28 replies to this topic

[Cloud9...68]

Flash (as he treads gingerly back into off-topic land...),

I've thought of all that, but no matter how I could modify the 968, it just doesn't measure up to some of the alternatives as a track toy. I'm thinking a 2nd gen Toyota MR2, an NA version of which can be had for around $2K, and swapping in a turbo engine and LSD-equipped transaxle - there's a shop in North Texas that specializes in these cars, and these sorts of swaps. These engines are capable of reliably producing upwards of 400 hp at the wheels, and the car can very easily be brought into the 2200 lb range. All this in a reliable, durable mid-engine chassis, and for which parts are readily available (for the most part). Another possibility is a 951, and the Honda S2000 and the Miata have a lot of potential as well.

Now, I need to quickly add that none of these cars (OK, I guess the 951 by definition is very close), in my opinion, has the class, charm, overall utility, looks, and presence of the 968. So as street car, especially with the amazing mods you've created for it, the 968 is in a class by itself for the price. But turning the 968 into a track car that could compete with the MR2 I have in mind would cost a fortune, and may ultimately not even be possible.

[Monstrous4Banger]

Cloud: You just need boost bro. Itll get you out of the turns.

Seriously, just slap a 951 top end on there, and some good rods, and pistons. Good for an easy 400 to the wheels. The 968 is a better tub. I wouldnt go to a 951 from a 968, id just slap on the 951 cylinder head(modded for coolant passages), cam/camtower, intake, and throttle body. You can source the 951 parts pretty cheap.

Edited by Monstrous4Banger, 28 January 2011 - 10:24 PM.

[rl968]

First, I should say that I am a novice. I only have 2-3 seasons under my belt, maybe 15 or so track days. I've been tracking this car only for one season and had problems with it so I'd say I got half a season this year before I got everything sorted out (crossing my fingers.) I'm not out to win any races, just want to have a good time at the track; no thoughts of club racing or modifying the car substantially for higher run groups.

I was tracking a stock 86 911 and it was pretty lacking in torque, though it handled pretty well and was quick once it got going. I stopped tracking it because it really is too nice of a car to beat the hell out of.

I find the 968 has a lot more torque and handles very well, much more balanced than my 911. However, the 968 has bitten me unexpectedly a couple of times, which I chalk up to driver error/inexperience.

What are your other options (Porsche only): 944s have smaller engines and less torque, but are a little lighter than the 968. I think a 968 is a much better car for the track and my 944 friends drool at the 968. Perhaps an 944 S2 is more comparable, but also more $$$. The reason you don't see many 968s at the track, but do see a lot of 944s is price. 944s can be had for $3k and there are so many around. Another choice is an early boxster, great car, superb handling, but you will probably have to pay a lot more for a good car, mid to upper teens if not more for an S. Still, the 968 competes very well with a boxster (if not better depending on the driver)

The other option is for a 996 or perhaps 993, superior to all three, but will cost you way more and these are different animals with rear engines.

You have to think about where you want this to go...the slope is very slippery.

Edited by rl968, 29 January 2011 - 05:20 AM.

[flash]

the reasons cited are why i have not yet built a track 968 - if and when i do, it will not fit into any class, and will be a toy only - i also have no interest in dragging around a nearly 3000lb car with less power - i figure i can build one that is about 2300lbs and 375hp - but there would be no class in which i could run it, so i would just take it out and play - seems like a lot of work and money though to not be able to race it - hence why it hasn't happened yet

if i had to run a bang for the buck track car, that was based on a street car, i think i would go with a miata - lots of competition, and not a lot of cost - well balanced very light car, and easy to mod

so, getting back on topic, i understand the motivations for moving on, and can't fault them for a minute

[Cloud9...68]

Any way I slice it, the 968 I currently own isn't an appropriate track car. It would cost WAY to get it to the level I'd like, and it's just too nice to beat up at the track.

OK, I think my first order of business will be to yank the clutch, pull the flywheel, and replace the rear main seal. I'll hopefully start this weekend, although I have a few other things that need attending first. Then I'll work my way through all the other leaks, and take care of the fuel lines. In March, it will be three years since I replaced the belts, so I may go ahead and replace those as well. I'm turning the corner on a major project I'm driving at work, so hopefully I'll be able to take some time off and knock these things out relatively quickly.

[craigawoodman]

Ah but if you really want a track car - it is a very slippery slope indeed.

My car has gone from a complete stock car to now include;

Race Seat & Harnesses
Upgraded Brakes
Upgraded Suspension (strut brace, lower strut brace, camber plates, Races Edge bushes, Larger sway bars, coil-overs, etc)
Limited Slip Diff
Light weight flywheel and improved clutch
Improved radiator and ductwork
Additional Oil Cooler
18" rims and track tyres
21mm Wheel Spacers

Now adding a supercharger to the car and RS Barn Cat back exhaust.

The car (prior to SC) has won its class twice and the overall Club Championship once. On a twisty track it is much quicker than more powerful 911's (on power to weight) and any Boxster S or Cayman S. For bang for your buck, I cannot think of a better option than the 968, it handles and stops brilliantly. At Lakeside it can lap quicker than most 997 GT3's and is only a couple of second slower than the new GT3 RS on Hoosiers.

So if you want to cut your teeth in a car that if set up well will be a forgiving track car - I cannot think of a better option. Most people go chasing horsepower - when initally chase car set-up and braking. Once you have mastered that, then go looking for HP. Learning to race in a big HP car will be difficult - work into it.

Even with only around 350HP, I think my car will be very competitive with the most modern Porsches - at a fraction of their cost.

Even though a MR2 will be cheap - as you sink money into it - it will still be cheap, so the dollars are gone. I should be able to get a major portion of my spend back if I was to sell my car.

Food for thought.

[Cloud9...68]

Moderator,

Craig's post strikes at the heart of the process I've been wrangling with as far as what to do with my car going forward, and I'm itching to respond, but the discussion is getting way off the topic of my PPI. Can I go ahead and respond within this thread, or should we start a new one? If so, where would a thread about keeping your 968 and turning it into a track car, vs. selling it and using the proceeds to build a different track car, belong? Thanks.

[flash]

it will be a great discussion, and deserves a thread of its own - thanks for the consideration

actually, as this is likely a topic that many are considering in making their purchase, i think maybe the "buyer's guide" might be best

maybe something with a title like "what does my 968 want to be when it grows up?"

when you start the thread, i can move the appropriate posts to that thread

[Cloud9...68]

Perfect, thanks. Yes, I think it will be an interesting thread. I'll start it later today. Right now, I have work to do on my car!