Challenged priced track/ autocross car: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Oct. 14, 2011 4:37 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

Ok so originally I was going to find a truck type vehicle to use as an autocrosser/ HPDE car until the Spitfire is done but I got to thinking what is the point of that most of the ones I might be able to tow with won't really be worth much on the track and the ones that I might be able to use on the track won't be worth crap for towing. So I said screw it I am just going to get a car and use that for now. It must stay under challenge price by the time I am done just in case we don't get our other Challenge car done in time. Basically I am looking for something not in perfect shape but not a massive project. So here are the ideas I have so far.

Supra MKIII Turbo- I know the car. I like the way they handle but they are a bit porky which will equal more expensive track days.

FB RX7

Dodge Colt Turbo or Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo

Porsche 924 (either early or S)- Extra points because I could do track days with Porsche club

Toyota Starlet or Corolla liftback or sports coupe

Chevy Citation X11- Yeah kinda stupid but I kinda like them.

Saab 900 Turbo

Yugo

Fiat X1/9

MGB or TR7- I have seen ratty running ones for under they limit. I have a weak spot for old British cars.

'80s F-body- I know where I can get a running V6 T-top Camaro cheap probably.

Early C4 Corvette- Probably hard to find one for cheap enough without needing massive amounts of work

MX6 GT- I got to be honest this one seems like a better street brawler then track slut.

EF Civic or 2nd gen CRX- I know Civics fairly well.

So any thoughts suggestion name calling etc. Go for it. And no Miatas or BMWs.

Edit: I want to get it around Christmas time or the beginning of next year but I will obviously be looking for a great deal.
Oct. 14, 2011 5:24 p.m. clutchsmoke Reader

My vote is FB RX7. Should be pretty easy to stay under budget. Parts are fairly cheap these days. And it's RWD.

Second vote is EF Civic hatch. Tough to find one that isn't rusty or beat to hell. Or both. Lots of cheap parts for these too.
Oct. 14, 2011 5:57 p.m. hrdlydangerous Reader

I'm just gonna leave this right here... Link
Oct. 14, 2011 5:59 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

hrdlydangerous wrote:

I'm just gonna leave this right here... Link

I saw that except I don't have the money yet and that is a long what from Huntsville AL.
Oct. 15, 2011 10:54 a.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

Bueller?
Oct. 15, 2011 6:50 p.m. thunderzy New Reader

I vote Porsche 924/944.

And If I had a second vote FB RX7
Oct. 15, 2011 7:06 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

I'll sell the Yugo from Hell...

One thought on Yugos (and maybe a few more on that list)...

...Is your goal to race and have something that is fun and worth driving on the autox, or is it to win? Yugos are a BLAST to drive, but they never win. The classes are not favorable.

I decided it was more fun to have fun, and decided to screw winning, but it matters to some people.

That's a very eclectic list. FWD, RWD, Mid, front, and rear engine, V-8, 4 cylinder, turbo, N/A... what is it that you LIKE??

I've got 3 separate potential fun but weird cars (driving distance from Huntsville). The Yugo, a Sprit R/T, and a 323 GTX. All would be fun, all need a couple of days of effort, all would be priced right, none would be competitive. I've also got a Miata (which I know you don't want).
Oct. 15, 2011 7:15 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

The Spirit or Yugo might interest me (depending on how they are priced). Honestly I am just looking for something I can have fun and learn with. Whatever I get will be for sell once the Spitfire gets done. I have a line on an F-body though.
Oct. 15, 2011 7:33 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

OK. Let me know.
Oct. 16, 2011 9:37 a.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

I like the Starlet or Civic.

Mazda BG chassis car?

The MX6 can make a good track car, but seems more common as a track car overseas, but i do know a few people that autocross them. Might be worth looking at 2nd gen MX6?

Civic might be the "easy button."