Shared trackday cars - Logistics?
Discussion
nurseholliday said:
If you're going to cry about £500, then trackdays aren't the right hobby for you.
Sohlman said:
Just do it.
My thoughts encapsulated, thank you.I'll update the thread post-viewing this evening. If the car is in decent nick, a shopping trip for 'bits' is on the cards. My favourite!
Well, it looks like we're a goer. Found a car that has had the majority of the work done already, but needs a few bits to finish off. It's located about 90 miles away from where we're storing the car, most of which is on the M25 - time to get chasing up some transport companies via Shiply for moving quotes.
Had one already for ~£100, which seems very reasonable.
Will update once it's been dropped off at the garage for a once-over, and we will see what work needs doing before we can get our first airfield day booked in.
Had one already for ~£100, which seems very reasonable.
Will update once it's been dropped off at the garage for a once-over, and we will see what work needs doing before we can get our first airfield day booked in.
C70R said:
Well, it looks like we're a goer. Found a car that has had the majority of the work done already, but needs a few bits to finish off. It's located about 90 miles away from where we're storing the car, most of which is on the M25 - time to get chasing up some transport companies via Shiply for moving quotes.
Had one already for ~£100, which seems very reasonable.
Will update once it's been dropped off at the garage for a once-over, and we will see what work needs doing before we can get our first airfield day booked in.
Hopefully it will not be like a 90% completed kit car where the last '10%' takes 90% of the time and money Had one already for ~£100, which seems very reasonable.
Will update once it's been dropped off at the garage for a once-over, and we will see what work needs doing before we can get our first airfield day booked in.
I had a car moved about 40 miles and the best Shiply bid came out at £35 so you should get some better prices than £100.
Enjoy
Toltec said:
Hopefully it will not be like a 90% completed kit car where the last '10%' takes 90% of the time and money
I had a car moved about 40 miles and the best Shiply bid came out at £35 so you should get some better prices than £100.
Enjoy
Thanks kindly! At the price we paid, there's plenty of cash in the kitty to make it reliable. It was either a case of buying a pre-modded car and making it good, or buying a good car and making it trackable.I had a car moved about 40 miles and the best Shiply bid came out at £35 so you should get some better prices than £100.
Enjoy
Not wanting to sound like a ninny but my 'cheap' track toy (which I've chucked thousands into, but will only be worth pennies still) is taking so long to build, and is such bloody hard work, I'm invested more from an emotional stand point than I am either my nice comfy BM daily or two seater weekender!
If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
Boring_Chris said:
Not wanting to sound like a ninny but my 'cheap' track toy (which I've chucked thousands into, but will only be worth pennies still) is taking so long to build, and is such bloody hard work, I'm invested more from an emotional stand point than I am either my nice comfy BM daily or two seater weekender!
If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
Possibly, yes. It's a case of scope-creep, I suppose.If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
We're all clear that this is a project that we should be able to get a few days out of for £500 each (plus cost of attending etc.). That's an amount that we're all happy to write off, and that wouldn't cause any huge consternation or loss of friendship.
It's not really something that will occupy me unduly, to be honest.
Boring_Chris said:
Not wanting to sound like a ninny but my 'cheap' track toy (which I've chucked thousands into, but will only be worth pennies still) is taking so long to build, and is such bloody hard work, I'm invested more from an emotional stand point than I am either my nice comfy BM daily or two seater weekender!
If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
no, you're spot on!If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
when i bought my cheap, ratty track-prepped car the red paint was so oxidised it was more white than red. But it had much of the work already done - roll bar, buckets, stripped, exhaust. So of course i personalised it with light wheels, adjustable suspension, bracing, best fluids etc.
Now it's the most important car in the fleet..
Not for everyone though. i bought the car off 3 guys (related, brother and bil) who did the work and a few trackdays but it wasn't for them once the scratch was itched.
C70R said:
Boring_Chris said:
Not wanting to sound like a ninny but my 'cheap' track toy (which I've chucked thousands into, but will only be worth pennies still) is taking so long to build, and is such bloody hard work, I'm invested more from an emotional stand point than I am either my nice comfy BM daily or two seater weekender!
If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
Possibly, yes. It's a case of scope-creep, I suppose.If I write off either of those... Meh. Insurance premium goes up. If I write off that 'tatty' track car... I would actually cry my eyes out!
Am I alone here?!
We're all clear that this is a project that we should be able to get a few days out of for £500 each (plus cost of attending etc.). That's an amount that we're all happy to write off, and that wouldn't cause any huge consternation or loss of friendship.
It's not really something that will occupy me unduly, to be honest.
