A "What car" thread that almost warrants its own thread.

That should read "A "what car" question that almost warrants its own thread"

Anyway...

So I am selling my MGB to free up some funds. In time I'd like to get a track/rally rat, leaning towards rallys.

Heres the twist- I don't want to get a run of the mill focus/neon/wrx sedan or anything like that. Id like to stick to something that isnt seen to often on the stages. Id like to have a smaller "sports car" body and RWD. Engines in places other then the front is a plus as well.

Id rather not fab up something nuts, so thats out.

I was thinking in the line of X1/9 or more likely early MR2, possibly even 914? I would have used the MG if i wasnt sick of it....

Is there any precidence with any cars like this? y'know, becides the stratos?

Oh, gods of the GRM boards, What have you to say on this subject?

240SX or Porsche 944. Relatively decent power, relatively lightweight, good handling. Both have been rallied on stage and in rally-x.

The MR2 is also not a bad choice, we have a competitor of the French persuasion out east that can really make it move.

First gen RX7?

240, hadnt thought about that. Or the RX. Wouldnt the doriftos keep the 240's price/parts abnormaly high? I seem to remember the 240 having pretty good suspension travel... How about the RX's in that regard? would it hold up ok?

BMW 318ti... I am not kidding. Little low on power, but robust, good handling, and lightweight.. and a TON of aftermarket support

Yeah, I know. But like I had said, I'm lookin for something a little different.

I was thinking MR2 because the rwd+mid on dirt would be interesting, but I worry it wont hold up...

aircooled bug?

Ha! wouldnt that be interesting. I think Id rather stuck to something with a sporting pretenson

BobOfTheFuture wrote: Ha! wouldnt that be interesting. I think Id rather stuck to something with a sporting pretenson

Check out the AWD Bug on BaT.

Heh heh heh. Okay, What is that car called again?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Eagle

FTW.

I dig the X1/9 idea.

BobOfTheFuture wrote: Id rather not fab up something nuts, so thats out.

Well then I fail to see the point.

Right, I knew it was called an eagle.

Well, East Coast, if you have the garage space, some tools (ive got some myself) and maybe some cash to help out, lets do it.

The Eagle SX/4 (that's what's shown, 3-door hatch, AWD) is a definite different contender.

The 1st Gen RX-7 fits all of your criteria though. Technically front-mid-engine (entire engine is behind front axle centerline) and it had a glorious rally past, though you just don't see them anymore.

http://www.prorallypix.com/RX-7/rx11.html

Well, I guess thats it then!

TO CRAIGSLIST!

grimmelshanks wrote: aircooled bug?

air cooled awd bug

See, that is pretty damned cool. But in the end, I'd wonder to my self why I didnt just do this-

<img

/\ I'd prefer the buggy in the background myself, but either one would be a stone blast!

So I am still waiting on selling my MG to get started on this, but...

I found this recently- Fairlane

How stupid of an idea is it to try to go this route with it-

I know hillclimbs would work, but how about some tarmac and dirt rallys, like they have here in NY? Would the car be able to hold up (less rust, thats obvious) w/o costing a fortune? Anyone here have some knowlege they can share?

What about an ex dirt track racer?

Like one of those modified deals, or... As far as I know (very little in that genre) they are very very modified, way beyond a street car. Is there a class that isnt?

I am doing some looking... even the stuff they call "street stock" looks like a tube frame car.

an aircooled 911, they rallied them when they were new.

Are AWD cars out? There are some that you dont see rallying too often:
All-trac celica? The car is rare enough that you dont see them a lot getting beat up in the woods.

CRV? Honduh aftermarket for go-fast goodies

Subie SVX?

AWD Acura TLs of the past?

AWD DSMs?