boze_man

Howdy- Been off the site for at least 5yrs and probably almost 10yrs since my last DE. I used to own a lightly 'track-prepped' '93 RSA (half cage, belts, slicks, brakes, etc) back in the 00's and mainly drove TWS. I took a break from my pcar as the kiddos older and more involved in sports and moving out of the H-town area didn't help. We now live in South NJ near Philly and I see that NJMP is within an easy hour drive. With the kids in college/heading into college the wife has been pressuring me to get a hobby. I mentioned another track car and she was like 'that's great' so I have the green light...BUT now the problem is what to get??? I don't want to over research and analyze every plus and minus so thought I would ask here for some direction and also see if anyone knows of any solid cars for sale.

I'm setting my budget at $30k, prefer a Pcar, prefer lowkey and lower consumables cost. Basically looking to only run DE's, but ok if it is a dedicated track car. My '93 RSA had non-power steering, LSD, only made 247hp, and he only electronic countermeasures were ABS, so track days were a place to really work on one's momentum.

I know my thread question has been asked numerous times and I have read some of the threads but wanted to reach out...Thanks in advance for any advice. The Dude abides...

Olemiss540

Cayman if you must have a Pcar, BMW e46 or e36 if you are open to another German automaker.

A setup E36 is an absolute HOOT to drive and reliable as heck if stock power is maintained and weak points are addressed. Endless aftermarket, cheap consumables, balanced weight distribution, etc,etc,etc.

One with an S54 swap would be perfect IMO. Mine has an LS swap and it scares me atleast once a lap.

Thundermoose

E46 M3 at TWS

russell263

I'm in NJ, come grab my Cayman and don't look back!

https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...l#post15273178

Brian C in Az

Does that mean you just lowered your price to $30K?!?!

Prelude Guy

Congrats on being able to come back to the track. I am curious what your experience will be when you come back. I recently came back as well and was shocked at how fast the cars are out there now. So many Corvettes and Mustangs now. I couldn't imagine running a Miata in this day and age.

Anyway, if you are interested, I have a 1995 M3 that is perfect for a track car. The major maintenance has already been done. Cooling system, brakes, and clutch. All it really needs is a nice suspension and it is ready to go!

PM me for details. I'm near BWI airport.

993944S2

I may know of a well set up and fresh 944 SP2 car for sale. Well below your budget but perfect for getting back into track days.

rnh204

E46 m3. Hard to beat at that $30k price point.

pu911rsr

Been there done that few times over the last 30 years. I've ended up with a couple E36 M3's - been great tools to teach my kids how to drive. Cars are fun, easy to drive and don't eat up a lot of $$.
Phil

Frank 993 C4S

As a Porsche guy, I agree with the above. Go with an E36 BMW for your budget.

cstyles

You will easily be able to find a built 987.1 Cayman S track car for your budget. ~55k miles, no accidents, no stories - just a toy the previous owner had built to enjoy the hobby knowing full well that when the time came to move it along, he would be doing so at a large financial loss. You can find these opportunities by doing just as you've done - posting a WTB ad. My car wasn't advertised, the owner connected with me as a result of my WTB ad.

The Cayman S running costs aren't bad. 18" wheels with 235/265 tires, smaller pad dimensions (less $$) than the 911, reasonably light so consumables last longer, has decent track fuel mileage, and doesn't require any special valve adjustments or 'major' services. Now if you lose the motor that's another story all together and I am sure an E36 or E46 M3 would be better in that regard. You can also go Spec Cayman racing relatively easily, if you find a car that was built to, or close to, SPC spec.

If you want to stick with the Porsche experience, find yourself an already built 987.1S for under $30k and put the rest aside for tires, brakes and entry fees!

lcrain

Another vote for an M3 of some variety. I have an e36 with an s54 from the e46 m3 and it is a hoot. The e46 will be faster out of the box wiith 333 hp stock from the s54 than a stock e36 m3. The limit in the e36 m3 will be more approachable, IMO with only 240 hp. Both are spectacularly balanced and easy cars to drive. I would highly recommend buying one that is already built. 10-15k for an e36 m3 or 15-25k for an e46 m3 ready to track.

boze_man

I want to thank everyone for their input! keep it coming...apologies for being slow to respond as I have been researching some of the advice given to try to narrow my search...

David993S

Are you towing to the track or driving? If towing - Spec Miata. If driving - e36 or 46

bobt993

More of the same. Having raced Pcars and bimmers. For 30k I would get a very well sorted E36/S54 conversion or a E46/M3 sorted with all the track stuff added. NJMP is local for me too.