NSX to Boxster:

[CFRA_7]

Originally Posted by racer_d

So.. Ditching the NSX and the Mazda racecar and hoping ONE car can fill both needs? won't happen.

The Mazda has jadded you towards extremely light weight and incredible handling. The boxster, NSX etc are fantastic for street cars but they are not racecars. You will find that out on your first aggressive track day. Too much body lean. Too much brake dive. Limited alignment settings that destroy the outside edges of tires. SO.. now your 1 car will slip down the track slope. Aftermarket springs and shocks (unless you get PASM). Then camber plates and/or 997 cup lower control arms. Now you've thrown another $4-6k just to get the handling "right" for your car.

You mention concern about warrantly and voiding it when you track it. So, i say, get a plastic windowed "S". Why? less money. Plus, you can then worry about paying for explicit DE/Track insurance (figure severl K/year plus a 5-10K deductible) so why wad up a new, more expensive car to begin with?

I've seen 250hp Boxster S's keep right up with, or lead, 993's, 996's (even GT-3s) etc. After all, it depends more on the driver in many cases, not the car.

You make some very good points..... I'm just not sure the fun vs. cost of the FM will continue. It's costs about $500 evertime I hit the start button...

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by CFRA_7

You make some very good points..... I'm just not sure the fun vs. cost of the FM will continue. It's costs about $500 evertime I hit the start button...

While I haven't enjoyed the use of a dedicated race car, I had a 911 that was 1) Bulletproof and 2) was well modified for track duty.

I sold my 911 because I wanted a "street" Porsche I could track on occasion. I did that this past weekend and one (among several) things came to mind.

A stock boxster needs a complete new suspension to be truly enjoyable on the track. It wasn't a bad car, but as I mentioned before, the lean, dive, squat etc under real track conditions was much worse than I anticipated.

Reliability. I have been a bit nervous since I bought the car about MAF, O2s, RMS's etc. As a street car i wouldn't worry about it. After day 1 at the track I enjoyed a Check Engine Light occurance which points to a camshaft problem.

Did I mention my 911 was bulletproof? Throttle it all day long, take a 4-6 hr trip home and never a hiccup. Same was true with my 914. The aircooled motors, with no computer controls, are simnplicity and reliability in one fell swoop.

You mentioned you dont like 911s and I can understand the aesthetic reasons. As you mentioned though, folks who really drive 911s well can drive ANY car well, they just choose to run a 911


All that mentioned, a friend of mine bought a Boxster S in 2001. Since folks wern't really "racing" them, he and the shop came up with some wicked, custom suspension stuff. And WOW was that car quick. Not sure I would say "fun" or "entertaining" but just fiercely quick and well composed. My guess is that it takes about $5k to make them handle in a manner you would appreciate.

[blue2000s]

If the age of the car isn't a consideration, have you considered a 3rd gen Rx-7? Their suspensions are reasonably adjustable stock and can go like stink out of the box. With some cooling and breathing improvements, they can make a great deal of power. Plus you don't have to worry about reliability because you know the eninge is a time bomb and the rotary is going to need a rebuild every now and then.

[CFRA_7]

Originally Posted by racer_d

While I haven't enjoyed the use of a dedicated race car, I had a 911 that was 1) Bulletproof and 2) was well modified for track duty.

I sold my 911 because I wanted a "street" Porsche I could track on occasion. I did that this past weekend and one (among several) things came to mind.

A stock boxster needs a complete new suspension to be truly enjoyable on the track. It wasn't a bad car, but as I mentioned before, the lean, dive, squat etc under real track conditions was much worse than I anticipated.

Reliability. I have been a bit nervous since I bought the car about MAF, O2s, RMS's etc. As a street car i wouldn't worry about it. After day 1 at the track I enjoyed a Check Engine Light occurance which points to a camshaft problem.

Did I mention my 911 was bulletproof? Throttle it all day long, take a 4-6 hr trip home and never a hiccup. Same was true with my 914. The aircooled motors, with no computer controls, are simnplicity and reliability in one fell swoop.

You mentioned you dont like 911s and I can understand the aesthetic reasons. As you mentioned though, folks who really drive 911s well can drive ANY car well, they just choose to run a 911


All that mentioned, a friend of mine bought a Boxster S in 2001. Since folks wern't really "racing" them, he and the shop came up with some wicked, custom suspension stuff. And WOW was that car quick. Not sure I would say "fun" or "entertaining" but just fiercely quick and well composed. My guess is that it takes about $5k to make them handle in a manner you would appreciate.

If I do the $5K in mods will it still be a fun daily driver or have I passed that point?