What would you build.

[AndrewR]

Assuming you are starting in Autocross for 2010. Things to keep in mind:

Budget $6000 Max
Should be a class leader (based on a decent driver)
Easy to work on
Good parts availability
Reliable


Thoughts?

[JoeT]

Impreza TS, any model year AWD: 1500 - 2K
Suspension: 2K
2.5L Swap: Pretty Cheap (stock)
Headers / Exhaust: Cheap

DSP Capable Car with fenders rolled and wide tires and rims.

Potentially an FTD car, specially when lightened.

[Chris_Martin]

1993 Impreza L 4 Door Sedan. Stripper...manual windows etc. $1500 bucks

2.5L SOHC motor, Add some Cams. $1000 bucks for a good runner.

Suspension...2K take your pick. Maybe the Hotbits inserts that are available for stock struts in the states, with decent springs. But focus on not running a stiffer sway bar than stock. a stock WRX bar is fine 19 front, 20 back. Take all the 24MM bars and chuck them. Swaybars promote wheel lift....mmmmkay?

Exhaust/Headers...Ebay it.

Gearbox...this will make or break the car. Run a 2.5RS box. If you are dedicated to Auto-x, insert a 4.44 final drive. Get a good centre diff (i know where you can find one), a front LSD, and a rear LSD. Get a light flywheel if you have $$$ left over

Brakes...keep the L front discs on it, they will stop an auto-x car just fine. Do the rear disc swap just because.

Run 15" alloys, Rotas or something,

If you have any $$$ left over, get the JDM bumper beams ($60us each). And source a JDM alloy hood.

Lighten the heck out of the car. should be well below 2500 lbs.

Don't get hung up on classes, build a fun fast car, that you can shoot for FTD.

[isopropyl_z24]

Beretta Gt 2.8l or 3.1 5spd = $250-1000
-Tranny freshen $1000 Inc New Clutch
-Motor refresh (optional) $ 1500
-ECM chip $200
-Tires $1000
-2 front bearings $160 - good ones with life time warranty
-Complete Brake Hydraulics and friction $400.00
-4 Spring $300
-2 Struts $225
-2 Shocks $150
-Alignment (Camber front and Rear ;-) )"PRICELESS"
= $5935.00 Basically completely restored!
-Old GM 60deg 6 cyls = Reliability, Economy & Torque.
-Berettas GTs out pull and out handel Z24s
-Cheep and easy to fix.
-Parts are in stock at most parts places as all GM small and intermediate cars use basically the same stuff.

[Cavemanrjc]

I built it last winter

1983 Mazda RX7 SBC Hybrid

Total cost start to finish was $1500 + Eng value of $2000

Still needs:
- Real Rear Diff $500
- 5 Spd $300
- Springs $500
- Struts $300
- Tires $500 Used to start with
Total = $5600

It started all but 1 event. Finished all but 2 (see still needs)
Keep the revs in check and a SBC is built proof
even if you get them really really really hot they can take it. Right Joe :-P
Street legal and LOTS OF FUN

[_sjd]

NA MX-5 Miata with a set of Konis.

I know it's $6K U.S. but this is an incredible deal.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda-talk/viewtopic.php?t=1632

[mikewolf]

I would 2nd the 90-97 miata. In ES, CSS, or CSP trim, it can easily be a competitive and with the right driver ftd car.

That STS car that Steven suggested would be perfect for one of the new street tire classes.

Plus, a miata would make the wife happy.

I bought my first miata because I wanted to start autoxing. I am only a miata fan because they are the best bang for the buck for autox.

[alf]

JoeT wrote:
Impreza TS, any model year AWD: 1500 - 2K
Suspension: 2K
2.5L Swap: Pretty Cheap (stock)
Headers / Exhaust: Cheap

DSP Capable Car with fenders rolled and wide tires and rims.

Potentially an FTD car, specially when lightened.

93-95 max and 4 door. Chassis is stiffer then any 2 doors and the car was 2500lbs from the factory... You can strip 100-150lbs out of it and still be street legal.

[STeveD]

I'd be looking for an E36 BMW. Stick some fat sticky meat on it for stock class. Parts are plentiful, and handling should be good. Can it beat Pax? I doubt it. But cheap and fun to run.

[Geoff_Rex]

On a budget, I would find the fastest stock (ie reliable) car you can find. Don't buy a used Miata with an aftermarket turbo kit, or a SC 2.5RS for example. Cars that are making more power than they are designed to handle will constantly be breaking stuff. Clutches, trannys etc.

This one is over the budget, and I have no idea if it's over valued or not, but should be a hoot to compete in.

http://www.redliners.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=34685

lmk if you can't view the thread.

[tashko]

ES Miata...

[AndrewR]

Given that pax may be changed for 2010, I would not bet on an E-stock Miata...

[Chris_Martin]

Miata is too easy.....and its.....well ummmm...no i won't say it.

[AndrewR]

Hmm... Some nice cheap wrx's 2002 on Nasioc