newbie - what car to buy and mods for $10k

[bradnr]

2 questions - 1) what car to buy and what mods 2) what does it take to be competitive in the different classes?

 

I am looking into a '94 - '97 miata with a big turbo, roll bar, seat and harness. I have seen a lot of folks on the forum recommending old BMW 325i and some friends have recommended Evo's. If my budget is $10k for the car (not including tires, race fees, etc), what are your recommendations?

 

In the past, I had a stock '02 Vette Z06 on street tires. I won rookie of the year in the SPOKES autox club and did several HPDE events at Texas World Speedway (best time 2:04 on 2.9miles 14 turn course). I would have done more racing except it was my daily driver. I loved going 140mph+ on the long straight away as well as the g-forces in the turns. I have considered spec miata, but I think it would be too slow (I outran them with my Z06 on street tires). With my new car I intend to do some autox, a lot of TT and perhaps some wheel to wheel racing. Also, I do not enjoy spending lots of time working on the car; I'm not a mechanic.

 

So that being said, what is the recommendation for a car and mods that can be competitive in its class given my need for speed? Any recommendations for helpful websites?

[cosm3os]

If you want to go WTW, I'd recommend a spec car. You can TT it too. There is a real push to grow the 944 race classes. Contact Sterling Doc on these boards for more info about it here in the midwest.

 

Otherwise your question is pretty broad. You should probably narrow down to a car, and then plan mods to optimize it for whatever you wanna do.

[Dave Bongiovanni]

Buy a used race car. TT is showing that caged race cars have a significant advantage over street cars.

 

German cars generally have a higher operating cost than Japanese/American cars.

 

If you have to drive it to and from the track, you may want to stick with something that doesn't require radical alignment for track work.

[FocusTed]

My thoughts are along the same lines as Kyle. Get a Spec Race Car. but, for 10K can you say Spec Focus???

 

http://specfocus.drivenasa.com/about.htm

[kbrew8991]

I'd also look into SCCA ITA or ITB racers for sale, might find some interesting stuff there

[bradnr]

Thanks to everyone for your help. After talking to several others, I purchased a low mileage 1997 miata wiht coil overs and enhanced sway bars. Now, what other mods do I want???

[RodeoFlyer]

1.remove radiator cap

2. back up car

3. pull fox body stang forward

4. re-install radiator cap

5. done - now it's perfect

 

The TT rules are tricky - be careful or you will be classed into oblivion.

[Renntag]

2 questions - 1) what car to buy and what mods

I guess you already purchased a car. this is moot.

 

2) what does it take to be competitive in the different classes?

Get lots of seat time and learn to drive consistently fast.

 

.... If my budget is $10k for the car... what are your recommendations?

If you want to race then get a used spec car that has already been sorted.

Miata, CMC, E-30, 944, Focus, Honda Challenge.

With these classes you will struggle to keep up with the fast guys unless you are a natural hot shoe. Lots to be learned here.

Also there is less maintenance and greater reliability than with a modded car you are suggesting.

 

.... I have considered spec miata, but I think it would be too slow (I outran them with my Z06 on street tires).

Honestly, if you bring a gun to a knife fight you are going to win. Learning to win with the knife is the challenge.

Try spec miata the challenge may invigorate you.

 

 

I do not enjoy spending lots of time working on the car; I'm not a mechanic.

Then cut your budget in half and put that aside for service. In the meantime, try to find a shop that will help you out as a sponsor and keep your car alive. You also might not want to track a heavily modded car as they require alot of attention.

 

 

 

So that being said, what is the recommendation for a car and mods that can be competitive in its class given my need for speed? Any recommendations for helpful websites?

Try 944 Supercup if you like the extra speed. If you dont have a good Porsche shop near you, you might want to try CMC and get an SN95 Mustang GT. Reliable and easy to repair. TONS and TONS of parts available. Good power and LOTS of competition.

 

Spec Miata gives you the option to run in SCCA as well, but you have to accept that it has very little power.

 

Its a tough decision, I know, but once you are actually racing wheel to wheel, you wont care WHAT you are driving.

 

Best of luck.