Comparision of GTWC & GTS

[DrBro]

I am lookiing at both cars for HPDE driving primarily - and I already know how addicting it all is. That said, has anyone who has driven both cars (excluding RA cars for now) that can give driving impressions on them? The best I can tell from all of the other posts, the principal differences between the two cars is the engine and the corresponding horsepower. I also have seen spec Miatas routinely outrun Vipers and Vettes in the hands of a skilled driver, so I know more power doesn't necessarily make you have more fun. I assume if you are doing w2w racing, then obvioulsy more power is better for otherwise equal cars. I am trying to justify the difference in dollars between the cars and some firsthand knowledge would be appreciated.

[94_panoz_#7]

If I were choosing I'd pick a GTS over a GTWC. The main reason is the WC's were run hard by people who didn't own them for 8 or 9 years. They are probably very tired! Also, the engines are complicated and rather expensive - and they don't fit well in the chassis. One hard lick to the side and the frame punches a hole in the valve cover and head.

[btwog]

I havent driven either of the cars but...About the cheapest I've seen used GTSs for is $35k. Considering you can get GTWC cars for at least $10k less, I would say the price isnt worth the extra power.

The 351W from the GTS will bolt right in where the 5.0l of the GTRA sits. If you really want the power, you can upgrade the GTRA (I know you said ignore it for now) to GTS specs and still come out way ahead. In fact, I would build a 410 cid stroker if I were going that route. Throw on a carb and you wont have to spend any money to upgrade the fuel injection.

[DrBro]

I think the tired comment is true, except that all the cars were maintained at a level to be raced and many have very recent rebuilds. I also appreciate your comment about impact to the engine area. That said, for a HPDE car that may not be as big of a concern. In fact, given the average run time for a HPDE wekend is on the order of 4hrs - even a tired race car should last for a long time under those conditions. This is my theory. I am looking for a proper track car that I can dog for a weekend, take it home, clean it up, and do it again - relatively cheaply. I ran a C5R powered corvette previously and proved converted street cars are an expensive way to play Speed Racer. So, does anyone have a driving comparison? I also note that the WC cars run on regular fuel, where as the GTS runs on 110 leaded. A small but not insignificant point I suppose.

[hooked8]

One thing to just erase from our minds is that we're going to have cars to just drive, change oil and never have problems...they'll all need to be maintained - had a buddy who bought a gorgeous GTS car that had been professionally maintained break a hub on his second time out...probably a properly gone through GTRA car is best for just banging away at track days...but you said no RA car. One thing that hasn't been mentioned here is asset/resale value. The GTS car has a national class to run with in SCCA - this will always help hold the value up...so you might buy a WC car for less, put a motor in it and still be ok on total investment, but you won't be able to sell that same car for what you could a GTS car...re-doing the WC and RA cars puts us in never never land on resale value...they're a great deal, but only if we run the heck out of them for a couple of years to get that vaule out...

[DrBro]

For anyone that has done much driving on HPDE's or racing, the definition of "normal maintenance" should be well understood. You do raise an interesting point about SCCA classing of the vehicle. I understood the WC cars to have the updated DOM tubing so that should be OK. With an engine change, what else would be needed to have the car legal for GT2 under SCCA?

[GaryJonesMotorspor]

I have been all over these cars in my shop and for the money ( and this is just my openion ) the 4.6 cars are the better cars.... I just do not know where you can get a car with Brembo's, Pi system, Penske shocks that runs on slicks that is as well built and well maintained and as safe as these cars...The money you will have to spend on a school car to get it close in lap times to the 4.6 will be a lot more than most are predicting....Just my 2 cents wort...Gary

[panoz302]

The 5.0 is a good block, some people like the 4.6 engine, I thought about the 4.6 series car, it is a more high tech power plant. 60 hps more is pretty significant 315 v 250-260. To get the 5.0 to 320 will cost you a few grand, better shocks if you want them 2-3 k. ( used cheaper). In any case I think you have to go through these cars closely and torque, replace, upgrade as any good race car requires. So the 4.6 cars do have an advantage, if you can find a clean one.