Newbe Questions

[swift996]

Hey guys, just wanted to get a little insiders info on the HC racing.

 

I currently have a street car which I track (Porsche 911) but am eager to pick up something cheaper that I can track around without the financial worries. I've owned several Honda street cars and have performed swaps before, so I'm in touch when it comes to set-up's etc.

 

Just wondering your opinions on someone looking to get into entry-level road-racing. I like Honda's because they are inexpensive and reliable. Does that transfer well to the track?

 

Any advice would be nice, sorry I know this is broad, but just looking for some initial feedback and guidance form people into it. I'd probably look to buy something used that already is spec'd to race.

[Andrie]

Hey guys, just wanted to get a little insiders info on the HC racing.

 

I currently have a street car which I track (Porsche 911) but am eager to pick up something cheaper that I can track around without the financial worries. I've owned several Honda street cars and have performed swaps before, so I'm in touch when it comes to set-up's etc.

 

Just wondering your opinions on someone looking to get into entry-level road-racing. I like Honda's because they are inexpensive and reliable. Does that transfer well to the track?

 

Any advice would be nice, sorry I know this is broad, but just looking for some initial feedback and guidance form people into it. I'd probably look to buy something used that already is spec'd to race.

 

The engine, in stock form is one of the most reliable engine. That being said, there are stuff you need to change to make the engine more reliable. Like oil pan baffle or accusump.

 

Once you start building the engine for more power, it becomes less reliable. The reliability is invertly proportionate with power and rpm. If you find a good engine builder that have done road racing for quite a while, like RedZone Performance, you will have a reliable engine. Assuming you heed to all their recommendation.

 

Where are you located?

[swift996]

I'm in the DC area.

 

Is there an online resource/catalog for general Honda road-racing supplies/equipment? Any other tips/pointers or recommendations on the best way to get started would be greatly appreciated.

 

I've done some autocross with Honda guys before and see them from time to time out at the track, but must of the Honda guys in my area are into street/drag racing. So majority of the shops/engine builders are slapping huge turbo's on them. A lot of it is crap work too, I don't know if it's a function of the car owners going cheap, but a lot of set-ups are complete garbage with ebay filling their engine bay and chassis. I'm guessing it would be easiest to get involved in more of a street/minor modification class (H2?).

 

I'd love rear wheel drive, but Honda's are a lot of fun to drive and are relatively cheap and provide the best reliability of all the cars I've played with. The 911 is costing me too much in tires/breaks and regular maintenance...plus I drive it on the street a lot. Looking to have something dedicated to track/road-racing. Wouldn't hurt if I could legally run it up and down the street.

 

Thanks for the feedback thus far.

[slammed_93_hatch]

what class are you wanting to/planning on running in?

 

If you are looking for H1, then there is a car that sounds like it might be what you are looking for.

 

The Honda S2000, is RWD and the motor must be 100% OEM internally.

 

RWD+honda=reliable, cheap(er), and fun.

 

There are a few really good honda shops in your area. There isn't really a source online for what you are looking for but asking questions on the forum is a great way to find everything you need.

 

I am pretty sure Kevin Helms from Hondaworks is right around your area, he run H1 on the EC.

[swift996]

what class are you wanting to/planning on running in?

 

If you are looking for H1, then there is a car that sounds like it might be what you are looking for.

 

The Honda S2000, is RWD and the motor must be 100% OEM internally.

 

RWD+honda=reliable, cheap(er), and fun.

 

There are a few really good honda shops in your area. There isn't really a source online for what you are looking for but asking questions on the forum is a great way to find everything you need.

 

I am pretty sure Kevin Helms from Hondaworks is right around your area, he run H1 on the EC.

 

I really love the Integra's chassis. I sold mine about 6 months ago. I was planning on tracking it, but it had too many improper mods from the previous owner that just made me sell it quick, rather than tear it all apart.

