vt951

Well sorted, track/race prepped 944 NA for $6k is probably the best option if you want turn key.

e36 m3 is probably the best choice with a little more budget, but will be tough for $6k. Can be made really fast, but eeking big power out of an NA 3 or 3.2 liter gets pricey, and probably hurts reliability. Leave the engine alone, and just do exhaust, intake, and ecu flash for around 270 hp.

Stock 951 for $6k will likely need some work. Much easier and cheaper to get big power from a 951 than an m3. And, if you blow it up, you have the option of an LS swap for a pretty reasonable price. No, I didn't blow mine up...

mike10562004

hows that?

vt951

I have never owned a 911, but have heard from a lot of people who own both 911 and 944 that they are MUCH more expensive to maintain (as a track car) than a 944. Parts are extremely expensive, engine rebuilds are crazy $$, etc. I'm just surprised to hear the exact opposite. Also, where are you going to find a 911sc for $6k? Maybe $10k if you're lucky.

Potomac-Greg

If you could get a solid 911sc for $10K or even $12K, I might agree. But you'll be out at least $15K to put together a trackworthy SC. You can buy a lot of 944 repairs with that extra money. (And 911s break too.)

Now, you WILL get back more of that investment when you sell the 911, and you can strut around as a 911 owner at PCA events. ;-)

At this point, 944s are starting to bottom out, and their resale value is based solely on things like their last TB service, and maintenance status. Shop well, find a good one, and sock away $500 to $1,000 per year for repairs.

loplop

How appropriate--last month I did exactly this... In the end after seriously considering other altermnatives, we bought an NA '85 944 for trackday fun. Ours cost us $4k, and I've put about $1k in parts into it now to get it back to spec (biggest cost item was suspension). I think it will be a superb trackday car, and much better for my wife to track than our sometimes lairy S2000.

I don't think you'll find a 951 or M3 in your price range--remember to budget around $2k to fix stuff on any old used car. Stuff that the PO didn't want to fix or got lazy about. Even the best examples need this (at least in the price range you're discussing). So $4k for a nice, solid 944, and $2k for parts... You're golden.

The other choice, I think, would be a Miata. Generally, if you can find one without rot, they will be more reliable. Just as fun (or more so) on street and track. Never a bad choice, just less character than a 944. Mk1 MR2's are also fantastic but a little more "niche" and can be hard to find in solid shape for a reasonable price. $6k would definitely get you one, tho.

krystar

yea mk1 mr2 death wedges are good choice. just watch out for snap oversteer at the limit.

fiero's are also a good choice, just make sure relocate that brake line that runs over the header.

nkgosselin

I just did this and it cost me about $8,000 to build the car to 944 SPEC Rules.

It would be cheaper, but not as much fun, to buy a predone car. Check this from the most recent RMR PCA newsletter. This is unbeatable.

1988 Porsche 924S. Alpine White/Cashmere. 90K miles. Well
set up for autocross/track but licensed. Radio, PS, AC. Carpeting,
rear seats removed, original parts included. Easy set
up for PCA Club or 944 SPEC racing. Autopower roll bar, 5-pt
cam harnesses (dated 03/08), Corbeau Forza racing seats,
MOMO steering wheel, adjustable antisway bars, front coilovers
with 250 lb/in Hypercoil springs, Koni adj. front shocks, strut
brace, fire extinguisher. Clutch and motor mounts 20K miles
ago. Correct rebuild from short block less than 10K miles ago.
Recent belt re-tension, plugs, oil, coolant change. Hawk Blue
brake pads, ATE Gold fluid, Speedbleeders. Two sets 6JX15
phone dials, one with Goodyear 205/15ZR street tires; one set
7JX15 phone dials with Kumho V700 225/15R track tires. Incuded:
Bra, Hot Lap, I/O Port camera mount, 3-qt Accusump,
trailer hitch, small tire/equipment trailer. Asking $5500 for complete
package (negotiable partial). Jim Fry (970-407-9471),
jlsafry@msn.com. Photos available. [October]

M758

With 6k budget the 944 NA is the only option. You can get a 944 Turbo for 6k, but not make it track worthy at that price. You would need at least 10 to 12k to buy a 944 turbo and make it track worthy.

You might be able to do a 90's Miata or and E30 BMW for a similar price as 944 NA.

M758

Good plan, but the 968 motor will blow the budget out of the water. You can chose a stock suspension or 968 motor at 6k total cost, but not both. Really you need the suspension alot more than the motor.

PorscheDoc

Yes, I know, I have built quite a few. You can buy one for half the cost of what you can build one for.

SamGrant951

If it was me Id prob do a bmw e36, motor is pretty bulletproof, maintenance is easy and they have decent hp...a 6k m3 will likely need some work though.

krystar

don't count out FC Mazda RX7 which was 944 clone basically. Those wankel motors still put out decent power. or a Datsun 240Z/280Z, inline 6 and old school styling.

schwank

SWEEEEEEET. Another Portlander in the mix. Build a '44 NA. Then come race it with local 944 Cup! We have probably 10 cars in the area and growing! I would be glad to help you in whatever way possible. Come on over to the shop and check out my car... or I'd be glad to just chat and help you shortcut many of the common questions.

Plus, lots of nice cheap parts around when you break stuff!

knfeparty

I don't think you can build anything greater than a CRX for $6k. Which by the way I think would be really fun as far as FWD goes.

If you're going to buy someone else's pre-made ride I would definitely go with a miata, a 944 NA, a MR2, or hell even a mustang if you don't mind fighting it.

While I think the e36 is a great car I don't see it happening for $6k.

krystar

just throwing it out there, what about a E30? those things are wicked fun and really affordable too.