The Perfect Auto-X/Road Course Car...

[cheapthrillz]

Hey guys, I have been thinking about a car strictly for auto-x/road race. My future wife is showing interest in our hobby (I promise I'm not trying to push her into it) and I thought that I would take advantage of this oportunity to help her decide on a good car to build and race. The intentions would be to find a good stock/slightly modified platform that I could help her build as her driving skills increase. I feel like sharing a hobby would give us things to do together on the weekends and such.

So the question would be, what would make a good racecar? The criteria would be:
- nothing with a super high initial investment (aka. 1st gen, etc.)
- a good platform to build on (doesn't have to be a PROVEN platform though)
- obtainable parts (no oddball rare cars)
- decent styling (of course.... to a female's liking)

So here are a few of the cars I have in mind:

Her No. 1 choice:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/1968FordMustangCoupe01-1.jpg

Corvairs:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/1968_Chevrolet_Corvair_Race_Car_For_Sale-1.jpg

Porsche 914's:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/1971porsche914pic4200-1.jpeg

Late 2nd gen f-body (or maybe 3rd gen):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/813837_f496-1.jpg


Anybody have anyother good candidates?

[jy211]

why not a 4th Gen? Pleanty of power, many options for bolt on's.

[silver69camaro]

Reading your thread, I think a E36 M3 or a modified Miata would be the way to go. It meets every point on your criteria list.

[John Wright]

Miata?


edit: whoops faster typer^^^^

[cheapthrillz]

why not a 4th Gen? Pleanty of power, many options for bolt on's.

I was trying to stick to older cars..... mainly because they start off less complicated and anybody (with some skill) can take a newer camaro/miata/corvette to the track and perform decent. Also, she just likes older cars for some reason lol! The car she really wants is a 70 cuda or challenger, but I had to explain to her that those cars are very expensive...... very.

[John Wright]

changing directions quickly is alot easier on the wallet when the car is fairly light to start with...

[vintageracer]

Porsche 914's are cheap to buy, VERY fast and handle superbly when modded. Generally faster than most 911's in vintage racing.

An aluminum LS in the middle and away you go!!!!

[montessaj]

How about a nice G-body? Monte Carlo, Malibu, Regal, Cutlass?.. Great cars, and they can be made to handle. The aftermarket for these cars is growing quickly. Think about it..... No seriously.

[cheapthrillz]

Wow, you guys are posting faster than I can read/reply.

Matt: I like the idea of the E36 M3 and I know the performance level of BMW's in general, but parts are not cheap for them, and I would be afraid to modify it too much because they make such good street cars also.

Miatas are great little cars and highly raced everywhere all the time. I just don't think I'm ready to jump on the Mazda band wagon.

John: I agree, lighter is better, which is what I told her. Her response was "mini cooper?" lol

Mike: I love the 914's! And I think she does too after going to the Mitty this year.

Andy: I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I suggested g-body's and she said something along the lines of "grandpa's car". I like them though!

[Bryce]

You will probably have to completely different setups between road racing and autoXing. So a car that can be set up with easy adjustability. Also a really stiff chassis and lightweight will be key.

[cheapthrillz]

You will probably have to completely different setups between road racing and autoXing. So a car that can be set up with easy adjustability. Also a really stiff chassis and lightweight will be key.

The plan will be to start with a stock or slightly modified car and let her run some auto-x and road courses. Whichever she decides that she likes the most, we will build the car for that particular racing. Depending on how much she likes it (and her skill), we will build the car to be more competitive.

[chr2002ca]

I think your first choice, the Mustang, is the best one. I watched a 1st gen Mustang rip up the Del Mar Goodguys Autocross and it came in 1st or 2nd, maybe 2nd. I believe a 1st gen Mustang also did quite well at the Optima Shootout. It's a light-weight car, rather inexpensive, usually easy to find, plenty of parts, etc. Plus, it's a classic and good looking. I don't think you can go wrong there.

