Cheap Auto-X Car ideas
07-01-2002, 07:01 PM
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Cheap Auto-X Car ideas
Well, I have a 951 (the reason I'm posting on this board) but I'm looking for a cheap, "old clunker" porsche I can build up to use as an auto-x car. I'm not very experienced mechanic (swapping out an exhaust manifold for headers in my old rx-7 was my hardest project) so I want something to practice/learn on... definitely not my 951! My friend just bought a 74 260z for $150 and he's building it up, and I kind of want to do the same but with a p-car. So... any suggestions of what I should start with? TIA.
07-02-2002, 11:36 AM
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[quote]Originally posted by adrial:
<strong>914 or 924...
A 924 will be easier to find in good body shape because I believe they are galvanized...at least some of them are.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yeah, I was thinking the same... which one is cheaper to maintain/upgrade?
<strong>914 or 924...
A 924 will be easier to find in good body shape because I believe they are galvanized...at least some of them are.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Yeah, I was thinking the same... which one is cheaper to maintain/upgrade?
07-02-2002, 12:29 PM
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Try to find a 924S. Lot a car for the money. Wouldn't do the 914 thing if I were you.
Just a side point though...
Rebuilding any "old clunker" especially a Porsche can be VERY expensive in the long run. When you add up the cost of all the parts it could easily exceed the price of finding 944T "beater" for $3k.
If you can find a car with a salvage title that may help reduce the cost as well.
Just a side point though...
Rebuilding any "old clunker" especially a Porsche can be VERY expensive in the long run. When you add up the cost of all the parts it could easily exceed the price of finding 944T "beater" for $3k.
If you can find a car with a salvage title that may help reduce the cost as well.
07-02-2002, 03:39 PM
#6
Nordschleife Master
I dont think the 24/44/68 series is an ideal autox car. You would have to invest way to much moo lah. pick up a short wheel base vw or honda 
Even though this is a P car forum, let's be honest, Pcar's aren't ideal in all cases
Even though this is a P car forum, let's be honest, Pcar's aren't ideal in all cases
07-02-2002, 05:23 PM
#7
Nordschleife Master
my vote is to also stay away from porsches, they are far to pricy to work on even a minor part breaking could really set you back in the wallet.
Go for VW, Honda, Datsun, setting up a 240 can be done farily easily.
Go for VW, Honda, Datsun, setting up a 240 can be done farily easily.
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07-03-2002, 02:28 AM
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heh, alright, i guess the p-car ain't the greatest of ideas. however, my 1st goal is getting to be a better home mechanic, and 2nd is competing in auto-x (kinda like a bonus). i wanted to stay with porsche cuz i love the one i have, i just don't want to mess up my daily driver. 
i guess i'll start taking a look at other cars too, though. thanks for all the input!
i guess i'll start taking a look at other cars too, though. thanks for all the input!
07-03-2002, 05:28 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
[quote]Originally posted by Silver Bullet:
<strong>If cost is a concern, forget the p-car. Datsun 510 or a Miata...you don't need much power for autoX.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I gotta disagree with that. Unless it's too big (Corvette) or just handles too badly, the fastest car usually wins in the autocrosses I've been in. A fast car that handles very well that's won lots of trophies is the Toyota MR2 turbo. Not real expensive either, altho if the budget is tight, the first generation MR2 is also good and much lighter. If you get the bug to tinker, the MR2 turbo can be made ridiculously fast, similar to the 951.
For a super-tight budget, consider a sand rail like a Chenowith. The frames are cheap and most all the parts are bug. Since it's so light, 70 or 80 hp makes it go pretty good. A guy had one in my school group once and darn near kept up with the Super 7 (real one) in the group. Just set it up to hug the ground instead of way up in the air. Also, no fenders, so you can put really wide tires on it.
<strong>If cost is a concern, forget the p-car. Datsun 510 or a Miata...you don't need much power for autoX.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I gotta disagree with that. Unless it's too big (Corvette) or just handles too badly, the fastest car usually wins in the autocrosses I've been in. A fast car that handles very well that's won lots of trophies is the Toyota MR2 turbo. Not real expensive either, altho if the budget is tight, the first generation MR2 is also good and much lighter. If you get the bug to tinker, the MR2 turbo can be made ridiculously fast, similar to the 951.