 

I've test drove numerous S2000's many times, I really would love to drive one with a good suspension and wheel/tire combo. I considered buying one for a street car, but chose the RX-8 over it. I had several RX-7's in the past, and really loved the handling of the RX-8. My main complaint with the S2000 (in stock form) is actually the handling. While it does hold in turns and is very nimble, I didn't like how touchy the steering was. The combination of that and the rear seat far back (almost at the rear axle) didn't give me the confidence other sports cars gave me. Again, that might change with a better set-up. I've driven some with engine/FI mods, and the owners didn't take the time to put something wide out back and stiffen up the chassis/suspension. I do think my opinion would change if I drove one done up right for road racing. I'd have to look that route. I was more considering Honda's because I was thinking a Civic or Integra would be a cheaper car to buy.

 

I'm not sure what class I'd be looking to compete in. I think I need to get out to an event and see what it's all about. I'm pretty flexible at this point because my knowledge is rather limited. Ive been reading through the rules though.

[Andrie]

I'm in the DC area.

 

Is there an online resource/catalog for general Honda road-racing supplies/equipment? Any other tips/pointers or recommendations on the best way to get started would be greatly appreciated.

 

Not really. Like you said, majority are into drag racing.

 

I've done some autocross with Honda guys before and see them from time to time out at the track, but must of the Honda guys in my area are into street/drag racing. So majority of the shops/engine builders are slapping huge turbo's on them. A lot of it is crap work too, I don't know if it's a function of the car owners going cheap, but a lot of set-ups are complete garbage with ebay filling their engine bay and chassis. I'm guessing it would be easiest to get involved in more of a street/minor modification class (H2?).

 

It is a function of car owners are mostly youngster with limited funds and experience.

H2 is swap motor class. It is pretty easy for Honda buff, but can be frustrating for non Honda buff due to the fact that the parts might be from various donor.

 

H4 will be the class that mostly stock.

 

H1, with the exception of S2K and K series are the heavily modified class.

 

 

I'd love rear wheel drive, but Honda's are a lot of fun to drive and are relatively cheap and provide the best reliability of all the cars I've played with. The 911 is costing me too much in tires/breaks and regular maintenance...plus I drive it on the street a lot. Looking to have something dedicated to track/road-racing. Wouldn't hurt if I could legally run it up and down the street.

 

Thanks for the feedback thus far.

 

Honda are a lot of fun to drive, regardless if it is FWD or RWD. The S2K is a good candidate if you want to stick with RWD. However, due to limited resource, I would suggest for you to go with typical FWD, like Integra or Civic. For non Honda buff or guys with limited resource, the Integra and Civic are easier to be competitive. This is due to abundant parts available and lots of setup are already well known.

[swift996]

Thanks for the feedback, yeah I just want something that is easy to be competitive with. I want to go beyond street, would love a swapped power plant, but could get by without. Basically just inexpensive and easy to compete. I don't want to jump right into a class where people have a ton of money to throw into their cars. I see it more of a weekend hobby/entry-level competition for me. I love road racing, but I'm not about to compete with my 911 street car (too new and too much $$$).

 

Seems like H2-H4 would be best. I'm pretty up with swaps but probably have a lot to learn.

 

I remember Spoon Motorsports use to be in road racing. Is there a leader in the sport? Or is it more learn as you go/ trial and error? I know most of the Honda community focuses on drag racing, so there isn't the same resources into road racing. Which might be a good thing...

[EJO]

There are currently two H1 S2000's for sale on the east coast, both of which are set up very well and are very fast.

Kelsey Smith is in Ohio about 1/2 from Mid-Ohio. He is selling his S2000 for $14,500.

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=24913

http://www.racingjunk.com/category/1078/NASA_Honda_Challenge/post/1464882/2001-S2000-Race-Ready-Price-Drop-14-500.html

 

Scot Bruner is in Carlisle, PA and is selling his S2000 for the same price.

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=27817