Wilder

Now that I've sold my C4S, I'm wondering...

With $150k budget for a 911 to do double duty, which would you choose:

Option 1: 993 Carrera S garage queen + 993 RSCS clone (my build at a budgeted ~$75k and target of ~325HP/2,800lbs)

Option 2: 6GT3 and a 993 Carrera S garage queen

Option 3: 7GT3...maybe an RS

Things to consider:

1) I like the flexibility of having two cars...no compromises
2) FEEL and the FUN FACTOR are more important than going fast at this point
3) Turbos are not an option (?)...I like NA
4) Rear seats are kid-friendly and desirable but not necessary

So, what say you?

PS - I'm particularly interested in hearing from those who've driven a 993 race car (at least DE prepared) and a 6 or 7 GT3.

GT3 Nut

OPTION 1!!!
A race car is so rewarding and fun. I love a 993 C2S for street.
I have not driven a 993 on the track though, so I am no help there.
But I have owned TOO many GT3's. They are GREAT cars - especially the 997 RS!!! But racing is so much more fun than compromising. But the 997 RS will probably be faster at most tracks than the 993 RSCS Clone.
If you are not going to race, then option 2 is a great choice.

mike1111

option 1, with possibility of finding 996 cup for same budget of 75

Rassel

993RSCS is a WONDERFUL car, but it's not a race car.

Matt summed it up pretty nicely.

LVDell

Definitely Option 2 (IMHO). The 6GT3 is phenomenal on the track when setup properly and the 993C2S would be a sweet weekend car!

Cup with a budget of 75K?

billpor930

I agree with the no compromise premise. Previously drove a track prepared 993 (i.e. stock class) and it had some problems, the main one being the gear ratios and narrow engine power band. The other was that it was heavy and the brakes are marginal if you really push it. All these things can of course be fixed with the application of time and money. Current drive is a 6 gt3, also track prepared, which has enough power that you don't notice the handicaps that the 993 has (i.e. in the gt3). Although it also could use a closer ratio box, less weight, etc., it is still very enjoyable with the stock setup (with the normal mods most 3 owners apply - like Motons, better rear toe links, etc). A seriously campaigned 993 needs these mods too. I like both cars but I couldn't enjoy the 993 without fixing the gear ratios.

DanH

Are you planning to race the race car or just do DEs?

Wilder

Matt: Great feedback. The problem with these choices is that they're all right ones. But as we all know, the devil is in the details.

Dell: I hear ya. I know a built 993 will not perform at the level of a GT3 but that's where the "feel" and "experience" come in. The smaller car, smaller cabin, the old ergonomics...I will be a different experience...but not as fast.

Bill: Good feedback. The 993 build would have a wish list that includes a 3.8 upgrade and custom tune, RSCS ratios, clubsport suspension and a serious weight loss program.

Dan: DE and club racing but wheel to wheel is doubtful. I'm limited to a small local track, Seattle and Portland with occasional trips to CA.

P.J.S.

the hinkles have a sweet 993 race RSR clone race car for sale... I believe for around $75K (I could be wrong)...

I would get that pronto...

Then start looking for your street car.

KOAN

I built a heavily modified 993 with re-gearing, LFW/clutch, motons, RS brakes, etc. It was ( and is by Juha) a REALLY fun car to drive. The only thing it lacks is speed on the straights. My 6GT3 isn't there yet, but is faster around Mid Ohio even without Hoosiers and being dialed in. The 993 is raw and exciting, and the GT3 3.6 is a thrill as well. You can't lose :-)

Wilder

PJ: I'll be out of the market for a few months...this is the preliminary research stage. I'll start shopping in a few months.

Chuck: you're just the kind of guy I need input from. Based on my need for "FEEL and the FUN FACTOR are more important than going fast at this point" would you then suggest I take the 993 over the 6GT3? Can you expand on your comments?

KOAN

Flame suit donned......

