SOOOOOOO??????? What would you build??

[Rick D]

So I've been thinking about this for awhile now and wanted to know what your thoughts are.

I've been thinking about building a "budget" Auto/X track car. What would you start with for a car?

I'm not looking to build a new car, although that would be cool just to much for the org investment.

I have my 73 Camaro that would be cool but I think there might be a better (cheaper, better starting) platform to start with??

The key part to this is for me at least is "budget" something that could use as many OEM parts as possible, Vet brakes, wheels???

I keep going back to a 3rd gen Camaro or a Fox body Mustang??

What else??

[skooli]

If your Camaro is in decent shape, it would make a great budget auto crosser. Just get some stiffer shocks, maybe some sway bars, bigger brakes, better steering box, wheels and tires.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but the parts I just listed should keep you under 5g's. You probably won't be beating Mary Pozzi around the cones, but you'll have a fun little car.

If you're heart is steering towards another car, you can get 94-95 SN-95 Mustangs fairly cheap now too, and they are easily modded as they are still basically Fox Bodies wrapped in new sheet metal.

[Rod P]

So I've been thinking about this for awhile now and wanted to know what your thoughts are.

I've been thinking about building a "budget" Auto/X track car. What would you start with for a car?

I'm not looking to build a new car, although that would be cool just to much for the org investment.

I have my 73 Camaro that would be cool but I think there might be a better (cheaper, better starting) platform to start with??

The key part to this is for me at least is "budget" something that could use as many OEM parts as possible, Vet brakes, wheels???

I keep going back to a 3rd gen Camaro or a Fox body Mustang??

What else??

That second gen is your best bet....the front suspension geometry is good you could keep the stock arms, just put in some good springs (front and rear) subframe connectors, quick ratio steering box, adjustable shocks and sway bars....done

fox bodies are terrible in stock form...I just put one on the rack 3 weeks ago and the stock castor on that car was 2-3 degrees....in order to fix that will require a whole new autocross K-member with control arms (about 2500 bucks) and then subframe connectors, adjustable shocks and sway bars....done

[Jr]

2002 Corvette.

[Musclerodz]

What are you considering for a budget? Your second gen would be cool and you already own it, but C5 vette can be had cheap and you can head to the track with a new set of tires.

[XLexusTech]

WRX should be able to pick up a repairable at a wreckers pretty cheap

[Sieg]

You said budget............I say Miata.

[omiotek]

2.5rs coupe or a wrx sure. They can be had cheap and all wheel drive. Depends on your budget and already learned driving skill and the level you want to achieve. Depends if you want an car that's easy to go around comes or one that will do the job but requires some work. All your personal preference.

[rickpaw]

You said budget............I say Miata.

+1 for Miata. You can get early 90's Miatas for cheap, at least around here. Best of all, no rust repair.

[MaxHarvard]

+1 for Miata. You can get early 90's Miatas for cheap, at least around here. Best of all, no rust repair.

+2 (four characters more)

[Penny]

What are you considering for a budget? Your second gen would be cool and you already own it, but C5 vette can be had cheap and you can head to the track with a new set of tires.


Z06 model, you can't beat them for the bottom dollar.

[Sieg]

Z06 model, you can't beat them for the bottom dollar.

Z06's are great but they eat big tires, brake pads, fuel, etc. so the annual operating cost compared to a Miata is much higher......if it's tracked on a regular basis.

I know firsthand that a well set up Miata with a good driver can be downright annoying.

I also watched a guy embarrass more than a few people at the local sanctioned autox this summer in a.............Prius. :wacko:

[omiotek]

Watched a guy in a suburban smoke a bunch of know it all corvette owners that think they are the best drivers due to owning a vette at the track once...... Good laugh for sure.

[Sandbagger]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/333roderick/001-17.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/333roderick/media/001-17.jpg.html)

Plenty of these around .

[Penny]

Z06's are great but they eat big tires, brake pads, fuel, etc. so the annual operating cost compared to a Miata is much higher......if it's tracked on a regular basis.

I know firsthand that a well set up Miata with a good driver can be downright annoying.

I also watched a guy embarrass more than a few people at the local sanctioned autox this summer in a.............Prius. :wacko:

C5 Z06 to clarify. Brakes are cheap, parts available at every auto parts store, and they're fun to drive

[Vince@Meanstreets]

just build the 2nd gen already.....you can do another one after you sell it. :D

they are great platforms to autox

[Rick D]

If your Camaro is in decent shape, it would make a great budget auto crosser. Just get some stiffer shocks, maybe some sway bars, bigger brakes, better steering box, wheels and tires.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but the parts I just listed should keep you under 5g's. You probably won't be beating Mary Pozzi around the cones, but you'll have a fun little car.

