[This is a response to the last post in my "Introduction" thread.]

Hi pfb,

Thanks for the lengthy post. To start with, lunch sounds great. I am also planning to have dinner with Fullthrottle some time this week to discuss mods - you would be more than welcome to come along, as would anyone else interested. I would like to hear your thoughts on what would be best.

Based on my conversations with Fullthrottle, and what others have said, I'd like to see if he'd be willing to do the installation work for the Speedcraft and other mods. Of course, I'd like to "help" if he'd let me. Heheh.

Track days at Second Creek sound great. I will definately look for some instruction, though. As you pointed out, lessons are certainly cheaper than repair bills, and no doubt much preferable to injury. If you want to head over to the track, just say the word.


Regarding Porsches

As a kid, I had always wanted a 911. In early 2001, I bought an Arctic Silver 996 Cabriolet with GT3 sideskirts and Rad(GT3) wheels. The car was a work of art, and was fun to drive - the fulfillment of a childhood dream. It was rock solid and had stellar handling. I don't think it was worth $90k, though. In my experience, the NA 996s are not that fast (particularly the cab) and, pre 2002, don't have that satisfying an exhaust note. The basic interior is bland, and the stereos are less than I'd expect. On the other hand, it was a Porsche.

In August, I sold the cab and bought a 996 TT. It was Seal Gray with the full carbon fiber interior and cf stearing wheel. That car was scary fast and handled like nothing I have ever driven - including Ken's 360. Once again, really solid feel, nice quality, and with the cf interior, seemed to be more worth the money. I feel compelled to stress that the car was stupid fast. I traded the car for the S2000 two weeks ago.

I really liked both Porsches and don't regret owning either. But in the end, 996s (NA and the turbo) suffer from their own perfection. In my opinion, they are a bit cold and lack soul. One car mag editor noted that they were not so much sports cars as "speed appliances." I couldn't agree more.

Despite my criticisms, I really recommend the 996. I don't think you would ever regret owning it, and the price is right. If you don't like it, you should be able to sell it for near what you're paying for it. Some sucker (like me) already took the depreciation hit.

I chose to trade for the S2000 because I wanted a car that needed driving and would be fun on the street. I also wanted something I could modify, take to the track, and not have to worry about all the time. Finally, for me, the S2000 community is a better fit than the Porsche community.

Hope that helps. We can talk further in person. Let me know about lunch or dinner. FULLTHROTTLE, what works for you? Anyone else?

See you soon,

Paul


BTW - My S2000 is Sebring Silver. I live downtown near Canyon.

 

I would like to go to the dinner, as I'm also looking at the Turbo. Though, right now I'm not going as far as you are with it. I wish I could but right now all I can afford is the Turbo, the stuff to go with it and the tuning. But I will soon!!