Are these Vloggers just a scam? SOL or Shmee etc? (Vol 2)
Discussion
I need some advice, so here's a question for all.
This year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
This year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
Shmee said:
Anyway, funny story, he started car YouTubing off the back of me filming a video with his S63 Coupe back when I spent summer 2014 in LA. We'd been chatting on Facebook since he just had a C63 in the garage!
Is there a car YouTuber you haven't inspired on starting a channel?! 
jon- said:
I need some advice, so here's a question for all.
This year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
MR2 won’t do anything for the channel. E92 will do great sounds which is good for YT plus lots of slidey action. Exige would be perfect but top of budget. This year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
Maybe an S2 Elise instead?
GT86 for £10k, then spend £5k on a turbo/supercharger build?
jon- said:
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
I'm going to approach this as 'Shmee', not as 'Tim' and suggest based on doing this purely and exclusively for YouTube and ignoring any personal interest element or other factors but based on what will get you the views on the channel.First thing, forget the Lotus. Nothing personal, they are great cars, but the global audience and interest in them is tiny relative to other manufacturers and the car won't travel far in search results and algorithms.
Next I would remove the MR2 because I think it won't grab attention in the same way as the others, but I could be wrong on that one, tough to tell in advance.
Leaving the Cayman and M3, this is a tough balance but ultimately there isn't as much interest in Porsche products as BMW products relative to the amount of content that is created. You wouldn't believe how much Porsche stuff is out there but the eyeballs aren't proportionally that high, so BMW all the way.
When you talk about stripping the e92 M3, yes that carries a cost but you've also opened up a content line preparing the car for the videos to come. That's where I'd put my money - if you were doing this *just* based on what will do well on YouTube.
Edited by Shmee on Monday 18th February 12:51
Thanks Beef / Tim, really appreciated!
Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
I am biased for the MR2 but that's because I own a modified '91 SW20 which I track. There's been a couple of MR2 related channels on YouTube, some get good views (Sarah n' Tuned) others don't get a lot (Geek of the Road). K20 powered MR2's seem to get the most views, especially 1320's videos on the K20 turbo drag racing everything.
For YouTube views the E92 will probably get the most interest.
Not RWD but I would also chuck in the idea something like a Civic Type R/Integra as they're really popular track cars so the number of views could be quite decent.
For YouTube views the E92 will probably get the most interest.
Not RWD but I would also chuck in the idea something like a Civic Type R/Integra as they're really popular track cars so the number of views could be quite decent.
Edited by Craig_89 on Monday 18th February 13:11
I think regardless of the car you should set a target / event to hit. Like the Guy Martin with his speed records.
This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
CooperS said:
I think regardless of the car you should set a target / event to hit. Like the Guy Martin with his speed records.
This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
Take a "stock" M3, and set a lap time somewhere, anywhere, with the aim to take 10 or 20% off that time with various mods and upgrades,track tuition etc, so to see what has most impact on the time.This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
bones33 said:
As much as I do like the banter on this thread and it is one of my fav reads on PH I do think we are starting to get too personal here peeps, how they make purchases of cars and stuff is not really something I am interested in or would like to comment on. I would like to think we could all get back to posting instructive information on this thread that is more interesting to read than the last few pages.
Bringing it back on track:
Tim did you see the Stradman interview was nice to see him talk about how you inspired him into youtube and his early vids where based around your style. Was really nice to see how honest he was on his style and how far he has come.
Tim have you ever done a similar interview'esk video about you? I know I would like to see it if you have not.
Bringing it back on track:
Tim did you see the Stradman interview was nice to see him talk about how you inspired him into youtube and his early vids where based around your style. Was really nice to see how honest he was on his style and how far he has come.
Tim have you ever done a similar interview'esk video about you? I know I would like to see it if you have not.
- Checks thread title..*
Yep (yep yep), I'd say the working out how people buy their cars is pretty accurate, and it's the discussions of people's channels and asking them about their content is actually off topic, but you know, PH
jon- said:
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
This isn't a negative for the viewer at all as you have the perfect benchmark car to compare against!Looking forward to this, we are doing the same series with considerably less budget and a Clio 172 Cup, its a lot of fun!
