Vn+ipra+???

[neet_wagon]

Question for the boys in the 'know'.

If you had a bare, straight VN shell sitting around - and you wanted to race it in IPRA (and couldn't scrap it to fund the purchase of a better starting point - ie: earlier, lighter commodore):

What engine would you run?

Original plan (prior to briefly looking at the regs) was to run an RB25 head'd RB30. But that is no longer an option - because as I understand it the engine configuration is wrong? (L instead of V configuration).

Does the engine have to of been used in a 'touring' car or just the rolling chassis?

Ie: Holden exported 4cyl VN's, so in theory you could run a 4cyl VN (not that anyone in thier right mind would) in IPRA?

Sadly I can't seem to find evidence of Holden ever officially selling a VN with a straight six in it.

So it looks like I am limited to a V8 of some description - another option was a Formula Holden derived V6. However building a reliable one of these would be nigh impossible from what I've read. (and at best it would make 340hp @ the motor, and be racing against 450+ hp V8's of similar weight).

In hindsight I should have bought a better car to start with, but as it was free and the original plan was to race it as a saloon car, I am stuck with it. (if I get rid of it, the missus would never allow something else to take it's place - so it's here to stay!)

So, now that you have some background on why I have the damn thing; anyone have a suggestion? (and 'throw it in the bin', or 'burn it' aren't really the answers I'm looking for!)

Cheers,

[Taylz]

There is the odd LS powered derivative running around here and there. Probably gives the best bang for buck...

[neet_wagon]

I was thinking that. Being a VN what wheel size is it limited to?

[Jim]

Ls1 ftw
That's what I'm building anyway.
Can run 9in wide rims and a six speed.

[HoonBoy]

If you can't afford to get a "better" shell, then I dare say you can't afford to build an IPRA car from scratch. Either buy something that needs less mods to be competitive or get an already built car.

[ALLMTR]

Yup

[neet_wagon]

I never said I can't afford to buy a better shell (Please point out where I said that?). I said the missus won't let me "Buy another friggin' car"

I am thinking that to run mid pack I could get away with it for around the $30k mark? That's something that I can do.

Im not in it to win it, I just want to have fun - and those guys seem to have plenty of fun. They also seem to have a great atmosphere (sp?) going on.

So, the VN can run a 6spd because of the ZF in the GrpA? Does it have to be a ZF? Or can it simply be a 6spd H-pattern gearbox?

Are things like sump, etc free? I would think a decent circuit biased sump would be required to go 'round corners quick.

How many powerz are the V8 boys tending to run? 450hp?

[Jim]

You won't get a mid field car built for $30k even if you do all the work yourself. Sorry, but believe me I know.

But you can buy a mid field car for $30k and that is a much better idea. Sell the VN shell and buy a built car and tell the missus it's the same one

[neet_wagon]

Lol, I think she'd know! It's been sitting out there with a "I'm gonna go fast one day" look on it's face for the past 2.5 years.

Ahh well. Build it and see where the budget is at, at the end of it I guess. If I cant get close, I'll tell the rulebook to get fucked and just to time-attacks/club/track days.

[HoonBoy]

You said you needed to scrap one shell to fund the purchase of another... after that it was dribble that I ignored.

Buying something like this http://www.my105.com/ListingDetails/...0/Default.aspx is your best bet.

[Roadsailing]

get a divorce

[neet_wagon]

I said that to try to avoid the "sell it and buy something else", or "buy something that's already built" answers that I figured I would get. I didn't mean to imply that I'm a broke arse nigger that can't afford to buy a better starting point. I have a soft spot for the old tin-tops.

Car like the one you pointed out would be good - have been looking on there quite a bit lately. However cars like that don't just appear out of nowhere - someone built it once upon a time. I'd like to do the same.

I don't really care how much it costs me.
In the end it could/will be 3,4,5 times as much as that GTS - but I will of still built it.

I don't think there would be a better feeling than being able to track a car that I built with my own hands.*




*However that opinion is likely to change about halfway through the build!



Roadsailing: We are getting married on the 25th of this month - so I think it's a wee bit early to be asking for a divorce!

[Roadsailing]

Roadsailing: We are getting married on the 25th of this month - so I think it's a wee bit early to be asking for a divorce!

well that makes it easier

just build it for fun, consider sprinting or other forms of motorsport (like drift?) as long as you have no illusions about being competitive then it should be fun.

