The Blind Apex Podcast Episode 148: Intro to Porsche
Oct 5, 2025
John Cengiz, owner of Apex Autowerks and a classically trained mechanical engineer, dives into all things Porsche. He shares insights on budget-friendly Porsche track cars and why Apex focuses on those meant for driving, not just showing off. John discusses the rising collector value of air-cooled Porsches and whether they're still competitive. He explores the pros and cons of various models like the 944 and Cayman, offers pre-purchase inspection tips, and emphasizes the importance of safety gear and proper braking for novice racers.
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944s Are Great But Parts Are Scarce
- The Porsche 944 offered excellent balance and tunability for its era, with S2 and turbo variants rivaling older 911 turbos.
- Today 944 parts are scarcer and support knowledge has declined, reducing their practical appeal.
Pick Boxster For Top Or Cayman For Rigidity
- Choose a Boxster or Cayman based on whether you want a roadster (Boxster) or a coupe with more rigidity (Cayman).
- Both are affordable track-capable platforms that can be driven daily and prepped for weekends under $20k–$30k.
Beware Oiling Limits On Certain 911s
- Avoid heavy track use on 996/997 and 987-gen cars unless you address their oiling issues first.
- If budget constraints matter, accept limited mods and expect more engine risk under extreme G-loading.