Jumping to 981/718 Clubsport or 991.2 Cup, feedback requested
07-30-2024, 08:31 PM
#46
^^^ This, plus focus on the whole package:
- work with a competent shop that knows these cars on aquisition and support
- work with a reputable coach that really knows and races these cars to help you with set-up and driver development.
- these cars are extremely easy to drive at 7 or 8/10s but maybe you want to take your learning experience a little further or if you really want something that "wears you out and kicks your butt on track", drive an air cooled vintage 911.
- work with a competent shop that knows these cars on aquisition and support
- work with a reputable coach that really knows and races these cars to help you with set-up and driver development.
- these cars are extremely easy to drive at 7 or 8/10s but maybe you want to take your learning experience a little further or if you really want something that "wears you out and kicks your butt on track", drive an air cooled vintage 911.
07-30-2024, 09:02 PM
#47
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I bought my first Porsche about 15 years ago by posting a WTB add on Pelican. You could do the same on RL although this thread is kind of serving the same purpose.
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07-31-2024, 07:38 AM
#48
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07-31-2024, 12:57 PM
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981/718 Clubsport is my vote based on what seems to be your experience level and expectations.
Always buy the newest/lowest mile car that fits your budget. A higher mile 981 is not really a problem, but make sure it is inspected by a competent shop that knows the cars so you can get a proper idea of what maintenance costs to expect that might be coming up soon.
991.1 cup is for sure the best bang for the buck. But being more of a true race car, it comes with more "race car things": No radiator fans, easily damaged clutch, school bus turning radius, no ac, more cost per hour, fewer shops that understand the cars. the 991.2 is the "better" car with a very nice bump in power/torque but with the extra power can be tricky to drive at times. The .2 engine can also have catastrophic failure if the car is spun backwards without the clutch being pushed in. It spins the engine backward and can/will loosen up the oil pump drive gear and will lead to sudden oil pressure loss which is rarely caught until the engine implodes.
A clubsport is basically no more difficult to run at a track day than your GT3.
Stay away from the trackday model IMO. Much harder to sell down the road since they are the least competitive in their racing class. The more MR upgrades the better.
Always buy the newest/lowest mile car that fits your budget. A higher mile 981 is not really a problem, but make sure it is inspected by a competent shop that knows the cars so you can get a proper idea of what maintenance costs to expect that might be coming up soon.
991.1 cup is for sure the best bang for the buck. But being more of a true race car, it comes with more "race car things": No radiator fans, easily damaged clutch, school bus turning radius, no ac, more cost per hour, fewer shops that understand the cars. the 991.2 is the "better" car with a very nice bump in power/torque but with the extra power can be tricky to drive at times. The .2 engine can also have catastrophic failure if the car is spun backwards without the clutch being pushed in. It spins the engine backward and can/will loosen up the oil pump drive gear and will lead to sudden oil pressure loss which is rarely caught until the engine implodes.
A clubsport is basically no more difficult to run at a track day than your GT3.
Stay away from the trackday model IMO. Much harder to sell down the road since they are the least competitive in their racing class. The more MR upgrades the better.
But, I am with Cory on this. The universal satisfaction of owner/drivers of these ClubSport cars is persuasive and strong. Most can come to drive them closer to their performance envelope, which is due to the great comfort and confidence they inspire. Plus the upkeep and low support requirements keep the focus on fun.
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08-01-2024, 09:52 PM
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08-02-2024, 09:15 AM
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I will add one more data point: if you do get a 718 Clubsport, opt for the Competition model rather than the Track Day one. It gives you the excellent 3 way adjustable dampers, the dual master cylinder brakes with adjustable bias, quick release & more comprehensive steering wheel, etc.
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08-02-2024, 11:50 AM
#53
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I’ve raced several different generations of cups as well as a 981 Clubsport. They are all great. The 996 cup is very, very physical to drive fast. The Clubsport and later gen cups are pretty cushy by comparison. The later cups for sure cost more to run than a Clubsport: brake pads, engine rebuilds…it all adds up. You honestly won’t be disappointed with any of them. Bang for the buck, it’s hard to beat a 996 cup or the Clubsport. But if you have the budget, the 991 cup will not disappoint - and a 992 cup is even better 
.
.
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08-04-2024, 08:42 AM
#54
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It is challenging to find someone's Clubsport or Cup car to test on track, but if possible ask someone if you can drive a Clubsport around in a parking lot. Or maybe ride right seat in one. Coming from a street GT4 with over 500 hp to a Clubsport with only 385, I thought I might expect to be bored. I was not expecting the Clubsport to be as raw as it is just driving it around a parking lot the first day I picked mine up. The engine/trans is hard mounted to the chassis and there is obviously no sound insulation, and the suspension is very firm. GT4's already have a lot of gear whine but without insulation, it is very pronounced. All of this adds significantly to the "racecar" feeling. Sure, a Cup amps all of that up to the next level, but if you can get "it" from a Clubsport, it's a simpler package to run. YMMV
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08-07-2024, 02:41 AM
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08-07-2024, 08:53 AM
#56
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Because we were only driving around 35 mph we were not required to wear a helmet. I was in my 991.1 and boy was that a mistake. After a couple of laps I had to pull off due to the whine of the transmission. I swear my hearing got worse from those two laps.
Take care of your hearing - it is stupid things like what I did that causes long term hearing damage.
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08-07-2024, 09:40 AM
#57
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In my case, I went from a 500+hp street GT4 to a 981 Clubsport which only has 385 hp. I managed to find one with very low miles. I did put Dundon headers on it though and it is loud and quite glorious sounding. I do agree with you, ear protection is mandatory! On a side note, while the 718 has more hp, Porsche really crippled the sound without a cross-pipe in the exhaust. My theory is they did that specifically to differentiate against 911's, street and cups. My 981 sounds REALLY good. It does add to that "racecar feel" but it is clearly slower than a 718 when battling on track. FWIW, I hardly ever drive my Clubsport now that I started racing my MX-5 Cup. I am addicted to the pursuit of mastering that angry bee...
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08-07-2024, 10:35 AM
#58
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In my case, I went from a 500+hp street GT4 to a 981 Clubsport which only has 385 hp. I managed to find one with very low miles. I did put Dundon headers on it though and it is loud and quite glorious sounding. I do agree with you, ear protection is mandatory! On a side note, while the 718 has more hp, Porsche really crippled the sound without a cross-pipe in the exhaust. My theory is they did that specifically to differentiate against 911's, street and cups. My 981 sounds REALLY good. It does add to that "racecar feel" but it is clearly slower than a 718 when battling on track. FWIW, I hardly ever drive my Clubsport now that I started racing my MX-5 Cup. I am addicted to the pursuit of mastering that angry bee...
But irl I'm going to need to spend considerably more first to achieve equal or less driver development, thanks.