LS1 is a no brainer, put one in it. start reading up on suspension too

[<---cop]

Sadly I can't seem to find evidence of Holden ever officially selling a VN with a straight six in it.

AFAIK, Holden only sold the Opel Dual Ram straight six 2.6L in the VP to VS Commodores in NZ and Malaysia.



hth

[S_E]

In hindsight I should have bought a better car to start with, but as it was free and the original plan was to race it as a saloon car, I am stuck with it. (if I get rid of it, the missus would never allow something else to take it's place - so it's here to stay!)

Still can't run as a saloon car? would have to best bang for buck?

[neet_wagon]

AFAIK, Holden only sold the Opel Dual Ram straight six 2.6L in the VP to VS Commodores in NZ and Malaysia.

*snip*

hth

Perhaps I could swap the front sheet metal over, log book it as a VP and stick an NA, RB25 head'd RB30 in it? (complete with GTR ITB's?) Could make it a bit interesting - always interested in doing things slightly different....

Still can't run as a saloon car? would have to best bang for buck?

I could, however the idea of different types of cars & classes racing together on the same track appeals to me (IPRA) - kinda reminds me of the Group-A days, and how awesome it would of been to race back then.

I think the LS1 is the way to go - unless of course I could legally run the straight-six?
Yes I am aware that getting the required 450hp out of the NA nissan motor would be hard - but that's part of the fun isn't it?

Though I imagine this would cost twice as much (if not more) as getting 450hp out of an LS1

[Turbo 351]

I seem to recall someone saying there was a small run on VN's with RB30's-maybe NZ or somewhere..... May be worth looking into.

[Jim]

Just go with the ls1. You can get complete engine and 6sp, ecu and all for under $5k now.
Go a conversion kit, v8 radiator and then all you have to do is the brakes and suspension.
Save your money for brakes and suspension rather than chasing power. Having a 1600cc mx5 cut a faster lap even after storming past it down the straight is fucking embarrassing.

[Jim]

Have a read of what I have done with mine for some ideas
http://www.performanceforums.com/for...php?t=67213118

[neet_wagon]

Save your money for brakes and suspension rather than chasing power. Having a 1600cc mx5 cut a faster lap even after storming past it down the straight is fucking embarrassing.

Reminds me of having the BA out at the drags, lined up against a bog stock standard early '90s Corolla hatchback - I leave the line at 4000, epic smoke show - terrible launch. Look up and think "get fucked I'm gonna get beaten by Grandma!" Corolla had 3-4 car lengths on me off the line.

Luckily the Corolla was running about 30mph slower than me, so I caught him pretty quick - could of been very embarassing though


Back on topic: The way I read the rules you can run coil overs so long as the mounting points are within 45mm of the original positions?! Is that right?

Gonna go have a read through your thread Jim, started to last night - then I noticed Jay's house and got sidetracked by awesomeness!

[hrd]

David Skillender's VS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh5oqYDcij8

unfortunately 30K will pay for about a quarter of that car.

LS1 would mean you have to run 1455kg min weight.
Standard block and head there are no minimum weights. Makes the choice a bit of a no-brainer.

[TT]

VQ30det?
it's a v
it's a six
it's the new 2JZ

[hrd]

is it used in a holden???

[Jim]

Nope. Can use a Toyota V6 tho thanks to the Lexen. But due to capacity there is no advantage over an ls1 and a shitload of disadvantage.
Also if you go turbo you have to run a restrictor.

[hrd]

Nope. Can use a Toyota V6 tho thanks to the Lexen.

wrong, you could only use a Toyota V6 if one was used in some sort of Holden.

The Lexcen means that you could use the Holden V6 in other Toyotas that originally had a V6 (if you were insane).

[Jim]

Do you mean like the Holden Apollo (camry) which iirc was available with the 2.0l v6?

[rowdytoot]

ninja edit- widebody apollos got the 3 litre V6.... you learn something everyday...

[Jim]

Pwned

[hrd]

Nope. Can use a Toyota V6 tho thanks to the Lexen.

Do you mean like the Holden Apollo (camry) which iirc was available with the 2.0l v6?

No, did you?

People have run Toyota 3S in Geminis thanks to the Apollo though.

[Jim]

I'm sorry I must have missed your post due to how exceptionally awesome I am.