Modified cars, how far is too far?

[Zak]

How far does a car have to be modified before it's no longer a car as such and becomes a track only car?

My car for instance has no sound deadner, coil overs and no interior, I think it's track only car in this state. Even tough I have no track to use it on.

Putting sound deadner and seats, and a heater back in seams like I'm going backwards in some ways. But to me, thats what a car driven on the street should have. It shouldn't have to be uncomfy to drive, or loud, or stall when it's cold and stuff.

So, where's your sweet spot?

[Emperor]

Once it starts becoming a bitch to start in the cold, or bump steers into ditches, that's when it should be track only.
Mind you, bump steer can happen with air bags..

I'd say anything uncomfortable to drive. Like my old RX7, wouldnt start cold without a battery jump to get a bit more juice to the plugs, could hear every stone hit the chassis and guards... Would not want it to be a road car.

[GTTpower]

I laugh at people who have roll cages but still have a full audio set-up in their cars. Mixed priorities?

[Emperor]

I laugh at people who have roll cages but still have a full audio set-up in their cars. Mixed priorities?

Yeah haha
Should be like the USA Apexi RX7, removable fi-glass subbox

[Infinite]

the curren im building will have no sound deadening, full roll cage to front strut towers, race harness's and race seats. battery were back seat is fuel cell in boot with surge tank/fuel pump and still be driven on the street, has a 12 heater for the windscreen only. has spedo cluster and gauges and dash everything else is gone.. but MAY have a decent sterio with 6" speakers in the front for when i do wana listen to music. also going to be jet black with jet black rims and 5% tint's with the black indercators on trademe >_< stealth

[2jayzgte]

I think the key thing between a track/street car is for one you should be able to drive it to the track and drive it home.

If it has a rollcage I don't think you can classify it as a road car.The reason for a roll cage it is strictly for race cars.

[Infinite]

its not strictly for race cars at all anyone can put a cage into there car they just have to then do atleast a couple races but meh, the only reason im puting such an extensive roll cage in is so i can remove airbags. so if i have a misshap at a track day it don't cost me an extra 500 for a new airbag and a good smack the the face.

[l1ttle_d3vil]

my 1975 corolla is lowered, you feel every bump on the road. its running a 4age, its a nice car for track days etc. but at the same time, its 100% original interior, seats, radio, even heater, also has a decent sound system so at the same time makes a really nice daily driver. starts first go everytime [almost!!], doesn't use oil/water etc.
ive juumped in the sr, driven to taupo (over 2hrs away), given it death around the track, then driven home. thats a good medium i think

next project is planned to be similar, but have over 200kw and still street driven... hopefully

[deaf_rattle]

this is what ive been thinking about, as such my MA61 is going to be a street car.

Im going to leave in full interior, run a decent stereo etc. It will just have 500hp to get it from A to B.

It will rarely see track action (occassional drag, probably about it)

Where as the corolla already with the lack of carpet etc isnt very nice to drive to work in the middle of winter without a heater.

[Kender]

How far does a car have to be modified before it's no longer a car as such and becomes a track only car?

In my case it's when I get too nervous to leave it unattended in a mall carpark

The more race/bling goodies are in it, the more attractive target it becomes.

[neo]

How far does a car have to be modified before it's no longer a car as such and becomes a track only car?

Trackcar - Can not be left in a mall car park - as its 123 lets go for thieves.
Trackcar - When you can only drive on the motorway for 2 hours before you physically have to get out for a walk.
Roadcar - When you spend more on wheels than brake pads.
Trackcar - Your not worried about welding something in or cutting something out as you've been needing to get a cert anyhow.
Trackcar - Every time you carry something in the boot, that object will fall against the circuit breaker and trip it .. which you will not find out about until you stop and the car stalls.

Final point
Trackcar - Rollcage, as to go this far you now must have harnesses which are a PITA when your in a hurry to get anywhere / all the TS'ers are leaving .. and then are gone by the time your ready to start the car.

[2jayzgte]

its not strictly for race cars at all anyone can put a cage into there car they just have to then do atleast a couple races but meh, the only reason im puting such an extensive roll cage in is so i can remove airbags. so if i have a misshap at a track day it don't cost me an extra 500 for a new airbag and a good smack the the face.

Unless your in a proper race series where your door to door a roll cage is over-kill in my view for a street/track car.Yes mishaps can happen at the track no doubt but as long as you stay within your car and your own limits you shouid'nt really have a problem.

[Stealer Of Souls]

Myfeelings on how much is too much. Key signs:
1) You shudder at the thought of getting in and driving it down the road to a mates place.
2) You feel like every cop is giving you the once over as you pass them (even when doing 35kph in a 50 zone).
3) It takes longer to put on and remove your belt than it does to actual drive to your destination.
4) You have to change your tyres to go out (this could be one of two reasons. They don't have a tread pattern, or you don't want to waste the rubber).
5) Your partner tells you it's a track car only, and you have to buy another car to drive him/her around in.

[audi man]

The way i look at it is, if i keep my car full trim, and say it dos 10s on a drag strip thats what it will do on the road, not like some that strip all there trim out for drags then put it all back for the road.

[pc]

Myfeelings on how much is too much. Key signs:
1) You shudder at the thought of getting in and driving it down the road to a mates place.
3) It takes longer to put on and remove your belt than it does to actual drive to your destination.
4) You have to change your tyres to go out (this could be one of two reasons. They don't have a tread pattern, or you don't want to waste the rubber).

QFT

[Empr14]

Its a interesting question really. My 14 has no sound deading,half cage,external fuel pump,twin plate clutch and a coupla other fun parts but I don't have to much trouble driving day to day.

Though in sayin that I still have carpet and a heater so the basic luxury's are still there

[ezy10s]

too far is when you cant afford the fuel bill to drive it everyday.

[fangsport]

too far is when you cant afford the fuel bill to drive it everyday.

and because it was tuned for 100+ octane, and won't run on anything less.

[B1NZ]

In my case it's when I get too nervous to leave it unattended in a mall carpark

I have that problem with my Stock STI

[Infinite]

its not strictly for race cars at all anyone can put a cage into there car they just have to then do atleast a couple races but meh, the only reason im puting such an extensive roll cage in is so i can remove airbags. so if i have a misshap at a track day it don't cost me an extra 500 for a new airbag and a good smack the the face.

Unless your in a proper race series where your door to door a roll cage is over-kill in my view for a street/track car.Yes mishaps can happen at the track no doubt but as long as you stay within your car and your own limits you shouid'nt really have a problem.

yes but i don't want airbags so i have to have a roll cage and at the end of the day u take risks to get up there.