82-T/A

Hey guys,

I'd really like to get back into doing some weekend SCCA stuff. I've got a couple of thoughts in mind. I really don't want to solo any of the cars I already have (except maybe my TA), so the thought crossed my mind that a 924 might be a good idea? Specifically, I'm thinking about the ones with the 2.0 in them (and maybe a 4-speed that's geared a bit better for low-end). The reason I thought about getting an early 924 is because they seem to be pretty common, there are a lot of them that run, but have really beat up interiors.

Now, when I did this a long time ago, I used my 87 Fiero which at the time was my only car, so I was in stock class (I don't remember, maybe E or something? That seems to ring a bell). I still have my helmet, so I'm ok in that respect.

However, I have plenty of "stock" looking cars. I really, really want the excuse to completely gut the inside of a car down to nothing. I was wondering, is there a modified class that I can race in?

And second, one of the MAIN reasons why I want the Audi 2.0 motor is because I'm under the impression that the motor is cheaper to work on (parts are cheaper) and that it is NOT an interference motor. (If the timing belt goes, I won't lose my valves).

Is this true?

Also, exactly how MUCH can I modify the car? CAI and exhaust only I expect? How far down can I gut the car?


My only other thought is that... I have a 1981 TransAm with a brand new, MASSIVE 7.5 liter motor, along with a new transmission. But the interior is basically gutted. Is it worthwhile to me to even attempt to solo with a big block 70s car? Or is that just a joke?



Thanks!!!

Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 VW Beetle Convertible (Wife's)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX-P74
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1984 Porsche 944
1981 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

Airflite40

what about a 924 turbo aka 931? You should read up on 924board.org, the premier 924 board.
The traffic over there is not as high, but good quality discussion

genikz

The 2.0 is a bit of a dog, but my brother is building a '78 for Auto-X/Track use, so when we get it running I can let you know how a fully stripped 924 2.0 with complete suspension performs

I Auto-X my 924S and absolutely love the car. You can usually find a 924S for around $1000-1500 with a ratty interior and maybe a little work. I got mine for $1125 and only had to put about $200 in it to pass smog and get it road ready.

82-T/A

Hey Genikz, thanks for the info. Your buildup is very well done and quite interesting. What class are you in though? It seems to be quite a bit more than "Street Prepared" and "Street Modified". What you've done with your car is exactly what I want to do with mine.


Thanks!!!

Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 VW Beetle Convertible (Wife's)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX-P74
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1984 Porsche 944
1981 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

sbyrne

A lot of it depends on wether you're doing it for fun or to run more "seriously". I run my '84 in CSP and get creamed regularly, but I knew going in that the car wouldn't be particularly competitive. The only class where 944's (at least N/A's) seem to be competitive is E Stock. A lot depends on your local competition, too. You may build yourself into a class with no one else to run against. All of that said, an E-mod 924 with a radical engine swap might be fun - and turning the T/A into a C-prep car would be BIG fun. Then there's the whole money issue......

J Silverman

SCCA generally doesnt class porches well. For example I think a 924/944 would make a great STS car, but they are specifically banned. In E stock I remember seeing someone running an M030 924 and doing well. SCCA has some picky rules about stripping the interior for autocross. You get bumped to the prepared classes which youll get creamed in. I say just build the car how you wnat go out and drive.

If you want to read the SCCA rules they are all on their site www.scca.com

As far as on track performacne in a 2.0 924, 924 Racer on this board has been very successul running in ITB with SCCA club racing.

genikz

Todd,

Thanks, that's always nice to hear. I actually run mine in PCA in the 944-Spec class, using the rules from NASA's 944-Spec series. Auto-X isn't my main focus. I just use it to get more seat time and experiment with car setup. I know it's fun competing against other guys for times in the same class, but I rather enjoy running faster times in a generic class than C5 Corvettes, some 911's and the occasional 914 in my bastard-child 924S

924RACR

Indeed - thanks!

Already replied over on the 924board, but wanted to comment in here - the 931 isn't the way to go for racing. While yes, you can make them go like stink pretty cheap, they're not quite as bulletproof as the NA for track use IMO, and there's not as good options for road-racing them - PCA or NASA GTS are pretty much all you can do. I don't know of anyone racing them in PCA, but doubt they'd be uber-competitive as classed, and GTS is very much a run-what-you-brung class, can be very expensive. The NA 924 in ITB is hard to beat for cost-effective competitiveness.

V2Rocket

I've skimmed through the SCCA rulebook but gave up because it's 100 million pages long. From what I read, all I need to get into a race is a stock--ish car to pass safety inspection, a helmet, and my insurance?

JayP

Words to live by. (Except that misspelled one, but we get the gist.)
Build -your- car and let the chips fall.

M758

One thing you need to consider is that in many was the 2.0L cars are not much cheaper than 2.5L cars. I have not done detailed pricing of a 2.0L car, but there is greater parts availibility on 944/924S 2.5L cars. If you do want to RACE SCCA ITB in 2.0L is good. Racing the 944 is harder since it is classed in ITS (two classes higher). I believe Vauhan's 924 is pretty much like 944, but with a 2.0L motor and maybe a few other 924 parts.

924RACR

Exactly - my gears are different, and the engine/torque tube/clutch, but otherwise it's all pretty much the same as an early 944.

No, you don't want to just build the car and see where you end up. That's a great way to end up in a class that requires a $25000-50000 car to be competitive, where trannys cost $5k alone... Not the place to race a 924!

924RACR

No - you'll need all the required safety equipment. The above would only allow you to run DEs. To race, you'll need a full cage, fire ext (can be handheld), belts, firesuit, window net, kill switch, etc. The higher classes with greater prep can require even more, like fuel cells (installs go around $1-1.5k I think?), etc.

eohrnberger

Your helmet from years gone by will probably have to be replaced as well. The PCA DE's want a Snell 2000 or newer.