Track car advice (or: talk me out of getting a 944)
06-08-2007, 06:54 AM
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Track car advice (or: talk me out of getting a 944)
Background: I have 26 track days under my belt. Started out in a B5 S4 Avant, then a MkIV GTI 337, and currently a MkV GTI DSG; all daily drivers. The past few events I've run in the Advance group. I've had a couple instructors tell me that I'm at the limit of what my stock car can do (only "mods" are R-comps and track pads). Randy Pobst drove my car at VIR and was (only 
) 2-3 seconds faster. I'm a fairly modest guy but know I'm fast enough to get my fair share of passes from higher-hp cars and seem to give fewer and fewer.
So I've come to the conclusion that I should probably get a dedicated track car, rather than to continue to run my daily driver.
I've only driven FWD pushers and think I want to switch to RWD. Needs to be street-legal at least for a couple years. Budget is around $5000 give or take a couple grand.
The obvious choice is a Miata but I don't think I'll fit (I'm 6' 175 lbs) and they're a bit underpowered; those VIR straights are loooong. They could be TC/SC'd but I'd like to stick to a NA engine.
The e30/e36 seems to retain value more (ie. a bit pricey; though I'd love a e30 M3). I could be wrong.
I know a handful of locals [hi Jim, Reggie, Matt, Jason, Erich, Bob, John
] that run 924s and 944s that all seem to like them enough to keep them. Maintenance is somewhat of a concern but I've always wanted a 944.
Other options? Any advice is appreciated. TIA
) 2-3 seconds faster. I'm a fairly modest guy but know I'm fast enough to get my fair share of passes from higher-hp cars and seem to give fewer and fewer.So I've come to the conclusion that I should probably get a dedicated track car, rather than to continue to run my daily driver.
I've only driven FWD pushers and think I want to switch to RWD. Needs to be street-legal at least for a couple years. Budget is around $5000 give or take a couple grand.
The obvious choice is a Miata but I don't think I'll fit (I'm 6' 175 lbs) and they're a bit underpowered; those VIR straights are loooong. They could be TC/SC'd but I'd like to stick to a NA engine.
The e30/e36 seems to retain value more (ie. a bit pricey; though I'd love a e30 M3). I could be wrong.
I know a handful of locals [hi Jim, Reggie, Matt, Jason, Erich, Bob, John
] that run 924s and 944s that all seem to like them enough to keep them. Maintenance is somewhat of a concern but I've always wanted a 944.Other options? Any advice is appreciated. TIA
06-08-2007, 07:06 AM
#2
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Again: Traitor.
get yourself a MK2 golf or a MK1 rabbit, for a few $100. You could use the extra $$ saved by doing some other track prep work on it. I know where you could pick up a nice rolling shell of a 87 Golf 4 door for real cheap. needs an engine that runs though 
If you REALLY want an e30 then go for that. don't settle for something you'll be pleased with but not truly happy. you'll eventually regret it.
If you REALLY want an e30 then go for that. don't settle for something you'll be pleased with but not truly happy. you'll eventually regret it.
06-08-2007, 07:13 AM
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e30 or e36 325
you're not going to find a decent m3 (e30 or e36) for around 5k...try to find a 325is since it will already have lsd...
if you think you might ever start racing, an e30 325 would be a great choice...spec e30 is a great (and growing) series...
if you think you might ever start racing, an e30 325 would be a great choice...spec e30 is a great (and growing) series...
06-08-2007, 07:17 AM
#4
For $5k, the 944 is the way to go. you can find them down in the $2500-3k range with needed work.
<ul><li><a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html?cid=automobiles-224124261&dst=267.95&rsr=bWFrZT1QT1ImbW9kZ Ww9OTQ0JmNsX3k9MTk4NSZjaF95PTIwMDUmY2xfcHJpY2U9JmN oX3ByaWNlPSZjbF9taT0mY2hfbWk9JmNrPSZndXI9YW55JmNze j0xOTEwMyZ2dHlwZT
06-08-2007, 07:35 AM
#5
Are you trying to change your ratio of passes to being-passed, or just get RWD dynamics?
Good, inexpensive, RWD track cars like the Miata, E30 or 944 may not get you more passes overall (Miata sure wouldn't!), and with R compounds your GTI could experience some significant gains.
PS: At 6' and 175 you might fit in a Miata. Depends on how your height is distributed. I have relatively short legs, long body, melon head, and at 6'1" 215, the Miata is just a little tight (with a race seat). That said, on a long track like VIR, Miata guys have to give a lot of point-by's.
PS: At 6' and 175 you might fit in a Miata. Depends on how your height is distributed. I have relatively short legs, long body, melon head, and at 6'1" 215, the Miata is just a little tight (with a race seat). That said, on a long track like VIR, Miata guys have to give a lot of point-by's.
06-08-2007, 08:04 AM
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YSATRC :P
I sed RWD! But yes, I've thought about that certain MkII needing an engine. RWD conversion would be a pita.
I'd want an e30 m3...not going to happen, though.
I'd want an e30 m3...not going to happen, though.
06-08-2007, 08:04 AM
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If you can bump up your budget, a bmw is the way to go.
As you mentioned, bmw track cars tend to retain some value. (Don't ever view any track car as an investment. They're all money pits and you'll get back pennies on the dollar if you're lucky)
Don't be enamored with the M3...you can get very close to M3 performance in a 325/328. The car is well balanced from the factory and the engine is solid with simple mods and maintenance.
Don't be enamored with the M3...you can get very close to M3 performance in a 325/328. The car is well balanced from the factory and the engine is solid with simple mods and maintenance.
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06-08-2007, 08:08 AM
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Yeah, I've hit ebay, craiglist, pelican, rennlist, etc etc.
The lust is strong My mechanic's knowledge, not so much. It'd definitely be a learning experience in more than one way.
My mechanic's knowledge, not so much. It'd definitely be a learning experience in more than one way.
06-08-2007, 08:13 AM
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More about the experience. In fact, I'd probably want to run in a lower group the first couple of
events. I have no problem giving passes and getting them is not my goal. I'd rather become a better, faster driver which is partially why I don't mod my cars.
I do currently run R-comps on my GTI and have thought about going back to agressive street tires. Decisions decisions...
I do currently run R-comps on my GTI and have thought about going back to agressive street tires. Decisions decisions...