Interesting Fact of the Day

"CAcoalminer" (CAcoalminer) 01/14/2015 at 17:03 • Filed to: None

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While most may never see red line in their lives, it's great to know that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0's engine has been thoroughly engineered to handle it.

If you're lucky enough to own a 911 powered by one of these motors, you might think its red line is somewhere you should visit sparingly. If so you'll be interested to know that one of the routine tests to which this engine was subjected during development for use in this ultimate GT3 was to be run flat out and non-stop for 3000km. That's London to Moscow and halfway back at full throttle.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/road-cars/manu…

HammerheadFistpunch > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 17:13

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flat out =/= redline

CAcoalminer > HammerheadFistpunch 01/14/2015 at 17:14

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True but that is what is implied in the article.

macanamera > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 17:22

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If only we knew someone who had redlined a 4.0. We could have first hand testimony...

CAcoalminer > macanamera 01/14/2015 at 17:26

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Shhh

macanamera > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 17:27

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And then maybe compare it to a Speciale in the future...

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 17:30

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I recall reading in a book about Porsche 'running in' the steering racks on a bench back in the 70's. Not sure if it still happens these days but there was a picture showing a heap of racks bolted to the bench with some method of turning from lock to lock.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 17:42

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Interesting. What is the deal with the Internet chatter about the 4.0 engine imploding frequently?

HMMMA > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 18:49

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On another note I often wonder why some people get so worked up over cars revving to redline, I mean if the engine blew up surely that would mean the rev limiter is useless. As if engineers don't know what they're doing.

CAcoalminer > Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast 01/14/2015 at 19:19

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Very interesting. That would be fascinating to know whether they still do that.

CAcoalminer > HMMMA 01/14/2015 at 19:20

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Very true.

CAcoalminer > macanamera 01/14/2015 at 19:21

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Theoretically, anything is possible.

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:25

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It made me like Porsche even more when I found that out. I'm sure there was other components that went though a similar procees. I think I've still got the book so I'll be having another read tonight.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 01/14/2015 at 19:26

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I don't know. I didn't realize that was an issue.

CAcoalminer > Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast 01/14/2015 at 19:28

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I've always loved Porsche. I just think their cars are so well engineering.

If you find that passage again, let me know.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:34

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There has been a lot of chatter about engines blowing up and being replaced under warranty

Not sure if true or mean internet rumor

macanamera > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:36

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You should buy a Speciale and a Speciale Aperta. If you are short on garage space, I'll hold on to one of them for you!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 01/14/2015 at 19:37

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Interesting. No one I know has experienced this issue but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:40

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Will do. If I can get the technology to do what I want I'll try to scan and post it if you like? I don't know how I'll go as I'm 50% Luddite/50% technologically challenged.

Also I'm 2 years into my 40's and never owned a Porsche, I feel a midlife crisis coming on.

CAcoalminer > macanamera 01/14/2015 at 19:46

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You're a generous fellow.

CAcoalminer > Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast 01/14/2015 at 19:49

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That would be terrific but if you aren't able to, don't worry about it. This new technology is an ongoing struggle for me. Haha

Well, you still have plenty of time. At least you aren't 73 like me.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:52

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I bet it's a false rumor

If the league of extraordinary gentlemen have not heard of the issue then it must be fake!

macanamera > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 19:53

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What can I say, I do a lot for my friends.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 01/14/2015 at 19:59

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I just did a quick search and everyone only seems to have heard about it, no one actually has had or knows someone with a car replaced.

Haha.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 01/14/2015 at 20:34

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If it is true it hasn't hurt values!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 01/14/2015 at 20:53

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Very true.

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > CAcoalminer 01/15/2015 at 06:51

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Damn it! I've been through the Porsche books I have and can't find it, asked my dad if he remembers it, and he does. I recall showing him the picture and him being impressed. I'm now thinking it must have been in a book from the school library. I've also had a quick look on the net and sadly haven't found any reference to the steering rack "breaking in" yet, I will keep looking now till I find it. I have a mission!

CAcoalminer > Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast 01/15/2015 at 10:33

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Well, I hope you are able to find it.

B_dol > CAcoalminer 01/15/2015 at 14:32

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The other day a generous friend of mine was giving me a spirited ride in his new Ferrari 458 Italai and I looked over (hard to do under hard acceleration!) to see him shifting gingerly at 6.5-7K. I am a bit ashamed he didn't ring it out closer to the 9K redline.

That tends to be the plight of owners these days. A few days later I offered him a drive in my tuned FR-S and I instructed him to shift no sooner than 7400 rpm (redline at 7.6K). He's not as mechanically savvy as me but I suggested to him that the engineers did there homework and it is OK to run a car near/at redline more often. Hell I did an entire track day with no less than 5800rpms on the tach.

Owner had a hoot in the FR-S, called it "retro" compared to his DCT fleet.

CAcoalminer > B_dol 01/15/2015 at 17:52

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That's a terrific story. It's fascinating how many people think that red lining their vehicles will harm them.

B_dol > CAcoalminer 01/15/2015 at 19:02

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I acknowledge where the misunderstanding in most folks come from; thinking the engine is working hardest as it approaches redline. The truth is once the car is properly warmed up (fluids circulating), the engine is comfortable running in a large range of RPMs. Often times peak power and torque is made before redline. There is a whole slew of data to analyze from a data logger and can confirm corner cases where the engine is at risk.

As an engineer, I know the redline was selected to ensure safety and a relatively long life for the engine already. I don't need to rethink that and lower it to assuage my own fears.

CAcoalminer > B_dol 01/15/2015 at 19:05

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Very well said.