If you're heart is steering towards another car, you can get 94-95 SN-95 Mustangs fairly cheap now too, and they are easily modded as they are still basically Fox Bodies wrapped in new sheet metal.

i hate the 94 up Mustangs, just never liked the look. But yes you can defiantly get them cheap!

That second gen is your best bet....the front suspension geometry is good you could keep the stock arms, just put in some good springs (front and rear) subframe connectors, quick ratio steering box, adjustable shocks and sway bars....done

fox bodies are terrible in stock form...I just put one on the rack 3 weeks ago and the stock castor on that car was 2-3 degrees....in order to fix that will require a whole new autocross K-member with control arms (about 2500 bucks) and then subframe connectors, adjustable shocks and sway bars....done

I get what your saying Rodney about the 2nd gen. I'm just looking for some ideas on something "cheap and fun"? I didn't know the Fox body was so bad, I had a very fast one years ago but I didn't take turns in it :D

2002 Corvette.

I've looked at some C5's but either they are junk or I get the "it's a Corvette" :headscratch:

What are you considering for a budget? Your second gen would be cool and you already own it, but C5 vette can be had cheap and you can head to the track with a new set of tires.

Mike as far as budget I was thinking in the $6-7K range?? Which most likely either puts me in the Miata group listed above or just get the 2nd gen working nicely??

[Rick D]

WRX should be able to pick up a repairable at a wreckers pretty cheap

2.5rs coupe or a wrx sure. They can be had cheap and all wheel drive. Depends on your budget and already learned driving skill and the level you want to achieve. Depends if you want an car that's easy to go around comes or one that will do the job but requires some work. All your personal preference.

I thought of doing a Subbie but the cost if you have any breakage could get out of hand quickly. I have a friend that is into them, he just races the **** out of it, then when the warranty is up he just takes off his upgrades and trades it in for a new one :relax: not a bad way to get in cheap but I HATE car payments :hairpullout:

[Rick D]

You said budget............I say Miata.

+1 for Miata. You can get early 90's Miatas for cheap, at least around here. Best of all, no rust repair.

+2 (four characters more)

Ok I'm liking this idea more and more, and wow cheap is an understatement!! I was looking on CL and there's one not far from me for $1800 and it runs and drives. Good tires are CHEAP in that size for sure and the aftermarket support is really nice if you want to step up your game with one of these.

[Rick D]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/333roderick/001-17.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/333roderick/media/001-17.jpg.html)

Plenty of these around .

C5 Z06 to clarify. Brakes are cheap, parts available at every auto parts store, and they're fun to drive

Again the biggest issue with a C4 or C5 is the price of admission!! Cheap yes you can find them cheap but then it will cost a lot more to get it track ready. And again you have the guys that own them that think "It's a Corvette" :rolleyes:

But the C4-C5 are not off the table yet!!

[Rick D]

just build the 2nd gen already.....you can do another one after you sell it. :D

they are great platforms to autox

Yup I know but you know my issue with it :D :hello:

[Rick D]

Now this looks like a lot of fun!!! Yes way more then cheap but WOW it would be a fun car to mess with on the weekends!!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4768076592.html

[Sandbagger]

I have been tracking the C4 for 4 years now . Almost all of it on the original 140,000 mile motor . Usually in the top 3 overall at Midwestern Council events .
Love the looks I get when passing cars that cost seven times as much . I know of three C4s for sale with all the good stuff already done 6-15 k range .

[MarkM66]

4th gen Camaro/Firebird.

Cheap and already come with a LS/T56 :D . So easily upgradable.

[Rick D]

4th gen Camaro/Firebird.

Cheap and already come with a LS/T56 :D . So easily upgradable.

Holly crap, you aren't kidding wow I just found 4 of them all 2000-2002,not one of them is asking over $6K!!

[Sandbagger]

4th gen Camaro/Firebird.

Cheap and already come with a LS/T56 :D . So easily upgradable.

The Guy that wins A modified has a 2000 LS T56 . Hes been on top for about 5 years now .

