Noteworthy Sports Car Design -- And It's Cheap!

[JohnRgt 0]

See the official photo gallery.

See the website.

This car can be built for far, far less than vehicles with comparable speed. Also, FactoryFive has earned a solid reputation.

(I'm waiting for NASCAR to decide Re EFI and OHCs before making my decision.)

[RayK 0]

In 1980 while living in Niagara Falls, New York I had a cousin come and stay with my family from Canada and build a sports car somewhat like what is shown. The cost to have it shipped to America was much cheaper along with less restrictions. He drove down an old volkswagen Beattle which he totally stripped down to the frame and then put the "kit car" together on top ot the frame, what a difference.

As a matter of fact I still have pictures around here someplace and will post them if anyone cares to see them.

Thanks for the link John.

[Lady Brin 0]

See the official photo gallery.

See the website.

This car can be built for far, far less than vehicles with comparable speed. Also, FactoryFive has earned a solid reputation.

(I'm waiting for NASCAR to decide Re EFI and OHCs before making my decision.)

What a beauty! Interesting that it uses a Porsche transmission; I've heard they're smooth as silk. Thirty years ago I wanted to be a race car driver.

Lady Brin

--------------------------------------------

[Lady Brin 0]

See the official photo gallery.

See the website.

This car can be built for far, far less than vehicles with comparable speed. Also, FactoryFive has earned a solid reputation.

(I'm waiting for NASCAR to decide Re EFI and OHCs before making my decision.)

Probably a dumb question, but isn't this what RUF does to a Porsche? Whereas the two RUF's I've seen, one was 1/4 of million dollars, the other a 1/2 million, this car can be made for $62,000. Is this correct?

[JohnRgt 0]

Hi Lady Brin,

The GTM seems to be an incredible deal. The $62K version of the GTM has the sort of power to weight ratio that puts it up against cars that cost three to six times the price. (a 350hp GTM, still a formidable car, can be built for ~$40K)

Having said that, I must say that factory Rufs are in a league of their own. Alois Ruf's tiny operation easily out-Porsches Porsche in every conceivable way. The only concern I can think of that deserves Ruf-level accolades would be Pagani.

[JohnRgt 0]

...Interesting that it uses a Porsche transmission; I've heard they're smooth as silk. Thirty years ago I wanted to be a race car driver.

Being mid-engined, the GTM has unique transmission requirements. Porsche's G50, the transmission this car uses, can easily be inverted to fit this platform.

I would want a strengthened version of the G-50 in any GTM with over 350hp. The GTM ForceFive is showing pairs its 505hp LS7 engine to the transmission Porsche installed in the 996 GT-2. PowerhausII, the transmission division of the highly respected Powerhaus, supplied the ForceFive GTM. (After some research, I've concluded that Powerhaus is the only concern I'd consider for a GTM transmission.)

While modern Porsches have smooth transmissions, I wouldn't say that the G50 deserves that description. Further, like other transmissions found in Porsches, it needs to be used in a way that takes some getting used to. (One pulls out of gear quickly, "hovers" in Neutral for a bit, and then eases into the next gear.)

[JohnRgt 0]

Thirty years ago I wanted to be a race car driver.

Jim Pasha writes the Tech Notes section of the highly regarded, Porsche-specific magazine, Exce11ence.*

A while ago, noticing how many first generation Boxsters in the US were selling for next to nothing, Pasha proposed that an amateur racing structure be set up around this great car. It turns out that the Porsche Club of America took the suggestion to heart.

The rules are being set up to create a super-affrodable, one-design racing class. One can buy a good used model, install the necessary safety equipment, maximize performance under the cost-sensitive rules, and hit the track for $20K, plus track fees!!! (To give you a feel for how cheap this is: An autocrosser I know has invested $30K in his 914 chasis alone. Unlike the vehicles that will conform to this new Boxster Class, that autocrosser can't be driven to the track or taken out for a spin on one's favorite roads.)

