trackjunky

A few of us have been having some serious discussions about creating a new Spec class for the 996. This would not be a rip off of the Spec Boxster nor would it compete with Spec Boxster. Rather, it would represent the next step in both performance and cost with the founders of Spec Boxster being the main drivers of the class.

We're aiming for a build cost of around $45K including car and your sweat equity, while the Spec Boxster is looking at $24-30K build cost.

This spec would be for 1998-2001 3.4 litre 996's. PCA GTB might be looked at as the next step up from 996 Spec. Thus a 4 tier process. Boxster Spec > 996 Spec > PCA GTB > GT3 Cup


Same basic rules as Spec Boxster with some noticible differences:

1) Allow double Adjustable Shocks
2) 8" front and 10" rear x 18" wheels (must be stock Porsche items)
3) LSD allowed
4) Solid/Spherical upper shock mounts
5) Any front Bumper
6) Stock rear wing
7) GT3 Rear toe links
8) GT3 front Arms with stock bushings
9) Spherical sway bar links
10) Toyo R888 tires 245/285
11)2850# with driver
12) Solid or Cup Car motor mounts

Obviously to get the full picture, you need to look over the Spec Boxster rules and consider the above additions. Here's the link:

http://www.boxsterspecracing.org/hom...on=BSR%20Rules

We've considered some other specifications, but the above represent what we feel are the easiest and lowest costs of entry.

What's your thoughts?

JC3D

I think those are good specs. POC MI and MP class are close to that with a lot heavier cars because a lot of interior still needs to be in the car. Open exhaust and weight reduction are 2 things that would be great for that car. Maybe even a bigger wing.
The only thing holding me up would be the number of cars. There is a big race group here with R6 class and I wouldn't want to leave that class to be one of a few cars. Please keep me in the loop about this.

DrJupeman

For all of these spec classes you need to lock down the engine so that people can't start tweaking and otherwise drive costs like I understand happens with Spec Miata. Sealed motors from Porsche would be ideal with specific intake, headers, and exhaust all required. Once you leave something as "free" in a spec class you leave open the door for exactly the kind of tweaking you're trying to get away from when making a spec class.

I'd have to believe that a sane mind at Porsche would love the concept you guys are working at.

trackjunky

Jupe, if you look over the Boxster Spec rules you'll see that you are not allowed any mods from the stock air box to the header flange where it connects to the catalytic converter.

You bring up a great point, and yes, the big mission is to create a win/win with Porsche by giving them a reason to sell 3.4l engines to those with valid proof of membership and competition in the class. That would seal the deal, but we would need to show numbers to even bring them to the table.

Your input is appreciated. Any more thoughts?

karlooz

i would but would go with gt3 wheel sizes and aftermarket wheels. i would also go with a cup car wing. basically what i want is a baby gt3 cup.

what about the 3.6L cars out there? 100 pound weight penalty?

trackjunky

GT3 Wheels are very expensive vs standard Porsche wheels which everyone looks to sell. We would like to stay with the 245/275 tire sizes.

Yeah, we all like the GT3 wing and the "Baby Cup" look, but that would add $2k to the build cost. (I love that look, so it's still on the table)

3.6's would go to GTB, which is essentially a similar spec when you look at the Koni rules.

Veloce Raptor

Bill, were I to build a PCA car, I would lean this direction, probably. One suggestion: drop the R888's and instead use the Nitto NT01 as spec. The WC guys do not like the 888 at all.....or so I hear.

CWay27

I would love to run Nitto on my 996 as I did with my RSA but sizes are just not there for rears. they have 275 and then it jumps to 315. A 285 or 295 would be ideal

Veloce Raptor

Oh, you're right. I forgot that mglobe had told me this. My mistake.

CWay27

I'm due for a new set on my 996 and keep hoping they'll release new sizes to suit the 10s. As for the rest of the specs, it sounds very interesting a would be fun to participate or even watch.

LVDell

I you run the 11" rear you can run the 315/30 on the rear. Compliments the car nicely. I ran that combo on my GT3 and loved it. Tire lasted a long time as well as you can run them until they cord.

CWay27

Dell, you are absolutely right on tire wear and it was your report that actually made me jump the boat and go with Nitto but as for my 996, I think 11s with 315s is a little overkill for a regular 320HP 996. It wouldn't be hard convincing myself to go with 315 if I had a GT3.

LVDell

Ah....total brain fart on my end. Forgot about the hp differential restricted to the 3.4L which IIRC is 300hp not 320 as that is the 3.6L. It would be great if Nitto made the NT01 in a 285 or 295 rear. I have no experience with the 275 so I can't comment on that.

ltc

There are already 'spec' 99x series: Supercup and GA Rolex.

If you were to build a new 'spec' class, I would do it around the Cayman, not the Carrera.

Just my 2 cents.

trackjunky

Good point, which is why the thought process is:

Boxster Spec > 996 Spec > PCA GTB (ex Koni cars) > GT3 Cup

This would make a ladder, rather than each spec competing with each other. Each step along the way you gain speed, modifications and set up variability. For example, on shocks: PSS9's > any Double Adjustable > Any shock > Cup High End shocks and big $$$

VR, I agree with the Nitto's as that was the same argument I made. Sizes are the biggest issue.