[Sieg]

Now this looks like a lot of fun!!! Yes way more then cheap but WOW it would be a fun car to mess with on the weekends!!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4768076592.html

Well if that's the way you're going to play.........

http://www.palatov.com/cars/d4.html

Or second the mortgage and knock yourself out:

http://www.palatov.com/cars/d4pps.html

:welcome3:

[Che70velle]

Rick, I thought I saw a few months back that you were going to start a ZCar project, and sell the camaro?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Now this looks like a lot of fun!!! Yes way more then cheap but WOW it would be a fun car to mess with on the weekends!!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/4768076592.html

haa haaaa ok, who's gonna break it to Rick how much it cost to race and maintain a track car. I've been way to mucho debbie downer for this thread.




Yup I know but you know my issue with it

buddy, we got enough brain cells and spare part to fix anything.

[Sieg]

haa haaaa ok, who's gonna break it to Rick how much it cost to race and maintain a track car. I've been way to mucho debbie downer for this thread.

Yo Rick...........the car is the cheap part!

[strtcar]

Look at 350z's they aren't too expensive.

[strtcar]

Also Rick, I follow "Windy City Miata Club" on facebook, and someone posted this awhile back, I'll ping him and see if the shell is for sale still.

*Rust free 91 NA shell with Clean title - $400
good for race/drift build - rear fenders cut for flares, stock seat humps removed, includes gutted doors with mirrors, hood with pins, rear bumper, steering column, pedals, gas tank. No lights, wiring, drivetrain, suspension, or any other body panels besides whats listed. Swap your rusty project to this chassis and win. Looking to have gone this weekend, get it before the yard does.

[strtcar]

Rick, i talked to the guy, it's still for sale, he is asking $400 w/title, here are pics, he said "This is the shell when I got it. It is painted green now, with silver interior and engine bay. Doors, hood, and rear bumper are on it. Dash is gone, as are subframes and suspension"

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z236/strtcar/10833612_10152654932437408_1361371061_n_zpsd02ec04 0.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/strtcar/media/10833612_10152654932437408_1361371061_n_zpsd02ec04 0.jpg.html)

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z236/strtcar/10818805_10152654933567408_1267579774_n_zps79dbd2b 1.jpg (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/strtcar/media/10818805_10152654933567408_1267579774_n_zps79dbd2b 1.jpg.html)

[Rick D]

:whistling: :whistling: :whistling: :whistling: :mock: :smiley_smack: :G-Dub: :poke: pm sent Rich!!:waveflag: :D

[Vegas69]

Instead of going Miata, you can use a Miata chassis in an exocet. I know a local guy that just bought one and they are at the top of the field in raw time.

Me, I like the idea of a C5 Z06 and bubble gum.

[DBasher]

Might be a better start on this one.....

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/4748999981.html

[Vince@Meanstreets]

That's a better one.

But I must have missed the part where Ricks girl needed a track car?

[clill]

Some of our Shelby club guys run Miatas. For brakes they go to Autozone etc and get pads, calipers and rotors for about 350.00. Now that is cheap compared to the rest.

[Cris@JCG]

350Z's Are a very inexpensive to track on a budget.. This is the car I learned how to auto-x in & yesterday I was @ Streets of Willow getting back to basics on my driving on the road course.. Plus they offer a LS Conversion kit!

This is how I would put them in a catagory..

1) Miata
2) 350Z
3) Honda S2000
4) C5 Corvette

I have driven all of these.. C5 is the best bang for the buck for buck IMO..

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_4171_zps1213fcac.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/IMG_4171_zps1213fcac.jpg.html)




Look at 350z's they aren't too expensive.

[GregWeld]

Some of our Shelby club guys run Miatas. For brakes they go to Autozone etc and get pads, calipers and rotors for about 350.00. Now that is cheap compared to the rest.




Agree --- and driven "well" they're plenty fast.

[71RS/SS396]

Miatas are fast on the auto-x..... on a road course not so much. You will get owned by anything with power. I drove one at Road Atlanta and the straights were painful. I was at VIR yesterday for a trackday and the resident driving instructor was in my run group in his Miata..... I lapped him in a 20 minute session.
They are great handling cars with excellent stock brakes but need more power to be fast on a road course.... now one with an aluminum 5.3 or LS1 would be a hoot.

[Rick D]

Miatas are fast on the auto-x..... on a road course not so much. You will get owned by anything with power. I drove one at Road Atlanta and the straights were painful. I was at VIR yesterday for a trackday and the resident driving instructor was in my run group in his Miata..... I lapped him in a 20 minute session.
They are great handling cars with excellent stock brakes but need more power to be fast on a road course.... now one with an aluminum 5.3 or LS1 would be a hoot.

