997.1 Track Car?
09-26-2023 | 09:40 AM
#16
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 162
Likes: 32
From: Greenville, SC
Took a look at your photo album. Not sure why but there is a "lag" when trying to click on the individual photos or to use the > key to look at next photo.
I got a good sense of the car. Nice Sport seats but looks like standard interior not full leather. Hard to tell if it has PSE exhaust/etc.
Full wrap?? What is the original paint color??
IMO due to the low 27K mileage and If you want to preserve it as a keeper to hold hold it's value, I would suggest the following:
- AAAA+++ for having Manual Transmission.
- Stop tracking it to preserve paint/suspension and other components. Also saves windshield from chips which I have seen on tracked cars
- Drive it on occasion, careful where you park and keep it garaged
- Replace the Turbo wheels with either Lobster Forks or Carrera ii wheels OR if u can;t live without the Turbo's buy a set of Lobsters or Carrera II's and keep them stored
- Be kind to it keeping it well serviced---> And for peace of mind, I would pay $250-$300 and go to Porsche Indy specialist and get a Bore Scope Inspection through the spark plug holes with 2 photos of each cylinder for peace of mind and future resale.
I love Silver/black - My favorite. I have owned 7 997's including my current 06 C4. (2 997S, 3 997C4S & 2 C4) - I bought and sold back when they were much easier to find in Manual transmission and also much less expensive.
I got a good sense of the car. Nice Sport seats but looks like standard interior not full leather. Hard to tell if it has PSE exhaust/etc.
Full wrap?? What is the original paint color??
IMO due to the low 27K mileage and If you want to preserve it as a keeper to hold hold it's value, I would suggest the following:
- AAAA+++ for having Manual Transmission.
- Stop tracking it to preserve paint/suspension and other components. Also saves windshield from chips which I have seen on tracked cars
- Drive it on occasion, careful where you park and keep it garaged
- Replace the Turbo wheels with either Lobster Forks or Carrera ii wheels OR if u can;t live without the Turbo's buy a set of Lobsters or Carrera II's and keep them stored
- Be kind to it keeping it well serviced---> And for peace of mind, I would pay $250-$300 and go to Porsche Indy specialist and get a Bore Scope Inspection through the spark plug holes with 2 photos of each cylinder for peace of mind and future resale.
I love Silver/black - My favorite. I have owned 7 997's including my current 06 C4. (2 997S, 3 997C4S & 2 C4) - I bought and sold back when they were much easier to find in Manual transmission and also much less expensive.
The following users liked this post:
groovzilla (09-26-2023)
09-26-2023 | 02:33 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 17,733
Likes: 5,051
From: seattle, washington
Okay I think I misspoke. What I should have said is full PPF with ceramic coating on top of that. The car does not have PSE which is a regret of mine when I purchased the car. As I said in another post, it's not one of a kind but it's in super condition and probably deserves better than just being used as a track car.
In summary great car you have and I think it's wise to keep it away from the track to preserve it's wonderful condition. That combined with Manual transmission and super low miles puts it in the upper class for it's category
The following users liked this post:
srb1194 (09-26-2023)
09-26-2023 | 07:48 PM
#19
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 162
Likes: 32
From: Greenville, SC
That's a good point but I like the adrenaline rush from the speed. I should also mention that I really want the track car to be a Porsche. That is one of the reasons I mentioned the Cayman. Those things are much quicker than my car regarding acceleration down the straights. Bottom line is I want to go fast and in a safe manner. Thanks for the comments.
The following users liked this post:
Rig.Stunts (09-27-2023)
09-27-2023 | 12:48 AM
#20
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 306
Likes: 66
From: San Francisco
I started going to the track 2.5 years ago and accumulated about 50 HPDE’s on my ‘06 C2S with 93k miles. Been mostly reliable with the exception of the clutch prematurely failing because the RMS leaked oil into it and made it really stiff.
I’ve had the car for 9 years so enjoying it on track is special. At this point I’m going to keep driving it on track until either she or I break.
These cars can take track abuse but you’ll rack up rubber marks on the car and go through consumables quite a bit. It’s smarter to buy a cheaper dedicated lightweight track car but we are all passionate about cars and it’s just more fun to throw logic out the window
I’ve had the car for 9 years so enjoying it on track is special. At this point I’m going to keep driving it on track until either she or I break.
These cars can take track abuse but you’ll rack up rubber marks on the car and go through consumables quite a bit. It’s smarter to buy a cheaper dedicated lightweight track car but we are all passionate about cars and it’s just more fun to throw logic out the window
The following 4 users liked this post by sf_c63:
09-27-2023 | 08:35 AM
#22
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,719
Likes: 906
From: NY Tri-State
Greetings everyone,
So I have a dilemma with my 997. I bought a pristine 2007 997 to use as a pleasure car. The car is great but I've found that my wife doesn't enjoy riding in it and frankly for myself to just go out and drive to exercise the car it has become more of a chore. I've been to two HPDE sessions with the car and have found that is where I enjoy it the most. I just can't legally get that same enjoyment on public roads.