$20K plus travel, track fees and annual upkeep is a lot of hobby money. But if you still have the itch, Lady Birn, this class is a great way to get into racing (the Boxster is one of the best platforms ever brought to market, being quick, easy to drive at 8/10ths, and able to give you 10/10ths safely if you go after the skills needed to push this wonderful car to its limits.) Also, Porsche associations tend to attract a good crowd, so there's the potential to meet and spend time with some wonderful people.

*They use "1"s instead of "l"s in the magazine's name in a silly attempt to echo the name "911" The magazine name "refers" to the must-have history of Porsche, Excellence Was Expected. I'd guess most Objectivists would love this three-volume work -- it's one heck of a story)

[Lady Brin 0]

Thirty years ago I wanted to be a race car driver.

Jim Pasha writes the Tech Notes section of the highly regarded, Porsche-specific magazine, Exce11ence.*

A while ago, noticing how many first generation Boxsters in the US were selling for next to nothing, Pasha proposed that an amateur racing structure be set up around this great car. It turns out that the Porsche Club of America took the suggestion to heart.

The rules are being set up to create a super-affrodable, one-design racing class. One can buy a good used model, install the necessary safety equipment, maximize performance under the cost-sensitive rules, and hit the track for $20K, plus track fees!!! (To give you a feel for how cheap this is: An autocrosser I know has invested $30K in his 914 chasis alone. Unlike the vehicles that will conform to this new Boxster Class, that autocrosser can't be driven to the track or taken out for a spin on one's favorite roads.)

$20K plus travel, track fees and annual upkeep is a lot of hobby money. But if you still have the itch, Lady Birn, this class is a great way to get into racing (the Boxster is one of the best platforms ever brought to market, being quick, easy to drive at 8/10ths, and able to give you 10/10ths safely if you go after the skills needed to push this wonderful car to its limits.) Also, Porsche associations tend to attract a good crowd, so there's the potential to meet and spend time with some wonderful people.

*They use "1"s instead of "l"s in the magazine's name in a silly attempt to echo the name "911" The magazine name "refers" to the must-have history of Porsche, Excellence Was Expected. I'd guess most Objectivists would love this three-volume work -- it's one heck of a story)

Yes, I am familiar with this. I went to a PCA event last fall in AR (Porsche Paloosa); that's were I saw the RUFs. It was quite exciting to be around so many Porsche enthusiasts. I'm the one in the red jacket and white hat.

I still have the itch, but my reaction time has slowed greatly with age, dad gum-it. Oh, I almost bought an '88 911 in Dec. I missed a good deal. My life story - a day late and a dollar short.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your links yesterday. Thank you.

Lady Brin

------------------------------

[Lady Brin 0]

Thirty years ago I wanted to be a race car driver.

$20K plus travel, track fees and annual upkeep is a lot of hobby money. But if you still have the itch, Lady Birn, this class is a great way to get into racing (the Boxster is one of the best platforms ever brought to market, being quick, easy to drive at 8/10ths, and able to give you 10/10ths safely if you go after the skills needed to push this wonderful car to its limits.) Also, Porsche associations tend to attract a good crowd, so there's the potential to meet and spend time with some wonderful people.

Re: Boxster

Just a funny comment I heard at the Paloosa, "If it doesn't have a number in the name, it isn't really a Porsche."

Lady Brin

--------------------

[RayK 0]

The first Porsche I ever drove was a 944 back in 1988. I know some of you Porsche truist believe that this is an abomination, but it sure was fast. During the summer of 1988 I worked for a still fabrication company and the owner's son bought it. When I would ride or drive (mostly ride), there was no going any place slow or without challenging almost every car to run from stop light to where ever.

[RayK 0]

I know some of you Porsche truist believe that this is an abomination, but it sure was fast...

To put this in a proper context I would like to add a few things. I know that the 944 was not the fasted Porsche as it only had a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinder engine. But in comparison to what I was driving at the time which was a 1978 Buick LeSabre, it seemed very fast.