Well Tim I think you have been looking at my search history as I've been looking at aluminum 5.3s and LS1 motors as well!! :popcorn2: :D

[Sieg]

Here ya go: http://www.racingjunk.com/NASA-Spec-Miata/182328444/Freshly-built-and-competitive-99-Spec-Miata.html?imageIndex=3&showSuperSize=true

Trailer too! http://www.racingjunk.com/NASA-Spec-Miata/182186274/1997-Spec-Miata.html

Then you'll be able to afford and haul that Bosch dishwasher you've always wanted. :whistling:

[GregWeld]

Miatas are fast on the auto-x..... on a road course not so much. You will get owned by anything with power. I drove one at Road Atlanta and the straights were painful. I was at VIR yesterday for a trackday and the resident driving instructor was in my run group in his Miata..... I lapped him in a 20 minute session.
They are great handling cars with excellent stock brakes but need more power to be fast on a road course.... now one with an aluminum 5.3 or LS1 would be a hoot.



Tim,

Missed you at SEMA and Scottsdale BTW...

The word "BUDGET" comes with a price..... Being lapped by more expensive cars might be one of those costs. LOL

[ironworks]

I think this topic is going to come up more and more in the future. The Pro-Touring racing events are doing what I have always thought they would do and created a divide with the guys who want to try some events to just say they did and give the guys who have racing in their blood fuel to ignite the fire. The it comes down to how competitive can you afford to be for e a given class. And do you still want to try and be competitive in a vintage car. Just like the thread about classes for the USCA.

In the phase this industry or series is in, a guy really needs to define his purpose. There is a world of differences from just going to track days and not being concerned with how competitive you are. And trying to build a car that is goes pretty well and having a competitive car that is fast for what ever group you want to race.

Alot of guys are building very expensive, race cars that really don't have any where to truely race the car unlike if you a had a Miata or Camaro / Mustang Challenge car.

A Miata is not that slow in a field or Miatas. For me it doesnt matter what I race as long as the field is competitive and equal. I like the USCA format of just going out and running what you have for fun, but I also loved racing locally at my dirt track in a lower division just for the seat time. A spec Miata car in a SCCA spec miata class is pretty affordable and gives you a place to race almost any weekend.

Practice Practice Practice.

[Flash68]

I keep going back to a 3rd gen Camaro or a Fox body Mustang??



You nailed it right there. The Fox is probably the best bang out there and they made, what, like 14.8 million of those things? :headspin:

Go on NASAforums, Racingjunk, CL, ebay and you can pick up stockish to ready to race Foxes in the 4 figures and low 5 figures. Find one ready to go in American Iron and go race the next weekend, assuming you have credentials.

Agree with Rodg in the evolution of PT cars/owners turning racy.... most people saw this coming... how could you not? :)

The way I see it is you either:

* stay true to PT and building/keep something streetable with your one car

* can afford 2 cars -- a true PT car and a dedicated race car

* screw PT and go with the race car because you're Cole Trickle, goddangit

* don't give a hoot what anyone says and build whatever you want and let the chips fall where they may

[ironworks]

Agree with Rodg in the evolution of PT cars/owners turning racy.... most people saw this coming... how could you not? :)



The people who spent 30k on a paint job that is too nice to really use the car. Or the guy who put 100 plus lbs of Dynamat insulation only to realize 100lbs is alot of extra weight. The guys who put a super high dollar interior in the car that only had provisons for lap belts.

I have seen this alot. Heck the level of the bar has changed before some guys could even complete their build.

[Rick D]

Here ya go: http://www.racingjunk.com/NASA-Spec-Miata/182328444/Freshly-built-and-competitive-99-Spec-Miata.html?imageIndex=3&showSuperSize=true

ok this one ^^^ is literally the next town over from me!! :thumbsup:
Trailer too! http://www.racingjunk.com/NASA-Spec-Miata/182186274/1997-Spec-Miata.html



Then you'll be able to afford and haul that Bosch dishwasher you've always wanted. :whistling:

As for your dishwasher comments here and FB I'll have you know that I already replaced the dishwasher two years ago :action-smiley-027: :twak: :poke: :headspin:

[Rick D]

Tim,

Missed you at SEMA and Scottsdale BTW...

The word "BUDGET" comes with a price..... Being lapped by more expensive cars might be one of those costs. LOL

Ding Ding Ding!!! :thumbsup: that's what I'm looking at, I just want to have fun with something that I don't have $25-45-65-100K invested in as a race car.

