Seems my 996TT can't take the abuse anymore. Right now I have to upgrade my tranny and then who knows what else. So I figure it might be time to buy a dedicated track car. I was suggested an old 994T like the one my mechanic races. Ideally I would like to spend about $20g-25g. Is this reasonable? What would you guys suggest?

 

FWIW - I determined my choice of track car by the following:

1. What car would be relatively "reasonable" if I balled it up on a track?
2. I want to stay Porsche - which Porsche is the best "bang for the buck".
3. What Porsche has the most or close to the most reliable drivetrain?
4. What Porsche will offer the best handling package per dollar?
Lastly - what cars are available for sale?

My choice - a 1989 944S2. Clean car, 147K well maintained miles.

EDIT: In addition - I was basing my decision on having the following cars that I have prepped and driven A LOT on the track:
1. 1988 944 Turbo S
2. 1994 968
3. 1998 BMW E36 M3
4. 2002 BMW E46 M3
5. 1999 996 Aero coupe <--most recent

Here is the S2 during the build as of today. With the dry, cooler temps over the weekend, I spent the time completing the interior paint. Here it is, all coated and cleared and awaiting the roll cage:

 

I'd suggest you buy Christians "Demi Cup". ....though it's certainly not in the budget. :-)

I'd suggest a race car WITHOUT boost first. If you can drive a slow car fast, you will be a fast driver. You can always buy faster cars, but you can't buy skill.

The real question is what race class to you want to run in? PBOC R5? PCA? pick a class, then pick a car.

 

Stan - I know of a very good, one owner 944S2, in Palm Beach.
If you are interested in it, drop me an email and I'll tell you all about it.

 

Just an observation, but it seems to me that as horsepower goes up, so goes the cost of running a track car. In addition to the engine, the HP beats on the clutch, transmission and diff. And of course the tires take more of a beating. Because you're going faster, your brakes come under more strain.

So the easy answer is, anything slower is going to be cheaper. But are you prepared to go slower?

 

Non-turbo car for sure. I would choose a later model 964 over an S2; but, and S2 is certainly a good platform. I believe there is significantly more support in the aftermarket for the 964, then the S2. From my experience, Turbo cars provide more down-time then non-turbos. No one ever leaves the boost alone. Comparatively, at the events I go to, S2s and 968s seem to be relatively rare; but, feature better brakes and beefier transmission.

http://www.weissach.net/924-944-968_...formation.html

 

Since you're not new to the whole track thing, I wouldn't press upon you the atrractiveness of a 944/951 as much as I would do someone who was just getting into racing/DEs. 944s IMHO are much easier to drive than 911s due to their 50/50 weight distribution, and, when sorted right (which is very easy to do), can be extremely quick.

That said, it really is a rewarding feeling when you finally get a 911 figured out -- they're an absolute blast to drive.


My 951 is essentially stock, with mild upgrades to suspension to increase handling quite a bit while not sacrificing ride. The engine I've kept at stock. Even with this very mild setup, I'll run circles around a ton of the full-on track cars whenever I go to the track -- it sure keeps me entertained!

I'd seriously give my vote for a 944/951. Oh and for a 951, by simply upping the boost to a very conservative 15 lbs you shouldn't give up much reliability over a stock 951. Especially with a turbo, the key is to find a car in already good condition right off the get-go.


Oh and 944s are cheap. Which is awesome.

 

There again too some folks dont leave the NA motors alone ether...

+1 on a 964 based car. Might be out of the$20 25K range but more up front might be less $ overall.
How handy and set up to work on cars are you?

 

That's true: there's definitely something to be said for an air-cooled motor. They'll go forever.

 

I was hoping that the weight of a stripped out track car would make up for the reduced HP.

Where do I look for 944/951s? Is it better to by a used street car and convert it or just buy a track ready car?

Terry, I'm going to drop you a line.

 

GT3... there really IS no substitute. Well, except for a RUF. Gotta up your budget though.

 

buy is much cheeper than build!!!! I have sent you a pm as I may be selling my track car

 

Stan:
It is hard to beat HP and while dropping weight is a great way to make the car perform/handle better it does not overcome 50+HP Delta's

Buy a sorted track car. Others will likely chime in but unless you really enjoy the project aspect of the task (I did, but only for one) it is MUCH cheaper to buy a sorted car understanding you will still need to put $$ at it.

Terry is a good resource.

Enjoy the process.

 

Not necessarily. Buying someone else's headache only creates more heartache down the road.

My budget is VERY reasonable (so far). Even with the full engine rebuild.

C.

 

Agreed. I think the point is to buy a SOLID track car versus buying a solid street car and convert it.

Street cars of this vintage have their share of headaches too!

944/951 track cars are always for sale at the 944Cup, 944SuperCup and Spec944 web sites.