S11Steve said:
CooperS said:
I think regardless of the car you should set a target / event to hit. Like the Guy Martin with his speed records.
This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
Take a "stock" M3, and set a lap time somewhere, anywhere, with the aim to take 10 or 20% off that time with various mods and upgrades,track tuition etc, so to see what has most impact on the time.This well worn road of incremental videos - strip, tack on car bits, talk about the tacked on bits, drive it, talk a bit more is so over done.
But setting out a journey with an aspirational and attainable car like the M3 would be good viewing imo.
I should be able to get access to MIRA dry handling, and while it's not the best track in the world, it is a consistent track, no traffic, and I'll be allowed to time which is a big plus over most series of this nature.
the carthrottle series were great, but the track they use is a short 37 second lap so not ideal for showing differences.
If only filming at MIRA wasn't so bloody expensive!
jon- said:
Thanks Beef / Tim, really appreciated!
Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
You could look to do a K20 swap yourself as a precursor to the track aero stuff? Having myself bought and sold S2 Exiges around the late-teens it seems a bit bonkers to then spend mid-20s on a NA car only to then modify it and lose its originality given these have risen quite a few grand in recent years presumably the lower mile/more original/less owners the better for that to be maintained. Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
Not sure how many Elises and Exiges you have driven but the 190 NA Exige is not really any quicker than most Elises either - you really need a SC for it to give it the right level of pace for anything other than the tighter UK circuits, IMHO. Many will no doubt argue otherwise but in a similar vein a well-driven standard Elise is then not far off the heels.
GT86 - well the same would probably apply.
I am not a great fan of the E92 M3 and found it far less fun from the E46 M3, but perhaps track builds of these have been covered already and decent ones are again now rising fast? I have to say I still have a fancy for one.
Cayman coul dbe a good shout. To sort of build a cheap but track focused mini GT4 using an earlier car?
Big fan of the MR2 Turbos too but agree that perhaps less broad an audience on YouTube for that sort of car. Similarly guessing the Mi16 engined 205's are a bit of the nostalgic era rather than the YouTube main crowd.
I appreciate your own channel and special interest is more specialist but guess the numbers game is all about as bling as you can get. You'd probably find a MR2T with a Ferrari kit built on it and being able to do a lap around Harrods with stares and a decent lap time around Bedford would pander to the masses in the general want.
jon- said:
I like the idea of having a goal, gives a reason for people to come back and has worked very well for carthrottle in the past.
I should be able to get access to MIRA dry handling, and while it's not the best track in the world, it is a consistent track, no traffic, and I'll be allowed to time which is a big plus over most series of this nature.
the carthrottle series were great, but the track they use is a short 37 second lap so not ideal for showing differences.
If only filming at MIRA wasn't so bloody expensive!
My mates just building a v8 gt86 but keeps saying he wants to sell, bloody nice it is and sounds well, just needs finishing by himI should be able to get access to MIRA dry handling, and while it's not the best track in the world, it is a consistent track, no traffic, and I'll be allowed to time which is a big plus over most series of this nature.
the carthrottle series were great, but the track they use is a short 37 second lap so not ideal for showing differences.
If only filming at MIRA wasn't so bloody expensive!
Shmee said:
I don't know if I've done something to upset him, but I certainly hope not.
Anyway, funny story, he started car YouTubing off the back of me filming a video with his S63 Coupe back when I spent summer 2014 in LA. We'd been chatting on Facebook since he just had a C63 in the garage!
It's no suprise he's got the hump with you somehow. He really seems to have go lost the plot over the past year or so.Anyway, funny story, he started car YouTubing off the back of me filming a video with his S63 Coupe back when I spent summer 2014 in LA. We'd been chatting on Facebook since he just had a C63 in the garage!
