Track car build

[Remedys]

So, since moving to Edmonton for work I have become very involved in tracking my car and now I am looking at going down the path of building a specific track car. I am looking at this for two reasons, the risk of hurting the porsche is too high and safety. Building a track car with a full cage and R spec tires seems like the best idea. I am trying to get ideas for what would make a good track car, I have looked at few Nissan 180s, RHD RX7s, WRXs and a E36 M3, but all have had a lot of problems or the condition of the car compared to the price was nuts. So far the leader is a 2006 Mini Cooper S. It has higher kms, but they are pretty cheap to replace engines and transmissions if needed down the road. I am just wondering if anybody has any other creative ideas for a car I could turn into a track car, looking for a base car that would be $6K or less.

Here is the extreme side of what the Mini could become

[PRY4SNO]

Re: Track car build

Just a question, do you have much track time up to this point? If not, going straight to R-comps may not be the best idea; the extra grip can mask habits that aren't conducive to top lap times.

At any rate, a B5A4 could offer a decent starting point for a track car. Cheap. Plentiful. Huge aftermarket and parts still on the shelf. Many options for engines: built 1.8t, 07k, 2.7t, vr6, 3.6/4.2... take your pick. An 01E drops right in. Oh, and quattro.

[JVD]

Re: Track car build

Girlfriend has an 06 MCS... and every time I drive I think "man I'd love to turn this thing into a track car."

It's just so much fun even at stock power level.

My B5 feels like a barge in comparison.

[PRY4SNO]

Re: Track car build

034 seemed to do pretty well with both of their iterations on a B5 at the ET Tuner shootouts

[JVD]

Re: Track car build

Lol. Pretty mild builds too I bet...

[PRY4SNO]

Re: Track car build

Touche.

My point was that all their development parts are now available for a reasonable cost. $1-2k into a car and $4-5k in parts can get a guy an awesome, locked down chassis and drivetrain that is solid for track abuse.

And it's not fwd.

[Remedys]

Re: Track car build

Just a question, do you have much track time up to this point? If not, going straight to R-comps may not be the best idea; the extra grip can mask habits that aren't conducive to top lap times.

I do have a lot of time on the track, I am still not 100% on R compound for just that reason, but at minimum a very aggressive tire that would suck in the rain will be on it.

[RSS]

Re: Track car build

Why not pic up a spec miata for cheaper and go actual racing I can guarantee you you will have about 43 times more fun racing than lapping.

[Remedys]

Re: Track car build

There is a race series here in Edmonton that I will be able to race this car in. Lapping will be a primary focus, but there would will be racing in the furture.
A big part of this too is I am looking for a great car that my wife will enjoy lapping as well as she is just getting into track driving as well.

[RSS]

Re: Track car build

Are you talking NASCC races?

[Remedys]

Re: Track car build

So the next step on the track car build is ready, and by next I really mean the first. I found what I was looking for and will bring it home on Wednesday. This is my new to me Mini Cooper S. It is a first generation supercharged model, and I was lucky to find one that did not have a sunroof.

Sorry for the really bad pictures, will update when I get it home.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Track car build

Congrats!!

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: Track car build

Sweet Phil!


Sent from my perch atop Mount Olympus