First Track Day done, possibly on slippery slope

[supersport]

Just done my first track day in the 944 at Cadwell last Monday. Thoroughly enjoyed myself which now presents a dilema.

The car had been a daily runner, but my lad grew out of it and we had to get a normal car for every day use, so hellow Golf GTi, very nice.

So we now have three cars and it is a pain; but I bought the 944 to use on track and learn which end of a spanner goes where, and now having finally got a track day in I am extremely tempted to keep it and use it as intended. At the end of the day it is only worth around £2K max so I am not going to really notice it and am unlikely to be able to afford a track macine in the near future. There are however a couple of issues that ought to be sorted and one that could be a deal breaker.

1. At 200,000 miles she smokes a bit on the overrun and on track or motorway runs uses an amount of oil. Also concerned about head gasket. Had thought that an interesting winter project may be to take head off, do valve seats/guides and would learn a lot or loose what little hair I have left.

2. The shocks are worn and the instructor at Cadwell recomended that I get myself some Gaz Golds as a good value approach, but still looking at around £1k to do. Is it worth it, or should I just get some stiff standard replacements, whatever that means.

3. The potential biggy is that there is corrosion around the rear suspension mounting points on one side, not considered excessive yet but obviously at some point it is going to need dealing with. Is this a killer or can it be reasonable repaired. I am not so fussed about getting a pretty job done as it would not be a road car anymore.

So the dilema is do I keep it and gently upgrade and enjoy or should I let it go and let someone else enjoy her as cheap motoring for a couple of years.

 

[Mike_Pollock]

If its a regular track car improved suspension is a quick way to go quicker! Anything new is probably better than the old kit.
Gaz kit seems to get good reports now, although used to have a few quality comments, check OME prices.
Corrosion there is not good but can and should be repaired as could become "terminal"

 

[DivineE]

For a more 'track' orientated car the sills can be done very cheaply. I paid £50 per side for someone to cut out a hole, spray eveything with rust protection and weld in a big lump or angled metal. Didn't look pretty but it was solid as anything and passed an mot.

Engine wise.. do you want to go there? It WILL turn into a big job. This I can assure you. Given the mileage are you not better using it till it fails, enjoying it and then pay someone (or do it yourself) and do a full swap with an engine from a trusted breaker/known car?

Suspension budget option would be to get a standard set from a well cared for lower mileage car that has upgraded to GAZ or similar (there is always someone doing it somewhere).

 

[stephanie haughey]

If you've got the bug for racing or track days. I would do the car up and make use of it.
Neil my husband has done some racing he got the bug.
Now i have to help him out on Race Days.
Track days are less stressful in my opinion.
At least with a track day you can get to know the track better, rather than racing
on a circuit you don't know well. Hope this helps!

 

[supersport]

I don't have the desire or wallet for racing, well not yet anyway []

Good suggestions on the second hand under used set of suspension, I can always go more specialist when I am better at it.

There is a temptation to just mash the engine. I like the idea of having a go myself but am a beginner, but I would have all winter and I have access to some really good local independants who would help out with advice and talk throughs.

I agree with you about the lashing up the bodywork, have had a similar job done on the sills last year, although not quite so rough. I will go and talk to the guys that did it and get them to have a look.

 

[MarkK]

I would talk to Kev at EMC he is always upgrading suspensions for people and may well have a bargain second hand set,he can advise on a geo set-up that will make the car so much quicker,plus he is a dab hand at welding,has a competitive body shop,plus give you advice on your engine.For doing what you want well and on budget he is your best bet someone will be along in a minute to say the same.best of luck[]

 

[Neil Haughey]

Certainly not going to disagree with any of that Mark. I really wish EMC would make more of the body work side of their business, its an area in which I believe they are cheaper than anyone else in the Porsche market yet at the same time the quality is very good. I had a look at that Ferrari Kevin has been restoring last week, you really couldn't tell that he replaced the sills and a fair chunk of the floor, looked like a factory job (actually I would go further than that the welding looked neater than much of the original stuff when viewed on the ramp).

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Must agree with talking to EMC - they really know 944 s etc but a Neil says can do great work on anything. I saw the Ferrari before and after! They may take things more seriously than your current requirements but the advice would be sound and free.