His channel used to produce some genuinely great content (specifically his Hyper 5 & Bangin Gears series) but he's gone far too erratic emotionally now. As a TV/Film producer you would have thought he'd be one of the best out there at creating engaging content but nowadays he just seems to moan about car companies and test drive a few cars he's managed to borrow from dealerships for half an hour.
It seems he wants the respect and perks from the manufacturers but doesn't want to play the game. A road TGE seems to also be going down.
Shnozz said:
You could look to do a K20 swap yourself as a precursor to the track aero stuff? Having myself bought and sold S2 Exiges around the late-teens it seems a bit bonkers to then spend mid-20s on a NA car only to then modify it and lose its originality given these have risen quite a few grand in recent years presumably the lower mile/more original/less owners the better for that to be maintained.
You can't seem to get an S2 Exige for under 20k these days, they all seem mid 20s at the moment, with the SC versions late 20s early 30s!Shnozz said:
I appreciate your own channel and special interest is more specialist but guess the numbers game is all about as bling as you can get. You'd probably find a MR2T with a Ferrari kit built on it and being able to do a lap around Harrods with stares and a decent lap time around Bedford would pander to the masses in the general want.
Edited by jon- on Monday 18th February 15:05
jon- said:
I need some advice, so here's a question for all.
This year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
'Battlecar' Mustang or other modern American muscle carThis year I plan to buy a car for track work to make some track day specific videos, such as track day tyre testing, "does a massive wing really make a difference?", suspension setup, tyre pressure tuning etc.
Obvious requirements are RWD, and at least some power. Budget up to around £25k, but the less the better.
Current short list are.
1) £25k S2 Lotus Exige. Pros - it's a lotus exige and will look great on the channel, cons - it's at the top of the budget and limited tyre size choices, can't fit spare wheels in it
2) £12k 987 Porsche Cayman - Pros - it's a cayman so well balanced - cons, it will most likely explode (but savings will offset), it looks pretty dated, can't fit spare wheels in it
3) £12k e92 M3 and strip it - Pros - that V8, well balanced car, can fit a second set of wheels in it, should be reliable, can test 17-20 inch tyres - cons, even stripped you can't get them much under 1,400kgs, I will trash any value in it stripping it
4) £7k SW20 MR2 Turbo - Pros - had one before, wicked fast, reasonable wheel range (16 to 18 inches) - cons - look pretty chavvy
Thoughts? Anything else I've missed?
Track car = just track,
Jacked up suspension = option to rallye, rally cross etc
Everyone loves American Muscle
jon- said:
Shnozz said:
You could look to do a K20 swap yourself as a precursor to the track aero stuff? Having myself bought and sold S2 Exiges around the late-teens it seems a bit bonkers to then spend mid-20s on a NA car only to then modify it and lose its originality given these have risen quite a few grand in recent years presumably the lower mile/more original/less owners the better for that to be maintained.
You can't seem to get an S2 Exige for under 20k these days, they all seem mid 20s at the moment, with the SC versions late 20s early 30s!Don't get me wrong, I adored my Exige but I don't think its a £25k car and certainly needs more push in the back than an NA car.
jon- said:
Thanks Beef / Tim, really appreciated!
Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
Good time to get yourself into an E46 M3 and they remain incredibly popular. Track mods and parts are readily available and not quite as expensive as E92 stuff. There is a very, very slight chance there may be some bias in the previous remark. Beef - S2 Elise was considered but they don't really have enough poke. I am going to look at a K20 Exige (Honda Civic Type R engine) but that's £30k and I'm pushing myself. GT86 for £10k isn't a bad shout, I'll look into these. Would definitely need engine mods.
Tim - Thank you, you've perfectly encompased my internal arguement at the moment. I WANT the Exige, but I know the BMW would do better. Plus, if I buy a ropy £12k car and the engine does go pop, I can use another £10k to do something special (E60 M5 V10 engine anyone?) which would be interesting content.
The only negativity is that I already own an E92 M3 which was on the channel a few years ago, but it's in too good condition to be used on track.
It is the most relevant car of the four for tyre testing too.
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