Though “budget 911” might seem like a contradiction in terms, a 996-generation Porsche 911 can be found on Craigslist these days for as little as $10,000. This involving, dynamic, and frighteningly quick machine can—and with a few choice add-ons, keep a pair of well-driven Viper ACRs in sight—provided the driver is willing to put up with the 996’s wild behavior at the limit.

Viladin Antonov has made the right improvements to his Carrera to give it a little more control and predictability, and still, it’s a wild car that does not tolerate fools. Compared to the composed 991-generation Porsches, the 996 was, in certain guises, liable to throw its driver off into the embankment.

Nitto NT01 tires, JRZ coilovers, and an OS Giken differential help make the C2 a little friendlier and better behaved, but over pavement changes it still bites. For instance, that high-speed breakaway at 0:30 is due to note how the car breaks away through Turn 6—chalk that up to the pavement change as the road course meets briefly with the portion of the track dedicated to drag racing. Even at high speeds, the Porsche is easily agitated and requires some very quick hands.

The high-speed breakaway is something that takes some getting used to.

Antonov uses the Porsche’s temperament to his advantage; at times bending the car through the corner to capitalize on that fantastic traction. This is seen most notably leading into the harrowing Turn 8 esses, where the pucker-factor is high. Antonov—admittedly more committed than the guys ahead—manages to keep in touch with the aero-clad Vipers which should’ve walked him then and there. For something that probably costs as much as a new set of brakes on the Dodge, the bought-for-peanuts Porsche can’t help but look like the performance bargain of the decade.