Yes absolutely. One thing on the 981s for tracking I didn’t mention is that the original part numbered ignition coils don’t like the heat from tracking. Swapping to the later part numbered ignition coil seems to help. If the a coil goes out the computer will throw a pretty large array of codes (engine control issue, traction control issue, etc).

Sounds like you’re having a ton of fun! Your upgrades will be awesome this coming year. I swap sebro rotors from FCP every time I change pads on mine. I’m running S calipers in the front now - larger disc but same pad shape. I’ve run a lot of different pad compounds but hands down PFC 08 is my favorite and it seems the ABS systems favorite as well but that can all be preference. They’re definitely not a street pad.

It’s quite simple to change the seat for track weekends. Check out the CMS 981 roll bar and the GMG slider and seat base. It’s four bolts and one plug then to do a quick seat change before you head to the track :)

The short answer - I built a base racecar because it was the car I had. The longer answer - I’ve karted my whole life but my wife wasn’t interested in karting but really wanted to get involved with tracking cars. I already had a 991.2 GTS but that is way too much car in my eyes at least (and $$$). I found a killer deal on this cayman in 2020 and we’ve just been building it ever since. We decided that whatever we were running at this point needed to be caged for safety and just decided to do it on this car. I love to instruct and my wife drives as well so it’s just a great track car. No powertrain upgrades yet. I’ve got a few more things on the list before then but if she gives up on the back stretch at VIR she’s lived a great life and I’ll find a bigger block for replacement.

Agreed on the insurance, it definitely becomes personal choice/comfort level and math on how many days you’re running. I used it myself early on. I now just use a paddock and transport policy since the car isn’t road legal anyways.

I think the strut towers were a concern on 987s (?) and I know there are some braces out there for the front towers on the 981. I haven’t been running anything like that.

I turn all the wrenches on my 981. Having the shop manual and some sort of diagnostic tool are about required (or at least make things much easier).

If you’re thinking it will be a racecar at the end (no street driving) I wouldn’t be concerned with a salvage if I was 100% sure why it was salvage. I’ve hit the tire barriers at Road ATL in mine. Replaced front radiators and snagged a bumper off of eBay and had her back running very quickly.

I have a 981 base cayman with about 15k track miles. It started life for me at about 80k miles or so used at a Cadillac dealership. It is now a full racecar build - custom fab cage, Tarett suspension, JRZ coilovers. They’re extremely capable and hardy as a stock 981. To answer your question on track insurance it becomes more tractable to just put that money into a fund for if something does happen if you track a lot. I’d be happy to answer any questions.

The CV boots will weep grease and it will understeer like a pig until you get front camber in. However, fresh fluids and good track brakes on decent tires can get you a lot of good track days in stock form.