[joe5.8]

im partial to the fox body mustangs there is a ton of aftermarket

and you can get one pretty cheep

and if you lucky can get on with mini tubs already installed

racingjunk.com has a bunch from factoy 4 banger to all out road course cars

like this one
http://www.racingjunk.com/category/1077/NASA_American_Iron/post/1785518/1990-Mustang-quot-Fastest-AI-car-quot-.html

[406 Q-ship]

How about a C4 Corvette? Get a 1988 or later for the improved suspension geometry, they are cheap and easy to drive. There are a ton of mods that can be done for them too. 1st choice would be the 1992 up with the LT1 engines, the 1988 to 1991 are good too but less power but they have the ZF 6 speed trans that can be a white elephant (1988 had the Doug Nash 4+3). The 2nd choice for me would be the 1986 or 1987 model years, better frames but they don't have the zero scrub suspension design. Stay away from the 1984 and early 1986 models they have the iron cyclinder heads and weakest frames of all the C4 Vettes.

I want to get a 1988 with a manual for a track car, yank the engine and trans then replace with a LS3/TKO600. 1988 is the only model year that came from GM with a real black interior too.

[silver69camaro]

Looking at the parts I've purchased for the Camaro, I'd say a BMW is similiar if not cheaper in price. Especially if you look at initial investment costs.

Remember: The car you can afford to race is the car you can afford to stuff into a wall and walk away from. That's why Miatas and old Bimmers are the choice of most racers.

[BA.]

The 914 up there looks cool!
The 944's are also easy to find, and do well from the git-go. Rock solid engines.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/GregB43-1.jpg

I also have to agree with Joe5.8, those Fox body Mustangs look good, are plentiful, cheap, and have LOTS of parts availability.

65-66 Mustang NOTCHbacks are a dime a dozen too....and light,...but would need all the parts as it gives you nothing. Lots of parts available.

[joe5.8]

some links to aftermarket road race suspention for fox bodys

http://www.griggsracing.com/

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/

http://www.steeda.com/

http://www.uprproducts.com/

http://www.mustangdepot.com/

http://www.racecraft.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=15&chapter=1

http://www.ajeracing.com/

[mikedc]

I would also vote for the early Mustang. I'm not really even a big Mustang guy but it fits the bill here.

The 67/68 notchback will get you all the aftermarket & benefits of those model-years without the larger bill for the fastback roof.


You probably want a very lightweight car more than a very powerful car. And I would concentrate on improving the stiffness of the unibody itself before adding stiffness to the springs/shocks/sways.

[sittingonacouch]

I vote for the 914 or 944, but I'm a huge Porsche fan.

[TonyHuntimer]

If you want older iron...2nd gen Camaros and Firebirds...from the factory, much better than first gens.

3rd and 4th gen F-Bodies are great too, but now you're getting newer.

911's are great. Fox body Mustangs are good because the crowd that races them is mostly cheap@$$ hobby racers who get the most for their money and really have figured "it" all out for you.

How about a Vega or Monza? The lighter car that you find, the less power you need...which also means that you'll break less parts.

How about an old VW Rabbit?

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[Bryce]

Maverick. Shorter wheelbase and lighter than a mustang. Front susepnsion is a bolt in. Rear leafs are good but a fabricated 3-link would be great!

[Steve Chryssos]

I like all of your initial choices. Since I already have something old, my mind goes right to a Y2K Boxter. Find a turd for under $10K then go crazy with sweat equity and hot rod parts.

[formula]

Hahaha you guys are punching every point on Jc's "gotta build" list.

If all we're building is a race car, like really-just a race car- it needs to be a car we don't love. Like at all. Admire, respect, are proud of, but at the end of the day we need to be prepared to see it ripped in half and mangled into itty bitty pieces.

Based on that and the other criteria, I think miatas are looking smarter and smarter.

[Taylor1969]

Miata?


edit: whoops faster typer^^^^

What he said... Miata is the way to go. Very low investment, good aftermarket, huge crowd of enthusiasts, etc.

