For several tears I have owned a '72 Corvette Stingray convertible with a non-stock (custom build 380HP 4 speed) engine. It is so raw and very exciting to drive -an adrenaline rush every time. Problem is the engine doesn't support the original vacuum system that operates the wipers and AC amongst other things, and is prone to break-downs -NO fun! Long story short I want to replace with a more reliable, fun car that I can get more drive time in -to/from work and hopefully for occasional track days too.

SO, I have a budget of $80k and have the 911 Turbo cab. in my sights. My logic: it can be an everyday driver, a convertible for nice weather days, and I will probably buy a hard top for whatever car I end up with also for track days.

From what I've seen my budget will get me an '08 or earlier 911 Turbo cab. in good condition with reasonable mileage.

My questions are these:
I've driven a Boxter, Cayman and Carrera S and thought they were all fun, but not super exciting (at least compared to my '72 vette) to drive. FYI, I recently test drove a corvette zr1 and while it had tons of power I thought it was pretty lame in the cokpit and also a bit 'sterile' from the point of view of feeling a connection with the car when driving. I have not driven the 911 Turbo yet. Is it as exciting/exhilarating to drive as people say it is?
Are there particular options I should be looking for (I'm set on getting a manual transmission)?
Is this an expensive car to maintain?
Are there any known pitfalls or things I should be watch out for with the 911 Turbo cab?
I welcome any other advice that might help in my search!

 

I think your first step should be to locate one at a dealer and take a test drive. You might have to step up your budget to get a clean low mileage example, but you never know what you can find.

Pitfall is stock tt suspension and stock tune.

Be sure to get a DME(ECU) readout, here is a link to more info on that:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...hows-look.html

If your serious about track days, you should skip right on by the turbo cab and get a .1 GT3 for a similar budget.

 

The turbo is a completely different animal/beast than the cayman, boxster, or 911, so you should definitely take a test drive. If you can't find a dealer with one that will let you take it for a ride, then you may want to see if anyone on this or other forums who live in your area will let you take theirs with them sitting shotgun. I have the turbo S with 9300 miles and it's still a blast to drive. I still get a big rush every time the turbos kick in under heavy acceleration. It has the PDK so it's a great daily driver.

 

If the ZR1 feels disconnected, then I suspect (other than a quality improvement) the Turbo will treat you the same. I consider the C6 vettes to be a pretty visceral experience and compare well to the 911 in that regard. 400hp in a C2 stingray is probably a rush b/c it is frightening and somewhat out of control....

 

Your logic seems sound. I would be patient and make sure you get any prospective cars thoroughly looked over. The only other pitfall would be the amount of money spent on mods once (and if) you start down that road.

 

Buy a turbo! What do you want for your 72 ? I had a 69 and wanted to get another.

 

Thanks for replies/input so far.

TestJet -thanks for the heads-up on the DME (ECU) readout -I didn't know anyhting about that -cheers! What did you mean when you said 'pitfall is stock tt suspension and stock tune'?

Sobrut911 -In terms of going to a local dealer for a test drive -I'm looking nationwide on the web for a car (so I can find a car w/ the exact options I want) so I'm probably not end up buying locally. -I'd feel like a bit of a schmuck going to a dealer asking for a test drive when I have little or no intention of buying from them.

Having said that I think you're suggestion of trying to find someone thru this or other forums that are in my area to take me shotgun for a ride is a good idea. (-I'm in Columbus, Ohio BTW).

Also Sobrut911, you mentioned PDK as being daily driver friendly. -Were you referring to any issues with the 911 Turbo manual tranny that make it more difficult than any other stick shift to use as a daily driver? -Or were you just saying that automatic transmission is easier for traffic situations, etc.?

thackl -You could be right about the buzz I'm getting from my 380HP convertible Stingray. -It does feel a lot like 'death on wheels' (fast, sketchy handling, no airbags, no roll bars, lap belts only...) which may be why I get such a rush from driving it -especially fast!
One thing I didn't like about the ZR1 was when I test drove it (it was cold day) -I couldn't accelerate hard even in 3rd at 80mph without the rear end just spinning out. I assume the AWD 911 will do a better job with managing traction + power?

AudiBull - I'm hoping the 911 turbo cab. wont need much in the way of mods besides maybe a few cosmetic ones and maybe carbon ceramic brakes. -Are there any commonly known weak points that might need to be addressed by mods?

Lastly, somebody just mentioned to me that some tracks might not let you in to play unless you have a roll bar installed. I figured the hard top for the cabriolet would be enough to qualify for track days as far as safety goes. -Can anybody weigh in on that?

