Johnny911

I could use some opinions here. The idea is “biggest bang for the buck.” The car would be used for DEs, Time Trials and MAYBE for a race or two. The trick is, I still need to drive it back and forth to the events, so no full on track cars. With both, I’d upgrade the suspension and try to lighten up the car a little bit by removing some stuff. Of course, I’d add safety equipment on both, plus new seats, sticky tires, etc. I guess the real key here is, should I roll the dice on a stock, 100K + mile 964 or is the reliability, fun and competitiveness worth the $10K bump for the (’99 – ’01) 996? BTW, I have 8 years of DE in a wonderful 87 3.2 911 with suspension upgrades, but am tired of getting run over in the straights. I have instructed in both 964s and 996s but never pushed them so I don’t have a reference there. I’ve been out of the game for two years so this is a bit like starting over for me. Thanks for your advice.

FredC

964

David 23

?. I would think the extra money for a 996 with a potentially better suspension and the extra hp would be well spent. He mentions he is tired of being "run over in the straights". Would the 964 be that much of an upgrade from what he has now?

ltc

964

Ray S

996. In stock or modified trim it will run circles around a 964. (to those that want to argue, please refer to the current Club Racing model classifications)

You said you're "tired of getting run over in the straights". The 996 has a better chassis, better brakes, better power to weight ratio, and is actually lighter than a 964. It will corner better (mod for mod), and beat the 964 down the straight.

Chris M.

Yes and no. It depends on what's running over him. If it's the Z06s and Vipers he's out of luck either way. If it's the 993s and 996s, the 964 is the way to go. As far as 964 vs. 3.2, given "equal" suspensions and drivers, the 964 will be a good bit faster. Larry Herman has shown that a lightened 964 can hang with the 996s and GT3s pretty well. I would also think you'd want a dry sump engine for a track car.

A930Rocket

Where's the Turbo option? You won't get run over driving one of those!

ltc

now you've done it

racer

A 964 will still feel "raw" like your 3.2 The 996 will just be fast.

It would seem $$ wise, with the 10K saved buying a 964 you could pay for a lot of track upgrades right out of the box - seats, extra set of rims/tires, harnesses/rollbar etc.

FredC

Upgrade: yes given the extra HP and weight-reduction potential of the car.

Compared to 996: no dry sump in 996... not great for engine once running track tires and an upgraded suspension. Not fun to watch all the smoke coming out of the engine compartment on engine restart either.

Overall, i think the 964 will be more fun to drive on the track given its 911-esque heritage. I had a GT3 and an 03 Carrera that I tracked heavily... The GT3 was a thrill to drive, but not as much as my 80 SC F-Class club racer

Gary R.

I find myself biting my tongue but I would opt for the 996. The 964, if in top condition, would be a great track car but the $10K you are saving is just a top end rebuild away. As for the dry sump, there are some mods for the 996 that help but reality is a NEW 996 crate motor complete and ready to install is $8500.00 from what i'm told. The 996 with some mods will make a great street and track car, and with serious mods will make a very serious track car... in the end it comes down to budget. Can you swing modding the 996 (add $10K to start) or is the $27K about it?

FredC

Gary? Are you ok? kidding aside, i had to buy a new engine for my earlier 996 (99) and it did cost 8,467.48 (I remember because...) So right on with the figures. Still, short of a Mk1 or Mk2 GT3, i would go with the 964 or even what you already have.

Tom W

I'd go with the 996. BTDT with a 964. You can lighten the 964 and make it competitive with a stock 996, but then you can lighten a 996 too. I think you'd spend a bunch more taking an old 964 and getting it ready to go than what you would need to do on a 996. Regardless of mileage, the 964 will have more parts that are in need of replacement simply due to age. Rubber doesn't last forever and there is a lot of rubber in the 964.

Chris M.

Including the removal and installation?

Gary R.

Hehe.. me? ok?

It's 930 withdrawal.... if I can't get a boost fix soon i'm gonna CRACK! Add to that i'm trying to beat a 5.3 cyl SC to death and it's no wonder i'm thinking about water pumpers! I could buy a small farm in South Carolina for what i'm looking at spending this winter...

Chris - I do that myself and when I say complete ready to bolt in I mean complete. Exhaust, wiring harness, everything except the A/C compressor!