Where to begin?! Potentially two car choices

So I'm going to preface this by saying I'm SUPER stoked at just the thought of competing in this event! As a huge car nut, I'm ashamed to admit it'll be my first time participating in an event (38yrs old), but better late than never. I actually just learned about this by reading my free Feb19 issue I snagged from Krispy Kreme right before the Rolex24. I've now subscribed and ordered 15 past issues today! Anyway, here's where I stand: 

I have two cars that I could use. 

2005 Audi S4 that I picked up in Nov2017 for $1600 with massive oil leak and rebuilt flood title. Guy wasn't a mechanic and wife said "enough is enough". Ended up being two $2 seals at oil cooler, but typical VAG fashion, half the car was torn down to access. I've barely driven it though due to A/C stopped working last spring, I have 100mile commute, and 5 (yes...five) kids. Runs & drives ok (obviously not a fresh engine), is heavy, but would prob compete okay (thinking Gastropod). I guess I could strip the interior and use stickier rubber for normal 2k challenge, but it isn't easy extracting power outta these. 

My other car is a 97 Z28 vert. I owned this car 10yrs ago, modified some, but eventually sold it to my dad when my son was born and I took a job with aforementiomed commute. Dad drove it for yrs, later passed down to younger brother in college (FSU & FAU), he literally drove it to death, so rather than my parents scrap it, they offered it to me for $1 if I wanted to go to S FL and haul it back (I did and it's sat in my garage for 2yrs now). Sidenote - does fuel cost count towards this car?! Rules state travelling to buy a car doesn't count, but further down mentions "deals like buying the seller dinner & gas" do count. 

S4 needs tires (free) and safety (brakes - free) but is basically ready to roll. So maybe $300 towards maint. Z28 needs a lot, but could def be built to be faster. Blown head gaskets, likely warped heads (LT1,so iron block alum heads). I'm thinking ditch the top, door glass, add 4 point, try to keep rebuild cheap, and pray trans / 10 bolt hold up. It desperately needs susp too, but tough on 2k. 

Seasoned pros.....what is your advice?? 

Thanks in advance and can't wait to be more actively involved in this community!! 

S4 is a tune away from a lot more HP no?? And k04's maybe..... But im sure there is a Chinese equivalent 

Can you grow a proper mullet between now and then? Becasue the Z28 is way way way cooler. 

If it were me I'd build both, just in case. Get the S4 ready as a Gastropod car. That way it's there for backup and works as a regular car. Then attack the Z28 in proper Challange form and make it loud and dumb and drive it down with no top and a raincoat. And if for some reason the Z28 doesn't pan out, you ge to bring the S4. Win win. 

In reply to mazdeuce - Seth :

You mean just grow my mullet better?!

I do own a Camaro afterall.....

Luckily I live in St Augustine, so it's a quick drive. I plan on towing either (both?!) vehicles as I'll be shocked if either make it back home under their own power. 

JAVA - B6 S4 is a 4.2 V8. Older S4 is twin turbo variant

I say do the audi for your first challenge,  theres many ways to do the challenge but a reliable(even a slow one) car will allow you to have time and enjoy other aspects of the challenge like the people and other cars, you can even help turn wenches with other teams. even a slow car will be a blast especially if you never autocrossed/drag raced before. Thats what I did, I took a stock toyota echo with used slicks had a blast and havent missed a challenge yet!

echoechoecho said:

I say do the audi for your first challenge,  theres many ways to do the challenge but a reliable(even a slow one) car will allow you to have time and enjoy other aspects of the challenge like the people and other cars, you can even help turn wenches with other teams. even a slow car will be a blast especially if you never autocrossed/drag raced before. Thats what I did, I took a stock toyota echo with used slicks had a blast and havent missed a challenge yet!

This man is a sage. I SHOULD listen to his advice. 

In reply to Robbie :

Well I just finished reading the entire gastro thread. Thank God it's slow at work today! I will enter the S4 and use a 300 rated tire. I know there's an award for 300 tires too and I'm sure I'll certainly be outclassed, but with AWD, traction won't be as large an issue as some guys on that rating. 

The 'unofficial' Gastro seems to be in the spirit I prefer anyway. I don't have the time or skills yet for the recoup / horsetrading / fabricating to create a competitive "open" 2k car. Maybe in a few yrs....like when some kids leave the house!

Thanks for the input so far

Welcome to the Gastropods! We'll do our best to have a good time. 

I'm disappointed in you guys. No one suggested he put the Audi drivetrain in the Camaro. Y'all are slipping. 

We're up in Jacksonville so nice to have another team near by. I'd suggest your first year you just bring a running reliable vehicle. Then look at the other competitors and figure out what you need to do the second year. 

Bit of a voice of reason from an old guy. Prep the S4 while starting work on the Camaro. Realistically if you start on the Camaro now it will be done in time for the 2020 Challenge. 5 kids and that commute to work takes a lot of time out of being able to wrench. So run the S4 this year to get a feel of what goes on then ready to stomp next year.