997.1 Track Car?
09-28-2023 | 05:02 PM
#31
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From: seattle, washington
Those are valid points but I think I know that the DE is where I want to spend the $. I really enjoy the adrenaline rush and pushing the car to the limit although I'm nowhere near the limit in this car. I need a car with some blemishes and has the performance to go with it. I plan to sell this car at some point and try to find something more suited for my needs.
After completed the paint was so nice I had trouble parking it anywhere or taking on my annual drive to Los Angeles or San Fran for fear of rock chips/etc.
Having a dinged up driver takes the stress off.
Last edited by groovzilla; 09-28-2023 at 05:05 PM.
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10-01-2023 | 07:52 PM
#35
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Tech Tuesday: Tracking your car and the M96 engine (constantcontact.com)
Of everything I have read, consistent oil temperatures over 220 Deg and high G forces in turns causing a loss of oil pressure are the 1st things to guard against for the M96.05 (Base 3.6) and M97.01 engines (S 3.8). Wear on brakes, tires, and clutches come with all tracked cars.
I don't track ours. Its great just to drive in a sporty manner once in a while, and has been sitting in a garage bay for 8 years now with us, driven about 3000 miles a year with annual oil changes and all the other maintenance. Its a joy just to look at some days. We would miss it for sure.
Of everything I have read, consistent oil temperatures over 220 Deg and high G forces in turns causing a loss of oil pressure are the 1st things to guard against for the M96.05 (Base 3.6) and M97.01 engines (S 3.8). Wear on brakes, tires, and clutches come with all tracked cars.
I don't track ours. Its great just to drive in a sporty manner once in a while, and has been sitting in a garage bay for 8 years now with us, driven about 3000 miles a year with annual oil changes and all the other maintenance. Its a joy just to look at some days. We would miss it for sure.
IMHO this is the biggest issue with tracking your 997.1.
I have been tracking Porsche’s for about 20 years and budget about $10k annually for around four track weekends each year. Typically these are three day weekends. That budget includes everything maintenance, event fees, hotels, nice dinners, consumables and track insurance. I do some of the routine maintenance myself and use the dealership for some work because I like the technician who works exclusively on my cars. The last three years I have been tracking a 996 GT3 and it has appreciated about $25/$50k from my original purchase price but that doesn’t matter because it is not for sale
Life is short, if you enjoy it and can afford the cost, I say go for it.
Other than good street tires, track focused brake pads and high temperature brake fluid you do not need any modifications until after you are well past the intermediate level of HPDE. The best money you can spend is on more seat time, enjoy 😉
Last edited by Patrick3000; 10-01-2023 at 07:58 PM.
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10-01-2023 | 08:07 PM
#36
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From: Maryland
My former 997.2 that I tracked one day just to see what it would be like.
Like you I thought it was to nice for to track. I wish that I had kept it and now I’m looking for another 997.2. The next on will be my third and definitely a keeper 🤪
Last edited by Patrick3000; 10-01-2023 at 08:21 PM.
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10-01-2023 | 08:28 PM
#38
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From: Greenville, SC
Originally Posted by Patrick3000
@srb1194 Please pay attention to this post ^^^
IMHO this is the biggest issue with tracking your 997.1.
I have been tracking Porsche’s for about 20 years and budget about $10k annually for around four track weekends each year. Typically these are three day weekends. That budget includes everything maintenance, event fees, hotels, nice dinners, consumables and track insurance. I do some of the routine maintenance myself and use the dealership for some work because I like the technician who works exclusively on my cars. The last three years I have been tracking a 996 GT3 and it has appreciated about $25/$50k from my original purchase price but that doesn’t matter because it is not for sale
Life is short, if you enjoy it and can afford the cost, I say go for it.
Other than good street tires, track focused brake pads and high temperature brake fluid you do not need any modifications until after you are well past the intermediate level of HPDE. The best money you can spend is on more seat time, enjoy 😉
IMHO this is the biggest issue with tracking your 997.1.
