Alternative track cars.
Discussion
I was thinking the other night but potential track cars for the future and rather than the usual MX5/205/328, I thought why not look at something a bit more unusual.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1421518.htm
Strip it, cage it, track it.
Granted not most dynamic car but it would certainly be a bit different. Can be bought for almost throwaway money and would certainly be a hoot IMO

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1421518.htm
Strip it, cage it, track it.
Granted not most dynamic car but it would certainly be a bit different. Can be bought for almost throwaway money and would certainly be a hoot IMO

Edited by raf_gti on Monday 26th July 15:15
Edited by raf_gti on Monday 26th July 15:18
Heavy cars as an alternative for track cars?
Heavy on brakes, heavy on tyres, heavy on fuel. Hard to speed up, hard to slow down, hard to change direction.
While I like the look of that 8-series, it's for cantering across continents, not tear-assing around circuits.
There's a BMW 540i that I see from time to time at track days. It looks hugely entertaining, it appears to handle nicely and makes nice rumbly V8 noises. But the guy can't stay out on track too long because the brakes catch fire.
There's a reason why small, light and nimble cars are so popular for lappery.
Heavy on brakes, heavy on tyres, heavy on fuel. Hard to speed up, hard to slow down, hard to change direction.
While I like the look of that 8-series, it's for cantering across continents, not tear-assing around circuits.
There's a BMW 540i that I see from time to time at track days. It looks hugely entertaining, it appears to handle nicely and makes nice rumbly V8 noises. But the guy can't stay out on track too long because the brakes catch fire.
There's a reason why small, light and nimble cars are so popular for lappery.
raf_gti said:
I was thinking the other night but potential track cars for the future and rather than the usual MX5/205/328, I thought why not look at something a bit more unusual.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1421518.htm
Strip it, cage it, track it.
Granted not most dynamic car but it would certainly be a bit different. Can be bought for almost throwaway money and would certainly be a hoot IMO
While you can do anything to any car. That is big and heavy. I'm sure it can be made to go well on a track, lots of bigger heavier cars do. But if you are on a budget then tyres, breaks, bushes just about everything will wear faster and cost more to replace, including fuel.
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1421518.htm
Strip it, cage it, track it.
Granted not most dynamic car but it would certainly be a bit different. Can be bought for almost throwaway money and would certainly be a hoot IMO

Edited by raf_gti on Monday 26th July 15:15
Edited by raf_gti on Monday 26th July 15:18
Nice idea though

chevy-stu said:
Go for it.. anything rather than more 205's, Skylines, Golfs and 3-series cluttering up track days would be great... 
This is purely a 'just for fun' thread although I really do like the idea of something completely different as a track car, I have enough trouble with SWMBO without suggesting a V12 BMW to drive around in a circle til the brakes catch fire!
slipstream 1985 said:
worst idea iv seen on piston heads. 5k is throwaway money? and another god knows how much to make it trackable and then keep it going? better oart of 15k id say and at that money theres loads of other options.
Of course there is 
But this one is something a little bit different and whilst I couldn't afford 5k to throwaway I'm sure there are plenty of people who can.
Autobox. Great car but I couldn't be bothered heaving that round a track. £5k is also an awful lot for a car to track.
Running costs are the key. brakes and tyres will be obnoxious and you'll always worry about something going wrong. A VX220 will be so, so much cheaper to run/repair and give you far more smiles per mile.
For big bargy trackness an Omega or a 5 series is far better
Running costs are the key. brakes and tyres will be obnoxious and you'll always worry about something going wrong. A VX220 will be so, so much cheaper to run/repair and give you far more smiles per mile.
For big bargy trackness an Omega or a 5 series is far better
BMW E 34 M5's...the 3.6L versions are pretty fun on track. No expensive suspension issues, good balance, rear wheel drive, fast and not expensive regarding parts....along with a good supply of specialists for engine work....make for a great alternative track day weapon.
A Nissan 300 ZX or a Toyota Supra would also make for fun times on a track.
A Nissan 300 ZX or a Toyota Supra would also make for fun times on a track.
Now this is a post where a big American barge might actually have a place!
Grab something like a V8 manual 80s/90s Camaro and then strip and prep for track. It will be a very rare sight on track days, you'll have a good V8 noise but most importantly it won't weigh 1700kg and cost a fortune to fix/maintain.
Actually, most importantly, you can then come on PH and tell everyone how well your American car handles

Grab something like a V8 manual 80s/90s Camaro and then strip and prep for track. It will be a very rare sight on track days, you'll have a good V8 noise but most importantly it won't weigh 1700kg and cost a fortune to fix/maintain.
Actually, most importantly, you can then come on PH and tell everyone how well your American car handles


kambites said:
I think it would be quite entertaining to see how fast you can get something utterly unsuitable to go on the track. How about an old rear-engined Skoda?
Plenty have taken blown Volvo 240s on the track. To be honest, once you've stripped out all the guts, lots of cars can start to make sense. Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



