Mark Dreyer

I've sold my GT3 and am looking for a much cheaper car to outfit as a dedicated track car. I do 6-8 DE events/year, and it just didn't make sense to keep such an expensive car sitting in the garage just for those few events, even though the GT3 is an amazing track car. Plus there was the constant worry of if I have an excursion off the track and damage my car, I'd feel much better if it's a cheaper car vs. the GT3.

I've been doing a lot of reading and have learned that many people think the 944 chassis is the most perfectly balanced of any car ever. I was wondering if the same was true of the 924 chassis? If the 944 is the better car, I was wondering if I should look for a turbo, or is the NA preferred from a reliabililty standpoint? I'm more interested in how the car takes the twisties than I am in straight line performance, so the extra hp probably won't be that important to me.

I'm looking to spend $5k or less on the initial purchase and from there do some track mods little at a time, with safety mods first (cage, harness, etc.) I was hoping for some guidance. TIA.

xsboost90

n/a is alittle easier to work on and maybe alittle more reliable- but if you want gt3 speeds you'll need a turbo. I track mine a few times a year and drive the hell out of it and havent had any real problems yet. Main thing is to remember that its a 20 year old car and it needs to be brought back to stock condition before you start slapping the mods on there as things tend to be worn out already.

tifosiman

Are you the person that was looking at Jon's car?

Nader Fotouhi

You need to give more information about your expectation for the car, the basis for $5K, and choosing a FEWC car before helpful ideas can be offered.

grant911

If it's a naturally aspirated car you want, then get a 944 S. This link is of my 944 S I'm selling if you haven't already seen it. It's handling is just incredible. https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/399592-fs-1987-944s.html

J Silverman

The 924 is essentially the same chassis as the 944, its just a little lighter. Also because they arent as popular purchase price is a lot lower. You cant fit as wide tires, but 225s fit just fine which is plenty of tire for these cars. Check this out: http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic....&highlight=944 For $5000 you can have a track ready car.

Mark Dreyer

Yup, his is high on my list. He's a nice guy and has given me a lot of good info.

Mark Dreyer

The $5k stems from a car I can comfortably pay cash for. I understand that for this price it will not be a car that is fully setup, and I'll have to put $ into it as I go.

I have a trailer and tow vehicle, so I'm not overly concerned about a car that's reliable on the street. I'm coming from a high hp car which is a lot of fun, but when I think over what I enjoy most about track days, it isn't how blazingly fast I can go down the straights. Rather it's the challenge of getting the turns. Hence I've come to the realization that while the GT3 was an amazing car, I can probably have just as much fun (or close to it) in a low hp car since my thrill is in the twisties. Who knows, I may become a better driver since I won't have so much speed to scrub off coming into turns and can concentrate on maintaining momentum. Some day I can then look at another higher hp car possibly.

J Berk

seems to be a theme lately! I have a friend on here who is selling is 993TT track beast and has picked up an early 911 which is track preped but far less Hp, etc. Wants to focus on momentum...

Jon's car (saw it at the last ny/nj metro get2gether) is set up nicely and I am sure would be a blast on the track.

joonas

I would say 944 turbo with LSD transmission.
With other choices you want more power but you can't have it. Start upgrading the brakes and so on.
Take the most power and braking power to start with.

tod84944

Go with a S2. Good HP, turbo look, and the reliabililty of a N/A car. You can go for a aftermarket chip later, and have the HP of most turbo's running around. You can find some S2's with mileage, that need some maintance done for around your price range. You might have to do the water pump, belts, and seals.

JayP

There are some cars that can handle as good as a well prepped 944 but they are few. What you'll find is that even the 944S with 180+ hp is going to be lean coming from a GT3.

I'll give you this Mark- you're realization that a low powered, well handling car can be a better learning experience is well appreciated. Many people lean on brute force to get around a track. Not much to learn with a right foot on the throttle. Being able to get around the track with finesse is a skill.

"I would say 944 turbo with LSD transmission."
Around here- an OK 951 is a $7k car. $5k turbo cars are pitiful.

DMB14

Coming from a GT3, you'll probably feel better in a Turbo or S2.

Mark Dreyer

Yup, I think I'm going to buy Jon's car. He was a phenomenal help to me in learning about the car and it sounds like he's taken care of it as only someone that loves the marque would do. Plus it sounds like the price is reasonable for a car in such nice condition. I'm re-reading all his posts (he wrote me some novels which were very informative!) and will give him a call once the money for my GT3 hits my bank account!

yellowline

Jon's car looks great as well, but if you decide not to get it, the 83 is the best 8V NA car out of the box (for the track). It's the only year with real manual steering standard (power was optional on 83s, standard on 84+), a manual sunroof, manual hatch, no cruise control, no brake pad wear sensors, etc. In other words, less weight and fewer things to go wrong.

The shortcomings of the 83 (old dash, no power junk) don't really matter for a track car.