Cosmos99

First off allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ed and I have had several BMW M variant cars. Currently I have a 99 Z3 M Coupe that I have modified the subframe, swapped in the 321hp euro engine, suspension and brake mods, etc.( all with the help of a friend ) I track the car a half dozen times a year and I still love to drive it frequently but not as a daily. The car is pretty quick with the diff ratio change and I am happy with the speed so I dont want to step down really. The car is capable of doing 13.0 - 12.8 in the 1/4 mile ( not really important just letting you guys who know about 964's get a gauge on how my car runs so I can get something comparable.

Ok I have always love Porsches and I have been detailing and working around some really nice 964's lately and in particular a beautiful yellow RS America. I am seriously considering putting the coupe up for sale and buying either a RS America or a really nicely modified C2. My question for you guys is basically what I should look out for and also some advice on mods for power and handling. When I have my car sold I will have around 35-40k for a budget. I basically want a car that is a 9.5 condition wise but not a total garage queen because she will be driven.

Sorry for the long first post and I look forward to your advice.

-Ed

Porsche917K

Do some quick searches and you will find more info than you know what to do with. Also make sure and visit rsamerica.net for tons of RSA info and a good collection of them for sale. Good lucK!

N51

Hi Ed,

Welcome to our forum!

As Porsche917K suggests, visit rsamerica.net.

With the delta of cost between a C2 and RSA, you can build and modify a C2 for much less. The most costly of the differences are in the power steering of C2 vs. the RSA's manual. Many prefer the power steering. If you prefer a non-sunroof car, then the RSA holds some advantage, as some were delivered without.

Yellow RSA's are on the rare. I would expect a premium.

Flagg

Ed,

Fun to have you on our forum. As stated - check out www.rsamerica.net. Tons of info. Do searches here. Tons of info.

I am an original owner of an RSA. During that time, I bough a 1995 M3 and had it for about 5 years. It was AWESOME! But 17 years later............I still have that RSA.

My opinion is that for 35-40K you can get either an RSA or C2 and modify it. Just be patient. Market is down now.

If this is going to be a car you keep long term and really take care of, then the extra premium might be worth the RSA. It will continue to hold its value better over time. If this is a car you plan to track for a while, and then move on to the next car in a few years, I would go with a C2 - and modify it.

When I have had my RSA on the track or Autocross - the thing I like best is not having to adjust my seat for helmet headroom (no sunroof), and the incredible feedback from my manual steering.

Flagg

Damian in NJ

Make sure you get a seam welded one.

pete000

Good Luck with that...

ChaseN

Does your Z3 have the S52 or S54? If it is the S52 variant, I think you will not be disappointed at the 964's power at all. A buddy of mine has a '97 M3 and from 60 to about 110 or so I regularly pull 2-3 car lengths on him (on a closed circuit, of course ). I really don't know what my 964 would run a 1/4 mile in, but I do have the above as a reference point.

I am a huge M fan, and have had an E46 M3 (in addition to my current E30 M3). If it ever came down to selling one or the other though - I wouldn't hesitate to sell my M before the P-car. The quality of build and engineering that went into the 964 IMO outclasses any of the M's that I have owned.

HTH

ETA - with a 35-40k budget, you are creeping into 3.3 C2 turbo territory. Just a thought!

Dr Strangelove

All good advice so far. If you plan on tracking the car, then you should seriously consider getting one that already has some goodies installed.

Also, since you are in Baltimore, you might consider attending the PCA Potomac Club Race (October 2-4) at Summit Point. In all likelihood, you'll see plenty of 964s (RSAs, C2's, Euro and US cups, etc.).

Cosmos99

My car has the Euro S50B32 in it. Instead of 240hp it has 321.

Thanks for all of the advice guys! I am going to be lurking and asking questions from time to time while I research on which car will suit me best.

Time to use the search function and get some reading done!

bart1

If you decide on an RSA, go to rsamerica.net, as mentioned above.

If you want a track toy, look no futher than the 964 forum:

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...-how-much.html

Trader220

No offense but forget the yellow on. I believe there are only 1 or 2 out there and they have changed hands but the prices are silly.

Shamus964

My only advice is - keep your eyes open for rare/funky color combos or hard to find versions of the RSA or RS (might be too high price-wise). These cars are hard to find in certain colors, but very sought after by enthusiasts tired of the common colors or features.

Good luck and keep us posted!

elbeee964

4.
Si, silly. (So, too, the low-milers. Mucho silly.)

Greg964

$35-40k is a pretty healthy budget for a C2 or RSA right now. You should be able to find the best C2 in the country and have plenty left over for mods. For suspension mods many have done the H&R reds/Bilstein HDs-I had this on my C2 and loved it. I also added 17" cup I wheels and the M030 front sway bar (both stock on the RSA). As far as power mods unless you want to spend $$$ you are stuck with intake and exhaust upgrades.

ChaseN

You live in Vienna??? I lived there for about 10 years and just moved to the Shenandoah Valley about a year ago, and my fiance still lives there. I'd love to take a peek at that Cup car if at all possible when I get home...whereabouts are you? (You can PM me if you like) Thanks.

/hijack