CABC said:
i bought my cheap, ratty track-prepped car ... i personalised it with light wheels, adjustable suspension, bracing, best fluids
Classic scope-creep. We're quite clear that this is a 'fix and make-do' kind of car, and we'd rather upgrade the base than spend any more money (beyond fixing broken bits and servicing).C70R said:
CABC said:
i bought my cheap, ratty track-prepped car ... i personalised it with light wheels, adjustable suspension, bracing, best fluids
Classic scope-creep. We're quite clear that this is a 'fix and make-do' kind of car, and we'd rather upgrade the base than spend any more money (beyond fixing broken bits and servicing).I only wanted to upgrade the brakes. Callipers wouldn't fit under std wheels... bought bigger wheels. Semi slicks fit the new wheels... bought the slicks. And the brakes. Fitted, great but... too sticky for A, the std seat (I'd fall out of it mid corner!) and B; the std suspension (body roll was horrific). Bought a seat and adjustable suspension... Oh, it needs a new rear axle, too. Axle comes out, exhaust is f
ked. New full exhaust. And axle. And a harness for the bucket seat. Needs harness points... so I strip EVERYTHING (takes ages - filthy work, too) reveals the floor is full of terrors. Also; can't run a bucket seat without a cage! Cage is ordered... floor is welded... suspension is fitted... front top mounts are fked... chassis leg is in terrible order. New axle is being a diva. Dashboard is in bits after cage is fitted / welded...Seriously, if I stack this car, I'll be in bits. Emotionally!!! Hahaha.
C70R said:
Haha! You've just demonstrated perfectly what I mean.
Our car will be getting standard discs and uprated pads, and some decent road tyres on the front. The limiting factor in our case will be the bit between the steering wheel and the seat, not the car's spec.
Perfectly sensible toe in the water approach. The driver is always the most upgradeable part.Our car will be getting standard discs and uprated pads, and some decent road tyres on the front. The limiting factor in our case will be the bit between the steering wheel and the seat, not the car's spec.
It can be addictive though!
As with any pastime, if it grows on you then you upgrade.
I've really enjoyed my journey and development of the car and myself. All cars are 'platforms', and are rarely perfect (for you) out the box. It's very rewarding to feel the difference in individual upgrades, more so than just buying a perfect car out of the box.
Boring_Chris said:
C70R said:
CABC said:
i bought my cheap, ratty track-prepped car ... i personalised it with light wheels, adjustable suspension, bracing, best fluids
Classic scope-creep. We're quite clear that this is a 'fix and make-do' kind of car, and we'd rather upgrade the base than spend any more money (beyond fixing broken bits and servicing).I only wanted to upgrade the brakes. Callipers wouldn't fit under std wheels... bought bigger wheels. Semi slicks fit the new wheels... bought the slicks. And the brakes. Fitted, great but... too sticky for A, the std seat (I'd fall out of it mid corner!) and B; the std suspension (body roll was horrific). Bought a seat and adjustable suspension... Oh, it needs a new rear axle, too. Axle comes out, exhaust is f
ked. New full exhaust. And axle. And a harness for the bucket seat. Needs harness points... so I strip EVERYTHING (takes ages - filthy work, too) reveals the floor is full of terrors. Also; can't run a bucket seat without a cage! Cage is ordered... floor is welded... suspension is fitted... front top mounts are fked... chassis leg is in terrible order. New axle is being a diva. Dashboard is in bits after cage is fitted / welded...Seriously, if I stack this car, I'll be in bits. Emotionally!!! Hahaha.
Just a quick update to say that I picked up the car (a prepped 206 GTi) and drove it 70 miles to drop it with our tame mechanic for an inspection. Shopping list is building already, depending on what the inspection uncovers, and we're hoping to get out in the next few weeks.
I'll get some photos up when I have a bit more time - perhaps even to keep the thread updated with our experience.
PS - the naysayers will be pleased to hear that I've submitted a pro forma invoice for train and petrol costs
I'll get some photos up when I have a bit more time - perhaps even to keep the thread updated with our experience.
PS - the naysayers will be pleased to hear that I've submitted a pro forma invoice for train and petrol costs
Well, the prognosis from the mechanic is very good. A set of rear pads and a new CV boot, and she's ready to go!
Here is the little lady in question (photos from the Ebay ad), who now looks like an absolute bargain.
Plans from here are:
- Oil service
- Brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads and braided lines
- OMP steering wheel (nice and dished to bring it closer to the driver)
- Sticky trackday rubber for the front (replacing the Linglongs)
- Helmets
- Short-shifter (or new gear linkage, or both)
Here is the little lady in question (photos from the Ebay ad), who now looks like an absolute bargain.
