Good rwd NON MIATA track car...

Let's just take the ringer out of the discussion. I might have my M3 sold, so I'm looking for a car that will pretty much exclusively be used on the track, but will see some street duty on nice days.

I'm not planning on towing the car to the track, so it needs to retain some civility, ie, AC, radio, etc. The plan is for a welded rollbar, fixed back seats and 6 point harnesses.

I want rwd, but awd would be acceptable. Turbo charged cars are much preferred due to the altitude I'm at.

Budget is $10k with the safety gear.

I've been kicking around a 944 turbo S or an RX8, the ubiqitous BMW E30 325is...

Suggestions?

I don't think an RX8 would fit in your budget. Maybe an older RX-7 or Supra would do the trick.

Umm... M3? Why did you sell it - it was exactly what you need.

S2K
300z
IS300
C5
GTO

Not necessarily in that order. I know none are turbo'd in their natural state, but all have readily available boost kits that are easy enough to get/install...although under 10k for car, kit, install, and gear maybe stretching it, but can be done if you scrounge enough.

Of them, my personal favs for both aftermarket support, availability etc is IS300 and S2K in that order. The IS is just awesome and the powerplant can make ZOMG levels of power with tuning and prodding, but its heavy with leather whozywhatzits and such. The S2K is much more of a track toy IMHO but lacks functionality of a real backseat (vs any coupe or sedan) being a roadster. Again, stoopit power is atainable and has crazy aftermarket support. I just happen to think Yoda>honduh, so I vote IS. just my .02

81 Turbo Fiat Spider. Very scary at 150 mph

MX5?

M100? I don't know if they can be cheap enough

edit: it would be pretty hard to make it RWD though.

1st or 2nd gen RX7 with lots of cash left over for upgrades. :)

4cylndrfury wrote: S2K 300z IS300 C5 GTO Not necessarily in that order. I know none are turbo'd in their natural state, but all have readily available boost kits that are easy enough to get/install...although under 10k for car, kit, install, and gear maybe stretching it, but can be done if you scrounge enough. Of them, my personal favs for both aftermarket support, availability etc is IS300 and S2K in that order. The IS is just awesome and the powerplant can make ZOMG levels of power with tuning and prodding, but its heavy with leather whozywhatzits and such. The S2K is much more of a track toy IMHO but lacks functionality of a real backseat (vs any coupe or sedan) being a roadster. Again, stoopit power is atainable and has crazy aftermarket support. I just happen to think Yoda>honduh, so I vote IS. just my .02

Mmmmmm.... tasty IS300. Delicious.

Can you get a IS300 for under $10k, let alone with safety gear?

tuna55, Lotus M100? Them's FWD.

I like the 2nd RX-7 idea, but with more V8.

Eh.... they're starting to hit that magic $10k mark, but with safety gear, no.

You can find some IS300s under ten but good luck finding one with a manual.

I would say LS powered 2nd gen. Replacement body panels (or bodies) are cheap and the motor and tranny are pretty much bulletproof.

Carson wrote: Can you get a IS300 for under $10k, let alone with safety gear? tuna55, Lotus M100? Them's FWD. I like the 2nd RX-7 idea, but with more V8.

Oops. I forgot that requirement. Wow, I stink at life.

ahem...

Im just sayin

^OH man... the yellow one. DO WANT.

Can't really go wrong with the 944 with those criteria.

E36 M3.

A 2.5L Normally Aspirated 944 is great track car, but not as ideal in a drive to the track car with AC. They have little hp and you need to strip them to make them fast (if you can even call them fast). 944 Turbos or 944 S2 are betters since they have more hp stock to carry around creature comforts. Even so the E36 M3 or and E36 is a good choice too.

That IS300 is pretty good looking...

Wow, I didn't know they're below $10k, I should tell my dad, he's been eying them.

Edit: Quick search shows only 4 manual cars for under $10k within 500 miles from here.

While I like the IS300, I'm not sure it'd be my choice for a dedicated track car. Who needs the extra weight of 4 doors if no-one can safely fit in the back due to a cage? I guess the displacement advantage over the S2K or RX7 compensates for that somewhat, but I can't imagine it would be as-friendly to tires. Maybe I just focus on weight too much.

I wonder what you could get them down to though? I'd be real curious to find out. Has anyone ever campaigned an IS in a Grand-Am or World Challenge type event?

^yes...but I cant remember who or where, but there was a team with a pair of em...each one set up for a different driver. wish I could remember though

What about the Nissan S14 chassis? It would meet your budget and there is a lot of support.

C4 or C5 Corvette are what popped into my mind. Not turbo, but a lot of parts and possibilities for the money.

Toyota Cressida? That would be incredibly fun, and would get you some epic cool points.

"Dude! Check that out! That guy's racing a Cressida!"