That's the whole point of a budget race car!! Sure there is up keep cost and racing cost I get that for sure, but with something like a Miata or ??? I can get in trailer or drive it to the track, parking lot and have fun for the day/weekend.

I'm not looking to go out and try to "win" anything sure if I can get into a class that is evenly matched then that would be fun for sure.

I just want to have some fun once or twice a month and if I brake it no biggie if it sits for a month or two who cares!!

I really like the idea of the Miata because of the price of admission but I'm sure it feels really slow compared to a Camaro or Mustand running the same track. We'll see what I end up doing but I think I have a good idea of what I looking for right now :knokwood: :headscratch:

Now I need to see what's close by as far as what I can race what in, I don't what to get something only to find I have to go two states away to race it :disgusted:

[Rick D]

I think this topic is going to come up more and more in the future. The Pro-Touring racing events are doing what I have always thought they would do and created a divide with the guys who want to try some events to just say they did and give the guys who have racing in their blood fuel to ignite the fire. The it comes down to how competitive can you afford to be for e a given class. And do you still want to try and be competitive in a vintage car. Just like the thread about classes for the USCA.

In the phase this industry or series is in, a guy really needs to define his purpose. There is a world of differences from just going to track days and not being concerned with how competitive you are. And trying to build a car that is goes pretty well and having a competitive car that is fast for what ever group you want to race.

Alot of guys are building very expensive, race cars that really don't have any where to truely race the car unlike if you a had a Miata or Camaro / Mustang Challenge car.

A Miata is not that slow in a field or Miatas. For me it doesnt matter what I race as long as the field is competitive and equal. I like the USCA format of just going out and running what you have for fun, but I also loved racing locally at my dirt track in a lower division just for the seat time. A spec Miata car in a SCCA spec miata class is pretty affordable and gives you a place to race almost any weekend.

Practice Practice Practice.

The people who spent 30k on a paint job that is too nice to really use the car. Or the guy who put 100 plus lbs of Dynamat insulation only to realize 100lbs is alot of extra weight. The guys who put a super high dollar interior in the car that only had provisons for lap belts.

I have seen this alot. Heck the level of the bar has changed before some guys could even complete their build.

Yes yes yes!! Well said Rodger, I'm looking at just having fun and not have 100 point show car or $100K+ PT car that I get all crazy when I get a chip on it or someone looks wrong at it!!

I just want to have fun a few weekends a years and not care about the winning and losing just fun!!

[Rick D]

See my responses in blue!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

You nailed it right there. The Fox is probably the best bang out there and they made, what, like 14.8 million of those things? :headspin:

Go on NASAforums, Racingjunk, CL, ebay and you can pick up stockish to ready to race Foxes in the 4 figures and low 5 figures. Find one ready to go in American Iron and go race the next weekend, assuming you have credentials.

Agree with Rodg in the evolution of PT cars/owners turning racy.... most people saw this coming... how could you not? :)

The way I see it is you either:

* stay true to PT and building/keep something streetable with your one car
yes but I really don't have a lot of time during the week to drive a street car
* can afford 2 cars -- a true PT car and a dedicated race car
Maybe but not sure I want both right now see above^^
* screw PT and go with the race car because you're Cole Trickle , goddangit
well that might be true but racing is rubbin and fun!!

* don't give a hoot what anyone says and build whatever you want and let the chips fall where they may
there you go DG I like that one the best!!! :guns:

[65 347]

Rick
The Miata route wont be too bad, for where we live there is plenty of auto cross areas. For tracks you can go to Blackhawk or Gingerman is not far, you have to stay away from Road America, unless you have lots of HP you will be in for a long day (found out the hard way)

Just remember the faster you go, the more that breaks and the more it cost.

Mike

[Rick D]

Rick
The Miata route wont be too bad, for where we live there is plenty of auto cross areas. For tracks you can go to Blackhawk or Gingerman is not far, you have to stay away from Road America, unless you have lots of HP you will be in for a long day (found out the hard way)

Just remember the faster you go, the more that breaks and the more it cost.

Mike

Yup Mike, we just need to get Marty off the bike on the weekends and go have some fun at the tracks!!! :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Ok so I did a lot of looking over the last few days and have come up with somewhat of a plan :underchair: :disgusted: :headspin: :popcorn2:

Lots of cheap budget mined Miatas and Mustangs out there and 4th gen Camaros WOW!!!