I have been tracking Porsche’s for about 20 years and budget about $10k annually for around four track weekends each year. Typically these are three day weekends. That budget includes everything maintenance, event fees, hotels, nice dinners, consumables and track insurance. I do some of the routine maintenance myself and use the dealership for some work because I like the technician who works exclusively on my cars. The last three years I have been tracking a 996 GT3 and it has appreciated about $25/$50k from my original purchase price but that doesn’t matter because it is not for sale
Life is short, if you enjoy it and can afford the cost, I say go for it.
Other than good street tires, track focused brake pads and high temperature brake fluid you do not need any modifications until after you are well past the intermediate level of HPDE. The best money you can spend is on more seat time, enjoy 😉
10-01-2023 | 08:29 PM
#39
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From: Greenville, SC
Originally Posted by Patrick3000
My former 997.2 that I tracked one day just to see what it would be like.
Like you I thought it was to nice for to track. I wish that I had kept it and now I’m looking for another 997.2. The next on will be my third and definitely a keeper 🤪
10-02-2023 | 08:43 PM
#41
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From: Greenville, SC
Hey guys I promise I'm not trying to drag this discussion out but I have a follow up question. Suppose a 911 GTS or GT 2 or 3 isn't in my budget. What are the possibilities/risks in getting a 997.2 or other model for track use? I'm not knowledgeable enough on the engine changes since the .1 to make that decision. Although I am the one who mentioned the Cayman I'm just not in love with that car as I am with the 997. Can anyone comment on this or are there other options I'm overlooking. For what it's worth consider a budget of 75K max. Thanks for any input.
10-02-2023 | 09:11 PM
#42
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From: Maryland
Hey guys I promise I'm not trying to drag this discussion out but I have a follow up question. Suppose a 911 GTS or GT 2 or 3 isn't in my budget. What are the possibilities/risks in getting a 997.2 or other model for track use? I'm not knowledgeable enough on the engine changes since the .1 to make that decision. Although I am the one who mentioned the Cayman I'm just not in love with that car as I am with the 997. Can anyone comment on this or are there other options I'm overlooking. For what it's worth consider a budget of 75K max. Thanks for any input.
10-02-2023 | 09:16 PM
#43
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Awesome! So no worries about bore scoring, deep sump oil pans etc? I know I'd be getting another set of rims so I could have dedicated track tires. No worries about the extra G loads there, true?
I have the sport seats currently and they're incredible. They really keep you planted for a OEM seat.
I have the sport seats currently and they're incredible. They really keep you planted for a OEM seat.
10-02-2023 | 09:51 PM
#44
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Awesome! So no worries about bore scoring, deep sump oil pans etc? I know I'd be getting another set of rims so I could have dedicated track tires. No worries about the extra G loads there, true?
I have the sport seats currently and they're incredible. They really keep you planted for a OEM seat.
I have the sport seats currently and they're incredible. They really keep you planted for a OEM seat.
Oil starvation is not an issue with this engine. Someone with more knowledge than me can chime in but I believe that the oil pumps were upgraded following the first year production in 2009.
I would encourage you to skip the second set of wheels and dedicated track tires until you reach the intermediate run group. A good set of street tires will provide better feedback on what the car is doing and allow you to develop your skills faster. My favorite tire is the Michelin PS2 “N” spec, specifically designed for Porsche’s.
The only modifications needed to begin are track brake pads, high temperature brake fluid and a good set of summer street tires. Spend your money on maintenance and seat time, lots of seat time. Have fun and enjoy the journey, that is the prize 👍
10-02-2023 | 10:19 PM
#45
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Thanks for the information. The only reason I wanted another set was the severe wear the tires incurred on the last day. I had tons of rubber buildup in the wheel wells. It just seemed more cost effective but I see your point. Thanks for such valuable information.