Reliable track/toy car

[deaf_rattle]

If you were wanting a reliable turn key race car what would you buy?

I have been thinking today that now that im stuck paying a mortgage for the next wee while, that maybe i can slowly build up a race car of sorts.

it doesnt need to be hard out and capable of taking first place.

But a good basis for a slow build up.

I did think that the ae92 fxgt i have would make a good start with maybe a decent 7age.

But what are peoples thoughts?

basically a car that can be slowly prepped. easy on the coin and fun to drive.

doesnt need to be street legal, just able to pass scuitineering.

most importantly, needs to be reliable.

cheers

[Lloyd]

Any particular class/budget/track restrictions you are planning on?

Angry little Starlet would be a bit of fun, depends entirely on what you want to use it for and how much you want to spend though

[Distrb]

What sort of events do you want to do?

Gravelsprint?
Rally?
Sealed Sprint?
Track Work?

Or do you want a good allrounder that you can enter any event your heart so desires?

[deaf_rattle]

probably abit of an all rounder. gravel would be fun. but i think id probably kill myself on the stuff.

havent really looked into classes etc.

but probably wouldnt be wanting to be racing every weekend or something.

more of an occasional event type of thing

like open track days or something

cheers

[postfach]

Go for something with a big aftermarket parts base, consider all things, like suspension and brakes, not just engine parts, because if you ever want to upgrade those items it can be hard to find things.

If you go for something with lots of parts available, it will end up cheaper for you in the end.

For example: I could have bought a skyline/silvia, something along those lines, but I bought my soarer. I've since found aftermarket goodies are far and few between and a lot of stuff I've ended up having to get custom made, and in some cases (like my arms) that has proved extremely expensive.

I've never looked at getting parts for corollas or anything like that but they seem like a relatively inexpensive platform to start from.

If you wanted to do some gravel stuff, something like this might be good to consider (sure it goes against my previous suggestions but hey, it's cool)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 31.htm?p=1
Not that expensive, 4WD, turbo, I reckon it would be heaps of fun!

[Distrb]

i reckon building on your ae92 you already have wouldnt be a bad idea. Parts are readily available if you happen to punt it or happen to break something. Heck even if you wanted to upgrade

an ecu, possibly uprating your brake pads, some suspension tweaks (not sure what suspension you currently have), and a seat with a harness you can clip in and out at a whim.

that could get you having alot of fun for not alot a stupid amount of $$

[Leon]

Starlet Turbo

[DRFTIN]

Starlet Turbo

only reason for choosing a fxgt over the starlet is getting into the 1600 class

[strx7]

If you wanted to do some gravel stuff, something like this might be good to consider (sure it goes against my previous suggestions but hey, it's cool)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 31.htm?p=1
Not that expensive, 4WD, turbo, I reckon it would be heaps of fun!

one of the KEY things to consider is........ If you should bend it, you want to be able to source parts easily and cheaply. So steer as well clear of something like that Alto on TM. The chances of finding parts for something like that are sooooooo SLIM.

[Leon]

Starlet Turbo

only reason for choosing a fxgt over the starlet is getting into the 1600 class

Totally true.

But I've seen depressingly quick times out of a couple of Starlets over the years (before they got seriously modifed DexGT!!!).

[blackie]

But I've seen depressingly quick times out of a couple of Starlets over the years (before they got seriously modifed DexGT!!!).

There was that starly GT that did really well in NZPC superlap, embaressed heaps of more powerful cars if i recall

[pc]

If going to the track a bit and wanting to keep it cheap I think a DOHC VTEC would be a good engine in a common Honda shell... probably a B16. Fun to drive and will last forever.
If AutoXing, Leon is doing well in his starlet, and I think they are cheap.

[barryogen]

indeed, something 1.6/1.8 Honda would be where I would go, cheap ish to buy, cheap ish to modify, and parts are plentiful ish.

[blackie]

yep, stripped and caged crx or civic, with b18c

[Mr Revhead]

the ae92 you have already would be a damn good start....
they owned their class in Group A.... parts galore for them
and every man and his dog has done it before so theres heaps of info out there.

[deaf_rattle]

ok, lets say i stick with the fxgt.

how much roughly for a box and lsd that will handle the jandle.

Stick with a silvertop? or build up a 7age?

coil overs needed? or just decent shock/spring combo


what about brake upgrades? ae101 superstrut set up the way to go?

it would be easier to stick withs omething toyota.

i guess i have the fxgt already, so less out lay there.

[Mr Revhead]

the box in there is fine
look at a TRD/KAAZ/QUAIFE LSD for $900-1300

suspension:
maybe make some coil overs using TRD or Koni shocks and coil over springs

s/s brakes DBA slotted rotors

replace the suspension bushes with nolathane/superpro

tweak the motor accordig to budget, starting with link imo.

[Stealer Of Souls]

Stick with the silvertop. If you blow it up you can replace the motor for as little as $200.
At that price you could blow one up every six months and still not go broke.

[Mr Revhead]

oh and whiteline sway bar!

if you do it right theres no reason you should blow one up!

[Caveman]

starlet hands down, cage, harnesses, 2e, lsd. probably no more than $5000.

1300cc is the most competetive and fun class!