The problem I face is that I feel like I'm ruining the value of the car by taking it to such events. I feel like I'd be better off to sell it and get a better track car and something I can drive on the streets as I desire. I just never feel good punishing the brakes and tires of this car at those events. At my first event I was amazed at the power and handling of the car however having the Caymans blow my doors off takes some of the fun away. Has anyone else been in a similar predicament?
I welcome any comments.
Thanks
So I have a dilemma with my 997. I bought a pristine 2007 997 to use as a pleasure car. The car is great but I've found that my wife doesn't enjoy riding in it and frankly for myself to just go out and drive to exercise the car it has become more of a chore. I've been to two HPDE sessions with the car and have found that is where I enjoy it the most. I just can't legally get that same enjoyment on public roads.
The problem I face is that I feel like I'm ruining the value of the car by taking it to such events. I feel like I'd be better off to sell it and get a better track car and something I can drive on the streets as I desire. I just never feel good punishing the brakes and tires of this car at those events. At my first event I was amazed at the power and handling of the car however having the Caymans blow my doors off takes some of the fun away. Has anyone else been in a similar predicament?
I welcome any comments.
Thanks
09-27-2023 | 09:29 AM
#23
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 116
From: Milton, GA
Let's get something straight here - there's no way to do anything even semi-serious on the track and also be fiscally responsible, especially if one wants to drive a p-car out there. Not to be too reductive, but reading this thread through, OP seems to have these choices:
1) Just give up the idea of doing HPDEs, or do one per year with the 911 and never get too deep
2) Get into it with this car and give up the idea of keeping it pristine and maximizing investment
3) Buy a Cayman and essentially trade one money-pit for another. Keep the 911 pristine and burn your cash with the Cayman - are you really better off? If you have all that cash to burn and the extra garage space, go for it!
I had a dedicated track car - see yellow 944 in avatar - for a number of years, but sold that and now just went with (2) above. I've had my 997 for 13 years, put over 100k miles on it during my ownership, including several track days as an instructor. It does have a bunch of track-oriented mods (suspension, deep sump oil pan, 3rd radiator, Gyrodisc front rotors, and aforementioned track pads and wheels/tires when heading to Road ATL)
1) Just give up the idea of doing HPDEs, or do one per year with the 911 and never get too deep
2) Get into it with this car and give up the idea of keeping it pristine and maximizing investment
3) Buy a Cayman and essentially trade one money-pit for another. Keep the 911 pristine and burn your cash with the Cayman - are you really better off? If you have all that cash to burn and the extra garage space, go for it!
I had a dedicated track car - see yellow 944 in avatar - for a number of years, but sold that and now just went with (2) above. I've had my 997 for 13 years, put over 100k miles on it during my ownership, including several track days as an instructor. It does have a bunch of track-oriented mods (suspension, deep sump oil pan, 3rd radiator, Gyrodisc front rotors, and aforementioned track pads and wheels/tires when heading to Road ATL)
09-27-2023 | 11:02 AM
#24
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 127
Likes: 57
From: Minneapolis
That's a good point but I like the adrenaline rush from the speed. I should also mention that I really want the track car to be a Porsche. That is one of the reasons I mentioned the Cayman. Those things are much quicker than my car regarding acceleration down the straights. Bottom line is I want to go fast and in a safe manner. Thanks for the comments.
09-27-2023 | 11:15 AM
#25
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 162
Likes: 32
From: Greenville, SC
I knew I would get lots of valuable feedback on this forum. You guys are fantastic. It really boils down to lowering the value of the car and the potential for engine issues. I'm fastidious by nature and that causes conflicts with using this car for track purposes. I'm definitely not going to modify this car just for track use.
Since the Caymans were passing me I knew that the 997 was outmatched in my case. I know these events aren't races and I certainly held my own where possible. I think ultimately I just need to replace the car with another Porsche that is better suited for my needs in both performance and condition. The comment regarding how the Cayman drives intrigues me. I'm curious to know the difference. Hey I love the 997 but don't have the budget for a GT3 at this point. I just thought the Cayman would be a better choice.
Lots to consider
Since the Caymans were passing me I knew that the 997 was outmatched in my case. I know these events aren't races and I certainly held my own where possible. I think ultimately I just need to replace the car with another Porsche that is better suited for my needs in both performance and condition. The comment regarding how the Cayman drives intrigues me. I'm curious to know the difference. Hey I love the 997 but don't have the budget for a GT3 at this point. I just thought the Cayman would be a better choice.