[vintageracer]

IF you can drive and want to always win an autocross get a "Super 7" by Lotus or one of the new Super 7 variants offered by several manufacturers. Small, light, fast and quick. They are fantastic when powered by a Honda motorcycle engine.

Truly amazing car if autocross is your goal. Great open track car also.

[rayy]

Working on that Maverick right now.

[Scott Parkhurst]

Aluminum LS 914

Aluminum LS Monza Mirage

I want to build both of these before I die.

I think I want to do the 914 first tho- LOVE those cars. I've had 3 of 'em.

This is the one I miss most: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11929667@N00/sets/72157600312070129/

I sold it in '92 and have regretted it ever since. Had a 2.0 with twin Webers...but I missed V8 torque. I always dreamed of a V8 914, and now that aluminum LS engines are readily available, that'd be the way to go. LS7 would be awesome...

[Gitter Dun]

Miata?


edit: whoops faster typer^^^^

Definitely Miata for the low costs

[joe5.8]

be different

how about a mazda RX2 with a turbo rx7 rotory :yum:

[blown9746]

944 with a blown motor and drop in a ls/t56

[cheapthrillz]

Hahaha you guys are punching every point on Jc's "gotta build" list.

If all we're building is a race car, like really-just a race car- it needs to be a car we don't love. Like at all. Admire, respect, are proud of, but at the end of the day we need to be prepared to see it ripped in half and mangled into itty bitty pieces.

Based on that and the other criteria, I think miatas are looking smarter and smarter.

YEAH, No Kidding!


Maybe I should just get her to buy an Atom and be done with it... lol.

I'll have to let her look through this thread and see what all she might like.

Realistically, this car will be something that we can both drive at events, build and work on together, spend time together on, and enjoy (:fingersx:).

Please feel free to post pro's and con's for different cars. I just like hearing the ideas, and it will give me more cars to show her.

Here are some more I thought of today at work....

MKIII Supra:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Fiero:



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/fiero_sideJPG-1.jpg


240sx:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Z3 Ms:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/M20roadster-1.jpg

[formula]

Z3m would be all the cost of an m3 and then some though. What about an even earlier supra or rx7? Toyota mr2? Ford focus? I like the small vw idea too... Rabbit or golf would be hilarious in a hurry.

And for the record, Jc can drive circles around me on a track. It helps that he has absolutely no fear.

[69fbodyproject]

What about doing a 65ish Chevy Nova. Lightweight, easy to work on, lots of restoration parts, and with a front clip swap there is tonnes of room for a small or big block engine. Just my thoughts, but I have always liked the cars lines.

[cheapthrillz]

What about doing a 65ish Chevy Nova. Lightweight, easy to work on, lots of restoration parts, and with a front clip swap there is tonnes of room for a small or big block engine. Just my thoughts, but I have always liked the cars lines.

I like those Nogo's to much to make it a dedicated track car.... I would want to build the everlovin piss out of it! lol

At the end of the day, whatever car she (and I) decide on will have to be trailered home, worked on, looked at, and parked beside the Galaxie...... I don't think I could give a Miata that kind of privledge lol.


Oh, p.s. this one made my steeter pick up:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[xxxturbo6]

I would be willing to bet in several years the G-Body's will make one hell of a showing at the PT events like the Camaro did a ways back!

Mine will be at a few this year... :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/misc008-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/img_5682-1.jpg

[ProdigyCustoms]

I have seen some NASTY 914s. Always liked those if they are tricked out.

[slowcamaro]

914. Do it. First group of cars all had more potential than the choices in the second group. Or miata...

[93Polo]

944 with a blown motor and drop in a ls/t56
LS1 944s keep the factory tq tube and trans. On a turbo 944 be sure to research what mods to do for track events. The motors are expensive.

If you are looking at a V8 swap in the 914 be sure to research transmission options.

I would also add a Ls1/T56 swapped FC RX7. The turbo diffs are plenty strong but ratios are limited.

