Sub £4k Track Car

[brianb]

Due to a change in curcumstances my idea of getting a Westfield is out of the window so I'm looking for a track only car with up to £4k to spend,

It must be fast out of the box, I've previously had a turbo'd 172cup (230bhp) and whilst it was fun, it was never what I would call "fast"

So far I've been looking towards a s2000 and a classic impreza sti3 (mx5's are out due to being too slow) the s2000 seems to tick most boxes however I'm not so sure "fast" would be the best description, it is however more in the way of what I'm looking for, ( classic layout, lower COG, purpose built sports car)

The sti appeals due to out and out speed and grip, tuneability is also good, it's not exactly lardy but it's no featherweight either but whatever I end up going with will be stripped to within an inch of its life anyway

My only other criteria is that it must not be crippeling to run, I would love nothing more than to save a little more and go with an e46 m3 however whilst I'll be doing the basic mechanics myself, the upkeep is just too much

Any input to either car would be great as would anything obvious I'm missing out

[GravelBen]

An early Impreza Sti-RA is 1200kg standard, so lighter than the S2000 - I'm sure you could strip one down to 1100kg or so easily enough.

Nothing over 1000kg is ever really going to be cheap to run on track though to be honest, especially if its fast.

Personally I've had just as much fun on track in slow cars as I have in fast ones. Who cares about lap times, its not a race just playtime.

Edited by GravelBen on Friday 1st November 08:31

[james_gt3rs]

RX8 and some spare money for when the engine lets go?

[Mashedpotatoes]

Xk8 are in that sort of price range now. Stiffen up the suspension and that could be fun.

[dapearson]

MX-5 all day long. Fit a turbo kit, roll over bar, gaz suspension. Job-jobbed.

[barryrs]

The 306 GTi6 makes a cracking track car by all accounts and for less than £4k you could get a supercharged one - http://www.306gti6.com/forum/showthread.php?id=157...

[brianb]

james_gt3rs said:

RX8 and some spare money for when the engine lets go?

We had one which my misses ran as a daily for 6yrs, it was fun just not quick enough to be a plaything

Whilst I do agree you can have fun in slower cars it's not really what I'm after

[ewenm]

Anything where you can strip out a load of the weight (interior, NVH deadening, etc), so something with a decent engine that can then go on a serious diet.

[Lawbags]

Ek civic with a B18 engine?

[james_gt3rs]

brianb said:

Whilst I do agree you can have fun in slower cars it's not really what I'm after

I think you need to spend some more money then!

[ewenm]

james_gt3rs said:

brianb said:

Whilst I do agree you can have fun in slower cars it's not really what I'm after

I think you need to spend some more money then!

Exactly - Fast and cheap can be achieved but usually only by putting in lots of work yourself to make it light and fast (and valuing your time as zero-cost).

[anonymous-user]

Fast, cheap, reliable. Pick any two of three.

[brianb]

james_gt3rs said:

I think you need to spend some more money then!

Try telling my misses that!! Trying to squeeze £4k past her for a toy is just about viable,

Any more specific advice about the two cars I'm considering?

[ewenm]

brianb said:

Any more specific advice about the two cars I'm considering?

Either of the cars (suitably lightened) will be fine. Do you prefer a revvy screamer or a turbo-shove? Do you like working the gears to keep the car in the sweet spot of the engine or do you like to ride a wave of torque. I've found before that anyone used to the low-down torque of a turbo (if the daily is a TDi for example) can think a car that needs to be revved hard to get the best from it is "slow" because they don't change their driving style to use the full rev range.

Down to what you prefer really.

[chris7676]

If a 230bhp 1 tonne Clio wasn't fast enough for you, then you won't get far with your budget, not to mention the running costs.

[VonSenger]

Cat D VX220 then tinker over the winter. Lots about that need some fibreglass work.

Best track car Ive ever owned.

[VeeFource]

I've heard often that S2000's have big end issues once over 100k, dunno if that's a problem for you but it's put me off!

I'd have thought an Impreza would also incur bigger fuel bills given the four wheel drive (which isn't generally as fun as rear wheel drive for most people) and that blown flat four.

I second the MX5 for ultimate thrills per pound, or a stripped out E36 BM.

[Dr Interceptor]

If it was me, I'd be stretching my budget slightly, and buying one that was ready to go.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/motorsport/...

Although that probably won't be fast enough for you.

Seriously, if a 1 ton Clio with 230bhp isn't quick enough, the next step is 300bhp/ton, and that's a whole new level of complication.

[brianb]

Vx220 would be ideal however even cat'd seem to demand good money,

As I said earlier whatever I go with will be a dedicated track car, trailer 'd to events so fuel and daily running costs are pritty I irrelevant,

I'm sure I wouldn't take too much to get a classic sti down towards 1100kgs even less maby?

[ewenm]

For me 4WD would be less appealing than RWD on a track car. I don't want my track car so competent and grippy that I have to be really silly to get it sliding around - I'm not that good a driver!