Whats the best "track only" 911 project car ?
 

Looking to buy a Project car. I would like some input from all you that have been down this road. I would like to purchase a 911 (for track use only) to DE and (later on) race in the PRC/PCA type events. I would like to go thru the buying process only once and it be as painless as possible. I don't expect to find/purchase a 100% race car. I would like to enjoy the build aspect.

What Year?
What Condition?
Pro's and Con's

And any additional comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance...

you got a PM

Well your request for answers is a bit vague, maybe I could suggest a bit more research.

May I suggest a 84-89 911 factory turbo look, strip it down, add safety equipment and race seats, wahlaa - Perfect track car for a newbee.

Good enough power with a 3.2, no carb's to adjust, great brakes, light enough if you trully strip it down, and great aerodynamics without anything overboard.

Good luck

If I had to do it all over again, I would have started with a 74 - 77. You can pick them up relatively cheap, and I don't think they'll be worth as much as an original long hoods or SC's and Carrera's. So modifying for the track won't hurt as bad. And when it's all said and done it will look just like a long hood, which we all know is the ultimate track car. :D

As far as condition, I would go for one needed pretty much all the mechanicals rebuilt. You will probably upgrade almost everything anyway.

something not concours, or in original condition and cheap

74-77 targa, cut the targa bar off and install a fiberglass hardtop and lexan windows. Your cage builder will hug you for how easy it is to install a cage with the top off!

Do they make a hard top for 74-77 middies?

If he's building a cage couldn't he just remove the targ bar and rear window all together and run it with the windshield and cage like the old Austin Healey Sprites and MG's do?

Why buy a project track car? Just buy someone's finished car. It's cheaper.

Here's a good car that's in the PPBBS classified ads...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/285783-fs-1980-930-race-car.html

This question has ALOT of varibles. Start with a budget. Figure out the cost of engine/suspension/brakes. etc. that you want, and whatever is left, is what you have for the shell/roller. Once you have that figure, its easier to pick a certain year/style.

I know you're in Kentucky, but if I'm not mistaken, PRC is only northern California. Are you planning to move/race in CA? If so, I'd strongly suggest a pre '76 911, '74 being perfect (I'm a little biased though). Cheaper than a lot of longhoods, and most importantly, smog exempt.

If you plan to tow, nevermind.

Also, here's my thought on something else that doesn't get mentioned as much for track/race cars: as much as I once thought I really wanted a really pretty, good looking example, I'm so grateful that the car I ended up with was a little rough in the paint department. I was laughing my head off the first time I got pelted with rocks and melted rubber and dirt. Rather than cringe, you'll probably just start saying to yourself "bring it on." Maybe that's worth a few tenths. I don't know. I do know I'd be cowering in traffic if my paint was excellent. If you're going to really seriously do the track thing, get something you won't regret thrashing cosmetically. One look through all the race cars at POC will reveal LOTS of sandblasting on front ends! Plus, when you get home after the weekend, you won't feel the need to spend even more of your precious hours washing and waxing. Park it and forget it. So easy.

Thanks for the replies, keep em' coming...

I will try to add some detail to the original question.

Budget: $18k
I was thinking of something under $10k for the base car.
(Rough body, Rough interior, Structurally sound, Motor probably will be tired).

Another $5-8k for safety and suspension.

As long as the engine is o.k. I would leave it alone for the time being.

I am not looking to win just learn the whole race event arena.

Why yes, they do :)

Yeah, I saw that, too. It's just so inefficient from a cost standpoint. You really have to love building the car for the additional expenses you'll incur. :)

You should just buy a finished Carrera or SC track car, it will be much easier and cheaper than buying a beater and building it into a racecar. I have done both (bought and built) and unless you really enjoy wrenching on the car you are much better off buying and spending your time at the track instead of in the garage. There are some good cars out there for $20k.

exactly, the farther from original, the less they're worth. Find one with the wrong bumpers/wheels/seats/steering wheel/ etc (maybe even motor) and itll be very cheap. My 66 is far from original and I payed next to nothing for it. Its still all porsche 911 stuff, just from different years (sc style bumpers, 69 2.0 motor, fuchs, etc). So find something thats not original, you'll be stripping it anyway..

Yeah, awesome car. I hear the seller's flexible on the price, too!

LOL! :D

Here's a harsh truth: 18K is not going to build you much of a race car -- at least not a very fast one. Buy a finished project and you'll get 2X to 3X as much car for your dollar.

'The build process' is often a kind way of describing the act of tripling your original cost estimate. ;)

Where in Kentucky are you? I know of a few cars that might fit your bill