Seven variants get to $20k in a hurry buying a kit. I've wanted to see if a Stalker 7 will take a 4.8 or 5.3 in place of the 3800SC, the V8 most likely weighs less or atleast the same with more power.

Can't go wrong with a late 60s Mustang or any Camaro. The 3rd gen guys say they have better weight balance than 4th.

[Takid455]

Tuscan TVR. have ford 289's in them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_Tuscan_(1967)

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://homepage.mac.com/tvr43/history/images/tuscan/large/tusc2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://homepage.mac.com/tvr43/history/tuscan.html&usg=__Jkhv-dJ7DVDaywuJ8nAME2svWVg=&h=433&w=640&sz=76&hl=en&start=6&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=jEstyR1maPHVFM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtuscan%2Btvr%2B1967%26um%3D1%26hl%3De n%26rlz%3D1C1_____enUS363US363%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Di sch:1

[79PonchoUK]

A miata is ideal for autoX.


Useless on a road course though. It would just depress you.





A fiero is a great candidate but has the same flaws as the miata. I have a fiero...if I ever get round to an engine swap on it and some minor suspension/body mods... it will be a very special performer indeed.

[silver69camaro]

A miata is ideal for autoX.
Useless on a road course though. It would just depress you.


I wouldn't underestimate those Miatas...

[JEFFTATE]

Monster Miatas are cool.!!
Get one of those !!

[cheapthrillz]

Monster Miatas are cool.!!
Get one of those !!

Ha ha..... I always used to say the only way a miata would be cool was if it had a 302 efi lol.

[JEFFTATE]

Put an LS motor in one...

[79PonchoUK]

I wouldn't underestimate those Miatas...

You're just backing up the hype they don't deserve though.

They're lovely to drive, wonderfully balanced too. They're also powerless. I've driven one a fair bit and even on twisty UK roads they still have far too little power.
People love to chirp up and say that's what makes them fun, but that's just an excuse. It makes them frustrating.

If they feel slow on the road, get them on an open track and they'll drive you crazy. They're not a track car any more than a Hemi dodge pickup. Not all the boxes are ticked. I hate that they're so overhyped too....it ruins them for me.

They don't even have a nice soundtrack to keep you entertained on the eternal straights. lol

[slowcamaro]

You're just backing up the hype they don't deserve though.

http://www.flyinmiata.com/

[critter]

So what class of autocross are you going to run in? That kinda determines a lot of what you might want to do.

I run my 4 cylinder Fiero with our local SCCA club on occasion (I drive it daily for the fuel economy) and in the stock class I'm in I can hang in there. It's a lot under powered but it's always a tight course so I can make up for it with handling.

[cheapthrillz]

So what class of autocross are you going to run in? That kinda determines a lot of what you might want to do.

I run my 4 cylinder Fiero with our local SCCA club on occasion (I drive it daily for the fuel economy) and in the stock class I'm in I can hang in there. It's a lot under powered but it's always a tight course so I can make up for it with handling.

Not sure yet. If she likes running the road courses more, we may go in that direction. I figured I would help her find a car that she likes and then build it to fit in some particular class through NASA or SCCA. I've never done an auto-x or road course, and I'm interested in participating with her..... Right now I'm just fishing for car ideas. You never know, she might decide that she doesn't really like racing or cars at all. Only time will tell. On a side note, she loves fishing, so maybe there's some hope afterall.... lol

[79PonchoUK]

http://www.flyinmiata.com/

I have no idea what that has to do with my comment. :lol:

[DynoDon]

You're just backing up the hype they don't deserve though.

They're lovely to drive, wonderfully balanced too. They're also powerless. I've driven one a fair bit and even on twisty UK roads they still have far too little power.
People love to chirp up and say that's what makes them fun, but that's just an excuse. It makes them frustrating.

If they feel slow on the road, get them on an open track and they'll drive you crazy. They're not a track car any more than a Hemi dodge pickup. Not all the boxes are ticked. I hate that they're so overhyped too....it ruins them for me.

