buying/building advice

(I also posted this message on the 914 board, but I want to get a "wide range" of opinions so I'm putting it here as well)

I'm looking to buy an older Porsche to take out to the track occasionally (time trials, maybe some wheel to wheel racing) and drive around town (NOT a "daily driver" though). I'm trying to gather up some advice about years, models, options, aftermarket parts, etc. I'd rather buy something relatively cheap and spend time and money fixing it up and making it faster than buy something "finished" right away. factory originality isn't important to me at all.

I've been thinking a '74 2.0 914 might work out best, but I'm concerned that it'll feel underpowered so I'm also thinking about either a 911 or a 914-6.

anybody have any suggestions?

Where to start? First decide what you want. That's almost a throw-away statement, but if you consider that you're already concerned about a '74 914 being underpowered, I'd think you'd not be very pleased with that car. You mentioned either a 911 or a 914-6 as possibilities. I have an 83 SC and a 75 914(6). The conversion was expensive (if done correctly with high compression, high power engine, etc). The car is just now coming into its own on the track. So, if you're not too interested in taking a protracted time in correctly breaking in the engine, trouble shooting the inevitiable problem areas, and continually worrying about rust, stay away from the 914-6. Don't misunderstand, there are beautiful examples out there (read: expensive), and I personally would be reluctant to beat them about. That leaves the 911. A well-cared for '73 (lighter body, short wheelbase, BEWARE: NO GALVANIZATION; POSSIBLE RUST PROBLEMS) can fulfill many of your expectations. The 2.4 engine can be made to perform admirably, and the suspension can be made to outperform you for many years (unless you're really Derrick Bell or someone like that).
So, that's my recommendation. You will undoubtedly hear others with decidedly different opinions. Just remember, the opinion that counts most is yours, so go with the car that pulls at your heart most, let your wife continually beat on you (personal experience here), and just enjoy it!

IMHO opinion, the best way to decide is to drive one, or at least beg, borrow or better yet beg some more, a ride in one. Most autocross practice sessions will allow a passenger.

Attend a meet in your area, and watch them perform. The modified 914/6 and the big hp 914/4 are in a lot of cases bring in the top time of the day. A longer course will allow the bigger HP of the 911s to take over. But at the autocross, the 914 is mostly king.

Your profile is blank as to where you live, but the Santa Barbara Region is hosting an autocross August 29th. San Diego has two in September, Arizona has one on November 7th in Scottsdale.

[This message has been edited by mikez (edited 07-29-1999).]

The cheapest way to modify any car is to find one with the things you want already on it and let the seller lose the money. Your message said you would like to buy a car and then modify it, but if you take a $10,000 and add $10,000 in upgrades you will probably end up with a $13,000 car.
Just something to keep in mind.