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More Pictures & Content may be found at www.cascadeporscheclub.org

der Auspuff Monthly Newsletter • July, 2016

IN THIS ISSUE Ø Prez Says from Ross Rampy

Ø Crackin’ Curves

Ø Along the River and Through the Woods

Ø Coming Up: Central Chapter Wine Country Drive

Ø Driver’s Skills School – Volunteers Needed!

Ø Upcoming Events

Ø Southern Oregon Kite Festival Drive – July 16th

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Prez Says from President Ross Rampy

I hope everybody had a Happy and Safe

4th of July. July is filled a lot of drives, so

try to make it to at least one of them.

We need volunteers for the August 28th

Driver’s Skill School. Volunteers will help in

registration and cones replacement. If

you don’t want to take the class, you can

help out by assisting us in these areas. This is a large undertaking

and we need your help to make this a successful event. We have

limited to the number of drivers to 40, so please RSVP as soon as

possible to [email protected] or me call 541 840-8690. This event is

not limited to Porsche so if you know someone who might benefit

from this class, let them know and encourage them to come. This

is great opportunity for you to improve your driver’s skill and learn

what your car is capable of. If you have any questions you can

me at 541 840 8690 and again this is non-aggressive event.

Enjoy the drives this month and as Always,

See you in my mirrors.

Ross

Ross Rampy

President

John Early

Vice President

Chris Chavez

Secretary

Sue Ward

Treasurer

Glenn Gumaer

Membership

Chairman

Arnie Berglund

Central Chapter

& Webmaster

Joel Weyhe

Communications

der Auspuff is a publication of

the Cascade Region of the

Porsche Club of America. For

more information or to

become a member, visit us

online at

www.cascadeporscheclub.org.

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Crackin’ Curves

By Glenn Gumaer, DC

Membership Chair

Hearing me pining over the latest sports car of the day, my father would say, “A car is a

tool that is only meant to take you from point A to point B...” I don’t know if this advice

came from his Depression-Era frugality, his WWII B-17 navigation training, or because he

was reared in Brooklyn, New York. Perhaps a bit of each influenced his pragmatic

assessment, but I must admit to understanding that sentiment a little better after visiting

the city. For those living in the Big Apple, it all appears to boil down to practicality versus

pricey entertainment. Taking the bus is frugal, while driving, parking and general

ownership of a sports car is, well, less frugal…

Another one of his gems was, “Unless you know more than the engineers that designed

your car, modifying it is a waste of your time and money.” Again, as avowed car-nut,

on this point I was torn. I worked my way through high school as a service station

attendant at Dick and Don’s Texaco in Fairbanks, Alaska. “You can trust your car to the

man who wears the star!” I could fill four vehicles, wash the windows and check the oil

faster than today’s attendants stroll to your window to take your order. In my haste, I

discovered a few interesting design flaws that undercut my father’s esteem for

automotive engineers. For example, whenever pulling the dipstick on a ’73 Ford pick-up

equipped with the infamous, head gasket spewing 390 engine, that slender, highly-

conductive strip of steel would invariably slide right across two terminals on the solenoid

and light up the underside of the hood like the 4th of July! Did I say invariably? This

happened every time! Oh, and I could go on and on with examples of similar

engineering “marvels,” as I am sure anyone who has owned a Chevy Vega, Ford Pinto,

Dodge Omni, AMC Pacer, Chevrolet Chevette, or Fiat X 1/9 can attest. (Ok, I would

never admit to owning one of those rolling disasters either, but you catch my drift…)

So, to modify or not to modify, that is the question. The answer is a resounding yes for

any Cayman owner who watched the Top Gear episode, where Jeremy Clarkson

reviewed the car’s engine displacement, power, torque, top speed and price to

illustrate that the “bean counters” at Porsche neutered the car’s performance to place

it exactly between the Boxster and 911 on all counts. Clarkson irreverently summed up

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his analysis stating that, “you get the impression the engineers could have made the

car faster and better, but they weren’t allowed to, because then it would be faster and

better than the 911.” “So the “Coxster” then, isn’t quite as good as it could have been.”

