For starters how do you make a car turn when the rules prevent changes?
From my previous experiences it seems there is always a model that has an advantage.
I am re-considering a FiST after going to look at one.
That said I would be real disappointed to buy one and then get kicked up to GS.
If that happens FoST or FiST?
Then I realize I am looking at a classification list (that seems to be official) from 2011 rules, there has got to be something newer.
Isn't the FoST the current consensus class killer?
I found apendix A. So does a FoST have enough more power and geometry to offset the weight gain over a FiST?
Also FoST is a GS class car.
With a FiST being a HS car.
Does that also put it over the top of other models with street class legal mods? Double adjustable shocks and 1" bigger tires and a cat back can really help most models. But then what if you add that to a FoST?
Both are way above the $5K price point I was under the impression you were working with.
I'd recommend getting the car you like the most for the 98% of the time when NOT autocrossing and just go with the class you end up with.
Both of those are FWD turbos though, you should drive them and see if you like the experience.
If opening the wallet to FiST/FoST levels, that potentially opens the door for a lot of other interesting recent nationally competitive cars as well:
AS: C5 Z06, S2000 CR
BS: C5, S2000, Solstice GXP
CS: FRS, BRZ, NC Miata
DS: WRX, Cooper S
FS: M3, Mustang, Camaro
GS: MS3, GTI
HS: Cooper (non-S)
Reality check How about trailing edge Sports cars
928
928S or 944
seems like a 944S2 might be the choice in CSP or CS
Heavy, expensive and a bit down on power.
Not to say they won't do it, but nationally competitive? Probably not without a bunch of money.
Still fun though!
An SLK32 AMG, complete with "Speed Shift" automatic would be a cheap but interesting car.
I have seen Crossfire SRT6s as low as 7k. They are roughly as fast as a new 5.0 Mustang.
Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote: Heavy, expensive and a bit down on power. Not to say they won't do it, but nationally competitive? Probably not without a bunch of money. Still fun though!
Good catch, I was looking at the 924 weight which is 600# less. So a 924S...
Crossfire is heavy too.
924 is running into the 30 year rule......
How strict it that rule enforced. Only for rare cars? Or by actual production date?
I am frustrated by the rules.
Street rules specifically state a car over 30 years past its last model production is not eligible to compete.
However Appendix A clearly states that many car models are eligible for the street classes.
This presents 2 possible problems, one that you might win and be DQ'd for a 30 year violation. And two that the car does not have a prayer of winning, in which case its classification should be downgraded.
I read that it is highly unlikely that SCCA will reclassify any models.
This funnels one into the buy the new latest and greatest competitive model trap.
Is it really worth SCCA's time and effort to worry about maintaining rules allowances and competitive classifications for 30+ year old cars that are inherently becoming rare, are even rarer in a condition that meets stringent Street class rules, are even rarer yet to have such diligently maintained factory-condition 'vintage' cars desire to be raced competitively, and often cannot even be kept or put back into said condition due to compliant parts simply not existing?
As with all racing, if you want to be competitive, you will have to pick the car for the class and not the other way around. Which is exactly what your frustrations are coming across to me as.
Not that I think the classing structure is anywhere near perfect, especially HS, but I've listed what I think are a respectable number of reasonably affordable non-'latest and greatest' cars that trophied at nationals last year in Street class. There are probably some other underdogs that could do it too, with the right setup and driver. But don't think that properly prepping and developing even the most affordable to buy nationally competitive capable car for Street class is going to be cheap either. Alternatively you can pick any car you want and just enjoy driving as competitively as you can in whatever class your local club fits ot into, as they are often more lenient with classifying oddball cars.
Yes Driven thanks.
Would C30R Volvo be a stupid choice?
I found an older one with very low miles.
I went looking for a shock package for the Volvo and realized there is limited support for that model.
The Cooper has risen into my sights, I even found a local specialist.
Local specialist had one for sale. New motor.
Not any more
07 Cooper S
Mine! Under $10K 46k miles, did I say new motor? Needs nothing right now, just autoX stuff.
I will be introducing it to the evil cones Saturday
http://www.wmclub.org/flyers/May_2016_flier.pdf
The link is missing some underscores that will not translate before and after the year.
I think a rear sway bar will be first.
Then wheels and tires, those run flats are not going to FTOD.
Any light weight (best bang for the buck) wheel recommendations?
Driven5 wrote: in whatever class your local club fits it into, as they are often more lenient with classifying oddball cars.
Until you beat the wrong driver! 
RE: SCCA, thats their job.....
You'll need to log in to post.