Lots to consider
09-27-2023 | 11:33 AM
#26
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 116
From: Milton, GA
Cayman would be an awesome choice! Do some research on PDK vs manual. I'm a huge fan of the manual, but if I was buying a car that was mainly targeted for track use and relative speed / lap time is a concern / goal, I'd look at PDK. I'm not so close to it now, but I remember that after a few years of experience with Caymans in PCA Club Racing, the serious guys were dumping their sticks bc PDKs were hands down faster.
I'm sure the track forums here and Cayman forums will get you the best info
I'm sure the track forums here and Cayman forums will get you the best info
Last edited by Jack667; 09-27-2023 at 11:35 AM.
09-28-2023 | 02:49 AM
#27
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 15
Greetings everyone,
The problem I face is that I feel like I'm ruining the value of the car by taking it to such events. I feel like I'd be better off to sell it and get a better track car and something I can drive on the streets as I desire. I just never feel good punishing the brakes and tires of this car at those events. At my first event I was amazed at the power and handling of the car however having the Caymans blow my doors off takes some of the fun away. Has anyone else been in a similar predicament?
I welcome any comments.
Thanks
The problem I face is that I feel like I'm ruining the value of the car by taking it to such events. I feel like I'd be better off to sell it and get a better track car and something I can drive on the streets as I desire. I just never feel good punishing the brakes and tires of this car at those events. At my first event I was amazed at the power and handling of the car however having the Caymans blow my doors off takes some of the fun away. Has anyone else been in a similar predicament?
I welcome any comments.
Thanks
The following 2 users liked this post by Andy804:
Rig.Stunts (09-28-2023),
sf_c63 (09-28-2023)
09-28-2023 | 03:31 AM
#28
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 650
Likes: 124
From: BATH
I think you need to work backwards from the value proposition of your choices. When I was younger I went everywhere on track with my 964RS (I bought a one owner 9k km maritime blue car for £25k in 97 !) and loved it as I have got older I look at the real cost of a track day which is probably nearer £1k (wear, petrol, event etc) to me know this is a 1-2 times a year value proposition at most. I enjoy a spirited drive, a nice restaurant and a weekend away for £1k if I find a good deal, that for me is better value.
My GT3 for me is terrific on the road, for some they would feel it's a track oriented car only, its choices and the value proposition and diving it relatively infrequently keeps it special and maintains the value so FOR ME this works, for others it will be different
Perhaps exploring a few more track events, will tell you what you want and what it might cost and you can then do the maths
My GT3 for me is terrific on the road, for some they would feel it's a track oriented car only, its choices and the value proposition and diving it relatively infrequently keeps it special and maintains the value so FOR ME this works, for others it will be different
Perhaps exploring a few more track events, will tell you what you want and what it might cost and you can then do the maths
09-28-2023 | 03:02 PM
#29
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 162
Likes: 32
From: Greenville, SC
As you gain more experience, you’ll likely find that your 997.1 will be as quick or quicker than the Caymans. This is assuming that the Caymans you speak of are relatively stock and of the 987 generation. As a more experienced driver, I’ve passed 997 Turbos in a spec Boxster and I’ve passed 991 Carreras in a Macan S. But these scenarios only lasts for so long until these other drivers get more seat time. I personally don’t subscribe to the blanket statement that the mid-engine cars handle better than the 911. To me, if the cars are set up well, it’s more of a difference in how they should be driven. Although, I do think it would be easier to learn the craft of track driving in a Cayman.
09-28-2023 | 03:05 PM
#30
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 162
Likes: 32
From: Greenville, SC
I think you need to work backwards from the value proposition of your choices. When I was younger I went everywhere on track with my 964RS (I bought a one owner 9k km maritime blue car for £25k in 97 !) and loved it as I have got older I look at the real cost of a track day which is probably nearer £1k (wear, petrol, event etc) to me know this is a 1-2 times a year value proposition at most. I enjoy a spirited drive, a nice restaurant and a weekend away for £1k if I find a good deal, that for me is better value.
My GT3 for me is terrific on the road, for some they would feel it's a track oriented car only, its choices and the value proposition and diving it relatively infrequently keeps it special and maintains the value so FOR ME this works, for others it will be different
Perhaps exploring a few more track events, will tell you what you want and what it might cost and you can then do the maths
My GT3 for me is terrific on the road, for some they would feel it's a track oriented car only, its choices and the value proposition and diving it relatively infrequently keeps it special and maintains the value so FOR ME this works, for others it will be different
Perhaps exploring a few more track events, will tell you what you want and what it might cost and you can then do the maths