Ideas for buying a dedicated track car that is not a Miata
 

So there have been several threads about DD suggestions so I thought I would turn it around
Been thinking about trading my BMW in for something cheaper(Evo X maybe yeah they're ugly but trying to avoid buying another subaru) and getting a dedicated race/track car. Yes I have a Miata that will probably become a track car only but it doesnt really have any WW potentional as a turbo. The STI is a capable track car but fairly expensive to track. Yes I might have to get a tow vehicle as well(some might be light enough to tow behind my Honda Odyssey for local tracks)
Few options I have been thinking about are
Radical Prosport-many of these are getting into the 20K range-consumables pretty expensive especially if you want to run WW somewhat competitively in something like the DSP(no chance at winning national level against Stohr's etc) but racing is available. Pretty fast
Panoz GT cars-I don't think there is a series anymore but these are relatively uncomplicated cars pretty fast. Some GTS models around 20K
Vintage racing-Datsun 240z, 510, BMW 2002 usually cheaper to buy someone elses racecar than build your own.
RCR Nemesis-20-30K with engine-fast but no aero
Love the Palatov D4 but 50K is more than I want to spend
Not really interested in something like AI/AIX, FFR
What do you think the best bang for your buck is-sure I know I know spec miata but really I prefer not to drive in a demolition derby.

pedestrian but fun:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2984250253.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2997563062.html

little better:
http://bringatrailer.com/2012/04/20/...-auto-crosser/

better
http://bringatrailer.com/2012/04/19/...rd-escort-mk1/

buy it now
http://bringatrailer.com/2012/02/20/...maso-mangusta/

LSx swapped FD RX-7. Next question.

uhhhh..... miata?

Mosler Automotive has been running ads that they are selling off old display cars from the Consulier era...ranging from $12k to $95k.

Or peruse this site for ideas:

http://wirewheel.com/

Also check out the NASA classifieds.

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewforum.php?f=31

When this gets asked, I'm pretty sure the no-brainer answer is S2000. I know Emilio would weigh in, but unsure if he's still posting here.

I think I remember him saying to keep it simple, just upgrade all the fluids and install a cage... and keep a good supply of brake pads on hand.

If you get a reliable car, like a Honda, you can skip the tow vehicle and just get a trailer.

Here's your hitch:
http://www.chaserace.com/s2k.php

Heres' your trailer:
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/for/2999750859.html

Problem solved.

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=55598

lotus exige

An S2000 with say xp12/10's and RS3's on stock rims should be able to beat the spec miata record at any track. Thats a lot of speed for 7-15k. If your budget is bigger and you can spend the next couple of years on a project I would build a SLC.

http://superlitecars.com/

Formula Ford.

/thread

I would definitely get a used race car. You can get one for surprisingly cheap, it will already have all the safety gear and have everything sorted, and will save you tons of money on prepping a street car.

What kind just depends on what you like and how much you want to spend. If it was me I'd be looking at formula or GT cars... you know... a REAL race car ;)

Caterham all the way. a place in canada builds one called the R-type Hayabusa. 254bhp in a super 7.
http://super7cars.com/Super7_R%20Type_Caterham.html

V8R swap the MSM

m3, msm, sti, z06

H1 swap the MSM. or maybe....

H1 swap a cinquecento

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1336403640 https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/im...3a_H0JqYt2CkCw https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1336403640








no love for the mclaren? its a road car that won lemans, quite a singular event in the age of LMP's

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...aren_F1_LM.jpg

Prebuilt spec miata

$6000 done

I like this best. I'd have an issue with any pre-built race car, as I just wouldn't know it. There's tons of little tweaks and quirks to any car that you only know if you build it. Have some fun over our ridiculously long rainy September-May winter and build it. I'd suggest one that fits a Miata drive train though, we know and love them. That'll help you down the line.

999 Motorsports Supersport?

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1336420003

Very cool article on Moto-IQ about it. 2200 pounds, 300 HP, 340 torques from an Ecotec with a BorgWarner EFR. Supposedly designed for safety, ease of maintenance and low cost of operation.

1:29.754 at Big Willow with a pro drifter who had never run a downforce car. Apparently 1:26:xxx with Stu Hayner in the center seat.

Yeah I have been watching these. The motoiq article was great because it showed that the car seemed very well made. Bit of a high price of admission but seems cheaper to maintain than a motorcycle engined car(Palatov D4 etc) in the long run.
Seems like it would be pretty easy to make faster as well. Might be hard to have a one make series up and running really soon.