I am trying to get a team together for 24 Hrs of Lemons race in Fall in Houston. We need a car and need to get going ASAP. Unfortunately we can't to agree on which car to begin with. Those of you who have done the race before - what is a good car to begin with. We are leaning towards trying to find a Mazda Protege since it comes with the Miata 1.8L block and 5 Spd. Any other recommendations/Comments.

Thanks.

 

If you can't beat them, you'll at least scare them all to death!


Actually I'd be interested in what others have to say too.

 

We run a 86 Bimmer 535i 5spd. It's a little heavy out the box, but has plenty of power and torque. I'd be curious to see what it weights now that it's been gutted. Plus, parts are dirt cheap and you can find these cars in any junkyard. Also, there's an awesome selection of brake pads as it shares the same front brakes as the E30 M3. Don't even bother with a E30 Bimmer, they will dock you laps if you even show up with one. Actually, they require you to bring the stock option sheet for your BMW.

All that being said running a $500 dollar car isn't cheap. PM me if you want to know what we have spent.

I'd look for an Accord or MR2

 

Acura NSX is a good car :-). Your pick is too obvious, think out of the box - I tried to put together a volvo diesel wagon, but failed.

 

We are running a VW GTI this weekend in NH for Lemons. I have seen a lot of Miatas, Civics and 3 series BMW do well. Last year I saw a 240 Volvo run mid pack all weekend and it never broke and they never came in for bumping. They finished 2nd and almost won. The key is to not brake and stay on the track.
Obviously, you can find a 944/924S if you look hard.

Also, I will sell you my GTI that is built and ready to go when we are done with it this weekend. The roll cage is amazing! '97 GTI 2.0 that is built to do well, not just show up.

 

We raced a '92 Integra at the ECR Lemons race last year. Ran like a champ for the entire 15 hours. We were 3rd until a pass under yellow late in the day on Sunday. Finished 4th. The car is in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and is for sale if you are interested.

 

We run a 94 celica. It's been a pretty good car, but like paddy said, a $500 race car still isn't cheap. But it's a blast. Also, check out ChumpCar. They are less interested in costumes, bs laps, etc, and more interested in cheap racing.

 

My understanding is that you want as light a car as is practical. While it might be tempting to show up with a high-horsepower tank, you'll end up spending more time in the pits changing tires and brakes (and fuel), making your overall lap count lower.

FWIW, I've got a good buddy who's working on building an E30 up for chump car right now. Remains to be seen how it does.

 

I would put my money on a 4 cylinder fox mustang.

COMPLETELY reliable. CHEAP! Great Aftermarket.

 

^^That's a good idea. Tons of stuff out there for those cars and they are cheap and plentiful.

 

I have seen a lot of BMW E30s running without lap penalties, and they always seem to do well except for when they have incidents. I ran with the 24hr at pbir end of last year in a toyota paseo and our cars ended up 1/2 in class and 5/6 overall because of a combination of experienced racers, light brake usage leading to never having to change pads, and overall just making smart moves. It definitely wasn't a car that could win, but small and light is the way to go.

 

I have run LeMons 3X. Its less of a race than a carnival. You'll be appreciated more if you bring a car that looks as if it'll have no chance of finishing. If you want to do well in the race, light is the key. I have run an e30 (painted in the Talledega Nights laughing clown theme) for the past 2 races and as said before, you show up with a target on your back. Then if you drive it like you know how to race and you are bound to be spending much of the seat time you paid for in the penalty box. I happened to put down the 4th fastest lap time of the event with a stock 325e motor with original 227K on the clock & somewhere less than 115hp.
Big HP motors are useless unless you like dragggin on the straights only to be a moving chicane in the turns. The levels of experience are broad so you have to assume every cars is being operated by by the least common denominator, which means the speed differential can also be very extreme.

We finished 4th @ njmp with 2 black flag penalties and enough votes to be considered for the curse.
Here are some of the lowlights Its also amazing how a $500 car quickly becomes a $5000 car.

Intergra's and MR2's were the fastest, but also got penalty laps. Reliability is key as is staying on the track.

http://www.vimeo.com/22936417

 

I was wondering the same thing.. I went to the Lemons race at NJMP a few weeks ago and it was a blast.. I was thing about getting this..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/85-CH...item25634de13a

 

Early 80's toyota RWD would be my top choice. 1980 toyota corolla. The motors are bomb proof and the correct tires get turned.
Early 90's VW Jettas have had great runs (know of one for sale very soon that runs ChumpCar and has won)

 

An E30 won the NJMP race and was not cursed by avoiding contact. Stayed clean with only a wheel bearing going bad.