Track/daily drive car suggestion

[ayau]

Originally Posted by Gearhd79

define cheap?? Some guys I know have new boxters or cayman S or Vettes and Our FRS or BRZ cars are cheap daily driver track now and then cars compared to them. I also know many guys running around in hondas (Great for AutoX) but I think I am officially too old to be alowed to drive a Civic. lol I just could not be one of "them".

I defined cheap in the original post (less than 6k). I'm looking for a car that I could just walk away if I ran it into the wall.

[Sccabrz192]

2nd Gen N/A MR2

when you get bored they are a pretty simple swap to go to the turbo motor and if you ball it up... you wont be the first one, or the last one, to do so.


I've owned a turbo and a N/A, still one of the most fun platforms I've ever driven.


And as far as utility, I used to move myself back and forth to college (1/2 hour trip) in 2 trips with it, and when I autocrossed it I could fit all my gear, typical track-day tools, and an entire set of R-comps in it and not be totally uncomfortable (longest trip was Auburn Hills MI to Cincy OH and back, and while I was ready to be done, it wasn't bad). I'm just a hair under 6'... the hardtop is the way to go.

BTW, shouldn't this be in the other cars or off topic forum?? I know it's track related, but I thought it was 86 specific.

[Vracer111]

3rd gen chassis Acura Integra RS... only better chassis would be the Type R (which you are not going to get for 6k). As much as I love the looks of the DA integra RS, the DC RS is a better chassis. Lightweight flywheel (8.8 lbs) + nice intake and exaust and the motor just screams so sexy...

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by whitejdm

The Strut suspension is not the only problem, there is also an issue with the rear suspension geometry that makes it hard to tune properly. You end up with a lot of rear end "hop" on hard cornering and street driving. Now everyone will say "yes, but you see plenty of DC5 and EP3 race cars" and that's true, when you have the full weight of a race team prepping a car anything is possible ( the Buddy Club and Spoon DC5s come to mind, they essentially had very little left of the original suspension). But for a one man show on a budget you will be MILES ahead with the EG/EK/DC2 cars. Hell, even the CL7 TSX is a better base (Real Time Racing and Spoon both gave up on DC5 development and switched to the TSX/Accord)

As an EP3 owner I can confirm all of this. For your purposes, OP, the earlier model Hondas would be better.

There is just way more support, and you can build a more capable vehicle for less money.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by Vracer111

3rd gen chassis Acura Integra RS... only better chassis would be the Type R (which you are not going to get for 6k). As much as I love the looks of the DA integra RS, the DC RS is a better chassis. Lightweight flywheel (8.8 lbs) + nice intake and exaust and the motor just screams so sexy...

Oh yeah, I forgot all the Integras had a sunroof (less rigid) except for the RS and the Type-R. Good call!

[ayau]

Originally Posted by Brendan

As an EP3 owner I can confirm all of this. For your purposes, OP, the earlier model Hondas would be better.

There is just way more support, and you can build a more capable vehicle for less money.

I'm glad someone mentioned it because I was about to take a look at a local EP3.

Are the hatchbacks that much better compared to the coupe/sedans? All the hatchbacks are rusted as hell and overpriced in my area.

[rice_classic]

An EK hatch would be a good car. Super simple (still has a throttle cable.. I know right!?)

The aftermarket support is endless. An EG would be good too.

The only downside with Hondas is the theft potential.

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by ayau

I'm glad someone mentioned it because I was about to take a look at a local EP3.

Are the hatchbacks that much better compared to the coupe/sedans? All the hatchbacks are rusted as hell and overpriced in my area.

The hatches may be stiffer (giggity), but I cant say with any certainty.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by whitejdm

The Strut suspension is not the only problem, there is also an issue with the rear suspension geometry that makes it hard to tune properly. You end up with a lot of rear end "hop" on hard cornering and street driving. Now everyone will say "yes, but you see plenty of DC5 and EP3 race cars" and that's true, when you have the full weight of a race team prepping a car anything is possible ( the Buddy Club and Spoon DC5s come to mind, they essentially had very little left of the original suspension). But for a one man show on a budget you will be MILES ahead with the EG/EK/DC2 cars. Hell, even the CL7 TSX is a better base (Real Time Racing and Spoon both gave up on DC5 development and switched to the TSX/Accord)

What he said. Adding to that they just aren't as fun to drive and are more isolated in terms of feedback.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by ayau

I'm glad someone mentioned it because I was about to take a look at a local EP3.

Are the hatchbacks that much better compared to the coupe/sedans? All the hatchbacks are rusted as hell and overpriced in my area.

They look better and are more useful (hatch vs trunk). None f the, are rigid by today's standards

[BadCompany235]

I like the fc chassis with a common swap. Tons of cheap stuff outr there and older rotaries are cheap If You want to stay that way. Could buy an fc track ready for 5-15 grand