CP

Hi,

I ususally hang out at the 993 Forum, but have been browsing here quite frequently of late.

I'm thinking about a car in a few years, and having decided that I will not have an E60 M5 (can't stomach the exterior, the interior, or the idrive), I'm playing with these 2 cars in my mind.

I won't need anything more than 2 seats and both car will have plenty of cargo room. I am not a fan of convertibles so I won't go there. This car could well be my daily driver.

I'm basically aiming for a lighter (less than 3,200 lbs. Before my RUF, I drove a super-charged Miata, 205 HP on 2,185 lbs) car that will handle beautifully. The Cayman being a mid-engine design, will surely fit the bill. The obvious short-coming is the relatively low power/torque in OEM form. Fortunately RUF will fix that. They already have a 310 hp NA kit for the Boxtser, and has announced plans for a 430 HP turbo-charged kit for the Cayman. That should be plenty for a 3,000 lbs car.

You folks know what the C6 Z06 can do. It will probably out-perform the RUF Cayman in all aspects, especially price. I'd rate their looks a toss up. I think they will have similar cornering prowess, but I expect the Cayman to have better steering feel and connectivity to the road (2 very high priorities in my book). My issue with the Z06 is mainly long-term reliability. (rattles and creaks more than actual mechanical break-downs) I just don't trust a Chevy for long-term chasis tightness and integrity. But bang for the buck, the ZO6 almost reigns supreme.

What is a guy to do? Thanks for your input. BTW, this car is in addition to my RUF, not a replacement.

CP

tetzlafh

CP-

I am headed to RUF the 10th for a tour of the facility so maybe I can get some more info on the Cayman RUF spec'ed for you. Hopefully some pictures of stuff at the facility as well.

harrY

frayed

I talked to RUF last week. They said $40k for the 3.8L conversion.

pieball

Then you'll have people in the States doing it for $30K, a more realistic figure IMO.

pieball

Jeez, I just put 2+2 together... better than a GT3 for less money!

CP

Jeff,

That's starting witha Cayman S, or regular Cayman, or no difference? The 3.8L program is NA (no blower) correct? May be I need to call Wayne first thing Monday morning.

harrY,

Please share any information you can gather. Ideally, I'd love to have a RUF Cayman (conversion is fine) done in Germany, I'd drive that for a Bavarian tour for a couple weeks, then ship it home. Life will be REAL sweet.

Thanks again.

CP

frayed

Probably not. You'll have to address lots of other areas of the car to make it a track ***** the GT3 is. That's why I really want a CS/RS version of the Cayman if it does come to fruition.

LanceK

RUF by far.

carreracup21

I bet you can pick up a nice used GT3 for 85k - 90k and they are awesome cars. Trying to duplicate or beat that performance in a converted Cayman will take significant engine, suspension and brake upgrades that will likely push the price well over a 40k bump.

willr

no question in the UK - a used GT3 will be less than the cost of a new track-tuned Cayman. On the other hand, the Cayman should be a more friendly daily driver - so no need to trailer it to the track...

mooty

I talked to RUF last week. They said $40k for the 3.8L conversion.
_____________
motor only or are we talking about trick suspension as well.

frayed, if cayman RS/CS ever shows up on amercian shores, i am there man! tranny cooler, aux oil cooler, giant reds, adj suspension, no interior... oh yeah baby.

CP

Hey John,

Calm down. I'm here talking daily driver and here you are talking track appliance.

CP

nota_troll

CP - M5 claim dust settle? U ok? Absent a Porsche but my opinion is firmly planted (pointed) to Porsche products.

I can't wait for the Cayman!

mooty

Calm down. I'm here talking daily driver and here you are talking track appliance.
____________________
LOL, wife is out of the house you know.

CP

Marcus,

Yes, M5 insurance claims are all settled. I got very fair treatment so I'm happy.

If I add this car (RUF Cayman or ZO6) it will be 2007 or beyond. That's why it's long-term planning. Have you sold your M3 yet? What are you buying next?

CP