For your first track devoted car, which version would you or have you chosen and why?

 

I would definitely pick the 944S2, if you have the budget. My reasons:
- more reliable
- easier to fix
- consistent power band (good for beginners)
- way less heat under the hood (20min track sessions will heat an engine up, and the NA is easier to manage)

The downsides:
- when you're ready for more power, you can't just bolt on a bigger turbo
- S2s cost more to buy

I chose a 944 turbo, mainly because I found one for $2500, which left money to rebuild the engine and buy tires. The ability to increase power was a big factor too. The achilles' heel of the S2 is the chain tensioner in the head, so if you get one, bolster it before you track it. If you get a turbo, look at the fuel lines in the engine bay before you track it.

 

I have an S2 and I am pretty happy with it. It is superior than the early turbos. I would not get a turbo unless it's a turbo S for reliability reasons.

Even with a S2, you are looking at many issues to fix. Just about everything that can fail will break, even on a nicely sorted 944. be sure you know what you are getting into. Luckily, there is still an abundant amount of used and new parts. Pelican parts is a great source.

 

I've raced an ;89 S2 for 4 years now in the 944SuperCup series, against 951's and 968's. The Turbo 951 is the most popular as they were produced in the biggest numbers, and some parts for S2 are more expensive for that reason. However, the S2 is far more reliable and all repairs are cheaper because it's much easier to work on. I have won the national championship for the past 2 years, and years preceeding me were also won by S2's, even thought the 951 may be faster at the big tracks. We beat them on reliability and handling, because we can run 250lbs lighter.
My car had zero dnf's this year and I have total confidence in it, I would never trade it for a Turbo.

 

I just did a paper analysis of the last 3 PCA racing seasons at BIR and Road America. A well sorted and driven S2 can compete with the 951S (on-paper). Look how well the Best Lap times compare. A one second difference, at both tracks. And BIR has a long straight (over 1 mile long) with a full-speed turn in it. S2=951 and more reliable. 951S on average will be faster.


BIR
Average Best
S2 1:56.7 1:52
951 1:55.8 1:52
951S 1:53.8 1:53

Road America
Average Best
S2 2:41.1 2:36
951 2:41.1 2:36
951S 2:38.6 2:35

Each data point is an average over 3 years and has 20-35 laps averaged using qualifying, enduro and sprint races, using various drivers and cars.

 

first track car... I dont think I would recommend either for a first dedicated track car, instead I would suggest just a regular 944. for what you would spend on a turbo or S2, you can get a race ready base 944 and likely a few spare parts.

 

I'd agree with that.

 

There was one rennlist that was pretty cheap if I do recall that would be perfect.

 

I agree with Cannonball996. A N/A 944 is a great entry level car for racing. Extremely wrenchable, excellent handling, light weight, frogiving, cheap to buy.

 

RCC GT3 Just out of curiosity, did you ever end up getting a track car ?