They don't even have a nice soundtrack to keep you entertained on the eternal straights. lol

Guess you've never seen the Miata Cup series. http://www.mx-5cup.com/index.php Even Danny "Spin & Win" Sullivan is going to give it a try. Although I am a V8 muscle car kind of guy, if you look at it from purely analytical cold facts point of view, the Miata is very hard to beat.
The last SCCA event at El Toro that we went to, the Miata's outnumbered all the other cars combined! (and that alone is a reason for ME to NOT want one) and there was a really bad ass one there with a rare Three rotor Rotary motor.

[cheapthrillz]

The last SCCA event at El Toro that we went to, the Miata's outnumbered all the other cars combined! (and that alone is a reason for ME to NOT want one)......

Kinda my thoughts too. I don't want to get lost in the crowd.

Maybe I should buy another '65 Galaxie and build the hell out of it for Auto-x and make her drive it. lol

[79PonchoUK]

Guess you've never seen the Miata Cup series. http://www.mx-5cup.com/index.php Even Danny "Spin & Win" Sullivan is going to give it a try. Although I am a V8 muscle car kind of guy, if you look at it from purely analytical cold facts point of view, the Miata is very hard to beat.
The last SCCA event at El Toro that we went to, the Miata's outnumbered all the other cars combined! (and that alone is a reason for ME to NOT want one) and there was a really bad ass one there with a rare Three rotor Rotary motor.

No, I'm in the wrong country lol.

You can modify them to go faster...sure, but you can also modify a muscle car to corner. The miata doesn't even have THAT much grip anyway.
They're for driving pleasure and accuracy, they not for speed. That's why they're great for autocross and back road thrashing. Just because people race them doesn't mean they're good for the track. People race lawnmowers. :lol:



A 160hp miata is still only standard camaro or firebird fast. Power to weight only goes so far. There's a real trend on the net lately about power being secondary to weight...it's a switch from the thinking of 20-30 years ago, but as with most fashions and trends, it gets to an extreme. The miata is a good car, but it's very easy to beat. Trust me, I've been through about this a hell of a lot in friendly debate with a turbo eunos roadster owner. :lol: He went from expecting to beat me outright to 'i might be able to keep up'.

I just think they're too slow for the track and you'd get bored and sell it or start spending a fortune on engine upgrades just to make it entertaining. Then it will just keep breaking.




PS....a rotary miata sounds like it's on the right track. Turbo? I love those rotary engines...gutless, but when you wind them up they're excellent. Light too. Sounds like a cross between a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke engine. lol

[-CRUISER-]

I see a lot of good options here ! The Miata is IMO the best choice for the little lady because from what I read she is new to the sport and they want to build it together. Yes it is a slower cars but then again Indy Driver's didn't start off in Indy cars they progressed to it ! The Miata is a very good beginner platform that you don't have to sink a butt load into to make race ready. It also has a strong aftermarket for racing so part's are available and you can make them quicker and handle better as time goes on. At least that's my suggestion to the OP But for me if I were to build a older track car this is what I'd be looking into...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/nissan260zbodykit_cat-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/30765250001_large-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/fp26_new-1.jpg

[cheapthrillz]

The only bad thing about the 240z's is that they have progressivly been increasing in value over the last few years.

Once again, this is another car that I would love to build.

Also, I want to build an Opel GT, but I would suspect that parts are not easy to find for them.

[silver69camaro]

I have no idea what that has to do with my comment. :lol:

Uh, they sell V8 conversions for Miatas.

Have you spent much time at road courses?

[MrQuick]

one of my favorites bodies on the cone track.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/datsun510racecar-1.jpg
I vote for a 944, they do very well too.

Vince

[exwestracer]

1st gen RX7? DIRT cheap - one of my students had a really nice one he couldn't get $900 for... Lots of support for the chassis/engine, and a 5.0 or LS will fit when the time comes... Probably a better road racer than autoX car, but who knows?

