kary wrote:David, I think you might want to consider NOT buying a 964 or RSA. From everyone that I know who has tracked these cars (except Jack), they have spent quite a bit more money maintaining these cars as compared to a 993 for example. I know the cost of a good 993 is higher than an RSA but from my travels it seems less expesnive to run a 993 as compared to a 964 based car.
Any others care to share their opinons on this?
As you might expect, I differ. Steve Gerken and I probably have 20k track miles between us on our cars in the last few years. I've missed 2 afternoons of due to mechanical trouble in all that time. Once was a busted wheel hub and the other an oil leak that turned out to be a 90 cent part. Heck, I blew the alternator and only missed one session because Jae had a spare in his trunk. I don't remember Steve ever sitting out a session. As for expense of parts that might be true. 964 parts are a bit more unique, but I don't know how much that affects price anymore. None of this is to say that the 993 is not a great car. However, any mods to it can put you into the red group with POC. Wanna watch cups cars pass you all day long? I also don't like how PCA classifies the RSA. If you're gonna run with PCA race groups, the 964 is better, IMO. You can modify it to the max and just be in D, whereas you are bit more limited w/the RSA. That and the RSA price premium leads me to suggest the 964. Nonetheless, the RSA can be competitive in D. Believe it or not, the 965 (turbo) can run in D with suspension mods. I'll be running a 965 at Road America, although we'll be in C because of bigger brakes.
Dave, talk to John Rickard about the 964. He'll attest to their reliability. He could also fill you in on price of parts. I am, fortunately, no expert on that, since I've only needed minor stuff. As for the 944 turbos, it seems to me that the turbo guys are always working on their cars. I've seen more of them miss sessions than anyone else. Of course, that observation is not scientific and may have to do with them pushing the boost more than they should.
If you're gonna run w/POC, look at the older 911s that have been modified to run R5. They're more competitive than the 964 since they made the rules for them. Greg Smith (not MD-Greg), try
greg_911@msn.com or 858-270-5478, may still have his V3/R5 for sale if that has any appeal. However, it puts you in Gt3(?) w/PCA. It's very hard to get a car that can run very competitively in both club...other than 944 spec, but you've done that.
I agree with whoever said to buy a prepped car rather than build it. Buying parts new, whatever kind of car it is, is an expensive proposition.