Cheap tin-top HPDE jalopy

I'm planning to do a couple of HPDEs later in the year and oddly enough, would need a car for that (I'm under strict instruction not to take the 'vette on the track and doubt I'd be allowed to as it's a convertible).

Normally the answer would be Miata but my understanding is that most clubs won't let you run a convertible unless you're all caged up etc.

Given that I'm not that great a driver I'd want something with fairly low power so I don't scare myself silly. It should also be available in decent condition around the $2k-$3k mark and be reasonably DIY-friendly. Oh, and RWD - FWD and me aren't on the same page.

So far thoughts are:

• FB RX-7
• MR2 Mk1
• Potentially an E30, plus I occasionally see 2002 pop up just above budget
• Maybe an E36 coupe if I can find one that doesn't have a slush box. Did they do the E36 318is in the US?
• X 1/9

Can't think of much else, maybe an AE86 - actually I'd love one of those, I'm just crap at finding them.

What else am I overlooking?

E36s are really cheap in SoCal right now. Most of them are beat to hell but that's what you're looking for. The E30s have gone up with popularity but I'm sure you can adequately scare yourself in a cheap E36.

I'd check with the organization you plan on running with before dismissing the Miata. The rules can vary greatly, but alot of groups will be fine with either a "proper" rollbar, like a Hard-Dog Hardcore, or a hardtop. Some may require both, with the hardtop latches replaced with bolt-in plates.

Beyond that, the rest of your list looks good, as well. I would also consider cost and availability of maintenance parts and future performance upgrades for any potential track-rat.

I love the X1/9, but they really will be the slowest thing on the track. I don't see the first gen MR2 being much better. E30 or E36, definitely.

Porsche 944?

Triumph TR7 coupe. You could buy a fleet of them with that budget. Quick, comfy, easy to work on. Then when you get the itch, stuff a bigger motor in there.

If an X-1/9 qualifies, then keep an eye open for a Milano, GTV6, or Alfetta. But my favorite is the GTV, which would be a pretty nice project for $3000. In 4 doors the Berlina or earlier Ti are sleepers.

What's the Toyota that used the 1.6l engine for a RWD? Unless they are all taken by drifters.

(I'll leave a Mustang within these parens, since they take a lot of work to handle REALLY well- but they are cheap)

A few years ago, a buddy scored a 2nd gen RX7 GTA- which was a very nice car. I think that would be a winner.

Eric

FWD is more fun than you'd think on track.

i actually love the E36 M3 out of it.

especially if the car is sub 1 ton, and the power is 300+. full lock light-tail slides at WOT with smoke pouring from the rear wheels is a hoot..they go wherever you point them.

oh, and i'd recomend buying somebody else's already-built car...

nothing like getting something thats ready-to-run!

M030 wrote: Porsche 944?

One of those cars that I try really hard to like. But fail to.

tr8todd wrote: Triumph TR7 coupe. You could buy a fleet of them with that budget. Quick, comfy, easy to work on. Then when you get the itch, stuff a bigger motor in there.

OMG no. Thanks, but no thanks.

alfadriver wrote: If an X-1/9 qualifies, then keep an eye open for a Milano, GTV6, or Alfetta. But my favorite is the GTV, which would be a pretty nice project for $3000. In 4 doors the Berlina or earlier Ti are sleepers.

I've had Milanos and an Alfetta in the past, just not a GTV. While I hear what you're saying, I'm not sure that I'd want one as a track car given my experience in trying to drive them on the street.

alfadriver wrote: What's the Toyota that used the 1.6l engine for a RWD? Unless they are all taken by drifters.

AE86, the one that got an honourable mention above.

alfadriver wrote: (I'll leave a Mustang within these parens, since they take a lot of work to handle REALLY well- but they are cheap)

I was thinking about a pony, but I think they're probably heavier thank I want. I'd rather have something light and not very powerful.

alfadriver wrote: A few years ago, a buddy scored a 2nd gen RX7 GTA- which was a very nice car. I think that would be a winner.

Might be, yes. I had a Turbo II convertible for a while and that didn't handle too bad.

redzcstandardhatch wrote: FWD is more fun than you'd think on track.

FWD and me don't get along on the track, period. I used to own an Integra Type-R (yes, a genuine one) and tried to like it, but I don't. They don't communicate with me the way an RWD car does and I can't understand their language.

redzcstandardhatch wrote: oh, and i'd recomend buying somebody else's already-built car...

Word. Well, if I can find something within my budget. Actually there is a Spec-RX7 for sale in Reno that'd be close to my budget but I don't think that's road legal. I'd need something road legal as I haven't got a trailer or a tow car.

Boxhead, The task isn't as easy as I had hoped it would be. I'm doing the same thing you are. Looking for a sub $2000 HPDE toy. Sure, I've seen lots of cars that could theoretically go on the track as is, but they're usually old cars pieced together at best. But I'm trying to find one in that price range that's truly ready for HPDE running. Not expecting a top class race car, but maybe something that's got some suspension/brake mods already done and ready to run. They're really hard to find. I passed one up...a '93 Infiniti G20 that had been totally prepped for HPDE...and I'm still kicking myself.