[JohnRgt 0]

From a post on the GTM forum (I assume the GTM tested had the 505hp LS7 engine):

The GTM specifically, was recently tested by Car and Driver magazine (I hope to see it soon in an upcomming issue and my knowledge of the actual numbers makes each passing day excruciatingly difficult to endure... the car did well). Anyway, in that test it outperformed a Ferrari Enzo.

Weight and bad inertia are the enemies of performance -- not lack of power.

[JohnRgt 0]

I still have the itch, but my reaction time has slowed greatly with age, dad gum-it.

Well, given that Michael Schumaker just retired, the field is wide open for you, Lady Brin!

If the Boxster Class takes off, I'm certain that PCA will lay out courses and organize packs that take skill level into account. Further, as long as you're having fun, improoving, and not interfering with others, what's the difference? Lord knows PCAers are uber-supportive of each other.

Oh, I almost bought an '88 911 in Dec. I missed a good deal. My life story - a day late and a dollar short.

As you probably know, '88 and '89 are vintage years for the 911. These models were bulletproof.

All the best,

John

[JohnRgt 0]

The Car and Driver 0-60mph times for the LS7 GTM were just released -- 3.1 seconds! (Scary to think that one can easily build a normally aspirated GTM with 40% more power than the vehicle tested.)

Other 0-60mph numbers:

2006 Honda Civic SI - 7.2

2006 Honda S2000 - 5.5

1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS - 5.2

2002 BMW M3 - 4.7

2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT - 4.5

2006 Subaru WRX STI - 4.5

2002 Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish - 4.4

1997 McLaren F1 - 3.9

2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 - 3.9

2005 Ford GT - 3.6

2002 Lamborghini Murcielago - 3.6

2006 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 - 3.5

1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR - 3.4

2006 Koenigsegg CCR - 3.3

2003 Saleen S7 - 3.3

2002 Mosler MT900 Photon - 3.1

2007 Factory Five GTM - 3.1

2006 Bugatti Veyron - 2.3

2002 Viper Hennessey Venom 1000TT - 2.3

Weight to power ratios, prices:

McLaren F1 627HP V12 4.0 pounds per horsepower $1,050,000

Factory Five GTM 500HP LS1 V8 4.5 pounds per horsepower *

Ferrari Enzo 660HP V12 4.6 pounds per horsepower $ 643,330

Lamborghini Gallardo SE 520HP V10 6.1 pounds per horsepower $ 175,000

Corvette Z06 505HP V8 6.2 pounds per horsepower $ 65,690

Ford GT 550HP S/C V8 6.3 pounds per horsepower $ 149,995

Lamborghini Murcielago 580HP V12 6.3 pounds per horsepower $ 281,100

Factory Five GTM 350HP LS1 V8 6.4 pounds per horsepower

Ferrari 430 490HP V8 6.5 pounds per horsepower $ 174,585

Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe 500HP V10 6.8 pounds per horsepower $ 81,600

Porsche Turbo (997) 480HP TT F6 7.3 pounds per horsepower $ 122,900

Aston Martin DB9 444HP V12 8.6 pounds per horsepower $ 155,000

* With a new LS7 engine, the GTM will cost ~$63K -- plus assembly. One can build a formidable GTM for ~ 2/3s of that estimate (0-60mph in 3.6sec).

Click here to link to the GTM Forum.

[RayK 0]

This just in from Ray's Burnt Tires magazine! Ray's CLK55 AMG will do 0-60 in 4.7 seconds or less!

[JohnRgt 0]

Not bad for a comfy sedan.

[JohnRgt 0]

In post #14, the eighth entry of the second list was supposed to be in BOLD.

Factory Five GTM 350HP LS1 V8 6.4 pounds per horsepower

This is the "cheap" GTM I've referred to a few times in this thread. Note how many sports car icons have a higher weight to power ratio.

[Lady Brin 0]

I still have the itch, but my reaction time has slowed greatly with age, dad gum-it.

Well, given that Michael Schumaker just retired, the field is wide open for you, Lady Brin!

Oh, I almost bought an '88 911 in Dec. I missed a good deal. My life story - a day late and a dollar short.

