Makes a lot of sense to get a less expensive used car for the track. I sometimes think I should have done the same, but the wife really liked the Cayman R, so we thought it would make sense as her DD and my track car. No regrets, but I do now need to be prepared to swallow higher insurance costs.

I don't know if I consider the 991 a better 911 overall, but it certainly has its strengths. Now that you've said that, we may never hear the end of it.

Speaking of high speeds, a guy told me recently that his friend was caught doing 125 in a 55 in VA, in a 911 turbo. Went to jail for five days, and avoided being in jail longer by succumbing to the court's pressure for him to sell car because he was considered too young for it.

 

You are totally right on all counts. I will definitly be keeping things damped down on my track days this year for that reason - and fear for my life or serious bodily injury!. And, after I have a few more DEs under my belt, and I am sure that I want to do it more often, I will likely do exactly what you have done - get a track car - which makes me question my decision not to get a 991 cab all the more.

 

Some tracks allow cabs, but then you have to consider whether you're comfortable taking that risk. Even with roll bars, helmet, etc. a bad crash at over 100 mph can be deadly. It doesn't happen often, but it can and does happen.

I got a cab knowing that it would limit track use, but the pleasures of the cab are just too hard to resist. Plus, Porsche does a great job of making cabs with performance close to the coupes (by comparison, an M3 cab weights about 400 lbs more than the coupe).

 

My 997.2 was a Cab and they are great cars and yes - without additional protection, there were few tracks I could go to - Pocono let me do it because of the pop-up roll bars, but I could not go to NJMP or Lime Rock without at least bolt-ons. If I do get an older track car, it would be the coupe and I could keep the current 991 or trade it for a new 991 cab as a DD. My wife would certainly make me get rid of my Mustang Conv. and that would be a difficult choice.

I am likely not going to be more than a once/twice a year track guy so, for that, I will just deal with the insurance and the extra break/tire wear - it is much less over the next 10 years than a track car. But if I become a junky, a track car is an option.

I hate having to deal with insurance - I am an educated fellow, and it makes me feel like I am 5. Oh well - this should be our biggest problem!

 

I said it may be...but I know if I bought one tomorrow I would be having as much fun as I have in the 997 and the 991 will not help me to be a better driver. (At first at least)

My goal is to be a better driver and when I was at PSDS some very knowledgeable instructors said get a base car and get some good instructions. And learn to drive the hell out of it

Now I am somewhat of a wimp but I have been doing just that for almost three years now. Taking my time, slowly getting better, learning about car dynamics and feeling every wheel, and every little bit of slippage. Fighting against increasing G's and keeping a car balance with one hand as I give out multiple pass signals.

reading books, talking to other DE drivers and digesting posts like Steamboats and analyzing and applying what I learn.

That the most fun there is IMO in owning a Porsche. And it didnt cost me anything near what guys here are spending. in one lump sum. However things are adding up.

But it is not for everyone and it would not be for me at this point of my skills in a brand new 991 at the intermediate level.

MF, you will be fine with the cayman, especially in the lower levels. As you progress and the car depreciates somewhat you will be fine in the intermediate levels. I am willing to bet you and AG are going to get hooked.

You have been warned....LOL

 

Oh, no, my addictive personality is showing, even electronically. This can't be good! If I were a little smaller (6'2" with a long torso - I have trouble fitting in the 991 with a helmet and the seat on the floor) I would definitly buy a Cayman for the track. When I was at Pocono, it did not escape my attention that even in the lowest run group, the Caymans were faster than the 911s, in everything but the long straights - on the Autobahn, I could certanly hunt them down - but on a twisty track, they were eating my lunch!

 

I'd have to look and drive one of those before I'd call it a 911.

ChuckJ

 

Speaking of what we call things, in light of recent developments in Porsche-land, should we be encouraging the BB to change its name to 7speedonline?

 

Very good, AG!

 

Be careful, IIRC the new Boxster is still 6 speeds, and the Boxster guys are alleged to already have an inferiority complex (curiously, the allegation comes from 911 guys). You could have a real fight on your hands if you campaign for that name change.

 

I think campaigning is much to strong a word. I still consider myself a newbie compared to you, Buckwheat, Psycho Sid and many others - this is my first time as part of a BB community and I am enjoying the information, the helpful advice, and the friendly banter. I have rarely ventured beyond the 991 end of the pool and I am certainly not looking to start a discordant discussion.

It is just that six speeds have been, except in racing, about the highest gearing you could readily find commercially. It suggests speed and control and is a really good service mark because of what it says and what it evokes. But now that seven speeds are here, I expect that there will be a slow if steady adoption. To keep ahead of the curve, perhaps the site needs to change with the times...or not! Just an idea.

I have been contributing for only about three months and definitely feel I have received more than I have contributed - thank you all!

 

I was kidding, but you may be right about 7 speeds gradually becoming more common.

I too feel that I've gained more than I've contributed by participating in 6speed. It's a great demonstration of social networking working well. Sometimes I feel that I would be lost in these car explorations and decisions without access to a resource like this.

Prior to 6speed, the only car forum I had participated in was one for the C63. Nice bunch of guys, but generally a younger crowd, and my passion is really with Porsches these days. 6speed is the only forum I currently participate in, clearly because I'm already spending too much time here as it is.

 

See, I was right. You do have a sense of humor! Well done!

 

I think the 7 and 8 speed boxes are just there to reduce the emissions and please the FEDS... Top speed in general is not the top gear because the torque is not there. In addition the gear box is getting really complex and thus expensive the repair / replace and you will in a manual version - use your clutch approx 15% ( in typical driving for us Porsche nuts) more thus increasing the wear and tear on the box / clutch plate and other moving parts in that box. I am thinking this is a great step....backward... Perhaps I am wrong but mechanical things just have some inherent properties and wear is one of them.

 

Not just jealous off 991s, but gear envy too? How sad for you!. Should I take that as a vote to keep the name as it stands?