rlips

Well, After 35-40 track days on my GT3, I've decided that one car can not do everything well. So, I have purchased a purpose built race car, a 1995 Porsche 968 Firehawk, and am trading the GT3 on a F430.

As I did more and more track days, it seemed that I was compromising both comfort on the street and performance on the track. With me, a full tank of Gas and my roll bar, my '11 GT3 weighed in at 3502 lbs. I've also been working with a pro coach, and am driving the car harder than ever.

At that rate of use, and that weight, I started really thinking about how the car will hold up after 100 track days. Surely, many things will need to be replaced. I've already gone through 3 front rotor sets, countless pads, lot's of Hoosiers and a windshield. What bits of aluminum suspension will cycle out? Who knows...

I am starting to worry about the CL components (I know we can convert them over, but that means all new wheels, and a more narrow resale market) and think that the hubs and nuts will need to be treated as a wear item and replaced soon as well. I hate the procedure for changing the wheels at the track and I don't really trust the system. Fears of losing a wheel are haunting me....

I also want the freedom of not having to worry about the finish of the car (yes I have a clear wrap) and don't like the constant work required to put the car into track configuration, then back to street, then back to track. With all the mono ball stuff that was going in to the car, it was harsh on the street and my wife and I don't really enjoy sport bucket seats and harnesses when we go out together.

So, it's a dedicated track car for me I know I will miss the power of the GT3, but I am getting into the 968 at a good price and my coach feels very strongly that a momentum car will improve my driving at a more rapid pace. I also like the full cage, full fire suppression system and containment seat as safety items on the track.

And, on the road, I've wanted a Ferrari ever since I was a kid watching Magnum P.I. Boy, I bet that show has sold so many Ferrari's over the years! The F430 has nice leather, comfy seats, a more compliant ride and it still has a howling V8 with 483 Hp. I am getting a six speed, I still like three pedals and I believe the traditional manual will be easier on the wallet down the road.

Later this week I will post a bunch of track goodies for sale. I have wheels, tires, brake pads, suspension bits, a big torque wrench...all will be looking for a new home here on Rennlist.

See you all at the track...

Ron

Bob Rouleau

Ron,
You need to be a paying member to post ads here.

Regards,

rlips

Bob, I have been a paying remember, but, just checking, I realize I need to renew. Doing that now....

pbu

Sounds like reasonable rationale to me. F430s are beautiful but certainly show weakness on the track. (excl scud) I'd be interestedto find out if the 968 can hold your attention with it's lack of speed.

Best of luck with your new cars,

OroborusGT3

I bought a brand new F430 three pedal car back in Oct. 2006 and just sold it. It had 21k in mint condition and zero problems, never a single issue but the manifolds were replaced free at 10k miles, too bad you missed it. You're gonna get so addicted, I love the GT3 but the F430 will get you in such a way.

I'll be checking on your stuff as I just bought a 2010 GT3.

rlips

Thanks. I figure that buying the car fully built should mean that I will be able to get out of it reasonably easily if I miss the straight-line speed. The real tough situation arises when you take a street car and do the initial build, you can pretty much gaurantee that the car will only be worth a fraction of what you put in. And, I think the 968 will be fun, just in a different way. Either way, there are always faster cars out there if need be

rlips

Yes, the manifolds are a known issue. The car is at the dealer now, and they are replacing the manifolds as part of the pre-purchase, so I get brand new ones to start. The car is a 2006, black on black.

Izzone

cant wait for the goodie sale

tcsracing1

sounds to me like you should have 5 lugged the GT3 and kept it as a track car and second spare street car.

the ferrari is awesome however and you will like it for daily driving.

the 968 will suffice for track play, but you will be rewarded more in a GT3 in terms of braking, exit speeds, grip and downforce. In the long run you will want something in the lines of the GT3 to keep your skills at the high level on the track....

too bad you couldnt keep em both

Aerokitted

congrats.

911 is beer.

f-car is top shelf vodka.

both will get you drunk.

NJ-GT

Both V1 headers and V2 headers fail on the F430, it is just a matter of time. The actual fix is to replace the muffler mounts with the spring loaded mounts from Capristo.

rlips

Understood. And as soon as the car gets close to out of emissions warranty, it will get the non OEM parts

carcommander

I just traded my F430 for another Ferrari. I had the 430 for 4 years. You are going to enjoy it. I always dreamed of one too. I love Porsches, I own a couple, but a Ferrari ia a delite for all the senses. Mine was reliable too.

mepps

911 is just beer? hmmmmmmmm

sin911

That's just offensive!

911 is not beer. A Mustang, Camaro, Corvette or Viper could be beer but not a 911!

I think Ferrari is more like Whisky. It looks classy, but not for everyone.

911 is like a fine Vodka (not Absolut or Smirnoff), all like it and most can drink it