I drove the 993 for about 15k track miles over 6 years, and took it from bone stock to "very heavily modified street car"..still had A/C, radio, sunroof motor, but the suspension, transmission, LSD, LWFW, brakes, oil cooler, wing, seats, roll bar were taken to a high level. The car is a thrill to drive, especially through a twisty track...VIR, MO, WG, Barber etc. Juha, the new owner, is very impressed by the 993, and has passed cars with much more horsepower, which is quite a treat.

I have had the 6GT3 for about 6 months, and it is a work in progress. It now has toe links, Motons (800#1000#), Sparco seats, DAS bar, BBS, PFC brakes, cooling ducts and a few smaller things, and I am getting near having the suspension where I want it. I don't have enough experience to know what it will be like at the limit, where the 993 was at its best. This limits my ability to give you my "bottom line". As I'm sure you have heard before, it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. While the 993 isn't "slow", it is relative to a GT3.

The GT3 is much more refined, quiet, has so much more power, but is not as tight or as communicative as my 993...yet. I just wanted a change, and have had students who have had GT3s and I always thought I would be able to tame one. Mine is white and stunning...for a 996. I am not at all disappointed, but am impatient to get it to where I want it. The 993 is a beautiful car, and built like a tank. The fact that they look good in my rear view mirror has some value, but as I said before, they are both wonderful on the track, and I cannot yet tell you which is really more fun. A stock 993 is nicer to drive as a DD than a stock GT3, but that is damning by faint praise. Almost any other modern car is more streetable than either one. Having said that, it depends what your daily drive and road quality is, and how many fillings you have.

Hope this helps.

NJ-GT

Option 4: 993 Carrera S and 996 GT3 Race car

With a budget of $150k, you can find a very clean 993 Carrera S as street car, and a nicely modified 996 GT3 for track use.

My GT3 had the RSR R&P, LWFW, Cup LSD, all the suspension rubber removed (full monoballs), Moton 2-way, wider wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, etc. At one time it weighed 2,760 lbs on race trim. It was faster on straight line than modified 993 RSR running stronger than factory motors. The mechanical grip is better than the 993 RSR at low speed turns, and about even a medium speed turns.

If you remove the A/C, put a full cage, and get GT3 Cup doors, cup hood, you could be running below 2,600 lbs with a 996 GT3, within your budget, with 380 underrated and reliable HP.

I would personally go with option 5: 993TT + 996 GT3 Race car.

GT3 Nut

There is a 2001 996 Cup in rennnlist classifieds for under $80K right now. It seems like a good value.

tcsracing1

I have simular situation.

I want a double duty car in order to avoid paying alot of money for a track-only car and not using it enough to justify the investment, so which car do i buy? I also love 993s big time......

Im interested in keeping the car for a long time and i also what to have a reasonably competitive car at the track. So 996 GT3 is great for the purpose of double duty, but is not a long term keeper WHEN compared to the 997 GT3 in terms of which car one would rather hold on to..

So im going all in for a 997 GT3 RS.

The 996 and 997 are better cars on the track then the 993, but the 993 is the car everybody wants to have in the garage because they are just so damn nice. I want one too. And i will have one someday. But right now i need something new, user friendly and a devil at the track. I cannot compromise on the track abilty of the car. Is has to be the best out there to date.

So if you wish to have a 993 now but still race, then step down from the $$ 997 GT3 idea to a 996 GT3 so you can afford a secondary car being the 993 and enjoy them together.

Keep the 993 forever, and you can always sell the 996 GT3 in time and upgrade to a 997GT3 when your interest takes you there.

You are better off building a 996 GT3 to club sport RS specs then a 993 to clone RSCS specs if you intend to race a little with it. (nothing against a real 993 RSCS, as it is an awesome track/ driver car and collector if you can find and afford one) I wouldnt bother cloning a 993 for light racing, especially with the good race parts avaialble for 996 GT3 for light race duty these days.

Now, that being said, if you are a real hardcore 993 NUT, then buy two 993s. one to race, the other to drive. forget about 996s and 997s. In 15 years time you will really appreciate having the 993s in your garage even if you no longer use them.

I hope the 997 GT3 RS follows the same suit in 15 years, but alas only time will tell on that one. We already know the 993 will.