Plans from here are:
- Oil service
- Brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads and braided lines
- OMP steering wheel (nice and dished to bring it closer to the driver)
- Sticky trackday rubber for the front (replacing the Linglongs)
- Helmets
- Short-shifter (or new gear linkage, or both)
Me and a good friend did this a while back, and it worked well for us. All costs split in two.
We bought a Suzuki Swift GTi for £600, and did 3 track days before the MOT ran out.
As I said it worked for us, but I think you'd need to be good mates (and make the assumption something will break, that probably won't be your fault!)
We bought a Suzuki Swift GTi for £600, and did 3 track days before the MOT ran out.
As I said it worked for us, but I think you'd need to be good mates (and make the assumption something will break, that probably won't be your fault!)
Looks great, enjoy it! Sounds like a sensible few options to get you started rather than getting carried away before actually driving on track too...
The one thing I would say is that it's definitely worth getting sticky rubber all round. I was at Llandow in my Clio 182 earlier in the year and had to use R888 semi slicks on the front and T1R road tyres on the back due to an offset issue and the fact semi slicks are wider than the same size of road tyre. It was predictably tail happy for the most part but did step out aggressively after a while due to the rears overheating first and the front still hanging on well. I now use R888R's all round and as well as being very sticky, they're not directional so easier so rotate between corners to get the most out of them.
Not sure what size the wheels are but if they're bigger than 15 and you can get a set of 15's over the brakes, you could pay for the wheels in tyre savings from just the first set! Most Clios on track run 195/50/15 despite the standard size being 205/45/16.
The one thing I would say is that it's definitely worth getting sticky rubber all round. I was at Llandow in my Clio 182 earlier in the year and had to use R888 semi slicks on the front and T1R road tyres on the back due to an offset issue and the fact semi slicks are wider than the same size of road tyre. It was predictably tail happy for the most part but did step out aggressively after a while due to the rears overheating first and the front still hanging on well. I now use R888R's all round and as well as being very sticky, they're not directional so easier so rotate between corners to get the most out of them.
Not sure what size the wheels are but if they're bigger than 15 and you can get a set of 15's over the brakes, you could pay for the wheels in tyre savings from just the first set! Most Clios on track run 195/50/15 despite the standard size being 205/45/16.
Bare in mind if you go down the sticky rubber route, you are putting extra strain on parts of the car which weren't designed to cope with the loads. I've seen toe links and suspension give up on cars before now which were fitted with sticky rubber, and when they go it's usually in a fast corner which never ends well.
Also if you go all the way and fit slicks you will need a full cage before several TDOs will allow you on track.
In summary - I wouldn't rush to fit sticky rubber or slicks before updgrading the rest of the car to cope, and I wouldn't upgrade the rest of the car to cope until you have actually done a few trackdays and had some tution - you will get far more value spending your cash on tuition than any upgrade you fit to the car.
Looks like you are going to have fun either way!
Also if you go all the way and fit slicks you will need a full cage before several TDOs will allow you on track.
In summary - I wouldn't rush to fit sticky rubber or slicks before updgrading the rest of the car to cope, and I wouldn't upgrade the rest of the car to cope until you have actually done a few trackdays and had some tution - you will get far more value spending your cash on tuition than any upgrade you fit to the car.
Looks like you are going to have fun either way!
mattdaniels said:
Bare in mind if you go down the sticky rubber route, you are putting extra strain on parts of the car which weren't designed to cope with the loads. I've seen toe links and suspension give up on cars before now which were fitted with sticky rubber, and when they go it's usually in a fast corner which never ends well.
Also if you go all the way and fit slicks you will need a full cage before several TDOs will allow you on track.
In summary - I wouldn't rush to fit sticky rubber or slicks before updgrading the rest of the car to cope, and I wouldn't upgrade the rest of the car to cope until you have actually done a few trackdays and had some tution - you will get far more value spending your cash on tuition than any upgrade you fit to the car.
Looks like you are going to have fun either way!
Thanks for the input.Also if you go all the way and fit slicks you will need a full cage before several TDOs will allow you on track.
In summary - I wouldn't rush to fit sticky rubber or slicks before updgrading the rest of the car to cope, and I wouldn't upgrade the rest of the car to cope until you have actually done a few trackdays and had some tution - you will get far more value spending your cash on tuition than any upgrade you fit to the car.
Looks like you are going to have fun either way!
We've picked up some R1Rs for the front end, as they are infinitely better than the worn Chinese tat on there at the moment. We'll bear your advice in mind, but I'd feel particularly unlucky to crash as the result of trackday-tyre-caused component failure!
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