gbeaty

I'd like something fairly powerful, with at least 115 mph trap speeds. I already have a caged race car, and want something I can street drive to track days and time attack events with minimal fuss. Budget is < $100k, preferably quite a bit less. I drive hard and don't want to stuff a lot of money into a wall.

From what I understand, my best options are:
996.x GT3
997.1 GT3
997.2 GT3 - do these use Mezger motors?
Cayman GT4 - could cylinder scoring be a problem?
996 and 997.1TT - though I lean against turbo motors on track due to the additional number of things that can fail.

I've ruled out the 991.1 GT3 due to price and the motor issues.

Thanks for any help.

zedcat

981 GT4 is a good option IMO. My GT4 has been reliable so far (15k mi including 4k+ track miles). Have driven 2+ hours each way to track events many times. Have not heard of any cylinder scoring issues. Check that the trans has been replaced, there is a service campaign to replace due to 3rd gear failures. Mine never broke but got the new trans recently. Not sure if it applies to all VINs though. I needed shims and toe links for alignment but not a big deal. Also have Cantrell bar. And AP J hook rotors. Likely will need to rebuild calipers at some point due to piston "pucks" cracking. The Cayman holds a lot of gear too.

Presume you know the 991.1 GT3s have about 5 years engine warranty remaining.

gbeaty

Thanks. I am leaning towards the GT4 with an updated trans as long as there are no motor issues.

Yes.

gbeaty

Do you worry about front strut tower failure at all? Realistically, any car which is tracked hard is eventually going to roughly bottom out the suspension. I'd much rather break a wheel and bend a strut than break off the top of my strut tower.

85Gold

If your worried about that then you need to go 987.2 or 996/997 GT3/RS.


Peter

MarcD147

Gt4.... by a country mile

phefner

What a great forum. Working the same debate right now but leaning towards the 991.1 GT3. Plenty of time on the engine warrenty left, though getting one for your $100K budget might be difficult. Most that I've considered are in the $125K - $135K with clean inspections/rev reports/carfax.

Akunob

991.1 GT3 by a mile. Spend the extra money and never look back, it’s got it all...power, handling, great suspension, solid trans (now it’s PDK only mind you) and runs all day. Throw in the engine warranty and it’s a no brainer!

gbeaty

The 991.1 GT3 appears to use the same part front strut towers as the GT4, so it doesn't solve the breakage problem. In addition to being over my budget, it's frankly faster than what I'm looking for. I like to drive hard, and having the fastest car at a track day is often counter-productive to that goal. I also would prefer the lower-revving, longer-lasting GT4 motor even with the 991's warranty.

Does no one feel the Mezger-powered GT3s are more reliable than the newer cars? I sure like the idea of steel strut towers...

ProCoach

A majority of the people I work with at the track who drive to the track drive either 981 GT4 or 991 GT3/GT3 RS. Third choice is 987.2.

phefner

Was at a PCA event yesterday, BlackHawk Farms. Several GT3s of all varients plus GT4s. The GT4s and CaymanS/GTS machines do just fine out there. Only cars I saw getting towed off the course were BMWs.

Something else thats caught my eye, its blasphemy, but the Mustang GT350 appears to be a fine track weapon. Talked to the owner of one at length. Over 20 HPDEs: 3 sets of tires, 3 sets of brake pads, original rotors (getting close he admits). Did a walk around with him and its held up great. Little more than15K on the clock.

ProCoach

I can assure you that the GT350 is, as you say “a fine track weapon.” Been selling the hell out of data systems for those cars, and there’s no other reason than that people are having a great time with them. There’s a pack that go to a bunch of tracks, including a former CIO of Ford. Great bunch of drivers and very competent cars.

85Gold

And don’t overlook the Chevy SS 1LE as a track toy. It is the best bang for the buck out there in a new car IMHO.

Peter

ProCoach

Agreed. Nice drive to the track, thrash some "hi-po cars" and drive home again.

gbuff

I often drive Mosport (all the time lately--last four weeks in succession ) and those cars are very popular up there--Ron Fellows uses them (along with Corvettes and Cadillacs) for his events at the track.

And, having shared the track with them on many occasions, I can tell you that they do indeed kick ***.

Gary