[Equilibrandt]

Looking to get a sub-35k, automatic (manual auto) track car to mitigate the upkeep on my F80.

While bouncing around the auto GR86, another auto ND2 MX-5, or an SMG '06 E46 M3, I ran into a few 2002-2004 Tiptronic 996.2s.

Trying to feel out some input on the auto-box on these. Spare me the sacrilege comments on an auto Carrera. On the Renn forums, I see a lot of talk about a Sprint Booster that modifies the pedal input to a steeper voltage to change the 'throttling' characteristics of the car. Anyone have any insight on ownership and automatic/Tiptronic performance?

[VAcurler]

I can't speak to the slushbox but if you are going to track an M96 engine try to get one with the X50 pack. You'll need at least a new baffle and to monitor the oil levels. Bore scoring and oil starvation is real on that engine. I've heard good things about the 997 PDK though.

[FC4]

The first and only time I drove an auto 996 was back in high school when a friend got one new. Even as a fresh faced 16 year old who had a licence for a few months...I thought it was complete dogshit.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by Equilibrandt

Looking to get a sub-35k, automatic (manual auto) track car to mitigate the upkeep on my F80.

While bouncing around the auto GR86, another auto ND2 MX-5, or an SMG '06 E46 M3, I ran into a few 2002-2004 Tiptronic 996.2s.

Trying to feel out some input on the auto-box on these. Spare me the sacrilege comments on an auto Carrera. On the Renn forums, I see a lot of talk about a Sprint Booster that modifies the pedal input to a steeper voltage to change the 'throttling' characteristics of the car. Anyone have any insight on ownership and automatic/Tiptronic performance?

From what I remember from about 5 years or so ago when I was looking at a 997 sport shifting I didn’t feel it was as responsive as my auto e85 in sport mode sport shifting. Unfortunately I only had about a half hour seat time in the 997 vs the now 11 years in my e85. I’ve seen a few track days in my Z4 but can’t do long periods of driving due to a few injuries over the years. I came to that realization also when looking at an e86M and instead picked up a e86 non m to better suit how I want to drive and track it. If driving auto and you haven’t yet have a go at left foot braking, if you can.

[wdb]

Oil starvation in high G corners is a 996 engine killer. Bore scoring is more of a wear issue but can also result in a boat anchor motor. Both are heavily discussed on rennlist. Oil starvation has several solutions currently but none seem bulletproof. Search UIDS for a new possible fix just coming out. Also there is the IMS bearing to keep in mind.

Can’t help you with the tiptronic sorry.

Have you looked at N52 or M54 engined cars?

[Darth One]

Does "spare me the sacrilege comments on an auto Carrera" mean you're set on getting the tiptronic and you don't want to hear it?

If so, you're definitely getting the cheapest 911 out there with a Tip 996. Highly recommend driving it to see if you actually like it.

Otherwise, the tiptronic is just awful. Would never buy a Porsche with it. There's a reason why they're so devalued. Again, ignore this paragraph if you wish.

The 996 body is the ugliest generation of 911, but at least it drives nice

[Alfisti]

TBH I think it is an expensive track option, the engine has known issues to say the least. Why not a FRS? Not enough power? Maybe someone has a track ready stang?

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

TBH I think it is an expensive track option, the engine has known issues to say the least. Why not a FRS? Not enough power? Maybe someone has a track ready stang?

Besides a new gt500, in auto I’m not sure he’d enjoy it as much. I’ve driven 5 auto mustangs in a few generations only 1 on track being the gt500, besides that I hated every auto gearbox that a mustangs had. And a already track prepped mustang in auto would be even rarer to come by.

[Alfisti]

You can change gear in M+ SPORT mode in the 2015+ stangs. The changes themselves are a touch slow but you have control on when to shift.

[kyriian]

My dad had a 996.1 C2 (fully stock with the tiptronic), and I had a chance to take it around Zhu Hai race track, did about 10-15 laps in total, and a bunch of other 'exercises' like slalom, etc.

Hated the slowness of the slushbox being personally used to a manual for lapping, it drives well enough I guess, but largely forgettable (to me). I guess it gets you a entry ticket into the magic of the 911.