For a super-tight budget, consider a sand rail like a Chenowith. The frames are cheap and most all the parts are bug. Since it's so light, 70 or 80 hp makes it go pretty good. A guy had one in my school group once and darn near kept up with the Super 7 (real one) in the group. Just set it up to hug the ground instead of way up in the air. Also, no fenders, so you can put really wide tires on it.
07-03-2002, 05:35 AM
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Get a Merkur XR4Ti if you can find one. its 2.3 turbo 4 cylinder front engine rear drive five speed, and its a ford with independent rear suspension.They were made from 85-89 i think.. I had one like a week ago for a few day, but some stuff kind of broke so i gave it back.. But other than that it has a little over 200hp i think. With a straight pipe exhuast the one i had was pushing 18psi of boost. Those cars are fast, and handle pretty good. They are a kind of cool car that can be made alot faster for cheap.
07-03-2002, 07:11 PM
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**IF** you can find an X1/9 that hasn't rusted completely away it can be a kick butt cheap autocross car. If you can't find that, go with a ratty first generation MR2 and strip out as much of the car as you can.
Of course, that is largely why the 914 would be a poor autocross car as well.
Don't bother with the stock classes because ultimately they will be more expensive for a dedicated autocross car. I'd go with the mod class and strip everything off of the car that is not essential for autocross. If you need to drive it on the street, leave the absolute minimum necessary to do this. Example: you have an arm, why do you need brake lights, a brake light switch, fuses, wiring, turn signals, a turn signal lever, etc. Obviously make sure the modifications fit within the class.
Of course, that is largely why the 914 would be a poor autocross car as well.
Don't bother with the stock classes because ultimately they will be more expensive for a dedicated autocross car. I'd go with the mod class and strip everything off of the car that is not essential for autocross. If you need to drive it on the street, leave the absolute minimum necessary to do this. Example: you have an arm, why do you need brake lights, a brake light switch, fuses, wiring, turn signals, a turn signal lever, etc. Obviously make sure the modifications fit within the class.
07-03-2002, 07:12 PM
#14
Nordschleife Master
Good call kelly, there was one for sale on CO not to long ago for 28K. I'd take that thing in a heart beat.
Or an Escort Cosworth,
Or and Auto Quattro Sport (good luck finding one of those, they are pulling 100K)
Or an Escort Cosworth,
Or and Auto Quattro Sport (good luck finding one of those, they are pulling 100K)
07-03-2002, 07:46 PM
#15
Race Director
[quote]Originally posted by lobis:
<strong>Get a Merkur XR4Ti if you can find one. its 2.3 turbo 4 cylinder front engine rear drive five speed, and its a ford with independent rear suspension.They were made from 85-89 i think.. I had one like a week ago for a few day, but some stuff kind of broke so i gave it back.. But other than that it has a little over 200hp i think. With a straight pipe exhuast the one i had was pushing 18psi of boost. Those cars are fast, and handle pretty good. They are a kind of cool car that can be made alot faster for cheap.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I had one. An '85 that I went crazy with and turned it into a Cosworth bi-winged look-alike with the motor (Cosworth 16v with a HUGE G.A.R. turbo)to match and a T5 tranny. It was a fast car, but it was a bit "piggish". Don't think it would make a good auto-x car.
I raced Auto-X in the early 90's (along with Pro-Rally) and the car that I was successful with was a Dodge Shelby GLHS (omni version). With the "Stage 3" kit, it had 220hp and the ability to run circles around just about anything. But they are plagued with electrical problems, so beware...
Tifo
<strong>Get a Merkur XR4Ti if you can find one. its 2.3 turbo 4 cylinder front engine rear drive five speed, and its a ford with independent rear suspension.They were made from 85-89 i think.. I had one like a week ago for a few day, but some stuff kind of broke so i gave it back.. But other than that it has a little over 200hp i think. With a straight pipe exhuast the one i had was pushing 18psi of boost. Those cars are fast, and handle pretty good. They are a kind of cool car that can be made alot faster for cheap.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I had one. An '85 that I went crazy with and turned it into a Cosworth bi-winged look-alike with the motor (Cosworth 16v with a HUGE G.A.R. turbo)to match and a T5 tranny. It was a fast car, but it was a bit "piggish". Don't think it would make a good auto-x car.
I raced Auto-X in the early 90's (along with Pro-Rally) and the car that I was successful with was a Dodge Shelby GLHS (omni version). With the "Stage 3" kit, it had 220hp and the ability to run circles around just about anything. But they are plagued with electrical problems, so beware...
Tifo