tcsracing1

GT500 more of a daily driver grand tourer.
The GT350 was the track car of the bunch.

Manifold

You guys convinced me that the GT500 is no go as a track car. Burn rate for consumables and fuel is just too high. It’s not even the cost that’s the issue, it’s the hassle of having to frequently replace the consumables and go to the fuel pump.

911therapy

Looks like no one on here (at least no one that has responded yet) has tracked the gt500. I havent yet either, but will a week from monday. I'll post my feedback. The randy pobst video (vs. gt3rs) sold me on it. Mine has the carbon fiber track pack. The carbon fiber pack with half tank of fuel weighs closer to 3950 lbs. While still no lightweight, that sure sounds a lot better than 4100 lbs. And if comparing to a gt3, the Gt3 with steel brakes is closer to 3300 lbs with half tank of fuel. Thats still 650 lbs difference, but better than the 1,000 lbs most folks are assuming.

Tires and brakes are my biggest concern. But if the wear is only slightly greater than the gt3, it'll be worth it. I get that it wont feel as nimble as a gt3, but the front end grip, great turn in, and huge power are big upside. And if pobst is right, it has great hookup in the rear out the corner, much better than he expected.

If I enjoy tracking the gt500, I'll probably find someway to lighten it a bit (carbon ceramic rotors being the first). I'm not worried about tracking the carbon wheels, thats what they are for in my mind But, I'll also look at a back up set in magnesium or carbon fiber as well.

Granted if I could find a 992 GT3 anywhere near sticker, I'd have pulled the trigger on one (i've had and tracked 991 gt3 and 991.2 gt3). But for $100k for the gt500 compared to $230k or more for gt3, I'll take the gt500 (I think at least...we will find out at first track day).

I also had a gt350r. I felt it lacked the real power that it needed for its weight. Fun car, but even on the street, I've enjoyed the gt500 more already.

As for any chevy product, no thanks. I dont like any model of the camaro (interior and exterior looks turn me off, visibility terrible etc). The new c8 vette looks better than old vettes, but I am not a vette fan either. The z06 is a world beater but not truly in the same price point. And for the money, I'd just rather have ether the gt500 cftp or spend more and get a 992 gt3. The interior of vette drives me batty sitting in it......

Call me crazy, but I'm a ford fan and a porsche fan.

But thank goodness for all the choices we have these days.

Gt_4life

Completely agree. I’ve had 2, base and CFTP. (current CFTP). I’ve tracked extensively and can confidently say they are a blast! And consumables aren’t that bad. And BTW ford parts are much more reasonable. . CFTP is considerably better. I’m not a great driver and consistently mid/upper 2:20s at Road America. I have have gt3rs and could not be a more different experience. Both leave me with huge smiles just in different ways. Huge fan of both!

Olemiss540

Good call. 4100 lbs and 700+ hp makes for an awesome hot lap by a professional race driver but 3100 lbs and 500 hp is MORE than enough fun for someone that has to maintain/fuel a HPDE car for 5+ weekends of track abuse per year.

I dont even own a porsche but they got the recipe AMAZING if you can get off the upgrade wagon and quit watching hotlap videos.

Cemoto

.

Be aware, a normal helmet will not fit through an open Camaro window even when not on your head. I'm surprised a manufacturer would produce a car with a track package where you can't get a helmet through the window.
Vettes, it will fit through, but Camaros, no.

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911therapy

I'll hold my opinion until the first track day.....as you could be right - but your numbers (weight) as i noted above are not accurate.

I had a 981 gt4. Very well balanced and fun on the track. But the engine was disappointing. Also had an electronic gremlin that I never could run down.

From what I've read, the gt500 is not a one lap charlie. But, I'll confirm and report back. We normally run 30 minute sessions (should get in 5-6 sessions) - so I'll see what happens with tires, brakes and fuel usage (dont care about fuel usage but dont want to have to fill up after evrery single session.

911therapy

funny you say that. I didnt know that about the camaro, but had the same problem in my lotus evora gt. Helmet would not fit out window.

Olemiss540

What did you think of the Evora at full tilt compared to your gt4?

That's on the bucket list of 3000lb 400hp drivers cars I intend to own one of these days.

Olemiss540

I am sure it's going to be an absolute riot. Wish I could catch a ride in one! Never piloted something that powerful on a track, but the gt4 I drove left me in awe of the precision and braking authority on tap. Didn't have any concerns with the power level but the gt500 will be an absolute rocket on the straights comparatively.

Manifold

I'm gonna keep an open mind on the GT500. Local dealer still has the GT500 I have my eye on, plus I have a friend who owns a Ford dealership, so he should be able to hook me up. I've never bought an American car, but these American muscle cars have always had a warm spot in my heart, and the GT500 seems like a pretty epic machine. On equal tires, it seems to be about as fast on track as a 992 GT3, at a third of the price.

911therapy

It was honestly a lot of fun. Great balance, fun to throw around. But, the engine was even less exciting than the gt4 engine. The manual gearbox was not near as precise and solid feeling as the gt4. And the left foot braking was a problem....if you ever hit brake and throttle at even close to the same time, throttle would should down and the car would jump out of track mode and you'd have to reset. But, setting those things aside, it was a hoot to drive. I had the evora gt430 ohlins installed on it, which really changed the character on track. The stock suspension was a bit too soft, lots of nose diving under hard braking.

Suffice it to say, I've gone from one extreme to the next with power and weight - lotus evora to gt500......

MUSSBERGER

I had a GT350R. Neat car but it was just BIG! Never could get used to the size.

69911s

Didn't Ford use the 991 GT3 as a base to study where they wanted to take the GT500? Specifically the PDK? Anyone?

911therapy

I did read that somewhere but I cant find it right now. But, I think you are correct. Again, dont know how it will do on track, but on the street so far, the DCT in the gt500 is instantaneous. Really crisp shifting so far.