best track hack for 10k

[fly510]

yeh but it is a magna:D

[hrd]

FVee aren't particularly fast - But apparently speed is of no consequence in a track car.... And I think the exercise here was for cars rather than open wheelers. I do kinda like the supercharged idea though. would be a hoot! unfortunately you would not have a class to run in except FLibre at Hillclimbs and it ain't ever going to work out in that class!

the race only import Evo1 or 92-93 WRXs you'll get for $10K won't be as fast as what you can get in a $10K race only S13. There's that word again...but as pointed out, they're a bit iffy on the reliability and running costs parts of my criteria too.

have NFI about the AW11, but the next one (AW20?) was absolutely unstoppable in its class in production racing in NA form in Aus. They were reknowned for their handling back then. Somewhere along the way that reputation seems to have changed. i don't know why. Probably worn shocks and inexperienced drivers on the street I suspect.

MX5? unless you like them, I see no objective reason you'd choose one over an S13 in this price range. They'd have an advantage in cheaper tyres and no need for brakes, but personally I want to go faster than a $10K MX5 will take me. Plus eventually your mates are going to find out about it.

AE86s seem to be fetching too much money these days. there's better value out there. otherwise a good base, but they're not going to be terribly fast $10K track car. And the GZE doesn't do much or have easy/cheap power upgrade paths. I know, I know... speed doesn't matter in a track car.

I wouldn't consider an NA car again now anyway. Left them behind about 5 years ago, and there's no going back once you've had power.

But if you were mad keen on NA, the gun thing to get in this price bracket has to be Swift GTi. Some cheap engine mods can really get them screaming and they are remarkably light when stripped out. I know these can be seriously quick U2L cars with the 1300cc engine and a good steerer. But I'm a RWD man.

Turbo Starlet would be a good option too in the bum dragger side of things.

Race only R32 GTST might be OK, but the front suspension is a bit wonky at aggressive camber/castor levels. And they're heavier than a S13. sound good though, if that's your thing.

you can find the odd R31 Aussie Skyline with RB20DET and a bit of suspension/brake stuff around cheap too - like around the $4K mark. Leaves a reasonable chunk for suspension tweaking and cage. And has good parts interchangeability with some import Nissans too. I almost went this route... would be a bit over budget by the time you did a turbo upgrade though.

still, I actually voted with my cash and it was S13. I don't think you can get more speed under $10K.

[260BC]

So whats the aim with this track car, what do you want to achieve? Front or rear drive? Powerful or not so powerful?

Otherwise, as usual, S13 turbo, end of story.

[Cal]

I'd have to buy an enclosed trailer or a truck if I had an S13. :D

[peal]

I'd have to buy an enclosed trailer or a truck if I had an S13. :D

Shouldn't you have one from when you owned the MX5?

[XXX19X]

Shouldn't you have one from when you owned the MX5?

Ba-boom tish.

[hrd]

Shouldn't you have one from when you owned the MX5?

its all about 'frames of reference' mate. just as you or I don't want to be seen with an MX5, owning a S13 would do irreparable damage to an MX5 owner's reputation too! :rotflol:

[Cal]

Shouldn't you have one from when you owned the MX5?

Dude, you drive a Corolla & a van. :rotflol:

[260BC]

MX5 turbo might be fun, hey, I drive a Datsun, reputation is not an issue

[worldwalker]

have NFI about the AW11, but the next one (AW20?) was absolutely unstoppable in its class in production racing in NA form in Aus. They were reknowned for their handling back then. Somewhere along the way that reputation seems to have changed. i don't know why. Probably worn shocks and inexperienced drivers on the street I suspect.

I drive an SW20 and stock for stock the best handling car I've owned (s14, 944s2, eg6) But I'm not a great driver and its a taga so I can hardly compare it to anything.

From what I gather the Sw20s to very well in the hill climbs. Anyone back that idea? I know they've copped a bad wrap... something about snap overstear? Sounds like idiots with the same sized wheels and tyres all around. It does go sideways, but only when you want it to. I find it will step but not snap, even when you're a bit to hot into a corner.

I'm trying to get rid of mine at the moment but contemplating buying a later 94 hard top for race only (about $5-7k). Runs a 13something stock. Stock for stock faster than any of the iconic 90's jap 2ltrs. Lots of aftermarket support cheap. Stretch 180-200rwkw with basic bolt ons. Bitch to work on though. Lots of handling support, short, wide wheelbase, has to be good for something... right?

*prepares to be flammed*

[260BC]

Toyota do some great handling cars, it would be surprising if they got the second gen MR2 wrong, unlike Nissan who are/were hit and miss in the handling department, Z32 an example of miss

[worldwalker]

What are the thoughts on prestige? Any good? they have a few 3rd gen SW20s for sub $4k...

[turbo510]

I have a turbo MX5, I also have a S13, and have had a L series Datto 1600 and an FJ20et datto 1600. Out of all these the MX5 has the most communicative chassis by far. It rewards precision whilst being an absolute ball to drive. The S13 is a lot of fun but is nowhere near as rewarding to drive.
The Datto's where great but somewhat lacking. Still the old Lseries car would do 14's around Wakefield after driving it up from Melbourne and knowing I had to drive it home. All with 92rwkw and the beautiful symphony of webers.
If running quick lap times was my only aim the S13 is hard to beat but the reward a MX5 delivers when you get a lap right would probably see me in a MX5 for a sub $10k track car.
Cheaper running costs would allow me to spend more time on the track to further hone my driving ability.

[dhs]

you can find the odd R31 Aussie Skyline with RB20DET and a bit of suspension/brake stuff around cheap too - like around the $4K mark. Leaves a reasonable chunk for suspension tweaking and cage. And has good parts interchangeability with some import Nissans too. I almost went this route... would be a bit over budget by the time you did a turbo upgrade though.

Don't know much about R31's but I had a Vl with rb20det, 5spd, heavy duty clutch, 3" turbo-back on 12psi

If R31's have IRS then go for that. If not, and they turn out to be heavier then early model Commodores go with that option. VB-VK are lighter and all accept VL crossmember for straight RB T powered installation.

I also fitted 4piston R33 calipers on 297mm VT discs with spacers on the front and it made the car very competitive against local constabulary back in the day $800 shipped from calaisturbo.com with slotted rotors and metallic pads.

I think on the rego papers the standard car weighed under 1300kg, but I had deleted power steering, a/c etc. Also being such a popular car handling options are well sorted through whiteline and koni etc. Although you will pay a bit sorting this dept out.

www.gweeds.net (I think) even has a full R32 IRS rear end swap into a rb25 powered VL Commode, with pictures and good results. Add semi slick tyres, aggressive diff gears and chassis stiffening and you could to be on a good thing for well under 6-7k

Also with second hand r33 turbo and fmic they can supposedly make 180rwkw
I miss that car

edit-- this is assuming you want to race against other cars where severe panel damage is "just racing". Commodore panels can be found next to the tip inbetween the asbestos and the charging batterys giving off hydrogen.

[Asteroid]

Aussie R31s are live axle just like a commode. Import R31s are IRS (but aren't cheap).

An old Commodore sounds like a heap of effort though.