Then I went back to my 73 Camaro and started to think about it again:getout:

The biggest reason I didn't want to use the Camaro is I'm into it for good chunk of cash to start "but" there's always a "but"!!

I have it so what the heck, I'm going to schedule a talk with Ron Sutton and see what he has to say!!:D :trophy-1302:

[71RS/SS396]

Tim,

Missed you at SEMA and Scottsdale BTW...

The word "BUDGET" comes with a price..... Being lapped by more expensive cars might be one of those costs. LOL

Seeing everyone is the only thing I regret about not heading west this year but I just needed a break from everything and wasn't up to traveling this year.

[GregWeld]

Rick --- Sutton is the best "part" I ever bought. Dead serious. I've spent an awful lot of money on cars over the years -- but this guy delivers real results real fast.

Smartest move you'll ever make on this or any other car.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Build that Second Gen Rick! Upgrades..more upgrades....upgrades!

I love the quote that Popp told me one time.. "Seat time trumps all car mods..."
(it was something like that of some sort.)

Obviously there are some things that you would need to have on the car to make it work. But upgrade as you go based on what money and time allows.

:thumbsup:

[syborg tt]

Then I went back to my 73 Camaro and started to think about it again:getout:

Maybe we should just build a car together and then I don't have to store it in my garage

and good luck getting me off the bike

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Build that Second Gen Rick! Upgrades..more upgrades....upgrades!

I love the quote that Popp told me one time.. "Seat time trumps all car mods..."
(it was something like that of some sort.)

Obviously there are some things that you would need to have on the car to make it work. But upgrade as you go based on what money and time allows.

:thumbsup:

There you go!! with a little help from friends you can get it going.

Build your own link suspension, its only welding and bolting stuff on... in the right places that is.

Put the real money in engine and coil overs.

Once your car is somewhat running and in one piece then start thinking if you can use a track car or not.

[WSSix]

You're starting with a shell of a second gen. You don't need an interior. You can always add it later. You don't need paint or especially good paint that you're fearful of harming. Your front suspension design is pretty good from the factory and is made better with minor changes or more involved changes like coil overs. Which I didn't find difficult to install honestly. The rear suspension can stay with leaf springs to keep costs down, but since you're a shell, now is the time to build the rear suspension. Brakes are plentiful and easy though not cheap to do right. Rims can be $600 BMW rims which are a very high quality design. You can even build the 10 bolt for cheap. I'm probably preaching to the choir but my point is, just go for it.


BTW, my thoughts and desires always wonder to other projects. I always come back to the TA for the simple reason that any time or money I would spend elsewhere I could spend on the TA to get it done.

Good luck, Rick

[Neil B]

I raced the NASA CMC series for years with a Fox body Mustang. It's the most fun I've had in the hobby. You can't go wrong with a 3rd Gen Camaro or a Fox Mustang for road course fun. The Mustangs need springs, shocks, bushings, camber plates, and brakes but they run hard with those changes. Don't worry about the motor, 200-300 horsepower is PLENTY until you really know what you're doing (trust me). If you have a little more to spend, then go C5 Corvette. As others have said, the track days can be relatively affordable. But once you go wheel to wheel competitive road racing, the cost of the car is the least of your worries. I see where USCA is going and I just don't understand why you would risk a big budget PT car when you can run an inexpensive late model under the same rules. Given equal driver skills, you just can't outrun modern engineering with a classic.

[syborg tt]

Here this should be some inspiration for that Camaro build

https://theblock.com/news/ronnie-newman-s-1978-chevrolet-nova-block-feature-car

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-01.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-02.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-05.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-14.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-20.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-09.jpg

https://theblock.com/sites/default/files/styles/inline_article/public/photos/The-BLOCK-Featurecar-Newman-Nova-10.jpg

[WSSix]

That's the most badass 78 Nova I've ever seen! Thanks for sharing Marty

[Vince@Meanstreets]

....if Ricky Bobby had a daily driver.:gitrdun:

[Flash68]

....if Ricky Bobby had a daily driver.:gitrdun:

You mean his dad. :sieg:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

You mean his dad. :sieg:
wasn't he a junior making Dad senior?

[DBasher]

Is that really a bow tie pillow in the trunk....man you Chevy guys are weird!:peepwall:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

no, its a go bag. A pillow would be super strange.

[glassman]

If I remember correctly, its a "jack" bag. But it does contain the fingers of dead Mustang drivers LOL....(just to be p.c., i love mustangs)