What to do with it? Right now, it is mostly just taking up valuable garage space that I rather park my 2011 MINI Cooper S in. I'm being... encouraged, let's say... to sell it, but I'd rather not. I'm thinking if I can't get $3000 for it, then completely strip the interior, get a race seat (the stock ones suck), put in a roll bar, and be uncompetitive in whatever AX class that puts me in.
Hardly any rust, poorly repainted by the previous owner from brown to red. Top probably should be replaced but is somewhere between waterproof and water resistant. I know the wheel size is funky, so finding a set of wheels for some sticky tires may be problematic/tedious. Any thoughts?
mw
HalfDork
11/26/11 11:16 p.m.
A friend of mine is looking for one. Care to send some details?
Michael Bruce wolf at hot mail (No spaces)
LainfordExpress wrote:
. I know the wheel size is funky, so finding a set of wheels for some sticky tires may be problematic/tedious. Any thoughts?
Wheel sizes are fairly standard but the bolt pattern is an odd one at 4X98. That is easily overcome though. Rota makes a fair few wheels in that pattern now and PCD variation bolts exist to fit 4X100 wheels.
The new 500 is still 4X98 so now if you go to tirerack.com and search wheels for it, it lists whether special bolts are needed to fit them.
ddavidv
SuperDork
11/27/11 7:22 a.m.
Yep, the stock seats suck.
It won't be competitive in autocross, at least not in stock or SP. I don't think I'd do things to it to make it ride worse than it already does. They make nice weekend cars to just enjoy. Replace the seats with Miata ones and just have fun with it. Otherwise, I'd probably sell it.
Or, go vintage racing. They actually aren't bad fully done up for that purpose.
