What would be the pluses and minuses from going from a 987.2 race car that is pretty well developed to the CS?

Thanks,

 

I would also like to hear this from those that have made the jump.
In real numbers (using COTA for reference only): seems like a lot of money to go from 2:32 lap down to 2:22 lap. I have grown intimately familiar with my 987.1, but wonder if next move should be to car capable of <2:20. I do not race, just do 6-8 HPDE events annually as hobby, but would sure like a faster car without breaking the bank, high run costs, and mostly serviceable by myself at this stage.

 

Can't beat the reliability and safety of a factory built race car. There is a wide variation in the level of prep, whether you are looking at an ex-IMSA, SRO car or an ex-factory club race car and MR or non-MR.

 

Mike,

Just come to the dark side. In for a penny in for a pound.

Thanks

Ed

 

I have no direct comparison to the 987, but I do have a 718 clubsport comp version and it is great so far. I only have about 700 track miles so far but it’s fast, well built, and comfortable with built in factory ac. So far running costs have been really low aside from tires as the car is relatively easy on brakes. The rebuild schedule is pretty light and you don’t have to do anything besides tires , oil, and brake fluid and pads until the 5,000 kilometer mark. The engine supposedly can run at least 20,000 kilometers but individual results might vary.

if you are racing I guess it comes down to how well the car fits in the class you are racing and how big the fields will be. I might race a bit of PCA next year but a major consideration in getting this car is it is fast but not so fast that you can’t enjoy it at a track day. Something like a 991 cup car would not be that enjoyable in a typical PCA advanced DE as it would be so much faster than the majority of other cars. Regarding times as COTA take a look at rennpoints PCA lap times. It is certainly possible to go 2:20 or better with a well driven and setup 718 clubsport.

 

I did 2:31 in a spec cayman my first and only time at COTA, so I would think a cayman with even moderate aero is a 2:27ish car. The GTB1 ecord is 2:22 so they can be very fast. Once you start dipping to the 2:25 range it’s going to cost more money. The sub 2:20s even more so. Everything is used up quicker the faster you go: tires, brakes, gas, wheel bearings, etc.

if you want the cheapest, absurdly fast DE champion car, buy a Gen 5 Viper ACR Extreme. 125k used and you’ll outrun most 997 cups. In a street car. With the radio on. With a passenger holding a sandwich. I’ve never driven mine at COTA, but it would be a ~2:17ish car there. Of course you’ll go through a set of front tires in 2-4 runs (yes that’s runs not days). But it is unholy fast and stupid easy to drive.

 

The delta will be 3-6 seconds per lap at most tracks. As Frank indicated above nothing beats a factory built race car. A Clubsport will run sub 2:18 laps at COTA.

If you are using for DE/track days you will be able to support yourself as long as the car is prepped prior to arrival, just gas and go, no need for a crew. If it matters, retention of value will favor the CS.

The car punches well above its weight, in a PCA race group you almost certainly will be classed with Cup Cars so expect to be running with 997.2 Cups and at some tracks with 991 Cups . In the rain you will be running near the front. Consider your comfort level at the start/restart of a race when there are 35 in a group and you are running in the middle of the pack heading to turn 1. Please note I say this not knowing you, some people are intimidated by Cup drivers, oh and also expect to be hit, bumped and rubbed.


In my opinion you should start with thinking about how you will use the car, a Clubsport can be be beaten on all day long without much drama, a street converted 987 will not take the same pounding so expect to keep a "miscellany" budget to keep the car on track.

Charlie

 

Mike, the MR Cayman seems to be awesome but why not just get a 997.2 cup or even a 991 cup ??

 

GTB1 is a competitive class with alot of cars. GT4CS is GTD in PCA and not as many compared to GTB1.
GT4CS is beautiful fit and finish with good resale however.

 

Ed and Brant, I don't want the maintenance of a cup. I have watched all the guys in our region have their $25,000 moments.

As to how I am using the car, I am racing with NASA in GTS-4 and a little bit with IGT. I am several hundred lbs heavy or 25-30 hp light. I ran with a Ver 1 CS nose to tail all weekend at Putnam Park but couldn't stay past him on the straights. I was faster in both races but he won!!

 

Charlie...what car was that?

 

Charlie, fun video.

 

A 981 Clubsport MR, prepped by RS1.

Also, here is a video at LRP in the rain against 996, 997 and 991 Cups, ABS is a huge advantage.


Charlie

 

I have a nice 987.2 that I use for 6-10 DE's a year and also question going to the clubsport. I wouldn't touch a cup due to the rebuilds. I would do the majority of the CS maintinance myself. Great thread!

 

Engine should be good for a hell of a lot more than 20k.....probably closer to 80k......