Z-man

Similar monies? So, by your estimation, it will cost me $20k to get the Cayman's suspension up to speed with a GT3? (not power, just handling, of course!) Or does the $20k also include the possibility of motor issues with the 987S?

In my area, I've seen Cayman S's going for around $35-40k, while 996GT3's are still in the 60's, maybe high 50's for one that's been ridden hard and put away wet.

-Z-man.

dp35

<----

Way faster (bone stock) & more fun than any of the options already listed. Also MUCH lower operating costs, and likely better resale value.
Ariel Atom.

Rceron

Knocking on wood now....but I don't think I've even heard of anyone blowing their GT3 motor or needing a rebuild. Maybe I missed that one particular thread ?

Leigh2

I bought a 6GT3 when they first came out but eventually decided it was too many$$$'s to have in a track car. So I bought an older C2 that was supercharged and had all the safety gear. On paper they were equivalent cars but the GT3 was way faster in reality. Tough to improve on Porsche's experience when they decide to build a track car. The GT3 is a very complete package for the track with many differences that make a world of difference to the drive-ability and reliability.

A.Wayne

^^^ True dat .............

d15b7

hi. you should look at the 2011 Mustang GT with the 'track pack'. i just read an article (C&D i think) where Randy Pobst drove it back to back with a 2011 M3 at the track (Laguna Seca i think). the Mustang was less than 0.1 sec off the best time of the M3.

for $31k, i call that a bargain. full warrantee, 414 hp, good suspension, great brakes, great sounds. i think i'd look seriously at this car.

good luck and have fun!
Todd
ReidSpeed

Serge944

The extravagant costs come from sequential gearboxes (which the early cup doesn't have), and people who are bent running the most expensive/shortest lifespan tires. Frequent rebuilds are only necessitated by racers who want to extract the last few potential hp.

Cup cars are only as expensive as owners want them to be.

As a counterpoint: for 40k, you can get an '06 Z06 vette, destroy any street GT3 on the track, and drive it home. Engine replacement is DIRT cheap.

tlarocque

True Serge, but you're driving a Vette. Its going to hurt when you go sliding off the track in your own oil

If the OP is willing to go for a full race car, I know of a very nice and very fast E46 M3 for sale in my area that could probably be had in the low $40's...

mglobe

E36 M3? You can get them cheap, mod them into a great track car, and live with them on the street.

OP stated that he wants it to be able to street it, so cup cars are not an option, nor is anything with a cage. To keep a GT3 in budget, you're not going to be able to do much to the car. The plus on the GT3 is that the engine is pretty bullet proof. OTOH you could trick out a 996 or Cayman into a car that can run with a GT3 for less money.

Carrera51

I vote for a 996 GT3. If it was in my realm of reality financially, I would have one for DE and occasional street driving.

Z-man

Thanks folks -- keep the advise coming!

@d15b7: the Mustang GT w/ track pack is actually in that last category as the Z06 and others -- I just wasn't sure how folks on Rennlist would react! And indeed, I drank the Porsche Kool-Aid, so it is most likely that the replacement car will be another thoroughbred from Zuffenhasen.

@mglobe: While I love the E36 M3, it is nearly as old as my '89 944. And the E46's are nice, but a bit on the heavy side. Besides, they are sedans (even the 2-door versions) -- I might as well track a station wagon!

As for the Vette, Mrs. Z-man objects to that car -- says I don't fit into the stereotype that is associated with that vehicle! And poking around the interwebs, seems the Z06's are commanding a premium price tag -- typically more than a Cayman S -- and I think the 987 is a more track oriented car.

While I prefer a streetable car, a cup car isn't out of the realm, but again what I fear the most is the maintenance costs, even if I drive the car gently.

Thanks,
-Z

Veloce Raptor

Maintenance on a 6Cup is actually not horrible, despite what you hear on the internet. If you heel & toe properly, and are religious with warm ups, fluid changes, etc., they are relatively inexpensive for what they are. The 7Cup, not so much...

va122

+1 what JR said.

I had a 996 GT3 as my track car for years and I can't explain in words how rewarding the experience was. You may have to up your budget a little but you can find one like mine with all the track goodies already installed. Sorry mine is sold.

Chris M.

I assume you're towing if you're even considering the Cup?

va122

just get a 6-GT3 and call it a day.