For the money they are asking these days just for a Porsche badge, and issues that come with the 996, I'd 100% go for a newer GR86/BRZ, ND2. Hell modern Camaro V8/Stang should fit the bill better, and all of them would be far easier to maintain for lapping duty.

Remember, even the last 996 non turbo/GT cars is now 18 years old and even the most religiously maintained ones, there is no fighting the age of the thing.

[Alfisti]

I just have a thing about track cars, anything european is going to get expensive quickly vs Japanese or American. A sorted Camaro is a weapon and great bang for buck. The answer, as always, may well be a Miata.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

You can change gear in M+ SPORT mode in the 2015+ stangs. The changes themselves are a touch slow but you have control on when to shift.

I had a 2015 ecoboost and is was extremely slow on shifts by the paddles compared to either of my z4s. I would do 0-60 pulls comparing my e85 pre vs post ess s/c when I had both of them at the same time. Stock for stock in the same corners my speeds were double in the Z4 vs the mustang. Not saying the mustang isn’t capable, but it’s going to take a lot of work to get it there. And yeah the Z4 still shifts smoother. The ecoboost I had was stock with the performance package, bigger brakes stiffer suspension 3.55 instead of 3.31 final drive ratio than the base.

[Alfisti]

Yeah I back to backed a 997.2 with PDK and a Mustang GT, The V8 was epic but man the PDK shat all over the 10 speed auto.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Yeah I back to backed a 997.2 with PDK and a Mustang GT, The V8 was epic but man the PDK shat all over the 10 speed auto.

Yeah for me it had served it’s purpose for a daily while my e85 was getting work done on it, and having a back seat needed for when we just had our kiddo but turned in the lease we had on it early for a wrangler lease. Now just gotta wait a year and a half for our bronco lol. Plenty of V8 mustangs at work and man there’s just no sound like it.

[Equilibrandt]

I appreciate all of the input! Test drove one yesterday and I think I'm going to lean somewhere other than the 996. I kept all your comments in mind while taking it out.

As for the Mustang, I've driven a few and sans the GT500, the 6R80 and 10R80 automatics just aren't for me; in my opinion the 6R80 is only tolerable because it's mated to a 5.0 and the 10R is too much paddle rowing. Even with the rear IRS, most of the GTs I've driven have felt drift (not track) suited.

Looks like I'll check in on the GR86 (not a fan of the GT86/FRS/BRZ generation) as well as potentially turbo'ing an ND1 (or ND2 if they ever figure the fueling issues out over at Fab9 on the MX-5 Forums).

I'm intrigued that no one brought up any input about the SMGII E46. Seems like the consensus on Renn is that if you don't love the Tip, try out a 997 with the Tip S and if you don't love that, try out a newer 997 with PDK.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Equilibrandt

Seems like the consensus on Renn is that if you don't love the Tip, try out a 997 with the Tip S and if you don't love that, try out a newer 997 with PDK.

Remember 997.1's still have the engine that may not appreciate track work and a 997.2 is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[VAcurler]

I'd love a 997.2 but it is too rich for my blood to take to a track. I'd much rather have a e30, e36, or e46 for track use. The Porsche Tax is real. I have zero experience with any automatic BMWs so can't offer any insight on the e46 SMG.

[Alfisti]

I love european cars but they are notoriously unreliable and costly to repair, even the good ones will cost a lot to track. A 30K camaro will solve your issue with 5% of the headache of an old BMW.

[Equilibrandt]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I love european cars but they are notoriously unreliable and costly to repair, even the good ones will cost a lot to track. A 30K camaro will solve your issue with 5% of the headache of an old BMW.

Not a huge fan of the Camaro look, but my coworkers have repeatedly plugged older semi-prepped (or 1LE) Camaros as the best 'buy and show up to the track with some brake fluid' options, so I definitely hear you!

[Alfisti]

I ama Holden man but hate to say it the modern stang looks much better BUT for under 40K the Camaro is said to be a step ahead on track.

Go all out and get a GT350.

[Equilibrandt]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I ama Holden man but hate to say it the modern stang looks much better BUT for under 40K the Camaro is said to be a step ahead on track.

Go all out and get a GT350.

Sticking to the realm of autos, which limits me to a GT or GT500

[Alfisti]

They're too expensive anyways