Boxster as a track car - any ideas?
Discussion
I owned my MX-5 for just over 6 years and never tracked it, apart from the occasional parade lap. Problem was, it was an RS-Limited (a mere 500 built for the Japanese domestic market, there are probably only about 50 in this country), and although the mods (LSD, thicker ARB's, extra bracing, lower final drive etc) would have made it fun on track, I never took the plunge due to its rarity and my wishing to keep it more or less standard.
However, I sold it this week - so the hunt is on.
I notice that 2.5 986s have been affordable for some time, and 2.7s and Ss are starting to come into that price range now. So any thoughts on any of these as a track car?
(I know I could buy another MX-5 but I'm a bit perverse and always like to try something different.)
However, I sold it this week - so the hunt is on.
I notice that 2.5 986s have been affordable for some time, and 2.7s and Ss are starting to come into that price range now. So any thoughts on any of these as a track car?
(I know I could buy another MX-5 but I'm a bit perverse and always like to try something different.)
Edited by Evangelion on Saturday 12th September 13:16
I'm with cmoose - a 986 is a fun all-rounder. If you're a powerfully built company director and driving god, as many on here are, you'll find a 986 utterly useless. But for the mere mortals with a conservative budget a 986 or 986s could be a good buy.
My only reservation is that you sounded somewhat 'precious' about your MX5, as if the thought of taking it anywhere near a track would destroy it. I appreciate that it may have been a slightly rare example but a sensibly chosen track-day isn't a guarantee that you'll destroy your car. Unless you're a tw@t, that is...
My only reservation is that you sounded somewhat 'precious' about your MX5, as if the thought of taking it anywhere near a track would destroy it. I appreciate that it may have been a slightly rare example but a sensibly chosen track-day isn't a guarantee that you'll destroy your car. Unless you're a tw@t, that is...
mk1 v-ltd high mileage http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
mk2 low mileage rusty http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
mk 2.5 http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
mk2 low mileage rusty http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
mk 2.5 http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
Depending on how many track days you do, hiring something like a Caterham R300 from Bookatrack can be cost effective. In the winter they charge as little as £295 a day - including a mechanic and fuel and I doubt you'll track your own car for less. Goes up in the summer though, so you may find that limiting but then you can buy a 986 and have the best of both worlds.
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 12th September 16:05
Edited by bcr5784 on Saturday 12th September 17:45
I think it's a pretty good option - there is a 2.5 with m030 up for sale at the moment that looks ideal
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
My 986S was excellent on a variety of tracks, from Curborough to Spa (used it while I was fixing my broken track car). It had new m030 suspension, a sparco seat, and was otherwise standard. Not too heavy on consumables, lovely balance. For a more dedicated track car (and for a 2.5), weight loss would help..
Improved sump baffles and possibly accusump recommended if you plan to use sticky tyres
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
My 986S was excellent on a variety of tracks, from Curborough to Spa (used it while I was fixing my broken track car). It had new m030 suspension, a sparco seat, and was otherwise standard. Not too heavy on consumables, lovely balance. For a more dedicated track car (and for a 2.5), weight loss would help..
Improved sump baffles and possibly accusump recommended if you plan to use sticky tyres
Evangelion said:
I've been told one good way to lighten it is to remove all the motors from the hood; it then becomes a manual one - but it still works!
I believe that the difference between the Spyder hood and the normal S/GTS hood is 11kg - since removing the motors is only part of that - I'm sure that you wouldn't notice the difference - it's about 1 1/2 gals of petrol. Of course if you take out the stereo/AC/interior trim/carpets/air bags/passenger seat etc as well then you can make a difference you would notice.Broadly speaking, lots of race cars are derived from road cars...
The Boxster is surprisingly good as a cheap track car - like most Porsches, it works fine with minimal mods. Consumable costs really aren't that high, (although much higher than a Caterham obvviously). There are loads of Boxsters (2.5 and 3.2) racing in the US so there's a wealth of knowledge on prep / setup.
I can think of lots of track cars I'd rather have, but very few that would cost less.
The Boxster is surprisingly good as a cheap track car - like most Porsches, it works fine with minimal mods. Consumable costs really aren't that high, (although much higher than a Caterham obvviously). There are loads of Boxsters (2.5 and 3.2) racing in the US so there's a wealth of knowledge on prep / setup.
I can think of lots of track cars I'd rather have, but very few that would cost less.
911's and boxsters make good track cars due to the low centre of gravity resulting from the flat engine configuration, plus mid or rear enginer layout giving good adjustability - which makes them fun.
I have driven a Boxster Spyder on track and thought it was a good road car / track car compromise. The 2.5 may feel a little low powered but expect the handling balance would be a good blast.
Lots saying "get an elise" but really it is down to what your heart says, 4 cylinders or 6?
