Tree smashed my Cayman R - 996 GT3 good replacement tool for driver development?
11-08-2023, 11:58 AM
#16
I have a 996 gt3 that I track a few times a year. It would be a great driver development tool. I won't beat a dead horse but the lack of driver aids and overall nature of the car make it more of a challenge than any other porsche I have driven.
That said, I get most of my track time in a miata and every time I get back into the gt3 I am faster because of the miata. Currently I have a caged NC but I really developed with my NA spec miata (recently sold). There are plenty of excuses with the NA: its slow, no abs, short wheelbase. I feel spoiled now in the NC with ABS and the longer wheelbase is much more confidence inspiring in high speed corners. But really any Miata will do. Something about tracking a cheap, low powered Miata is liberating. Running costs are cheap and if you smash it up so are replacements. I get its not for everyone, but if you are serious about developing as a driver I highly recommend trying a miata. There is a reason they are a cliche track car.
That said, I get most of my track time in a miata and every time I get back into the gt3 I am faster because of the miata. Currently I have a caged NC but I really developed with my NA spec miata (recently sold). There are plenty of excuses with the NA: its slow, no abs, short wheelbase. I feel spoiled now in the NC with ABS and the longer wheelbase is much more confidence inspiring in high speed corners. But really any Miata will do. Something about tracking a cheap, low powered Miata is liberating. Running costs are cheap and if you smash it up so are replacements. I get its not for everyone, but if you are serious about developing as a driver I highly recommend trying a miata. There is a reason they are a cliche track car.
11-08-2023, 04:04 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
Good insights. In what ways did you feel it contributed to your progress today? Cup cars are crazy value but being able to drive to and from the track is important to me right now, but maybe some day down the line when I have some space for a truck and trailer, and a little more patience for hauling it around.
The shock tower issues (which may be overblown) have put me off of a GT4. Nothing about the hobby is cheap but, the cost of rotors and pads for a GT4 were surprisingly high last I glanced, and my heart loves the feel and charisma of the GT3's engine over the 3.8 in the 981. The difference in price between a GT4 and a mid-mileage 996 GT3 is close enough (fornow) that its hard not to cross shop them.
The shock tower issues (which may be overblown) have put me off of a GT4. Nothing about the hobby is cheap but, the cost of rotors and pads for a GT4 were surprisingly high last I glanced, and my heart loves the feel and charisma of the GT3's engine over the 3.8 in the 981. The difference in price between a GT4 and a mid-mileage 996 GT3 is close enough (fornow) that its hard not to cross shop them.
IDK about worrying about the GT4 shock towers. If you are tracking a car there's always something breaking...if it's not that then on another car it will be something else.
Good luck with your search.
11-08-2023, 05:38 PM
#18
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That one that was someone who slammed the leading edge SQUARE-on of a high, concrete curb so hard it DID punch through the right side tower (Turn 9, VIR). Broke the wheel, too.
And, I've worked with hundreds of 981 GT4 and 718 GT4 street and dozens of GT4 race cars for eight years.
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
11-08-2023, 09:25 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
For the same reasons mentioned above. No PSM/TCS, terrible ABS, and woefully undersprung suspension tied to a high revving Metzger engine. What could go wrong lol?
IDK about worrying about the GT4 shock towers. If you are tracking a car there's always something breaking...if it's not that then on another car it will be something else.
Good luck with your search.
IDK about worrying about the GT4 shock towers. If you are tracking a car there's always something breaking...if it's not that then on another car it will be something else.
Good luck with your search.
11-09-2023, 10:47 AM
#21
Rennlist Member
