Decisions on best Targa car

[beeker]

We'll im out to decide what type of car i'll build as a Targa car. Have previously run an Ae86 which was great, until some monaro ran up the back of it and destroyed it. Next i was using a Integra DC2 R which is a great little track car, but just gives me the shits on targa with it power off overstreer, you just can rely on the rear end staying put.

Am thinking of going Altezza, yeah its slower, yeah its heavier, but it has predictable handling and you can come off the throttle at late notice and have confidence the rear ant gonna come around (Remember, when you arnt a professionaldriver driving every week, your reactions slow). Not so valuable for track, when when you are on targa and dont know the traction levels or how the corner will actually work out, you need confidence here.

So the questions, how relaible are the RS200's with 100k on the clock. Can you red line rev them all day without issues ? An comments on the on limit handling ? (expereinced people please). Any comments of other suitable cars ? I guess we're looking at a baseline $12K give or take, plus cage etc etc.

[Rick]

The Altezza will be expensive for body panels, lights etc... you should go for a more common and cheaper car like a AE111 levin, trueno. Have the motor rebuilt with silvertop rods and your are away. You could persuade me to sell my AE111 and I also have another AE111 shell, minus motor for spares....

[beeker]

After driving the ITR, FWD gives me the shits on targa events. RWD is more stable off throttle when you have over committed. Or at least that is my expereince todate.

[fangsport]

S14/15 Sylvia?
good power
good aftermarket support
plenty of spare panels or F/G panels

[Rick]

Do you still have your Levin kicking about?

[Mr Revhead]

After driving the ITR, FWD gives me the shits on targa events. RWD is more stable off throttle when you have over committed. Or at least that is my expereince todate.

i would say thats more a setup issue rather than an incurable FWD trait.

what about a WRX? you can get those for under 12k.

[Dell'Orto]

what about a WRX? you can get those for under 12k.

He probably wants to finish the targa without stopping for gearbox repairs

[Mr Revhead]

no sweat

ill hook him up with a nice 6 speed dog box

[beeker]

After driving the ITR, FWD gives me the shits on targa events. RWD is more stable off throttle when you have over committed. Or at least that is my expereince todate.

what about a WRX? you can get those for under 12k.

Not 100% sure on that. The more people i talk to about DC2 ITR, the more i hear the same thing, ie snappy rear end.

But what about my original questions ?

[B1NZ]

what about a WRX? you can get those for under 12k.

He probably wants to finish the targa without stopping for gearbox repairs

Watch it you

[Leon]

I'd suggest something with more power to start with than the Altezza. They're an amazingly heavy car for the engine.

I'd look at something like a Skyline rear drive (not four) turbo, and leave it fairly under stressed.

If you like the old school cars, maybe look at an R30 Skyline coupe?

[strx7]

find something which you can put a 2JZGE into. They'd be a great targa engine IMHO. Reliable as an ox, can take the punishment, broad power range, sound great blasting thru the country.

[Cahuna]

FWD oversteer tendencies can be tuned with the right suspension, although a car with short wheelbase (eg: Starlet) is always going to be snappier than one with a long wheelbase (eg: Corona). So maybe suspension work on the Integra might be the best way to go?

The Silvia would be good for cheap power, cars like a Soarer would be too big an heavy for a good portion of the Targa stages. Although, for giggles and shits, how about a Commodore or Falcon V8? Or something like a E36 BMW 325i or 328i? There are a couple (albeit autos) under $12k on Trade Me at the moment. The boss has a 318 with a V12, 6 speed box, cage and most fabrication completed sitting in his shed waiting for acid dip/paint/suspension/computer/assembly which he may be interested in selling for the right price.

Or if you miss your AE86 why not build another one?

[IH8TEC]

my mate has a rs200, my opinion is they have a tendency to just snap on you, and when they do, no amount of opposite lock will correct it. keep it just below the powerband if it's spinning and it's ok. but hey, just my opinion,

[Mr Revhead]

STOP SAYING RS200!!!

i get all excited!

a real RS200

[deaf_rattle]

STOP SAYING RS200!!!

i get all excited!

a real RS200

those things are awesome

[beeker]

STOP SAYING RS200!!!

i get all excited!

a real RS200

those things are awesome

did a 6km bent sprint in cambridge earlier this year, and J? the GVI guy brought his down to race. Naturally he beat me, but only just !! I end up 4th overall in the Integra.

[Al]

E36 M3. The 3 litre one. You would be looking at a higher km one though.

[sergei]

Re: RS200 (not toyota one), we have not yet managed to finish 1 proper event (not a club event, like 1.6k rally sprint). Last time gearbox decided to make funny noises. Before that propshaft decided to commit sepuku.

[strx7]

E36 M3. The 3 litre one. You would be looking at a higher km one though.

cheaper, same if not more power and more reliable = get a 325i and put a worked 2JZGE with individual TB's on it. Same sound, toyota reliability, ease of parts, what more could you want?