I might be biased, but I think you would have some pretty good fun with a MkIII Supra turbo. A MkII coupe could be fun with the right mods also.

Klayfish wrote: Boxhead, The task isn't as easy as I had hoped it would be. I'm doing the same thing you are. Looking for a sub $2000 HPDE toy. Sure, I've seen lots of cars that *could* theoretically go on the track as is, but they're usually old cars pieced together at best. But I'm trying to find one in that price range that's truly ready for HPDE running. Not expecting a top class race car, but maybe something that's got some suspension/brake mods already done and ready to run. They're really hard to find. I passed one up...a '93 Infiniti G20 that had been totally prepped for HPDE...and I'm still kicking myself.

That would be ideal, but I'd take a base car without mods for that budget. Whatever I buy has to be road legal and I'd probably just strip the interior (if at all), stick some better seats in an go through the suspension and brakes.

If I can get something with a rollbar or cage, that would be better, but I don't need a race-ready car, at least not initially.

This is for learning only, maybe with a view of doing a little bit of Time Attack the year after.

maroon92 wrote: I might be biased, but I think you would have some pretty good fun with a MkIII Supra turbo. A MkII coupe could be fun with the right mods also.

I hear you, it's a little bigger than I want (ideally I would want something that's Miata/MR2 sized) so I hadn't even thought about it. That's why I tend to ask around here .

Klayfish wrote: I passed one up...a '93 Infiniti G20 that had been totally prepped for HPDE...and I'm still kicking myself.

Sorry for the threadjack, but... After looking at what was represented as a nice original '84 E30 last night that turned out to be a total crapbox I saw a G20t on c-list asking $1200. Again, looks nice from the pics, and my limited understanding is that it's an SE-R in a tux. Would this potentially scratch my autocross/HPDE itch??

M030 wrote: Porsche 944?

He said DIY friendly not DIY frequent :)

So you know, the GTV I'm speaking of is a different animal than the Alfetta and GTV6- while it does have a live axle, it's a FUN car on the race track. And a very, very common vintage race car. The cool think about the live axle alfas is that most of the parts are interchangeable.

So if you find a decent GTV, Berlina, or Ti shell, you can transplant most of the parts from a Spider into it- the only part that need be changed would be the driveshaft.

I digress- the reality is that finding a decent enough GTV to take on the track for <$3k will be tough. Berlina- a little easier, a TI not so easy.

Anyway- good luck- there are some killer suggestions here.

One serious question- drive or tow? Some of the above cars are good track cars and still are good drivers, others- not so much. Think about that, too.

My vote goes to E30 or E36 (I'm biased). And yes the 318is is available here

Oh, and a few threads detailing cheap alfa 4 door track cars- A Ti- http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/sedan-1963-1974/159454-new-super-track-car.html

and a Milano http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/milano-75-1987-1989/27358-roxanne-budget-milano-75-track-car.html

For those of you who want to learn about Alfas...

Eric

E36 325i sedan.

• They can really dance ok right out of the box but add springs, sways, bushings and tires to make it damn fast for a family hauler.
• Not a lot of power but plenty to have fun with
• Good aftermarket & junkyard supply. M3 parts bolt right up.
• You can fit 4 track tires, tools, cooler full of beer, duffel bag and still have room for a friend to ride along.

I think a 5.0 fox body would be fun. I have never driven one, but the V8 sound would be fun for a few weekends.

snipes wrote: I think a 5.0 fox body would be fun. I have never driven one, but the V8 sound would be fun for a few weekends.

Once you have driven one you will no-longer think that.

Seriously - I've tried this route. They are cheap, light and seem brilliant on paper but to make it handle better than a model-T takes serious work. There are lots of cars with less motor that will still run circles around you until you spend cubic dollars changing everything.

In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker:

Outside of a Miata or E30, an E36 would be my vote too. But I'm a little biased, having had several examples of each.

nderwater wrote: In reply to Giant Purple Snorklewacker: Outside of a Miata or E30, an E36 would be my vote too. But I'm a little biased, having had several examples of each.

A ridiculously modded E30 is what I run now - but I have an enclosed trailer. E36s are more versatile when wearing a lic plate and so cheap now as to make it a no-brainer.

I wouldn't go Miata unless there is a trailer involved just because you can't bring anything with you except maybe a change of clothes and a sandwich. I like to have tools, tires, camping gear, etc along because I don't like to pay for hotels or drive home on race pads. Its a fantastic choice otherwise - just very small.

240SX (s13 w/twin cam). Nice IRS, decent front suspension, cheap parts availabiltiy, good power out of the twin cam, very well balanced. Reaonably light (ITA/ITS weight around 2500lbs, right up there with E30s and MK1 MR2s).

Just to plant the seed...

87 Turbo 3300

MkII 2150

Cheap non-turbo MkIII 1500

Pretty Celica AllTrac

All are at, or about your price range. Just a couple of reminders of when Toyota used to build fun cars.