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Had $5000 to spend on some 981 S mods

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Old 09-25-2023, 02:52 PM
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tomekz
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Default Had $5000 to spend on some 981 S mods

I had some extra money to maybe spend on some mods on the 981S, but after doing some research I couldn't decide on anything worth while (cost vs benefit). Then came across a nice almost perfect condition 2008 Honda Pilot 4wd for $5000 and bought that instead. LOL


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Old 09-25-2023, 07:12 PM
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Titanium5150
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That's a great DD!
Old 09-25-2023, 08:19 PM
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tomekz
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Exactly, was so set on buying something for the Cayman but couldn't justify the cost for minor if any improvements on the car. Since I don't have any vehicle good in bad weather like snow, this will be perfect.

Originally Posted by Titanium5150
That's a great DD!
Old 09-25-2023, 09:11 PM
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IndigoInkTaco
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Probably better resale value than the mods too lol
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Old 09-26-2023, 10:24 AM
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tomekz
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Did not even think of that, but it wouldn't matter to me, I have not sold any of my cars since 2002. I keep them all. Got a collection of 6 now.



Originally Posted by IndigoInkTaco
Probably better resale value than the mods too lol
Old 09-26-2023, 11:38 AM
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kisik
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Best mod is to hire a professional coach to make you a better driver. $100/hour
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Old 09-26-2023, 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by tomekz
I had some extra money to maybe spend on some mods on the 981S, but after doing some research I couldn't decide on anything worth while (cost vs benefit). Then came across a nice almost perfect condition 2008 Honda Pilot 4wd for $5000 and bought that instead. LOL

Smart buy, great value on that Honda.
For street driving only, maybe tires are a good ROI depending on what's on the car now.
For track use: Upgrade tires, brake fluid, brake pads, and possibly wheel alignment. From there, only spend more on safety equipment and professional driving coaching and possibly a data system.

Old 09-26-2023, 03:05 PM
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IndigoInkTaco
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Originally Posted by kisik
Best mod is to hire a professional coach to make you a better driver. $100/hour
Whats the second best mod?.... for the majority of people who are just looking to have fun w/ their car and don't care about lap times?
Old 09-26-2023, 07:58 PM
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Since I already have a DD, $5000 was probably what I had spent getting my 981s ready for track. 18" Wheels, 200tw tires, alignment w/GT3 control arms, semi racing pads and fresh brake fluid.
Old 09-27-2023, 07:57 AM
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toma nova
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Originally Posted by IndigoInkTaco
Whats the second best mod?.... for the majority of people who are just looking to have fun w/ their car and don't care about lap times?
The majority of DE drivers do not time their laps.

No question that I am a better street driver because I am still learning on the track (I continue to learn from my students, even as I’m coaching them).

Every morning, I take a 25mph corner into work with no brakes, just because I can and I know exactly what my car will hold (based on going into COTA Turn 12 after 140mph down the back straight). Through DE, you’ll explore the limits of grip and braking and understand how to use weight transfer to your advantage.

For less than a grand, you can have a full weekend on the track with dedicated in-car instruction, classroom to learn the theory, and a bunch of fun with like minded people. Don’t forget about the on track insurance. Check your local PCA region for their next event. No special car prep needed, just serviceable tires and fresh brake fluid.

Another option is Car Control School or auto cross. Same concepts but at slower speeds and lower risk.

Last edited by toma nova; 09-27-2023 at 08:01 AM.
Old 09-27-2023, 10:25 AM
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maschinetheist
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100% on spending money on track + instruction. Car limits of even the standard, base cars are so high.

What's the towing capacity on that Honda Pilot? Track is slippery slope and you'll soon be looking at car trailers.
Old 09-27-2023, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by toma nova
The majority of DE drivers do not time their laps.
.
lol oh cmon, thats not true. I mean...maybe the one-and-done crowd. But for those that are return drivers? Every event I've done, especially nowadays, people have devices and are timing themselves. When I started doing DE events back around 2005, sure...I didn't time myself and I didn't see anyone else either. But nowadays? Everyone is doing it either w/ dedicated gps devices or trackapps on their phone.
Old 09-27-2023, 11:47 AM
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kisik
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Originally Posted by IndigoInkTaco
lol oh cmon, thats not true. I mean...maybe the one-and-done crowd. But for those that are return drivers? Every event I've done, especially nowadays, people have devices and are timing themselves. When I started doing DE events back around 2005, sure...I didn't time myself and I didn't see anyone else either. But nowadays? Everyone is doing it either w/ dedicated gps devices or trackapps on their phone.
It’s true, specifically with new Garmin we analyze ourselves. We measure our improvements. I can tell and assess how I make every corner. Coach or Instructor will make you a better driver in every situation. You will be safer for yourself and others and a more controlled driver. Speed is not a goal but rather how we control it and the ability to get away from spicy situations.
Old 09-27-2023, 12:43 PM
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Check the air bag recalls on the Pilot. Max towing is 5,000. Factory towing for the Pilot included a transmission cooler. You would probably be over the max even with a 1,000 lb trailer if you had spare wheels, jack and other equipment.

I'd add a Hybrid HANS to the top of the $5,000 list and second the list from vicrc. Also a brake caliper bolt stud kit is a must if you are tracking the car. Too easy to damage the aluminum threads with the steel caliper bolts.



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