The Gambler time trial is coming to gravelly, dusty Buffalo Springs lake here in Lubbock, TX. Here's a look at some of the course. Seeing this, what vehicle should I scope out for a $500-$700 investment? If all else fails, I can share seat time with a friend's RZR. Any ideas? I have no specifications beyond price, ready to run.
Something rwd. P71, miata
RX7 or RX8 maybe?
I wanted to go to this when i saw it was in my home state of Texas. Then I realized it was still two states away. Other peoples' states, at least. About 2.5 New Jerseys. Maybe as many as 10 Rhode Islands from here. 
Another vote for P71. I think a Miata might be too fragile. This is not rallycross, there will be jumps.
Lubbock? Wait ... what?
Hmmm ...
Let's see, who do I know with a hooptie ...
No, the Valiant's transmission won't be ready, and big sister's bug is needs even more ...
Work buddy's surplus HMMWV? Hmmm ...
Site is short on rules. Helmet required, but what kind/age?
I kept clicking ahead because I didn't want to watch the entire video, but it mostly seemed smooth except for a few larger rocks that may be kicked up. My biggest worry would be oil pan protection, but it seems like just about any car could handle the course.
It's a pity that it is the same weekend as the Texas King of Gamblers. It will be at Hidden Falls near Austin.
Plan on taking my stock Cherokee, third gambler for it. Hidden Falls is an offroad rock crawling park.
On your question, I think p71 too. Mustang or Camaro. There's the option if xj or zj or ranger or s10.
At the price range, just find the best condition vehicle and run it. If it's low put a skid plate under it.
A lot of Cavaliers are run in gamblers.
In reply to slantvaliant :
I think that is all the rules. Your vehicle, your decision. Sign a waiver and run what you brung.
At the gamblers I've been too they ask or check for a good battery hold down and a fire extinguisher.
Any agile vehicle would be fun.
How about a VW Bug?
Or just whatever sub-$1000 car on Craigslist looks most likely to stay running and hasn't been lowered.
4 cyl, 5spd Ranger 2wd with a Lincoln locker. Extra points for TIB front suspension.
MadScientistMatt said:How about a VW Bug?
Or just whatever sub-$1000 car on Craigslist looks most likely to stay running and hasn't been lowered.
Agreed... I don't think the make and model matters as much as what's avaliable that you are comfortable working on. My 'Dung Beetle' could HooptieX.
Copart Murano Crosscabriolet
Prep:
Tires
Take the doors off
Enjoy beer.
Another thought... remember the Interstate 76 video game? IIRC, it's set just outside Lubbock - how about building a tribute car?
I'm seeing a 1992 Caprice wagon in my future. Bone stock and needs tires/battery. Is it worth it to throw some coil lift spacers under it or just run it, as-is, with the above mentioned skid plates?
In reply to Crxpilot :
The 9c1 police and taxi package has springs and shocks that are an inch taller. Meant to go over curbs etc. Also have thicker sway bars, tighter steering box...
Wagons may actually have the same rear springs due to the extra weight if I remember correctly.
Spacers could be a decent substitute.
Make sure your bumpstops are in good shape.
Had a '91 9c1 once upon a time, fun car.
cheap cherokee/explorer?
80s civic wagon 4WD thing?
sub 1k subi? outback/impreza/baha
cheap audi/volkswagon AWD?
pt cruiser GT turbo?
neon in almost any form?
mazda protoge?
almost anything you can tackweld a skidplate to...
-J0N
The Caprice should do great! I think a slight lift would help, but tires are key. Get the largest all terrain or snow tires you can fit, even if it means using the sawzall to clearance the fenders a bit (or a lot)
There's going to be a Gambler 500 HooptieX at King of Hammers in February. I want to go in the worst way but I just sold my Gambler rig last month. Time to build another!
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