Considering a Z3

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Very similar to the dilemma I web through when I eventually ended up with my Mercedes SLK. I suggest driving the Z4 - they're admittedly uglier than the Z3 but twice he car the Z3 ever was, at least in my experience. Much peppier, tighter, etc. better room too. But the Z3 does look a bit better.

You're probably not a small guy by your other threads, so it'll be a tight fit. Ditto the turbo Miata (2004 Mazdaspeed model IIRC). The Boxster and S variant were nice and what I actually selected but the one I wanted got sold out from under me. I was incredibly underwhelmed by the S2000 and found the Nissan 350Z to be stupidly overpriced and the interior obnoxious. Your mileage may vary obviously.

Also consider the Audi TT roadster. I liked it but was a tad surprised at how lacking the power was. Nice car but the Boxster was far superior in the "get up and go" department.

Good luck!

Oh the Mercedes SLK models are quite good (not an unbiased assessment however) and you can get good AMG variants for the teens/$20s these days. Might be worth a look - the AMGs were too expensive when I looked but not now and are very fun and quick cars. They're not bad on space either.

[Buckterrier]

True story... Went with a buddy to pick up his early 60' Chrysler 300. We took his beautiful z4 hardtop convertible. I snapped a pic with my cell phone & sent it to a saleswoman I work with, (she's a young hotty), and are friends. I said what would you think if I was driving this. Her response was that she'd think I had a small wiener, (she didn't use wiener).

[lin7310948]

i had a 99 z3M coupe...never cared for the roadsters. as mentioned previously, be sure to check the rear floor area for cracked or broken spot welds. also check the single mounting point for the rear differential. single mount and prone to crack. the radiator tanks and water pump impellors are some sort of synthetic material and can be subject to failure...probably a function of time rather than miles. the interior is very small and the steering wheel is not adjustable. if you look at an 01-02 with the s54 engine be aware that some of these engines were prone to rod bearing failure. "course by now those cars would most likely have failed or been repaired. lots of the roadsters for sale and very reasonably priced.

[Flieger]

Originally Posted by lin7310948

i had a 99 z3M coupe...never cared for the roadsters. as mentioned previously, be sure to check the rear floor area for cracked or broken spot welds. also check the single mounting point for the rear differential. single mount and prone to crack. the radiator tanks and water pump impellors are some sort of synthetic material and can be subject to failure...probably a function of time rather than miles. the interior is very small and the steering wheel is not adjustable. if you look at an 01-02 with the s54 engine be aware that some of these engines were prone to rod bearing failure. "course by now those cars would most likely have failed or been repaired. lots of the roadsters for sale and very reasonably priced.

What a Dork.

I hope the BMW still has the BMW motor in it.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Flieger

What a Dork.

I hope the BMW still has the BMW motor in it.

His was supercharged, and kicked A55........

[lin7310948]

yes it does..sorta!

[Flieger]

I'll accept that. It's not a chebby.

Those cars sure have a small but dedicated following.

[kaisen]

No mbrouder is the one that is stuffing a GM LSx in his M3..... to double the power with a lighter motor

[Flieger]

lin7310948 puts his in 911s, though.

71 911 sbc conversion
78 930 Mast Motorsports LS7
67 chev p/u 454

To me it seems wrong, even if it is more performance. Just buy some other kit car if you want to go fast. Plenty of faster cars out there. Or use a turbo on the original engine. Part of the 911 experience is the engine. But to each his own...

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Flieger

lin7310948 puts his in 911s, though.

To me it seems wrong, even if it is more performance. Just buy some other kit car if you want to go fast. Plenty of faster cars out there. Or use a turbo on the original engine. Part of the 911 experience is the engine. But to each his own...

I'd put a LSx motor in a 996 in a half-a-heart-beat. It's already water cooled.

Lighter weight
More reliable
Less expensive
WAAAAAY more power, at every rpm
Better fuel economy

It's a no brainer if you're not close-minded

[Flieger]

OK, 996 I would not have a problem with. But not in a GT3 or in an air-cooled 911 coupe. targas and cabs are already fugly so they can be bastardized.

A Porsche with Porsche engine and gearbox is never going to be the fastest thing out there in a drag race. But that's not the point of a Porsche.

[Flieger]

Anyway, on the Z3, my Dad had considered the Z3 vs. a Boxster S for a lease and we went with the Boxster S.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Flieger

A Porsche with Porsche engine and gearbox is never going to be the fastest thing out there in a drag race. But that's not the point of a Porsche.

Or the fastest thing through corners. Or stopping. Or anything that lighter weight would help. Coupled with more power, they're simply faster around a road course too.

But to be fair, a modern engine like the LSx shouldn't be compared to an air-cooled 911 motor. Of course its going to be "better" in terms of weight, longevity, reliability, and power output.....it's 30 years newer

[Flieger]

How much does it weigh and what is the power output?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Flieger

How much does it weigh and what is the power output?

They weigh under 400 pounds, less than the air-cooled flat six. They're also dimensionally smaller. The 2012 crate versions make 440-638 horsepower from the factory, although the LS9 that makes 638 weighs almost 50 pounds more.

[lin7310948]

the 930 weighs slightly over 2300 pounds and has over 700 chp. i am a porsche guy through and through...but just an old hot rodder who cant leave things alone even at 72 years of age!

[Flieger]

I realize it is fast but for me I would get some trackday car to go fast in and keep the Porsche with a Porsche motor. A 930 can be plenty fast enough for me on the street.

But I don't want to get this thread any further off track, so let's just leave it at that.