[cheapthrillz]

one of my favorites bodies on the cone track.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/datsun510racecar-1.jpg
I vote for a 944, they do very well too.

Vince

YES! Vince FTW!

I love these little BRE cars. I don't think she does though. It's bad when you go to the Historic BRE race at the Mitty and all my fiance can talk about is the Mustangs from the last race lol.

[exwestracer]

one of my favorites bodies on the cone track.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/datsun510racecar-1.jpg
I vote for a 944, they do very well too.

Vince

Need a power upgrade for that???:twothumbs
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=6872

[79PonchoUK]

Uh, they sell V8 conversions for Miatas.

Have you spent much time at road courses?


I've done some autox and road course driving, yeah. I used to do engine conversions on cosworths etc too and I've done a couple of my own, so I know what's involved in foreign engine transplants. I beat 2 miatas (well MX-5s as they're known here) at autox in a standard v6 capri, with standard leaf springs lol...they're not a golden ticket to out-and-out handling supremacy...They're a road car and a fairly soft one at that. If you're building a car from the ground up then their light weight, relatively low CofG and rear end configuration is a great car to start from....but...

I'm just referring to this post:
"changing directions quickly is alot easier on the wallet when the car is fairly light to start with..."
...earlier in the topic...the post that led to the miata being suggested to begin with.

If you get a miata then yes, you've got a car that doesn't need money to change direction quickly.....but it needs money in a different area instead. The engine.

How is saving money on having a better handling car only to spend the difference making it powerful enough any better than buying a powerful car that needs money on the suspension. Especially since the miata would need suspension mods anyway. They're good as standard but put a v8 in and it would still need suspension mods. Not to mention brakes. We won't even talk about its aerodynamics and how it goes light at speed.



The miata near standard does fit the bill for autox, and i suppose it is a ladies car in a fairly sexist sense. It's not a car for the proper road course track though.
If you're suggesting a woman would be fine with the lack of power then I'd bring up my other half who wouldn't put up with a car so slow on the road, let alone the track.

Doesn't mean I don't like them or think they're not a good option here...it's not that I don't think they can be fun either....they're just getting a legend that's a little above reality and they would be frustrating on the road courses.

Sorry...don't want to be too much of a ****. :lol: That's two topics that hit a button with me today....I'm not always like this, it's just coincidence that we've been in big debate over the same things on a local forum I use. :lol:
Feel free to beat me down until I shut up. lol

[DynoDon]

It's bad when you go to the Historic BRE race at the Mitty and all my fiance can talk about is the Mustangs from the last race lol.

Sounds like you just answered your own question!

[cheapthrillz]

Sounds like you just answered your own question!

As of now, that is definitely the answer.

I'm just trying to get some more ideas from this thread to show her, and maybe change her mind (914 :fingersx:)

[silver69camaro]

Poncho, I agree the cars can be a bit boring with the lack of power. BUT, for a first time racer, I can't think of a better car to run!

[Lowend]

If you have the means, I'd say the best out-of-the-box Autocross/roadracing car is probably the Lotus Elise
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/lotus20elise-1.jpg
Small, throwable, fast

The Lotus 7 variants are hard to argue with at an auto-x, but their aerodynamics don't show well at higher speeds.

If on a budget, a Miata or BMW E36 M3 are very hard to beat

[formula]

Lowend, you just triggered a fabulous flashback moment:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ferris_bueller-1.jpg

" It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

[cheapthrillz]

If you have the means, I'd say the best out-of-the-box Autocross/roadracing car is probably the Lotus Elise
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/lotus20elise-1.jpg
Small, throwable, fast

The Lotus 7 variants are hard to argue with at an auto-x, but their aerodynamics don't show well at higher speeds.

If on a budget, a Miata or BMW E36 M3 are very hard to beat

I wish I did have the means..... because the Elise or Exige would be one of my top picks.

Of course, if I had that kind of money, then I may look at the Cayman, Ariel Atom, C5 Z06, etc....

