Dream car for the One Lap of America?

ShadowSix wrote:

Keith Tanner wrote: One Lap always seems heavy on interstate driving and light on track driving. So I'd go with something that was better on the interstate. E39 M5 would suit pretty well, actually...

But I think you only get points for the racetrack stuff, right?

Of course. But unless you're trying to win, you'll have a better week if you just make the transits more comfortable

Actually, I change my answer. I'd drop an L92 Escalade engine into my 1966 Caddy and use that. Or drive it as-is. Probably get more press than I would in something like a GTR, too...

I can think of a few cars...

A resto-modded Mopar of some sort would be the obvious choice. '71 Demon or '69 Charger.

For something a bit more off the wall, a Volvo 1800 with a VClassics engine.

Well if you want to win, Godzilla seems the pretty obvious choice. I want to do it in a pro-touring style truck...

dyintorace wrote: What's the goal? Overall win? Or to compete and be in (relative) comfort during transition? Different choices based on the answers. Hard to argue with the GTR when looking through the results from the past few years. Out of lack of knowledge, is AWD especially important and/or helpful? Is that one reason the GTRs do so well?

My friend who's in third right now in a GTR also tested a much modified Z06 C6 last year back to back and it was a no contest GTR victory. Not only is it faster, but more forgiving and easier on tires. Of course another friend is driving the Corvette and they are still in the top 10..He says it's a bit scary though with wheel spin everywhere.

93EXCivic wrote: Well if you want to win, Godzilla seems the pretty obvious choice. I want to do it in a pro-touring style truck...

Or a yugo!?

motomoron wrote: LS1 swapped e36 M3 - if it was absolutely stone reliable.

I will most likely be there next year doing that exact idea. Sedan LS1 E36 M3, and ill pop on my race car's aero just for the event ;)

Paul Costas's "Scratcher" Camaro GT-1 car. Can't run something based on a street car unless I want to run on a GT-R budget - so I'd have to go with the car that's beating GT-Rs all over Texas. I'd have to rig up some lights and buy some earplugs and street tires for it, though...

I've dreamed of an 88-90 9C1 with recaros, working AC, high revving built 4.8/6.0 hybrid and a T-56. Run a 3.73 rear with an eaton posi, big brakes and 17x9.5 wheels all around wrapped in some 275/40/17's. tubular control arms, even larger sway bars. bilsteins. Painted grey.

other thought was a 99-06 Sierra with the 4.8/5-spd, swapped to a T-56, 4.10 gears, brake upgrades, cage, lowered, etc with some 12" wide wheels and hugenormous sway bars.

In reply to David S. Wallens:

CTS-V Wagon

I've always wanted to do this in the MG. It would be uncomfortable, slow, non-compettive, and insane fun.

R34 GTR?

I'm planning on at least taking the MX6 for Crapcan domination in 2015.

I plan to take the 93 Miata at some point down the road as well.

I don't know that i'd call either of them a dream car, though. Really depends what my goal would be. To win, it'd probably be a Godzilla or i'd magically learn to drive and take a Porsche Turbo S.

For the fun factor, i think the MX6 and Miata would already be up there.

My GS430 would sure be comfy enough for the inbetween trips but too heavy to be any good on the track. With some prep it could be fun on the track but still not competitive.

Dream car though? Hmm, tough call. I always prefer something less expected. Race prepped LS400? V8 swapped Volvo 242? Or maybe a T6 swapped Volvo 242 to keep it all Volvo.

racerdave600 wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: Well if you want to win, Godzilla seems the pretty obvious choice. I want to do it in a pro-touring style truck...

Or a yugo!?

In the Yugo I am building, heck no. The only that is going to be streetable about it is the fact it has a license plate.

dculberson wrote: Race prepped LS400?

I'm listening.....

LS-powered E12. Probably a worst-of-both-worlds answer which will be hideously slow compared to everything else, but I would enjoy the heck out of the trip.

GameboyRMH wrote: Something simple, light and under $35k that can end the reign of the Godzillas.

I like where your head it at, but that would be quite a tall order. Not so much the building a car with enough raw performance potential part, or even the additional raw performance potential to overcome the CAD (Computer Aided Driving) advantage of the Godzillas. The real challenge would be the inherent lack of technology to help mere mortals to tame the beast and in subsequently finding a driver capable of extracting all of that potential from such an unruly car. I also doubt that such a car would be any more 'fun' for the track portions than it would be on the street.

