Trent Dyrsmid

Having just returned from a most incredible day at the Nurburg ring in a GT3, I have decided that I can put off buying my first Porsche no longer. I have always wanted a 911/964 so I've come here to ask some advice....

I have $25k USD to invest in a car with intent to add another $3-5K into seats/belts/tires/brakes to get the car in track ready condition.

Anyone care to start me off with what year/models I should focus on? Are there certain things to watch out for? I would dearly love an engine with 300HP, will this be possible?

The slate is wide open, so comment away, and thank you all very much for the help!

See you on the track!

PS: For whatever difference it makes, I'm in Canada

Lon

I would reccomend buying the latest model you can afford. I saw a 993 on ebay yesterday with a buy now of 25k if I remember correct. If you buy a pre 92 964 make sure you get one that has been sorted, late model cylinders, reworked heads etc. If you can find a 92 or up 964 , I dont think you could go wrong. Just remember whatever you buy, PPI

Lon

joey bagadonuts

* Look at 92-on examples to avoid potential oil leaks and clutch failure. The original DMF fitted to some 90-91's were problematic. MANY of these cars have had the problems resolved, so they may no longer be an issue.

* A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is highly recommended--money well spent.

* Try to see the car in person and take it for a test drive. There is no substitute for firsthand knowledge.

* Mileage is not a tiebreaker. The manner in which a car was driven and the attention to maintenance are equally important.

* To stretch your buck, shop for cars with track mods already completed. Recaro's, alone, will run you $2K. Big brakes, track wheels and rollbar will cost $5K and a suspension upgrade will be another $3-5K. Piecing together your own track car is always more expensive.

As for the power question, 300hp is not possible unless you invest heavily in engine mods, i.e. enlarged displacement, supercharging, upgraded internals, engine management, etc. That's another $7-10K.

What you'll find, though, is that the powerplant is more than adequate for track work. In experienced hands, the stock car is capable of holding its own against most newer or more powerful cars. Adding R compounds, track pads, stiffer suspension and safety equipment will enhance the experience but you should also set aside funds for track time which includes quality instruction--that's always the best mod.

Bill Gregory

Trent,

You may want to read the 964 FAQ here. There's an article in the last months issue of the PCA Panorama on 964 track preparation, that may be of interest too.

If you want to do a fairly complete track preparation, allow a little more money. New seats can run $1000/pair, a rollbar $800 or rollcage $1500, second set of 'r' compound tires $800-$900, second set of wheels $1000-$3500, harnesses $300-$400, helmet $300, suspension $1500+, etc. To completely prepare for the track, I'd allow $5K-$10K USD. You don't have to do eveything at once, either.

graham_mitchell

Trent, welcome to the fold! You have received good advice so far. The 964 had a few week spots but once sorted these are great cars. With a bespoke exhaust and chip you should easily get 275hp.

You can get to 300hp with a late 993 with a chip and exhaust but you would be very lucky indeed to find a decent one within your price range. You also get the later suspension.

I would recommend driving both so you make an informed decision.

As for improving and maintaining the car as inexpensively as possible, you already found the best place