Do I or don't I ????

[sk1prat]

Gents / Ladies,

I have a 1991 Metro Gti SPI which is immaculate. It is my second and that is only because I got rid of my first and regretted it, hence the second.

I have bought new wishbones and mgf bottom ball joints as I plan to replace existing ones, but with polybushes. Much easier to fit to new I'm sure you understand. I'm looking at Superflex as the supplier as this is the only company which do the 2.5mm offset tubes within the bushes for better camber.

I took my car to akmotorsport in Leeds Saturday gone to have the hydragas suspension 'topped-up' just so I can make relevant measurements before individualizing the units. The guy who did this for me as he has a hydragas vacuum pump said I should think twice about whether I should track the car. Only due to there not being many about especially in this condition.

Quandary is, I can't afford to buy another car for track and I do cherish this car. What would you do?

[iguana]

People track 30million plus quid classics, the metro is obviously at a similar value ; ) crack on you dont have to bin it, its not compulsory!

[QBee]

The most valuable car I own, by a factor of 3, is my TVR, and I track it. I want to enjoy it to the max, I am over 60, so my motto is "Adventure before Dementia"

But theTVR was designed for the track, and I have upgraded the brakes and suspension, fitted a 9.5 litre baffled sump, freshened the engine, fitted a roll cage and full harnesses and run it on track tyres.

I seriously wouldn't track your pride and joy.

Two thoughts for you:

1. If you want to have a great day on track without risking your own car, hire a Caterham R300 from Book-a-track.com. It's not cheap, but they supply a proper track car, pay the track fee, fuel it and spanner it. Book it with a mate, share the cost and have fun.

2. If you can get a day or half day off work and fancy some passenger laps at a good race circuit not too far from God's Own County, email me through my profile and I will tell you more.

[vx220]

Do it, but VVC it first!!!

[gruffalo]

+1

I track my pride and joy, it is what she was made for and she loves it.

The idea of track days is to offer a place where you can enjoy your car safely, you do not have to go at 10 10ths and end up in the barriers or gravel.

[QBee]

gruffalo said:

+1

I track my pride and joy, it is what she was made for and she loves it.

The idea of track days is to offer a place where you can enjoy your car safely, you do not have to go at 10 10ths and end up in the barriers or gravel.

Both the previous two posters have cars that were designed for track use. Vx220 is obvious from his name, unless he has changed it, gruffalo's is a rather nice TVR Cerbera. And even track prepared cars break expensive stuff on track......don't they......Martin?

[upsidedownmark]

I reckon the more 'track prepared' the more likely it is to break something

Tracked several 'standard' cars, and never had an issue.

[corporalsparrow]

Go on. It's built for a purpose.

I track a 50 year old Alfa regularly. I drive it as hard as I possibly can but never come anywhere near a crash barrier. The odd thing breaks or needs attention but I'd much rather take it round Silverstone GP than sit there looking at it. It's no less valuable now then when I bought it. If I couldn't track it I'd sell it.

[sk1prat]

Your all right of course! Today is last day I can drive her legally as I VOR it for 6 months over the poo weather period so will begin works for track.

I'm going to fully polybush, strip, but keep all bits. Cage if I can find one cheap enough and she should be good to go next year!!!

[QBee]

This is what i like about PH - you ask a question, get a variety of opinions, nobody loses their rag, you are able to make an informed decision, and you do. Have fun!!

[vx220]

I don't think VVCing it will kill the value

No cutting, IIRC just a couple of extra wires for the ECU loom, Metropower has the answers