I have driven a Boxster Spyder on track and thought it was a good road car / track car compromise. The 2.5 may feel a little low powered but expect the handling balance would be a good blast.
Lots saying "get an elise" but really it is down to what your heart says, 4 cylinders or 6?
F40GT346 said:
Lots saying "get an elise" but really it is down to what your heart says, 4 cylinders or 6?
On the track I don't think there is any real contest, compared with an Elise a Boxster will feel big and clumsy. On the road it's a different matter and the 4 vs 6 argument, and generally much better refinement/equipment of the Boxster will come into play. But if your budget doesn't run to an Elise anyway it's a pretty academic discussion- but as I've said above, depending on the number of track days you fancy, hiring a Caterham might be a sensible option. Edited by bcr5784 on Tuesday 22 September 20:49
I track day my 987 road car and find it great fun especially since I put 19" rims and lower profile tyres on it. Track days are hard on tyres and brakes so expect to shell out. Last time out the pads and sensors went so I had Kwik Fit replace them. They have a lifetime free replacement warranty so no need to back off early!
General reliability isn't much good. Here's some experiences if you want them:
When I bought a Porsche I knew I was paying a lot but I thought that in return I would get a premium quality product.
My Boxster is 8 years old, has covered 50,000 miles, is garaged and doesn’t get used much in poor weather. So I was very disappointed to find that the coolant hoses all needed replacing due to corrosion. There was nothing wrong with the beautifully crafted aluminium pipes or the flexible rubber parts. As the hoses are exposed to the elements under the front wing it beggars belief Porsche would specify a mild steel section within the construction.
Similarly every exhaust bracket has now been replaced due to use of mild steel components.
And to cap it off I have since learned that a mild steel component at the top of the shock absorber dribbles rusty water into the seal resulting in premature failure.
I contacted Porsche GB about my problems but all I got back was that they would pass my comments on to Germany.
General reliability isn't much good. Here's some experiences if you want them:
When I bought a Porsche I knew I was paying a lot but I thought that in return I would get a premium quality product.
My Boxster is 8 years old, has covered 50,000 miles, is garaged and doesn’t get used much in poor weather. So I was very disappointed to find that the coolant hoses all needed replacing due to corrosion. There was nothing wrong with the beautifully crafted aluminium pipes or the flexible rubber parts. As the hoses are exposed to the elements under the front wing it beggars belief Porsche would specify a mild steel section within the construction.
Similarly every exhaust bracket has now been replaced due to use of mild steel components.
And to cap it off I have since learned that a mild steel component at the top of the shock absorber dribbles rusty water into the seal resulting in premature failure.
I contacted Porsche GB about my problems but all I got back was that they would pass my comments on to Germany.
I occasionally competed in a standard 3.2 S in sprints and hill climbs when my proper competition car was broken. It was great for driving to and from the even at speed then very benign on the track. Other cars were ultimately faster but it was very predictable and that meant you could go fast straight away and get away with mistakes.
youngsimon said:
I track day my 987 road car and find it great fun especially since I put 19" rims and lower profile tyres on it. Track days are hard on tyres and brakes so expect to shell out. Last time out the pads and sensors went so I had Kwik Fit replace them. They have a lifetime free replacement warranty so no need to back off early!
Kwik Fit supplied pads on a car used for track days?????I predict they last about 4 laps before melting all over the discs and you have to go home.
I strongly recommend you change them before your next track day. Would be a shame to pay for the day and have it ruined by terrible brakes.
(I'm assuming they didn't fit something decent seeing as they have a lifetime warranty. I doubt they'd do that on a set of £200 Pagids for example)
Evangelion said:
According to my calculations, if I want to give a 2.5 the same power to weight ratio as an S, it will need to lose about 350 kg. Is this even possible?
see a discussion about Boxster racing weights:http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Perhaps an extreme example but it shows what it is possible to get the car weight down to.
Maybe lighter (competition) seats would also help, as well as probably being safer.
edh said:
The Boxster is surprisingly good as a cheap track car - like most Porsches, it works fine with minimal mods. Consumable costs really aren't that high, (although much higher than a Caterham obvviously). There are loads of Boxsters (2.5 and 3.2) racing in the US so there's a wealth of knowledge on prep / setup.
I can think of lots of track cars I'd rather have, but very few that would cost less.
Loads of Boxsrters racing in the UK in PCGB, the BRSCC Porsche, 750mc Roadsports, Britcar and CSCC Modern Classics series, too, so lots of knowledge about within these shores.I can think of lots of track cars I'd rather have, but very few that would cost less.
Im sure that OEM parts can be expensive but there are also plenty of indi speialsists and breakers like PH Sportscars, near Derby, who can provide (second hand) prices cheaply.
Edited by andy97 on Friday 25th September 12:21
Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff