Moving to a dedicated track car
10-15-2018, 08:35 PM
#16
What is your target budget? I love the saying “you need to know how fast you can afford to be”. Also the deal you get on the race car can make a huge difference in the overall cost equation. I was in a similar situation as you about 5 years ago. My dual purpose car was at the point where it wasn’t a great street car and wasn’t a great race car. Also, I was getting faster so safety was becoming a larger concern. I jumped right into a Radical SR3 and it was a great solution for me. I got an amazing deal on my car and after 5 years of enjoyment I sold it for about what I paid for it (and it was a great deal for the buyer). Consumables are very affordable because the car is so light. And there is nothing like driving a purpose built, high downforce car with paddle shifting and slicks. However the engine does need to be overhauled every 49 to 80 hours (depending on the engine and how it is driven) and overhauls can cost between $3k to ~$10k+. But for me it was worth every penny. By the way, there are some Amazing deals on Radicals right now. You can see some of them at www.RadicalSportscarRegistry.com, or feel free to PM me your number and I would be happy to point you to others.
Charley
Charley
Last edited by CharleyH; 10-16-2018 at 10:23 PM.
10-15-2018, 08:50 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
What is your target budget? I love the saying “you need to know how fast you can afford to be”. Also the deal you get on the face car can make a huge difference in the overall cost equation. I was in a similar situation as you about 5 years ago. My dual purpose car was at the point where it wasn’t a great street car and wasn’t a great race car. Also, I was getting faster so safety was becoming a larger concern. I jumped right into a Radical SR3 and it was a great solution for me. I got an amazing deal on my car and after 5 years of enjoyment I sold it for about what I paid for it (and it was a great deal for the buyer). Consumables are very affordable because the car is so light. And there is nothing like driving a purpose built, high downforce car with paddle shifting and slicks. However the engine does need to be overhauled every 49 to 80 hours (depending on the engine and how it is driven) and overhauls can cost between $3k to ~$10k+. But for me it was worth every penny. By the way, there are some Amazing deals on Radicals right now. You can see some of them at www.RadicalSportscarRegistry.com, or feel free to PM me your number and I would be happy to point you to others.
Charley
Charley
In terms of budget I was thinking about $40-50k for the car, depends if I end up keeping the 991 really. I'm thinking a $25k 944 would be enough to start with for a season or 2.
10-15-2018, 09:10 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
10-15-2018, 10:01 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
Andrew at we-tune has a great cahman gtb1 for sale. Well sorted car. He is in Montreal as I am sure you know
i would pull the trigger on this car for myself but it’s a timing issue for me
i would pull the trigger on this car for myself but it’s a timing issue for me
10-15-2018, 10:47 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
10-15-2018, 10:55 PM
#24
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I love the Radicals but am concerned about safety with the open cockpit. They make sense and a rebuild every 2 seasons isn't nuts as the low consumable cost makes up for them. I agree about great deals out there right now, even here in Canada.
In terms of budget I was thinking about $40-50k for the car, depends if I end up keeping the 991 really. I'm thinking a $25k 944 would be enough to start with for a season or 2.
In terms of budget I was thinking about $40-50k for the car, depends if I end up keeping the 991 really. I'm thinking a $25k 944 would be enough to start with for a season or 2.
I spend about 250 bucks after every two or three days on the track having the car "nut and bolted", change oil after 5 or 6 track days, trans fluid every 10 or so. No track car is maintenance free. Miata is the closest, which a number of folks mention above.
10-15-2018, 11:55 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
Spec Boxster
/thread
/thread
10-16-2018, 12:08 AM
#26
Rennlist Member
I think these threads sometimes turn into a 'what's in your garage' discussion, but seriously...SPB. You can likely come out even by selling your 991 and buying a well-sorted SPB along with a truck and trailer. It'll force you to really learn how to drive, and when the time comes to go racing, the fields are about as big and competitive as they get in PCA. Tires are $1000/set and are good for a race weekend plus 2 DE events, motors are cheap, and trans are cheap. I go through a set of rotors and rear pads per year, and a set of $250 front pads every 1.5 race weekends.
10-16-2018, 02:08 AM
#27
Rennlist Member
I like this thread - refreshing to read on this forum where it seems like everyone is trying to get a GT2 RS or a 991 Cup Car.
One option I would offer up: What about replacing the brakes on your C2S with an AP Racing setup that allows you to use cheaper pads that last longer and also run smaller wheels / cheaper tires? Would be more up front investment but save in maintenance costs.
That said - running a lower power track car will teach you some good things. I had an S2000 track car which was quite reliable until I supercharged it (don't do that.) Also there is no greater thrill at a HPDE than beating a car with twice your horsepower.
One option I would offer up: What about replacing the brakes on your C2S with an AP Racing setup that allows you to use cheaper pads that last longer and also run smaller wheels / cheaper tires? Would be more up front investment but save in maintenance costs.
That said - running a lower power track car will teach you some good things. I had an S2000 track car which was quite reliable until I supercharged it (don't do that.) Also there is no greater thrill at a HPDE than beating a car with twice your horsepower.
10-16-2018, 10:29 AM
#28
Rennlist Member
I think these threads sometimes turn into a 'what's in your garage' discussion, but seriously...SPB. You can likely come out even by selling your 991 and buying a well-sorted SPB along with a truck and trailer. It'll force you to really learn how to drive, and when the time comes to go racing, the fields are about as big and competitive as they get in PCA. Tires are $1000/set and are good for a race weekend plus 2 DE events, motors are cheap, and trans are cheap. I go through a set of rotors and rear pads per year, and a set of $250 front pads every 1.5 race weekends.
Last edited by hf1; 10-16-2018 at 11:01 AM.
10-16-2018, 10:32 AM
#29
Drifting
I believe the GTB1 Cayman at WeTune is Sergio`s car, he now drives an older Cup car.
Seen that Cayman a few times and it was well put together by the boys at WeTune , although being a
full dedicated race car it`s probably more than you would want to spend.
You can always reach out to Sergio on Rennlist under the name Serpags !
Seen that Cayman a few times and it was well put together by the boys at WeTune , although being a
full dedicated race car it`s probably more than you would want to spend.
You can always reach out to Sergio on Rennlist under the name Serpags !
10-16-2018, 10:59 AM
#30
Burning Brakes
Being a 911 and GT4 guy - I don't know that you'd be happy with the speed of a SPB. I think a SP996 is a great car that's a happy balance of speed, performance, and cost of running. There is a SP996 for sale on the site here that I know personally and the car is awesome.
Take one piece of advice from me though - buy one that's already built. Don't pretend that building one yourself is the way to go.
Take one piece of advice from me though - buy one that's already built. Don't pretend that building one yourself is the way to go.