Basic track car

[james s]

morning all,

Ive just nipped over from the Porsche fourm. I looking to buy a road legal car for the track with a budget of 5-6k, possible a little more. Initially planned to buy a 944 and strip it out a bit. Lots vailable for this buget, but it struck me a Caterham or derivative might be a better choice.

Can I get one, or more probably a westfield for this money. If so what is essential to have for track use.

Thanks james

[Shaun_E]

Might get a Crossflow engined Caterham for £6k - £7k. Virtually any Caterham would be fine on track as they don't eat brakes or tyres due to their light weight. There is a whole host of options that make things even better but you are unlikley to get them with that budget. You can get AP 4 pot brakes with vented disks, widetrack front suspension, adjustable spring platforms, LSD, quick steering rack, etc.
Look out for ex-racecars as these might have some of the extras but at a reasonable price.
I guess you could look at Westfields in that price range or how about something like the MK Indy with a bike engine? Sylva Strikers do very well on track and you'd probably get quite a good one with that budget.

[h_____]

Or stick with the porsche idea, I have a mate who bought and old 944 and stripped it out. Sold the bits he stripped out of it to pay for glass fibre panels, a racing seat, and some new (not trick suspension), the car cost peanuts (even compared to a cat), and goes very well. its not the fastest thing on a circuit, but its loads of fun!

[dern]

You'd be better off posting in the kit car section imo.

You're about 4 months late for the real bargains (see profile) but you should be able to pick up a xflow or pinto westfield for your money. Had a xflow car before the current car and it would be a much better track car than a 944 and a lot easier and cheaper to fix. Limited top end though depending on gearing. You'll get even more for your money (spec wise at least) if you go for an mk/locost. The handling on a 944 is very good though if you decide you want a roof.

Regards,

Mark

>> Edited by dern on Tuesday 14th March 09:26

[Tango7]

If you are interested I am thinking of selling my Supersprint (1700cc Xflow) for about £7k. Its a long cockpit de dion with VX race suspension fitted (larger dampers and adjustable platforms) and ideal for the track or road.

T.

[james s]

Thanks chaps - food for thought

Tango 7 could be interested - I'll mail you later

james

[Tango7]

Car now sold - good luck with finding one.

[james s]

Thanks Tango

Went to see a fireblade engined Westie yesterday. Fabulous and absolutely bonkers. In fact I think it has convinved me to go for some kind of tin top for staters, maybe progresing to a Caterham later. I know a car engined Caterham might be a bit more reasonable, but we need the car for entertaining clients, so I think we'll start a bit less daunting

>> Edited by james s on Tuesday 4th April 14:03