“I couldn’t live with that.” “I like to think that a car has been designed to be as good as

it can be, not just to fill a gap in the market.” For a proud Cayman S owner, Clarkson’s

disrespect amounted to throwing down the gauntlet. (To borrow from the British

idiolect.)

Sound. The first modification was made because of my experiences in college driving

my buddy’s 1973 Mercury Capri II 2800 V-6 with headers and tuned exhaust. I was more

interested in driving than drinking, so I became the designated driver of my wealthier

friend’s sports cars when we went out to party. The exhaust note from the back of that

tight little Capri was more addictive than Pabst Blue Ribbon beer! So, I fully expected a

similar roar out of my dream car, but learned that Porsche muffled its voice with dual

redundant catalytic converters and heavy mufflers.

I spent weeks researching and listening intently to exhaust notes and settled on the

Remus Catback Exhaust System, because of its wonderful reverberating tone. It was

also advertised to add 11 horsepower and 12 foot pounds of torque, but I made the

change primarily for the aural experience. What they didn’t advertise, and in fact later

denied, was that the increased airflow across the oxygen sensors set off my check

engine light. I spent months and more than $1,000.00 swapping out perfectly good

oxygen sensors and traveling to the dealer in Bend, only to learn that the Remus

exhaust was the culprit. After reinstalling the stock exhaust, the check engine light never

reappeared. I also noted a seat-of-the-pants boost in torque on the low end with the

stock muffler, and I could once again hear the whirring of the engine that was drowned

out by the louder Remus cans. It was like driving a new car again. The Remus was

supposed to increase speed on the top end… but that would be above 175 mph! Who

needs it? $2,000.00 wasted… chock up one for my dad.

Power. Ok, so if Porsche used the base 3.4 liter engine of the 911, why shouldn’t it run

like a 911? I learned that not only was the engine overly muffled, but it was sucking air

through a small, bifurcated intake tube. Looking around for tuning solutions, I came

across the Sharkwerks RS350 kit. Sharkwerks, in Fremont, California, worked with

Evolution Motorsports to deliver a reliable 350 horsepower over the stock 295, by adding

a four-inch diameter cold air intake through a GT-3 throttle body, into a competition IPD

air plenum and reprogramming the Cayman’s ECU without messing with any of the

engine’s internal working parts… and wow what a difference! It now easily keeps up

with the big boys. I still have this kit in my car. The only drawback… fuel economy

dropped three to five mpg city, depending on how late I’m running for work. Also, while

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at Sharkwerks, I had them install the factory short-shift kit. The throw is much shorter and

smoother than the stock set-up. Chock up two for me!

Appearance. A very talented engineer and Cayman owner designed and produced

an LED light spar to replace the underpowered stock fog lights using the same

polypropylene T20 material Porsche uses. The spar with the crosshatch meshwork below

gave the Cayman a nice updated look. However, after going through a couple

replacements, because the LED’s kept burning out, I re-installed the old fog lights, but

managed to retain the meshwork from the bottom of the light spar which prevents

leaves from plugging up the radiators. (Be sure to check yours regularly, because

before the meshwork, mine was full of leaves, debris and a dead bird!) So, I guess that

mod’s success was a 50/50, although I am sure the bird would disagree...

Stance. While ogling over some of our members 911’s, I noted their wheels filled up to

the edge of the wheel well giving them a slightly wider, meaner-looking stance. I had to

have it, so I ordered 7mm hub-centric wheel spacers for the front and 15’s for the rear.

