Please contact our Advertising Manager for commercial advertising information and rates. All ads must be submitted by e-mail to the Newsletter Editor and received by the editor by the 1st day of the month prior to publication. Ads may e shortened to fit available space. Editor is not responsible for content and reserves the right to reject any ads submitted. Not responsible for any errors or omissions. As an additional benefit to our members, all ads are included in the classified section of our web page. Ads are not verified for content. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify the information in the ads. Ads run for three months unless cancelled.

8thAnnual Sacramento Area Cars Kids, and Toys

Porsches for Sale

2001 Boxster Tiptronic: Orient Red Metalic/black leather interior; 6955 actual miles. This is the lowest mileage Boxster for sale on the west coast.

Heated seats; sport pkg; comfort pkg; optional Boxster Design alloy wheels with painted crests; new rear tires; new battery; includes car cover. $29,800 Contact hbporter@comcast.net or 916.771.4476 Roseville, CA for photos and more info. (12/07) 1996 911 Coupe: Guards Red/black leather, moon roof, 6-speed transmission, 58k miles. Asking #39,900. Call Kevin McCann at 916.447.7558 (12/07) 1984 911 Targa: Black/Black, 139,000 miles; good condition; runs like a scalded dog. No leaks: very strong running car. Needs some detail work; very near stock, polished Fuchs. PPI by IPB-Autosport 3 years ago and I cleared the list. $16,500. Call 916.479.4400 or e-mail slimpach@ frontiernet.net (10/07)

This year the Sacramento Valley Region of the Porsche Club of America will be joining EuroSunday, the Western States Corvette Council, and the local independent Corvette owners in this annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. SVR invites all Porsche owners to join this Porsche/EuroSunday/Corvette charity event.

When: December 1st (Saturday) Where: Sunrise Mall at Sunrise and Greenback in

Citrus Heights, between The Elephant Bar

and the US Bank Time:

10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Bring: An unwrapped toy and a canned food item The Eagle 96.9 will be there from 10:00 A.M. until noon.

The Salvation Army will provide coffee and donuts.

1979 930: Minerva Blue/black; sunroof, black powder coated BBS 3-piece wheels (8” front, 10” rear), new tires; Recaro electric seats with heater and headrest speakers; never autocrossed or raced; concours winner; original owner. $47,500. Contact Donald T. Terry (Loomis, CA) at 916.415.1605 or FAX 916.415.1604. (11/07)

Other local car clubs have shown an interest in joining us for this charity event, so we are expecting an incredible turnout.This toy event is about donations for the kids and lots of cars.

1976 911S: 2.7L motor, ’73 E cams, 40mm Webers, new clutch. Contact Rodley Moser at 775.741.1199 or e-mail Darn2tin@aol.com (12/07)

There is no pre-registration. If you have any questions, contact Dick MacFarlane at dickm@hpsionline.com or call 916.715.5765.

1967 Soft Window Targa 912: Guards Red, black interior. Bare-metal restoration in 2004. Rust free, low mileage. Rebuilt engine, transmission, brakes, etc. $25,000/OBO. Contact Duane Spencer, Lakehead, CA 96051. Phone 530.236.2198, FAX 530.238.2846. (10/07) 1957 356 A Sunroof Coupe: 1600 Super. Rust free, Meissen Blue, grey interior. Restored in 1993. Approximately 12,000 miles. $65,000/OBO. Contact Duane Spencer, Lakehead, CA 96051. Phone 530.236.2198, FAX 530.238.2846. (10/07)

The last word

by Bud Behrens

There’s no commentary for this month in order to make room for the above event ad. You’re all urged to support this worthwhile toy drive.

1961 356 B Roadster Super 90: Rust free, solid car. Restored in 1002.

Guards Red, tan interior. Connelly leather seats. Hot rod engine, 5-speed transmission. Very quick. Disc brakes. Former racecar. $100,000/OBO. Contact Duane Spencer, Lakehead, CA 96051. Phone 530.236.2198, Best wished for the coming holidays.

FAX 530.238.2846. (10/07 20

the drifter

Frank’s AUTOMOTIVE Since 1969 Since 1969

Independent Service and Repair Porsche | BMW | Audi | Mercedes | VW | Volvo

Frank Lettini Nick Lettini 5220 Folsom Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95819 Lic # 010502

916-452-0917

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Cards

Our motto: “If you like our work,tell others.

If not, tell us.”

Sacramento Valley Region Porsche Club of America Post Office Box 254651 Sacramento, CA 95865-4651

(c)2006 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

Niello Porsche has been designated a Premier Porsche Dealer by Porsche Cars of North America.

So now we’re not only recognized as the longest continually operating Porsche dealership in America, we’re officially one of the best.

Visit today and see why.

Niello Porsche Rocklin

4525 Granite Drive, Rocklin Showroom Hours M - Sa. 8:30am - 8:00pm Su. 10:30AM - 6:00PM Parts MF 8:00am - 6:00pm Service M-F 7:00am - 6:00PM Parts & Service Saturday 8:30am-3:00pm 1-888-298-3070 • (916) 625-8300 • niello.com

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