But on the affordable budget build side, I absolutely hope to do this in the Locost based car I've started in my garage as well...If I ever manage to complete it. See nocones' comments above for an apt description of my expectations.

I'd like to go all pro-touring on a 60's Dodge van. Since I wouldn't be in it for the win, make sure that it has shag carpet and a bed in the back. Nice sound system, mounted low for COG reasons of course. A powered fridge that could be popped out easily for the track but could hold plenty of cold drinks for the road. I'd want a trailer for tires and BBQ. Have myself a good time.

02 up Crown Vic with S197 Coyote running gear and six speed. Mild P71 Suspension, big meats. Serious sound deadening, very nice seats, steering wheel etc. Teardrop trailer with supplies, food, spare wheels etc and 2 permamnetly made up beds to skip the need for hotels. Pull up to track, jump in teardrop and sleep. Wake up and run.

Keith Tanner wrote: But unless you're trying to win

Isn't that why it's called a race?

After having done the Mexican 1000, I find it a bit amusing of people thinking driving a race car on paved streets is tough (or tiring). That's not to say I recommend doing a cross country trip in a caged MR2, but it's not like it's actually that bad in the grand scheme of things.

As to the discussion, as others have said, there MUST be something that can unseat the godzirra for way cheaper. The question is what is it?

I'm thinking turbocharged vette of some sort with the widest tires you can possibly put on it (after putting fender flares on it, of course). The godzirra in its nature is a huge heavy beast, something more nimble should be able to beat it. Of course, Audi was banned from using quattro in touring series (or they were so heavily weighted against it was useless), so waaaaadunno.

HiTempguy wrote: I'm thinking turbocharged vette of some sort with the widest tires you can possibly put on it (after putting fender flares on it, of course). The godzirra in its nature is a huge heavy beast, something more nimble should be able to beat it. Of course, Audi was banned from using quattro in touring series (or they were so heavily weighted against it was useless), so waaaaadunno.

That was one of my ideas too, twin-turbo vette, big meats, big wings. But apparently it's been tried and it will barely get you into the back of the Gojira stampede, with a pro driver who calls it a scary experience.

z31maniac wrote:

dculberson wrote: Race prepped LS400?

I'm listening.....

I perked at that one as well.

I had thought about it, but wasn't quite so confident in posting it.

The motor in them can make TONS of power with gratuitous use of turbo. Then it's just a matter of adapting a trans to it. There's a surprising amount of suspension options out there, and you could probably drop 800lbs out of the damn thing without half trying.

Add tons of aero, and make bank on the high speed sections.

All while looking classy as a motherberkeleyer.

HiTempguy wrote:

Keith Tanner wrote: But unless you're trying to win

Isn't that why it's called a race? After having done the Mexican 1000, I find it a bit amusing of people thinking driving a race car on paved streets is tough (or tiring). That's not to say I recommend doing a cross country trip in a caged MR2, but it's not like it's actually that bad in the grand scheme of things. As to the discussion, as others have said, there MUST be something that can unseat the godzirra for way cheaper. The question is what is it? I'm thinking turbocharged vette of some sort with the widest tires you can possibly put on it (after putting fender flares on it, of course). The godzirra in its nature is a huge heavy beast, something more nimble should be able to beat it. Of course, Audi was banned from using quattro in touring series (or they were so heavily weighted against it was useless), so waaaaadunno.

I believe we've stumbled across the answer.

I'm picturing Audi 90 Quattro, box flares, the widest 17s you can possibly fit, and a built 5 cylinder making about 1000awhp.

If nothing else, the noises will strike fear into the hearts of the rest of the competitors.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: Pull up to track, jump in teardrop and sleep. Wake up and run.

I think the problem with this is, most of the tracks are a GOOD drive apart and if you are at the slow end of the field, unless you give your afternoon run, you won't be arriving until after the gates at the track are closed.

It's another advantage to the fast guys, they are hitting the next location hours before the slower parts of the field.

Ranger50 wrote:

The_Jed wrote: A lowered NBS 2WD Suburban with ridiculously thick sway bars, 12" wide wheels of whatever diameter they need to be to ensure a sticky yet long-wearing tire is available for said rims, 4.10's, 3 pedals with 6 forward gears and a turbo'd yet otherwise stock 4.8, 5.3 or 6.0...because berkeley it.

I would do something similar except I would do an Avalanche and keep the auto only in 4L80 flavor. Or a lowered Caravan, 2.4, t70-t76, A2W IC, etc.....

I forgot about a rear diff and brakes...it would need BIG brakes!