Here’s baT Auction Success Story: Cayman S Track Car In Progress
BaT member IMK67 recently wrapped up his first track day with the 2006 Porsche Cayman S that he won from Snowcapmotorsinc in a September 2025 BaT auction, and he wrote in to tell us about his experience:
I’m subscribed to a few categories on Bring a Trailer, primarily motorcycles but also a select number of cars. One afternoon, while at my desk at work, I received a one-hour reminder notification for a 2006 Porsche Cayman S on my watchlist. It was a model that hadn’t been on my immediate radar, but I’d been considering a track-focused project car. I was seeking a strong chassis with reasonable mileage and solid prior ownership.
The opening bid on this Cayman seemed fair. Anticipating a sharp climb, I placed my initial bid just to stay in the game. I submitted my second and final bid, fully expecting to be outbid. To my astonishment, the auction closed with its reserve met—I had won. The next few days were a scramble to complete the transaction, but the excitement outweighed the stress. When the car arrived, it exceeded my expectations: impeccably maintained for its mileage and an exceptional value at the final price.
The decision became whether or not to modify it for track use. After careful consideration, I chose to proceed, thoughtfully enhancing the car’s performance while preserving its original character and integrity. I hoped the modifications honored the Cayman S’s remarkable foundation.
The build included a bolt-in roll cage, fixed-back racing seats, four-point harnesses, and an increased oil sump capacity to mitigate oil starvation under sustained high G-loading—a well-documented concern on the first-generation 987 platform during prolonged left-hand cornering. Aesthetically, racing stripes and the number 5708 were added, the latter of which was allegedly worth a few tenths per lap due to the psychological intimidation factor.
Following the initial phase of modifications, which were primarily focused on safety, I completed my first HPDE at Homestead-Miami Speedway. On track, the car significantly exceeded my expectations for a near-stock chassis. The factory chassis’ rigidity, combined with the added cage, delivered excellent feedback and predictability. Stock PASM suspension and dampers proved entirely adequate for an introductory track day, with no noticeable bottoming or loss of composure. Brake feel from the stock calipers and pads remained strong and consistent throughout multiple sessions, allowing me to close the gaps under braking and even out-brake higher-horsepower cars.
The wheel and tire package consisted of lightweight forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, with 245s up front and 275/35R19 out back (a bump up from the factory 265 width). The wider rear contact patch maintained acceptable balance, though required approximately two to three psi higher air pressure in the rear to control excessive roll-off and preserve turn-in response.
With a moderate driving pace and reasonably clean lines, I consistently logged an average lap time of 1:49 multiple times, with my best clean laps in the 1:47 range (per AIM Solo 2 DL). The traffic on track and my conservative approach in the novice run group limited outright pace, but the data confirmed the car’s competence in mid-speed corners and braking zones.
The primary performance bottleneck is now its straight-line acceleration. The mid-engined layout and cornering capability allowed me to carry momentum and exit most turns on par with higher-powered cars, but the same 295 hp 3.4L M97 engine was decisively out-accelerated by modern or modified V8-powered cars (GT350s, C6/C7 Corvettes, E92/E93 M3s, etc.) on Homestead’s two long straights. A reliable 30- to 35-plus-hp gain—ideally via ECU tuning, headers, and intake—while remaining naturally aspirated and 100% emissions compliant would get meaningfully close that delta without compromising the car’s exceptional balance or reliability.
The next phase will therefore focus on a modest power increase while continuing driver development and further chassis optimization, such as coilovers, alignment, and different brake fluid pads. All as skill and budget allow, of course.
If you have a Success Story about a car you’ve bought or sold on BaT, please send a few lines and pictures (or a video) to community.content@bringatrailer.com, and we’ll send you a $50 credit to the BaT Gear Store when your story posts to the site.
We love to hear from satisfied BaT buyers and sellers, and a Success Story feature is a great addition to any car’s history when you’re ready to sell.
