I realize those are expensive words in this company. But really, for the past three summers I've said "I'm going racing this year" and then don't do a thing. I figure this year I'll at least talk about it, a step in the right direction.

My first thoughts were karting -- cheap to get into, reasonably fast. But then I'm driving a kart, not a car, and I want to drive a car. I'll still probably go karting a few times but not invest in it.

I'm not going to track my Subaru. It's an awesomely reliable, fun DD. I'm keeping it that way and not worrying about insurance when I go off on racetracks.

SO. Recommend me cheap starting points for racecars, or give me your old Miata/CRX/E30/E36 shell.

I don't have a budget yet, but want to keep this cheap at first. That means; Miatas, CRXs, old Bimmers, etc. I want to learn to drive fast in a slow car first. Ideally no old Camaros or Mustangs, but I figure this group won't be recommending that anyway. Higher investment costs are okay, maintenance costs and high reliability are more important to me. Fun is most important.


(I really just want to build something with an LS1, but that can wait.)

Buy a cheap e36. While my heart is truely with e30's, every one of the updates on the e36 makes sense and they are "cheap" and easy to maintain.

I would SUGGEST a 2dr e36 325is, buy one fairly cheap. I haven't looked at the rules for Spec3 in awhile but IIRC you can do single adjustable coilovers and a set of sways. That, strip the interior (sell stuff for profit, especially if it's a black interior) + autopower rear 4pt cage (don't do the full thing until you decide you want to get a truck/trailer), + seats/harnesses + wheels tires. Should keep you under $5k if you shop around/sell stuff and give you a very potent momentum machine.

That's what I would do if I was building another track car right now.

damn mpd not suggesting a 944 NA?

LS1 E36

There is a white one that is just pure nasty. I have to find the pictures.

watching this. I too say this to myself every year. And then I just spend money on making the beetle more ridiculous.

damn mpd not suggesting a 944 NA?
I'm not really a 944 guy believe it or not.

really, got burnt out from them? i always wanted too get a E30 and swap a LS1 into it.

I bought the LS1 for my car btw now i just gota get the renegades kit and i can throw it in.

I would say get a early 90's Honda Civic hatch. Get your self a Integra B18 motor and trans, and you would be set, light and fast. You should be able to have it full race ready for under $5k

Buy a cheap e36. While my heart is truely with e30's, every one of the updates on the e36 makes sense and they are "cheap" and easy to maintain.

I would SUGGEST a 2dr e36 325is, buy one fairly cheap. I haven't looked at the rules for Spec3 in awhile but IIRC you can do single adjustable coilovers and a set of sways. That, strip the interior (sell stuff for profit, especially if it's a black interior) + autopower rear 4pt cage (don't do the full thing until you decide you want to get a truck/trailer), + seats/harnesses + wheels tires. Should keep you under $5k if you shop around/sell stuff and give you a very potent momentum machine.

That's what I would do if I was building another track car right now.

great info durka, i have a black e36 325is thats been sitting in the garage for the last 2 years collecting dust, i've been throwing around the idea of making it a track car...good to know there are some cheap options

Cool thread.

Wish I had some extra coin to get started in racing! Good luck!

I would say get a early 90's Honda Civic hatch. Get your self a Integra B18 motor and trans, and you would be set, light and fast. You should be able to have it full race ready for under $5k

A buddy of mine had this setup, one of the most fun little cars i have ever drove. Very pure and simple, but spot on in so many ways.

Mustang....Hah simply because i have one, and with work they can be turned into a great car for anything. IF i didn't tub mine, with the suspension i have would be GREAT for auto-x, Shit i could probably even drift it. In a straight line its a 9 second car.

So it all depends on your REAL purposes.

Giff,

I'm also not really interested in damaging my 911, but I do want to drive on the track. I am in the same position. Every year I say I'm going to do it and every year comes and goes without much seat time.

THIS WEEKEND however, I just realized that I can do $40 sessions with an instructor at Summit Point at Hyperfest. That's a pretty good deal. And with the instructor in the car, I figure I am greatly reducing the likelyhood of hitting a wall.

It's not too late. A bunch of us are heading down this weekend. Bring the subaru. The important thing is to get the seat time in. You don't have to have the greatest car out there.

And yes...I'm encouraging everyone to come - just so that we can rub it in Durka's face!!!

Giff,

I'm also not really interested in damaging my 911, but I do want to drive on the track. I am in the same position. Every year I say I'm going to do it and every year comes and goes without much seat time.

THIS WEEKEND however, I just realized that I can do $40 sessions with an instructor at Summit Point at Hyperfest. That's a pretty good deal. And with the instructor in the car, I figure I am greatly reducing the likelyhood of hitting a wall.

It's not too late. A bunch of us are heading down this weekend. Bring the subaru. The important thing is to get the seat time in. You don't have to have the greatest car out there.

And yes...I'm encouraging everyone to come - just so that we can rub it in Durka's face!!!