 

Your local dealer actually have a couple nice ones that you might want to look at. However, I think they are over-priced though.

 

z06801 -I haven't done any research on current values for '72 convertible Stingrays. I have about $30k in the car and would be looking to at least break even on it.

It's beautiful! -Steel Cities Gray (which is actually like a light metallic olive green) -one of the lowest production colors for that year. Black leather interior, tilt/telescopic steering, AC, 4 speed stick, 378HP rumble monster under a big block hood. I have the original stock engine and hood also.
Did I mention it's a riot to dive?!?

 

Reading your question, I would suggest a GT3 if you want a connection with the car. You should be able to get a 2007 with your budget.

 

If you are really in to the driving experience then you may want to consider a Viper. I have both and if I had to choose only one to keep, it would be my Gen II Viper. I love the turbo but it is a very different driving experience. It is not as emotionally stirring as the Viper but it is more comfortable and has a feeling of better quality. I have 50K miles on my Viper with no serious reliability issues and they are far cheeper to maintain and get big power out of. If you really like your Corvette I fear that you would get bored with the turbo. I became bored with my first turbo and just bought my second with the EVT 700 package on it. I bought it because it will be fast and a more comfortable daily driver. My Viper is modded to the point that it is really only good for short drives and track days at this point. There is just something about driving my Viper that cant be replaced by any other car.

 

First, good luck in your search for a new ride...it's a big part of the experience IMO. I wouldn't worry about test driving vehicles at dealers, it's part of the process and a requirement IMO. I would not purchase a car without a test drive and first hand scan of the vehicle, regardless of how many pics there are, PPI, distance, etc.

Given you want to track the car I would seriously consider a coupe. In addition to the more rigid frame I believe it looks a little more sleek too. More often than not, the amount of modifications performed stem from time spent on places like this. It's a great car off the showroom floor.

Maitenance costs are relatively minor when you compare it to the cars it's typically measured against on forums and mags. Depending on annual mileage you'll likely be looking at 2-3 hundred per year. As mileage increases so will the annual services costs due to OEM recommended services, e.g. 20k service.

Tires for a car like this are what you would expect, approx 2k installed for a set Mich Pilot Sports. Most 07-08 models need TPMS sensors now due to battery life running low.

The turbo rush and incredible speed speak for itslelf. Fit, finish and feel is really where these cars standout for me. You need to drive one or two to see and sense what I'm talking about. Do some research on the engine, drivetrain and more and you'll find out what type of quality goes into this automobile.

Good luck!

 

Dr. Bill -a GT3..?!? I've read about them in car mags, they do sound fun and look great! Even though I was hoping for a convertible -if I can't find the thrill factor I'm looking for top down -I am open to the idea of a coupe. -I will have to do more research, thanks for the suggestion. -Question -how do you think the GT3 with manual tranny would do as a daily driver?

v10nut -A Dodge Viper..?!? -I don't know anything about them except they look cool and have a reputation for being a wild ride! -Can you suggest what I should try looking for (model year range, are there different stock engine options, body or performance options, etc.)?

PSTT07 -Many thanks for your thoughts and the practical info and advice you gave. FYI -after my preliminary research the reason I landed on the 911 Turbo convertible is that (theoretically) it has it all... sterling reputation as a driver's car, performance, pretty good looks, AWD, & convertible for nice weather /hard top option for track days. However, that's not to say that a coupe is out of the question if I can find my dream 'all-in-one' car. -If I were to go down the coupe road -would you have a suggestion to look in to?

I'm hoping to do a 911 turbo (circa '06 -'08) test drive here very soon and of course that will answer many of my questions including the all important 'does this feel like awesomeness-on-wheels to me'!

ALL - PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS, WEIGHT IN WITH COMMENTS, ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS IN THE MEANTIME. -They are very much appreciated!

 

That is for a new car on factory warranty, I presume, because 997.1 will not cost 200USD per year. At least that is my experience. What can you get for 200USD on a 911 anyway? Front lip (not installed) maybe. Not even an oil change at official center.

 

i woud suggest you get a 6spd coupe if you're going to track it.. get the cab if you're primarily sunning/driving. you don;t have the pdk budget since the older 997's are tips not pdk. that would be the clincher for me to switch to a shiftable semi auto. i'm not sure a gt3 would give you the daily driveability you want/need. but a pristine 997.1 can be had within your budget. test drive one but leave your wallet in the "vette unless you're ready to leave with a pcar. nothing wrong with 997.1 or .2. on my "to do" list also. though i'm not convinced it;s really a trade *up* for me lol