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this is why i hate the internet. people far too often read only what they want to read.
any car i was considering, had to be a 2 seat convertible, and had to have reasonable potential for performance, but the most important and inescapable features i was looking for was the ability to carry 2 cases of wine, 2 sets of golf clubs, a weekend of luggage, and the wife. the vette doesn't even come close. the 968 was the only car i could find that had the potential for what i was looking to have.
the vette doesn't come close to the way the blue 968 handles (handling and cornering being 2 very different animals). i didn't need the level of handling that i had with the MGB, but i did want sportscar handling. the vette corners very well, but feels very large and heavy. it's very sure-footed, but it certainly can't be called nimble. the new one is definitely the best so far, but still doesn't feel like what i was looking for. i did look at it though, just as i looked at the DB9, the jags, the mercedes, and just about every other car i could find. i may swap the DB9 for the SL550, but not for the 968. not sure, as i just bought a 2014 M series X5 turbo V8 for the wife, so the pressure is off there.
when considering power plants, i looked at everything i could find. in the end, the only thing that i could put in there that would not become a mess, was the 968 engine. i've built and driven 944 based V8 swaps and they drive like a vette (not a good thing). the hydroboost sucks and the powerplant and clutch were anything but smooth. gobs of torque, but you couldn't use it. fun to stomp on. crap around town. not what i was looking for. so, i rebuilt the 968 engine, beefed up the parts that needed it in there, and then boosted it. once properly tuned, and CARB certified, it was clear that it was the right decision. up until that point though, i wondered if i had done the right thing. now, there are over 40 other guys with the kits on their cars who all feel as i do. so, i guess it was the right thing after all.
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