Unfortunately, I made this modification about the same time I bought my new

Micheline Pilot Super Sport tires. Then, I noted an annoying vibration at 70 mph in the

steering wheel. After months of diagnosing, multiple alignment jobs, replacing a

perfectly fine tie rod end and swapping out lightly worn rear tires early, I discovered the

problem myself when I removed the wheel spacers. Hub centricity was not so centric

after all. Thousands wasted… again. “Oh, my papa…”

So, after more than forty years of experience spending thousands on everything from

ball joints to turbochargers and ending up disappointed in aftermarket quality, I have

learned that my money is better spent on purchasing a car that will perform the way I

want from the factory. Because, “unless you know more than the engineers that

designed your car, modifying it is a waste of your time and money!" I think maybe I’ll

add some blast horns next….

Glenn

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Along the River and Through the

Woods From Thad Hodgdon

After four rainy days, twelve gorgeous Porsches and 20 Porsche-philes met in brilliant

sunshine on the morning of June 18th, fired up for an adventure along the Klamath

River in California to the Pacific coast and the magnificent Redwood forests. Leaving

Ashland, OR, we immediately headed for the twisting, turning, Old Siskiyiou Hwy (Old Rt.

199) which took us up to the Siskiyiou Summit, where we briefly cruised down I-5 through

the mountains to the Klamath River and CA Hwy 96. After a break at the CA Welcome

Center, we took off southwest on Hwy 96, following the Klamath River, and for about 35

miles, we had the road to ourselves, zipping through tight hairpins and zooming around

long sweeping curves, with nothing but the beautiful mountains and river scenery in

front of us. But, being in N. California in the summer, we came upon a fire brigade

heading south of Happy Camp to fight the Pony Fire. Luckily, they moved right along,

and in short order, we arrived at the River Park in Happy Camp, where we drove

through the fire fighters’ camp to reach the picnic pavilion where we had a delicious

picnic prepared by

Sonia Hodgdon and

Sue Ward. When we

resumed our trip south

on 96, we once again

had clear sailing to

our rest stop in Hoopa

for sodas. The

remainder of the way

to Eureka, CA was

beautiful scenery at

moderate speed, to

the Red Lion Inn.

After down time (some did the pool and Jacuzzi), we had complimentary cocktails in

the hotel bar, and then headed over (some choosing to walk the 15 blocks) to the Sea

Grill Restaurant for dinner. Comments about the dinner were all positive, including

raves on the succulent halibut and sturgeon, prime rib, and stuffed chicken, finished off

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by the Club’s treat of sampling desserts of key lime pie, chocolate mousse, and crème

brulee.

Sunday morning, after an ample buffet breakfast, we cruised up Hwy 101 to our first rest

stop in Orrick for some elk -viewing in a meadow. The elk didn’t get the memo and

were nowhere to be seen, but as we left the rest area, 50 yards up the highway, we

encountered the entire herd, including mothers with calves and a few bulls. After

watching the elk, we zipped up 101 to the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and drove

through the Redwood National Forest, stopping at The Big Tree Wayside, where we

hiked through the magnificent Redwoods and had our picture taken in front of The Big

Tree.

Continuing north on the winding, coast hugging 101 up to Crescent City, we had a

delightful lunch at the Good Harvest Café. A number of our members took off on their

own before lunch, so after our meal, the remaining 5 Porsches headed up the twisting

Hwy 199 (the Redwood Highway) back to our homes in the Rogue Valley. Driving our

Porsches on this challenging trip was exhilarating, but in keeping with our motto, “It’s

not just the cars, it’s the people”, we all had a great time.

Thad

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Central Chapter: Umpqua Valley

Wine Country Drive Arne Berglund

WHEN: Saturday, July 16, 2016

MEETING PLACE: Meet at the new Human Bean coffee drive-through kiosk in front of Lowe’s Hardware Store on W11th and Bailey Hill Road.

ARRIVAL TIME: Assemble at 9:30 a.m., with a full tank of gas; get coffee, complete sign-in, review driving and route instructions before departing

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:00 a.m. sharp!

DESTINATION: Umpqua Valley Wine Trail

PLANNED STOPS: Brandborg Winery, Elkton - www.brandborgwine.com

Cooper Ridge Vineyard & Winery - www.cooperridgevineyard.com

Abacela Vineyard & Winery, Winston - www.abacela.com

Our drive will be similar to last year’s with the exception of a stop at the new Cooper Ridge Vineyard. There, we have been invited to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio while sipping their wines and taking in the beautiful view.