As you probably know, '88 and '89 are vintage years for the 911. These models were bulletproof.

All the best,

John

It has been a very long time since I have posted - mostly due to a depressing dysfunctional family. Also, Dr. Speicher had pulled so many of my posts, I didn't want to burden Mrs. Speicher.

I just want to show off my new baby. It's an '88 911 Carrera Cabriolet with 42,000 miles and one previous owner. Much better price and lower milege than the one I was just dead to have a year ago.

I will be doing some modifications beginning in the new year - dual exhaust, new power chip and I really want to add a duck tail. So far I gotten *Brinabelle* to 145 MPH @ 5700 RPM, but it had a wobble and I backed off. I've procrasinated on getting a tune-up, but it's on my list. Oh, I also found some really cool rims that were only $2200 a piece. I doubt I get past the wanting stage on these.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22103538@N04/

[JohnRgt 0]

CONGRATS!

The '88-'89 is one of the most desirable 911s ever -- fun and far more reliable than a sports car has any business being. It's also a very sound investment as far as cars of this kind go.

I wish you all the best Re this new member of the family.

[RayK 0]

Congratulations, Lady Brin. I hope you enjoy many pleasurable hours of driving your beautiful Porsche.

[piz 0]

That's quite a beauty.

And the car's nice, too.

[Lady Brin 0]

Thank you for your kind replies. The last sports car I own was a '79 RX7 which I drove until '88. I didn't think I would ever want to drive another manual with a cold can of coke (just want to point out that in the South, everything is coke - whether it's reg., diet, Dr. Pepper or Orange Nehi) between my legs ever again.

I was wrong.

I'm going to take proper driving lessons in the spring to enter autocross events. Maybe at 52 I still have some reaction time left, although I can tell it isn't like it once was...or I've gotten smarter. ;-)

Wishing everyone a most prosperous New Year.

[RayK 0]

Lady Brin,

I look forward to hearing how the lessons go.

I also think you might be surprised how your reaction time comes back. There is a principle called the SAID prinicple which means that the body/CNS makes adjustments according to the demands put upon it, Specific Adaptations to Implied Demands. When a person does not do something for a long time such as playing golf or riding a bicycle, the body/CNS does not waste one's limited resources on becoming extremely efficient at an activity. Do the activity often and one's body/CNS will make adaptations to allow a person to become more efficient at that specific activity. A person could be in the best shape of their life, but, if they do not do a specific activity they will not be efficient at that specific activity. The laws of economics apply to every living being, including humans.

Let us us the analogy of being a business owner. If you were a business owner you would not spend your limited monetary resources on building a new factory if the factory you had was already producing more than enough for the market demand. Now, if the demand for your product overwhelmed your ability to meet it with your one factory it would make economic sense for you to spend your limited resources on a second factory.

Anyway, I sure hope you get a lot of fun out of your new car.

[Arnold 0]

I was wrong.

I'm going to take proper driving lessons in the spring to enter autocross events. Maybe at 52 I still have some reaction time left, although I can tell it isn't like it once was...or I've gotten smarter. ;-)

Don't be discouraged with a slow start.

Back in the seventies I was quite proficient at flying remote control aircraft. This requires your eyes to relay the orientation to your brain (left and right reverse when it comes toward you), which processes information in order to send the correct response to the movement of your thumbs on the controls. Flying full size machines is no help here.

After a 27 years break, I came back to the sport, and found I had completely lost my ability for rapid enough response to keep airborne. I had to start again, and reprogram my brain at 63 years of age. I regained my former level of proficiency only with practise and focus. So, don't give up, because it takes time to lay down automated response tracks

(Incidentally I had a RX7 1982)

[RayK 0]

Arnold, your story is a great example for showing what I had explained above. And, it is also great at showing that there is no such thing as "cross-training" when it comes to the neurological system. If a person wants to be good or great at a certain activity (and within their genetic capacity), they should train for that specific activity and only that specific activity. Lift weights to get strong and tone and then practice your specific activity.