Race classes: Talk to me like I'm stupid ...
#1
Burning Brakes
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I'm starting to think about dipping my toe, err wallet, into wheel-to-wheel racing. Seems like everyone's advice is to either buy an already prepped car, or build a car to the specs of a specific class. But for this not-too-bright guy, those class specs can sometime be a little confusing. Excluding spec 944 for a moment, what kind of class would you guys suggest for someone from the northeast who wants to spend <$30k on the car itself. Club Racing? NASA? SCCA? Any and all advice is appreciated ...
At the moment, I have a 78 911 SC running a 3.4L PMO carb'd motor (crankfire ignition), big torsion bars and sways, and an RSR-look widebody. My guess is that this car would be pushed into a class (because of the changes) where it would be otherwise outgunned should my driving skills ever become somewhat competitive. But if I could simply put some money into prepping this car, that would be ideal ...
Current weight is around 2,450 pounds
At the moment, I have a 78 911 SC running a 3.4L PMO carb'd motor (crankfire ignition), big torsion bars and sways, and an RSR-look widebody. My guess is that this car would be pushed into a class (because of the changes) where it would be otherwise outgunned should my driving skills ever become somewhat competitive. But if I could simply put some money into prepping this car, that would be ideal ...
Current weight is around 2,450 pounds
#2
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Do not build a car.
Buy a car.
There are lots available.
Go to the next Club Race and look around, see what appeals to you.
Do not screw up your current car and frustrate yourself.
Buy a car.
There are lots available.
Go to the next Club Race and look around, see what appeals to you.
Do not screw up your current car and frustrate yourself.
#4
Race Car
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I'm starting to think about dipping my toe, err wallet, into wheel-to-wheel racing. Seems like everyone's advice is to either buy an already prepped car, or build a car to the specs of a specific class. But for this not-too-bright guy, those class specs can sometime be a little confusing.
#6
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Given your budget, which is very reasonable - you would be hard-pressed to build a competitive car in any class for that much. The worst deal on a ready-to-go racer will be far cheaper than building it yourself, as those of us who have built it themselves will attest! If for you part of the entertainment factor is working on it then build one.
And I always felt that starting out at least I wanted to crash slower, so I have stayed in and enjoyed SP2.
CHeers
Randy
And I always felt that starting out at least I wanted to crash slower, so I have stayed in and enjoyed SP2.
CHeers
Randy
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#8
NASA Racer
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Sure. Just put another $100k in and you'll do just fine in the land of GT monsters. Buy a spec boxster and don't look back. There's some good racing developing in the NE in spec box.
#10
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For under $30k you can find a well prepped Spec Boxster that someone spent $45k building. They are several available out West and I'm sure in Texas. Go drive one, you won't look back. At Laguna last month a friend let his Father, who races a nicely prepped 964, take his 996 race car out for a session. The Father was blown away how well the car handled and felt. He has now put his 964 on the market and is building a 996 race car. As I said, go drive a Spec Box or 996 race car. You won't be disappointed....
#11
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Figure out what organization you want to run, PCA, NASA, SCCA. Take a look at their classes and see what type of car will fit where. Cup Car can run PCA and in NASA GTS series. Spec Miata can run NASA and SCCA but not PCA.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#13
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Don't build
Spec Boxsters are very good value for the money.
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#14
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A good E class 911 sold this spring in Minnesota for $16k. The seller simply wanted to get it out of his garage because he had moved on to his next hobby. The buyer is VERY happy with the car.
Having built two race cars from street cars (I'm apparently a slow learner), I can tell you that buying someone else's car, which they have poured money into, is a much better plan
Find a good 911 E class PCA car.
Having built two race cars from street cars (I'm apparently a slow learner), I can tell you that buying someone else's car, which they have poured money into, is a much better plan
Find a good 911 E class PCA car.