good starter car for track days?
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i have a 1999 996 and my dad has a 2007 Z06. we recently did a track day and are now looking for a dedicated track car. does anyone have a good suggestion? our local porsche repair shop suggested a 944S2 or 944 Turbo S.
Aside from Porsches, what other makes/models should we consider? would something else be a more reliable choice? our skills aren't to the point where we need huge hp. and we probably won't go racing for awhile.
Aside from Porsches, what other makes/models should we consider? would something else be a more reliable choice? our skills aren't to the point where we need huge hp. and we probably won't go racing for awhile.
#4
Drifting
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
A track-prepped SC or Carrera will give you so much pleasure and challenge. That's what i recommend.
#7
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There are some good 944 Turbo S's for sale in the want ads, and in Pano.
A 944 variant makes a great track car. Neutral handling, relatively inexpensive to maintain, and lot of options if you want to get into racing.
A 944 variant makes a great track car. Neutral handling, relatively inexpensive to maintain, and lot of options if you want to get into racing.
Trending Topics
#9
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
BMW E30 325is.
It will teach you to use the momentum just like a Miata would. And it has a roof.
Buy a clean example and put a roll bar and seats in it.
There is plenty of room and you can put all 4 track wheels into it and drive it to the track.
Once you maximize your driving on that car get something with power and you will kick ***.
Any car with less than 180 hp can serve a similar purpose if it keeps a smiliar power to weight ratio. Although fwd cars may not be the best preparation for a powerful rwd car.
It will teach you to use the momentum just like a Miata would. And it has a roof.
Buy a clean example and put a roll bar and seats in it.
There is plenty of room and you can put all 4 track wheels into it and drive it to the track.
Once you maximize your driving on that car get something with power and you will kick ***.
Any car with less than 180 hp can serve a similar purpose if it keeps a smiliar power to weight ratio. Although fwd cars may not be the best preparation for a powerful rwd car.
#10
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You can buy a used Spec Miata for around $10K. This will get you a roll cage (safety) but you'll have to trailer it. You could also get a regular Miata ($5K) and install an SCCA approved roll bar for around $1000K.
Miata's handle great and are dirt cheap on parts. I just put brand new rotors on my Spec Miata at $30 each. I replaced a caliper, factory rebuilt from Mazda, for $70.
One downside is that a Miata can't carry its own tires, although you could always install a trailer hitch and get a small track trailer.
Miata's handle great and are dirt cheap on parts. I just put brand new rotors on my Spec Miata at $30 each. I replaced a caliper, factory rebuilt from Mazda, for $70.
One downside is that a Miata can't carry its own tires, although you could always install a trailer hitch and get a small track trailer.
#12
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
first choice: spec miata (cheap cheap cheap, forces you to drive it hard, learn to carry speed through turns, cheap cheap cheap.)
2nd choice: e30 (same as above, but less cheap, harder to find one that's already built up)
3rd: elise (no pwr, incredible handling, but fragile and $$)
4th: varienty of porsches (unless you are buying brand new stuff, else 911SC, carerra, 944 924 are all getting old. the repair bill will be higher than choices #1-3.)
2nd choice: e30 (same as above, but less cheap, harder to find one that's already built up)
3rd: elise (no pwr, incredible handling, but fragile and $$)
4th: varienty of porsches (unless you are buying brand new stuff, else 911SC, carerra, 944 924 are all getting old. the repair bill will be higher than choices #1-3.)
#14
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Budget and what clubs are you planning on running with? If a Porsche, I would say an SC/early Carerra if you want to spend 10-15K or a 944 from 5K on up. PCA Regions in the Northeast are sporadic about running other marques but if that isn't an issue Miata's (I wouldn't set foot in one without FULL safety gear inc. full cage, race seats, harnesses) look like fun.
#15
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i am with mooty unless you want to have a porsche ...
i would lean toward a 944 expecting to invest 15k finding a good used 944 with out alot of track use if you are persuing a porsche
i would lean toward a 944 expecting to invest 15k finding a good used 944 with out alot of track use if you are persuing a porsche