My New 96 993 Track Car Project!

[Don Plumley]

Phase II of my Porsche Experience begins. After selling my 87 Carrera so I could build/buy a DE/TT car, I searched high and low for the right car.

I started looking for a 964, either set up as a DE car or a Salvage Title car to build. No luck. I looked at early cars and many well-sorted track cars, but they were too extreme for my immediate goals (need a trailer, etc.). Like goldilocks and porridge, the third bowl was just right...

I drove home my new 96 993 today. Obligatory pic:


There's a long story behind this, but for tonight's preview, it's a salvage title car. The mechanicals are solid (63K miles), the tub is straight (checked today), it's a zero options car (good for my track project), and ready to be the platform for my track car.

It's a 5 foot car - the bodywork checked out, but was a bit more than expected. There are chips, areas that need some attention, etc. Ultimately, this makes it perfect for my needs - I won't be squeamish about brining out the sawzall when it is time. And as Bill V., once said, "993's make great track cars."

It was hard for me to buy an "imperfect" car -- but it is the right thing to do. I actually walked away from the deal and drove out of Oregon, then turned around and finished the deal. I realized I was looking for something that did not exist - a perfect car at 50% of market value. I found a great platform vehicle.

Over the next few days I'll spec out the project, but in a nutshell, I'm planning on emulating a 993 RS. I have planned:

Phase I:
Safety: Rollbar, Seats, Harness
Suspension: PSS9, RS Sways/strut brace
Misc: Add lightness: RS Interior, loose the bumperettes, brake ducts.

...then lots of track time, then...

Phase II:
Duck or RS or RS CS Tail / front spoiler
RS Flywheel
18" Forged track wheels
Track tire trailer

...then lots of track time, then...

Phase III:
Full cage
Fire supression
Remove sunroof
...essentially a 993 RS CS or Cup car clone.

This should be an interesting and fun journey. Stay tuned!

[k9handler]

congrats...maybe Santa can leave one under my tree. =o)

[89911]

I've always thought that would be a neat project. A few years ago my garage had someone that did the same thing. A word of advice; Try to picture what you will be doing in this car in a few years. Since it is a dedicated track car and most likely will see minimal road time, you would want to get the most out of if for the track. PCA or SCCA racing? Certain modifications you do will immediately take you out of any chance of being competitive. Not that you have to get in to this, but it would be nice knowing you could if you wanted.

[Jbabic]

I am glad I am not alone..though I have not put into thoughts what I will do first, I figured I will do what comes to my heart and pocket book at that time. but yes, lots a track time...

[Dan J]

Don,
Great looking car and an excellent plan.You might want to rethink the PSS 9 system though. It's really good for street use but you'll likely out grow it on the track. so you might want to consider others such as Bilstein RS, Moton Club Sport, or Cross JIC. You could check Rennlists 993 and racing boards for more info. The rear suspension on 993s need to be checked thoroughly for wear especially the toe links.
Congrats and enjoy the ride
Dan Jacobs

[Don Plumley]

Thanks. Dan, I'll look into the options you suggested -- I was following Steve Weiner's recommendation given my 20% street use (to and from the track). Maybe someone has "out grown" their PSS9's!

The motor has much for brute force acceleration than my 87. My head snaps back off the seat when I bury the loud pedal. The throttle blip is much more responsive also. Zoom Zoom!

[motion]

Congrats, Don. Looking forward to following your progress. Welcome to the 993 fold!

[BReyes]

Sounds like a plan.

Keep us posted.

Good luck,

[Rick Lee]

Welcome to the club. Please keep us updated.

[Kmatts]

Don, I'm mid-process of doing something very similar.
shoot me a PM sometime and we'll swap some ideas.
I might be able to offer some advice (weight savings, parts location, etc).
sure sounds like you got a good deal.....do you mind disclosing the price or ball-parking it?
Cheers,
Kyle.

[Don Plumley]

Kyle - happy to swap ideas with you. My email is don at plumley dot org.

The price was less than my 87.

Today's project is to reconnect the cat. I went to order the OBD tool from www.obd-2.com but they are closed until Jan 2. I'll need it to reset the O2 warning lights before I smog it. Otherwise, I've been building my shopping list!

Thanks,

Don

[Kmatts]

Don, I'll email you later today!
Kyle.

[dtfastbear]

Hey Don,

When I saw your other post on the seat, I thought to myself, "Why would Don be buying a seat without a car?" Then I did a little search and found this thread. Congrats!!!

You're going to have a blast with this car. I can't wait to get a ride in it on the track.

Cheers!

Dean

[Don Plumley]

Originally posted by dtfastbear
You're going to have a blast with this car. I can't wait to get a ride in it on the track.

Thanks! Me too - I can't wait either and would be happy to give you a ride.

[Leland Pate]

Don, I would also strongly suggest you look into replacing the gearbox with a G50/21 or G50/32 variant. I had a /32 box built for me including steel synchros, custom RS gears, four plate PMS LSD, and a bunch of other goodies built for about $3,500 out of pocket. All built by gearbox master Chris Cervelli of Premier Motorsport.

This was hands down the best thing that ever happened to my 993.
Enjoy the slope!

[Craig 930 RS]

Exactly what made it a salvage car?

[Don Plumley]

Typical salvage title car. Bad accident, high cost of repair on a new 993 back in 1997. Based on what I could see (having now been in/under/through the car), It looked like a bad sideswipe and potential roll-over. No evidence of structural repair underneath. But definitely a new roof, fenders and lots of mis-matched white paint.

Is there a particular reason you want to know?

[Craig 930 RS]

Nope, just curious. My 3.6 Varioram engine came from:
Post

Brother.....I have seen the light! A 3.6 Varioram...



So I can 'relate'

[Bill Verburg]

Originally posted by Leland Pate
Don, I would also strongly suggest you look into replacing the gearbox with a G50/21 or G50/32 variant. I had a /32 box built for me including steel synchros, custom RS gears, four plate PMS LSD, and a bunch of other goodies built for about $3,500 out of pocket. All built by gearbox master Chris Cervelli of Premier Motorsport.

This was hands down the best thing that ever happened to my 993.
Enjoy the slope!

Leland, yours is closer to the g50/30 Cup transmission in my car than any of the others. Chris did real good by you.


And I agree, it is every bit as good as a 3.8RS engine, arguably better