Thank you for thinking out of the box though!

[showa]

I missed it if this is posted already...
http://www.renegadehybrids.com/914/SBC/SBC.html

And as far as 240Z the prices are still cheap if you search alittle.... I got one I'm planning a V8 build for... Hope to have around $10,000 total when done including car price...Thats using a mild 1st/2nd gen SBC...
But I also vote for the corvair, unique, stylish, parts available, fun cars.... Look around and check out some of the cars that are posted on different threads by Tony...If I hadent found this Z the corvair would have been it...

[cheapthrillz]

I missed it if this is posted already...
http://www.renegadehybrids.com/914/SBC/SBC.html

And as far as 240Z the prices are still cheap if you search alittle.... I got one I'm planning a V8 build for... Hope to have around $10,000 total when done including car price...Thats using a mild 1st/2nd gen SBC...
But I also vote for the corvair, unique, stylish, parts available, fun cars.... Look around and check out some of the cars that are posted on different threads by Tony...If I hadent found this Z the corvair would have been it...

How sweet would a LS3 914 be huh? lol

[bosses son]

miata?


Edit: Whoops faster typer^^^^

+ 1

[406 Q-ship]

How sweet would a LS3 914 be huh? lol


Wouldn't that be a hurricane in a go cart? LOL

How about a 928 with an LS3?

[mikedc]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[MrQuick]

I'd say your ok if you don't know the cones down right?
LOL

[exwestracer]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Wow, with a tire swap, that's the perfect "do-all" performance vehicle! NOT!:scared:

[shortrack]

If the car that really gets her going is the early Mustang, then get the early Mustang!!.....you'll be wasting money and effort with other cars if its the Mustang that deep down she really wants......Unless your seriously going to run for a paticular title or Pro Racing where a paticular car is "THEE" car required to win that title then go with the car she deep down really wants and have lots of fun with it.....D

[cheapthrillz]

If the car that really gets her going is the early Mustang, then get the early Mustang!!.....you'll be wasting money and effort with other cars if its the Mustang that deep down she really wants......Unless your seriously going to run for a paticular title or Pro Racing where a paticular car is "THEE" car required to win that title then go with the car she deep down really wants and have lots of fun with it.....D

The problem is, I wan't to make a dedicated track car, and she wants a mustang to "drive to work everyday".

This means I have to build two cars I guess....

[JMarsa]

The problem is, I wan't to make a dedicated track car, and she wants a mustang to "drive to work everyday".

This means I have to build two cars I guess....

I don't think so, leaving out defining the hobby...isn't that why were here? To build drivers that perform?

I think there's many cars here that fit you're goal. Expecially if you leave out sactioning body saftey rules. I say focus on HPDE and autocross and you'll be fine. Unless you have easy access to a track and a club/organization that races more than 2x per month, you need to really examine how often you'll be on a track for a dedicated car. I'd rather have a car that can be driven to the track the few times per year there's an event and have a safe, fun driver that the wife would like to drive daily.

--JMarsa

[cheapthrillz]

I don't think so, leaving out defining the hobby...isn't that why were here? To build drivers that perform?

I think there's many cars here that fit you're goal. Expecially if you leave out sactioning body saftey rules. I say focus on HPDE and autocross and you'll be fine. Unless you have easy access to a track and a club/organization that races more than 2x per month, you need to really examine how often you'll be on a track for a dedicated car. I'd rather have a car that can be driven to the track the few times per year there's an event and have a safe, fun driver that the wife would like to drive daily.

--JMarsa

This was the original plan.....

My only big concern would be initial cost. Getting a decent running/driving Mustang that would be "presentable" enough for her to drive to work and perform well (ie. not break every trip) at the track would cost much more than just buying a 914 or Corvair that can be stripped of all of its amenities, rode hard and put up wet, and fixed when it breaks.

I'm just thinking out loud.

[79PonchoUK]

This was the original plan.....

