kgorman

Guys, I know I have posted on the 993 and 964 forums about this, but I am learning a ton, so I appreciate everyone's time helping me out. You are all very helpful. I have my buyers guides on the way from the UK. ;-).

I posted here about a 964 as a good car for street and DE. I don't want to go overboard, I just want to get a good DE capable car, and not blow the budget. I started out thinking 30k, but now I am more interested in spending a bit less (call it 20k).

I am wondering between the 3.2 and the SC what car is better suited for DE type of driving. I see some SC's for around 12-15k, and 3.2's for a bit more. They all seem quite nice, and I would have some $$ left over for some safety tidbits, and perhaps suspension.

For instance this SC or this 3.2

I also noticed that KBB numbers are lower than general asking prices for these cars. Why is that? Are they getting a premium these days?

Thanks in advance RL'ers, I really appreciate it.

911Dave

The Carrera has more HP and bigger brakes, but other than that they are essentially the same car from a track driving perspective. It just boils down to being able to go a little faster for a little more money.

Dr. Dynamics

I've heard "talk" about keeping an eye on the rod bolts on a 3.2. Not that they are bad, but they are smaller than on the 3.0 and they usually chnage them for performance ones. As on the rest, basically same construction.

JackOlsen

In that neighborhood, I'd judge it car by car. The differences between the two are not huge. Just find a great car (SC or Carrera) for the money, and go enjoy the track.

Noel

One thing to consider is that the post 85 Carreras had the radiator style oil cooler. I had to add one to my SC after a few times at the track to better cope with the heat. I also added front Carrera brakes too. These may be things to consider if you get an SC. However, the Carreras are a bit heavier than the SCs.

earlyapex

With a budget of 20K, you need to find the very best car. You will very quickly find that much of your budget can be eaten up by an engine or transmission issue. I bought a 78 SC with a tick over 100,000 miles specifically for track and auto cross use. Paid a little over 13k for it. It was is good mechanical condition with a well documented maintenance history (this is very important). The basic safety items were relatively inexpensive (brake cooling, brake pads, brake fluid, seats, harnesses, roll bar). The I want to faster items added up to much more money. The transmission rebuild and engine rebuild cost even more money. These cars are old and track use really brings out any weaknesses that the individual car may have. That said, there are others out there with more miles on their engines and transmissions that have not had to rebuild them. You just need to go into the purchase with a realistic budget which includes enough for repairs.

gerry100

If you are just starting at DE's you'll learn a lot in either car, the differences will be subtle.

As stated by others, condition of the individual car is most important.

KBB prices are not really applicable for older cars available in relatively small numbers. Data to the limited number of data points they probably generate ther numbers via a computer model that assigns a lot of depreciation to 15 plus year old cars. Realize that most cars that old aren't even cars anymore but have been recyled.

Besided the KBB is mainly used by Car saleman to explain to you why your trade isn't worth much.

Surf the many sources of for sale adds and use some "windage" on the asking prices.

Bill Gregory

You want to hold about $5K aside for expenses associated with DE. A fire extinguisher, a rollbar, a second set of rims/R tires, new seats, harness, oil cooler, helmet, etc. You may not spend that day 1 but you may within 6 months depending on your interest. Also hold something aside for unexpected repairs for a new-to-you car.

That said, your best bet is to find a 911 that has already had DE updates done to it. As an example, There's one locally for sale, which is a '75 - '76 with a 3.2 engine in it, roll cage, upgraded brakes, racing-type seats, harnesses, etc. in good condition for around $20K.

Greg D.

When it comes to SC vs Carreras, you generally end up with the first "nice" one you find. I'd rather have a nice SC than a ratty carrera, and at equal levels of niceness the Carrera will be a bit faster but likely a bit more expensive. I say it does not matter, get the first one you can find that passes A PPI and that you like. For DE, you might be gutting the interior anyways. All models have + and minuses.. The SCs should have carrera tensioners, the Carrera should be checked for valve guide wear... Overall, not a significant difference. For instance, I'd save some $$ on a cheaper SC (if that is the case) and get some go fast goodies for it with the difference..

nullH20

Either a good SC or good Carrera would be an excellent start.

One person's 'DE' car can be very differenct from the next. A relatively stock 911 will do fine but if you are thinking of major modifications ('built' engine, coilovers, custom transmission, big brakes etc.) it would be cheaper to find a car that someone else has prepared.

Shameless plug- I may be putting my quite stock SC on the market... and am local.

My87Targa

nullh20- where did you find those clear marker lights for the front, ive looked all over and cant find them

dmw44

I LOVE my '81 SC. Major upgrades for DE when purchased--brakes, suspension, interior, safety, body, lightened by over 300#, new paint. Ultra-reliable 3.0 motor. Purchased for less than $15k and everyone who drives it marvels at it's performance, especially on the track!

nullH20

I got a pair (either the blinker or side marker lenses- can't remember which) on ebay & the other from pelicanparts.com. This was a couple of years ago but I think Pelican still sell them.

Z-nomore

I have been lurking here and wondering basically the same question...

I heard that the later Carrera's are more desireable with the G50 (i think it i s?) transmission, how much difference is there than the pre-G50s and is it worth the extra $$$$$

earlyapex

The G50 cars are valued for better shifting but they do weigh more. The 915 is fine for the amount of hp and torque the SC motor puts out. G50 cars carry a price premium and weight, which in my case where the car was going to get stripped and put on the track, did not make sense.