CharlieDavis

I've wanted a 911 for some time, and will be able to get one soon. I'll use it for Northern CA PCA events and would also like to give it a go in SCCA class STR. Initially, only the '84-88 Carrera was listed, but now they have added the
'78-83 SC. What's the best car for autocross? I've been advised by one Porsche expert that the G50 Carreras are heavier. Thoughts???

Thanks,
Charlie Davis

MechanicalEng

Personally I would buy a '88, the car might be a bit heavier but the extra torque and better transmission will definitely offset the extra Lbs. Remember that in STR you can install racing seats, exhaust, and other weight saving mods.

analogmike

Hi Charlie, remember me in the A-stock S Targa?

The 911SC and Carrera are very similar except the SC should be lighter, especially compared to the later 3.2 with the G50 trans. Either can have a limited slip and the same size tires and wheels. The allowed headers might give more of an improvement on the SC.

When these cars were new, the 3.2 tended to be a little faster than the SC stock but not by much. I think either could be competitive. But the lower weight of the SC should help. We ran an '86 cabriolet in '91 or so, I think one of the only 3.2 Carreras to trophy in AS.

Good luck!

CharlieDavis

Mike Piera! I saw "analogmike" and knew who you were from the team.net days! I remember riding with you with a dwell tach on my lap to see where your rev limiter kicked in in the late '80's...

There's an '84 Carrera in Brooklyn that really looks sweet, other than that minor detail about being an entire continent away from me! Wondering how to get a pre-purchase inspection on a car that far away... Shipping looks to be $11-1300....

Charlie

analogmike

Hey Charlie!

Yes that was crazy, testing my rev limiter between runs. Good head game by the protestor.

I would avoid East Coast cars, they are more expensive AND rusty... you should have a great sea of choices in CA, good luck!!!!

CharlieDavis

The problem is that it seems all the CA cars are Targas and I want a coupe...

analogmike

Ah yes a Coupe is the way to go... I looked for a year for a 2.4S coupe and settled on my '72S Targa in 84. It did well for me but I came in second place at the nationals twice by 2/10th of a second, maybe could have won two more championships if I could have found a coupe...

2002M3Drew

The other issue with this class and the SCs and Carreras is tire availability in the 245/45/16 rear size. I don't see any of the competitive near-R comps with wear ratings of 140 and above made in that size anymore. About the best you can do is a 205/55/16f and 225/50/16 r - not optimal.

CharlieDavis

I was going to use 17s. Linea Corse has 7.5F/9.0 rears in 17" and Dunlop Star Specs have a wide variety of 17" sizes, including 245/40-17 for the rear.

2002M3Drew

I hate to put more wheel than a 16 on an SC, but you may have a good idea there. Otherwise I might be tempted to just downsize to 205/225 on 7's & 8's. Those tire sizes on the wider wheels actually are not that far off in actual width (the tires fill out the wheel rather than being squeezed on).

I have to go back and re-read those STR rules...

MechanicalEng

for STR you can run any offset, any diameter rim. But in a 2wd car you are limited to rims no more than 9" wide and tires no wider than 255mms. I run a 9" rim with 255-40-17 Hankook RS3 in my S2K. I would love to see a Carrera in STR!

GTgears

Nevermind. I was thinking roadracing, this is auto-x

Auto-X-er

That probably is your best option. Unfortunately the tire rules (or options sold) in STR don't seem very 911 friendly. They do seem to make the most out of their tires, so you never know.

Would be cool to see other cars out there especially a Porsche, not much selection in the very popular class.

kjchristopher

Charlie - you should have looked me up at the Tour or Pro.

Carrera is the way to go. Non G50, so 84-86.

CharlieDavis

K.J.- I didn't know you were a Porsche guy!

I've had a couple of discussions with Porsche techs, and now I'm leaning toward a newer Boxster for PCA events and daily driving and just keep using the STX BMW for BMWCCA, SFR SCCA events, Pros and Tours. Seems these 25+ year old cars can just have too many expensive problems.

Thanks for all the input!

Charlie