@TDinDC These metal bars look relatively similar to the bars on my Panny ST, except the bars clamp directly to the frame versus raised rails (Porsche tequipment version aka Thule).The fixation of the Porsche bars and Thule is completely different. Both are made by Thule I think but the Porsche ones are clamped on the rail and the Thule are attached with a metal rubber strap.
The fixation of the Thule box and Porsche performance box is identical they are both Thule.
I think it is the testing more than the ability to go faster.
however I most cases you will put a roofbox on for a longer trip. And in the short experience I had speeds above 135 km/h the range goes down quickly and wind noice also increase significantly. It would make sense to do a longer trip above 130-140 for range and noise.
It would interest me what the wind noise is with higher speeds with the Porsche bars. Might be less with the Porsche bars because they sit higher? It would interest me if you could test both. You are in the ideal position because you have both.
I placed them at the level of the holes. I presumed this is the ideal position. Not much room to shift. Not in a way to get it leveled. I have looked at that. The front one is at the top and would be a tiny bit lower when shifted to the front.Ok, so I’m going to install everything for the first time this weekend. I plan to install strips of 3M Scotchgard Clear Bra on my roof rails to keep them from being damaged (even though I am using the new Thule cross bars).
Since they are strips, I have to place them correctly, which depends on the correct placements of the crossbars, which depends, I assume, on the correct placement of the Porsche Performance box.
Here are my questions:
1. For aero/range purposes do I want to push the box back as far as I can without it interfering with the rear hatch, or do I want to place them based on some other criteria, like making the cross bars level? Any insights @Wouter Remmerie ?
2. If you simply lined up the cross bars with the holes on the inside of the roof rails, would this be close to perfect placement for the cross rails and box?
Any guidance would be appreciated. I’m trying to avoid a chicken/egg scenario when trying to place the clear bra strips.
The bars you can do by yourself. For the box you need to be two. Installing the bars takes some time the first time. Once you know it the next time is easy. The box only takes a couple of minutes to fix. Make sure it is centered. You can open the hatch and see how far you can put it back. You can also program the hatch to open a bit less.I'll be installing the cross bars and Porsche Performance box for the first time tomorrow (I have tried to wait as long as possible since installing the clear wrap so that the clear wrap can cure . . . may not even be waiting long enough).
For those of you who use the box frequently, any tips (e.g., tricks) on installing and removing the box that are not obvious? No instructions came with the Porsche box, and the Thule picture instructions aren't exactly comprehensive.
Also, do you install it yourself, or do you need a helper? One of my sons can help me install, but after we drop him off at university, I will no longer have his assistance. I'm not the Rock, but I'm physically able and not small. How big of a risk is there of damaging the car if I remove on my own, or is it fairly easy (I assume by bringing it off to one side).