My only big concern would be initial cost. Getting a decent running/driving Mustang that would be "presentable" enough for her to drive to work and perform well (ie. not break every trip) at the track would cost much more than just buying a 914 or Corvair that can be stripped of all of its amenities, rode hard and put up wet, and fixed when it breaks.

I'm just thinking out loud.

...and if you're serious about going on the track, you don't want a car that's particularly presentable....it won't stay that way for long. :lol:

[cheapthrillz]

...and if you're serious about going on the track, you don't want a car that's particularly presentable....it won't stay that way for long. :lol:

Yes, it would suck to put a lot of money and sweat equity into body work/paint, only to have a barrier ruin it. That would be another problem with having a dual purpose car. And I'm not the kind of guy that likes to throw money away.

[79PonchoUK]

Yes, it would suck to put a lot of money and sweat equity into body work/paint, only to have a barrier ruin it. That would be another problem with having a dual purpose car. And I'm not the kind of guy that likes to throw money away.

Yeah, powdercoated suspension...


If you don't put the car in the gravel at least once, you might as well not bother. :lol:

[cheapthrillz]

Yeah, powdercoated suspension...


If you don't put the car in the gravel at least once, you might as well not bother. :lol:

If you don't put the car in the gravel at least once, YOU'RE NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH!

[79PonchoUK]

If you don't put the car in the gravel at least once, YOU'RE NOT TRYING HARD ENOUGH!


Exactly. My friends is just finishing up a restomod of a sierra cosworth. It's as shiny underneath as it is on top and it's just had a few thousand spent on paint alone.

He keeps saying it will see the track....I bet it doesn't. He knows what happens on tracks. lol

You can kiss the paint on the spats goodbye before we even think about what it will do to the bumper and doors. lol.

[PT Sportwagon]

One thing that nobody mentioned. You need to see if your wife really wants to race. You could spend the $$$ and just have an extra car( not a bad thing, LOL)
Why not use a daily driver for a race or two then if she really enjoys it tehn get her a car.
Autocrossing is not always about winning it is about just having fun, I ran a 85 2wd s-10 Blazer, came in last every race but placed second for yearly points. I had a ball.

Tim

[cheapthrillz]

One thing that nobody mentioned. You need to see if your wife really wants to race. You could spend the $$$ and just have an extra car( not a bad thing, LOL)
Why not use a daily driver for a race or two then if she really enjoys it tehn get her a car.
Autocrossing is not always about winning it is about just having fun, I ran a 85 2wd s-10 Blazer, came in last every race but placed second for yearly points. I had a ball.

Tim

Tim,

Her and I have talked about this. I enjoy driving..... off-road, track, street, etc.... so I have no problem driving the car if she doesn't like it. I started this thread looking for options for an inexpensive stock car that could perform well enough without huge modifications. If she decides that it's not her cup-o-tea, then I'll take over the project and build it the way I want it. It's not like we will be starting out with a huge investment in the chosen car. Again, I just thought it would give us something to do together..... I don't know.

[Lowend]

Just ran across this old CMC car
http://www.racingjunk.com/category/1083/NASA_Camaro_Mustang_Challenge/post/1738964/1989-mustang-gt-hatch-fully-preped-competive-.html

[79PonchoUK]

Tim,

Her and I have talked about this. I enjoy driving..... off-road, track, street, etc.... so I have no problem driving the car if she doesn't like it. I started this thread looking for options for an inexpensive stock car that could perform well enough without huge modifications. If she decides that it's not her cup-o-tea, then I'll take over the project and build it the way I want it. It's not like we will be starting out with a huge investment in the chosen car. Again, I just thought it would give us something to do together..... I don't know.

See, you're confused.

It's not indecision that's at fault....nor is it our suggestions.

Women + cars = palm + forehead

[John Wright]

See, you're confused.

It's not indecision that's at fault....nor is it our suggestions.

Women + cars = palm + forehead
LOL...lawd if that ain't the truth....LOL

[Bigblue73]

Miata?


edit: whoops faster typer^^^^


Ditto! X2