The drive between Brandborg and Cooper Ridge is approximately one and a half hours with no stops planned in between so you might want to carry some water and a light snack to hold you over until lunch at Cooper Ridge.

A good way to show your appreciation to our three host wineries is to buy some wine from them. Regardless, be prepared to pay for wine tasting. They may waive the tasting fee if you make a purchase.

Upon finishing up at the Abacela Winery, the quickest route back to Eugene will be via I-5 North, unless you have a preferred alternative route or other travel destinations.

Andrea and I hope to see all of you on the drive on July 16.

Please RSVP at [email protected] or by calling the number below.

Corey Unfried 541-206-1329

Arne

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Porsche Driver Skills School

Volunteers Needed

Jackson County Fairgrounds August 28, 2016

Fellow Porsche Drivers,

This is non-aggressive fun event that designed to teach car control and how to safely

drive your Porsche. PCA members will be given priority as we are limiting the number of

participants to 40 drivers.

The event will consist of 4 exercises; braking and accident avoidance, handling on the

oval, the skid pad and the slalom. Each exercise will emphasize two or three skills

specific to that event, all for the purpose of improving your driving ability, safety and

enjoyment of your Porsche. Passengers are not allowed in the cars on the track.

If you are going to be a driver consider being a volunteer. It would be much

appreciated and it's a good way to get a free lunch too.

The cost is $35 per PCA driver and $50 for non-PCA drivers. Lunch and water are

included. Observers are allowed and the cost for lunch is $15. Volunteers will be

provided lunch. I really want to encourage any women who may be interested in in this

skills class to attend. Women or men, if you haven’t taken a carefully crafted event like

this before, there is no doubt that you will be happy that you did.

Pre- Registration is required and the entry fee is charged to No Shows unless you cancel

by 12:00 pm on Thursday August 25th. Register to [email protected] or call Ross at 541

840 8690.

More details will be posted as we get closer to the event, but feel free to call 541 840

8690 with any questions.

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Rush Hour

Upcoming Events

Oregon Kite Festival in Brookings

July 16th (contact Glenn Gumaer 541-840-1730)

Umpqua Valley Wine Country Drive – Central Chapter

July 16th (contact Cory Unfried 541-206-1329) Oregon International Airshow - Hillsboro

August 6th (contact Glenn Gumaer 541-840-1730)

Porsche Driver Skill School

August 28th Jackson County Fairgrounds

(contact Ross Rampy 541-840-8690) Day Trip to Tule Lake

October 8th

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July 16th Oregon Kite Festival in

Brookings

The Oregon Kite Festival will be a day drive.

Meet at Ray’s Food Place parking lot 401 N. 5th Street in Jacksonville at 7:30 AM.

Depart at 8:00 AM sharp. Hwy 238 to Redwood Hwy 199.

Brookings is 127 miles west. The drive takes about two hours and forty-five minutes

including rest stop(s) one way. We will arrive at Brookings Harbor and park at: 42° 3’

11.71 N; 124° 16’ 7.20 W

The Southern Oregon Kite Festival provides a shuttle that departs about two blocks

south of our parking area to shuttle us to the Kite field, which is about ten blocks further

south. The Kite Festival hosts local vendors and artists that provide food, treats, crafts

and KITES! Enjoy the festival, fly a kite, eat some hot dogs and stay as long as you like.

You are free to take the drive back to Medford any route you wish at any time.

Contact Glenn Gumaer (541) 840-1730 or [email protected]

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Thanks to Our Sponsors

Our efforts are made possible by our fine members like you, and

these sponsors. Please support them!

Sunset Porsche of Beaverton

503-641-8600

www.sunsetporsche.com

JW Computers • (541) 472-0330 WWW.JWCOMPUTER.NET

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