Hey, I want to join!!! Could you give me some more info please?

Here is the info on the hyperdrive
http://www.hyper-fest.com/events/hyperDrives.html
I'm doing that one. Pt too. Maybe Chris.



Ian, Dan and maybe Brent? are doing this one
https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/935

I think Robbie and the Wing are drifiting.


DURKA IS DOING NONE OF THE ABOVE!
Cause he blows....

Alicia, thanks for the heads up! I was thinking about doing some events like that. This weekend I have a wedding though :(

I would say get a early 90's Honda Civic hatch. Get your self a Integra B18 motor and trans, and you would be set, light and fast. You should be able to have it full race ready for under $5k

Buy a cheap e36. While my heart is truely with e30's, every one of the updates on the e36 makes sense and they are "cheap" and easy to maintain.

I would SUGGEST a 2dr e36 325is, buy one fairly cheap. I haven't looked at the rules for Spec3 in awhile but IIRC you can do single adjustable coilovers and a set of sways. That, strip the interior (sell stuff for profit, especially if it's a black interior) + autopower rear 4pt cage (don't do the full thing until you decide you want to get a truck/trailer), + seats/harnesses + wheels tires. Should keep you under $5k if you shop around/sell stuff and give you a very potent momentum machine.

That's what I would do if I was building another track car right now.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. One of these will likely be what I end up going with. That's all good news about an E36 build, I didn't realize it could be done that cheaply. I definitely want a momentum car, and in theory prefer RWD, but learning to drive fast in a FWD car wouldn't be the end of the world. I'll have to start putting my feelers out for pricing so I know when a deal pops up, start my research and stuff.
No love for Miatas? It just seems like such a cheap and reliable way to go racing... and I'd only be seen driving it to and from the track, haha.

LS1 E36

There is a white one that is just pure nasty. I have to find the pictures.
Post pictures! I want an LS1 powered anything. E36, FC or FD is ideal. I'd also have no idea how to drive one properly at 10/10, but that's okay.

Here is the info on the hyperdrive
http://www.hyper-fest.com/events/hyperDrives.html
I'm doing that one. Pt too. Maybe Chris.


When are you guys driving down? Want to caravan down there?

we are driving down on Friday evening and crashing at someone's house. Figured we wouldn't want to put the hot cars directly on the track.

Giff,

I'm also not really interested in damaging my 911, but I do want to drive on the track. I am in the same position. Every year I say I'm going to do it and every year comes and goes without much seat time.

THIS WEEKEND however, I just realized that I can do $40 sessions with an instructor at Summit Point at Hyperfest. That's a pretty good deal. And with the instructor in the car, I figure I am greatly reducing the likelyhood of hitting a wall.

It's not too late. A bunch of us are heading down this weekend. Bring the subaru. The important thing is to get the seat time in. You don't have to have the greatest car out there.

And yes...I'm encouraging everyone to come - just so that we can rub it in Durka's face!!!

Haha well it's happened before...last track day at NJMP some dude with a new (to him) race prepped 951 slammed into the wall with the instructor on board. However, judging by the way he was driving earlier, he probably didn't have any business being on the track in the first place...

Seems to me it's your ego that puts you into the wall! Don't try to drive above your ability and you should be fine.

Anyway, this is a great thread. I've been saying the same thing for a while too. Although now, I want to go racing sideways.

Once you guys get your project cars together, REVmatch will sponsor custom vinyl for all of you!

Chris

haha indeed about the sideways thing. I just want to get out on a track. At age 14 I kept saying "OH MAN TWO MORE YEARS" and I still haven't logged much time, time's certainly not passing any more slowly since then!

I'll keep you guys posted, feel free to add more suggestions and please post more track days you're doing, maybe I'll put real pads on the WRX and go out a few times until I get another car.

We drift once a month at the track we're headed to this weekend. It's only $75 bucks for the practice track and it's ALL day.

You end up in a wall....it's your own fault. It also depends on what you're running. Time Attack events are NOT door to door racing. It's against the clock and a GREAT way to improve your skill as a driver. Door to door you need experience. It can get ugly and actually scary for those who haven't done it before.

The suggestions for cars so far are really good ones. Miata's are nice only b/c of the amount of them that are out there and the events that they run and available insurance for them.

Very cool, I'm hoping to make a pure track car out of the M3 once I get bored with it in a few years. Maybe get the wife into racing a little with it.

:)

I don't see why a 240sx wouldn't be on the list.

240's make great drift cars but decent one's that haven't been hacked apart are actually quite difficult to find.

Another thing I can reccomend is that you can't beat buying a good used, already preped and logbooked race car. You can still find them around the 5-6k range. That way they already have their bugs worked out, and sorted. When I built my first rally car, I was told the same, but blew them off. I had a $5k budget... well needless to say, it cost me $9-10k, and I did everything myself.

A good spot to look is rallyclassified.com They have lots of used rally cars and road race cars on there. Everything from mk2 golfs, civics, to STi's and EVO's