High mileage track cars
Discussion
yep, condition is everything.
27yr old mx5 with 245k km. engine producing more than original spec! 20+ track days no probs.
i suspect car hadn't been nurtured before being converted to a track car by previous owners, but here's the thing: track use will soon find any problems and if it gets past that initial hurdle then track cars are normally treated quite well (warm up, cool down frequent fluid changes and inspections). test engine is strong on buying and shouldn't be an undue worry.
27yr old mx5 with 245k km. engine producing more than original spec! 20+ track days no probs.
i suspect car hadn't been nurtured before being converted to a track car by previous owners, but here's the thing: track use will soon find any problems and if it gets past that initial hurdle then track cars are normally treated quite well (warm up, cool down frequent fluid changes and inspections). test engine is strong on buying and shouldn't be an undue worry.
I'm running a BMW Z4MC that's now on over 150k.
It does some UK track day duty and twice-yearly, 5 day Ring trips of 25-40 laps each time. Other than that it's either sitting on the motorway for 2-3 hours at a time, or hooning around Wales, The Lakes, Scotland or the Peak District.
To maintain the reliability, the car is serviced more often (i.e. oil service every 3 months) and of course it goes through a fair amount of pads & petrol (about 14mpg on the Ring). But it's much cheaper/better than my e34 M5s were (less than 10mpg).
The only track-specific things it's had done to it are better pads & Bilstein B16 suspension - as it's still got to do the daily driver duties too.
It does some UK track day duty and twice-yearly, 5 day Ring trips of 25-40 laps each time. Other than that it's either sitting on the motorway for 2-3 hours at a time, or hooning around Wales, The Lakes, Scotland or the Peak District.
To maintain the reliability, the car is serviced more often (i.e. oil service every 3 months) and of course it goes through a fair amount of pads & petrol (about 14mpg on the Ring). But it's much cheaper/better than my e34 M5s were (less than 10mpg).
The only track-specific things it's had done to it are better pads & Bilstein B16 suspension - as it's still got to do the daily driver duties too.
Edited by mmm-five on Friday 17th February 13:46
In all fairness my 928 has been retired from trackday duty, but it had 230k miles at DN13 here in 2015. It does have new Bilsteins and is mechanically pretty good
It sometimes has to act as backup car when the Cerb is sulking
But the last time the Cerb was being petulant a very good mate lent me his Teg (while he was busy changing nappies)
It sometimes has to act as backup car when the Cerb is sulking
But the last time the Cerb was being petulant a very good mate lent me his Teg (while he was busy changing nappies)
This might be the last chance to post video, bearing in mind the new T&Cs so here goes
http://vimeo.com/141477057
http://vimeo.com/141477057
lets see, we're currently on high mileage bmw number 4... the current one has 196k on the clock, which is probably why it was only 650 quid. so yeah the expansion tank sprung a leak, but that could happen on any car.
but its so far so good on track driving - done 4 trackdays, engine is sounding strong and pulls nicely, gearbox is ok considering the mileage. one possible area would be tired bushes, but if it fails an mot they'll get replaced.
sure a lower mileage car might possibly last longer, but i figure if a car has made it to 196k and all appears well on the test drive, its probably a good'un. but at 650 quid, its only got to do 6 trackdays before i'm happy i've had my moneys worth if it does go bang.
but its so far so good on track driving - done 4 trackdays, engine is sounding strong and pulls nicely, gearbox is ok considering the mileage. one possible area would be tired bushes, but if it fails an mot they'll get replaced.
sure a lower mileage car might possibly last longer, but i figure if a car has made it to 196k and all appears well on the test drive, its probably a good'un. but at 650 quid, its only got to do 6 trackdays before i'm happy i've had my moneys worth if it does go bang.
james_gt3rs said:
CABC said:
track cars are normally treated quite well (warm up, cool down frequent fluid changes and inspections).
True but they are also battered at the rev limiter all the time, so I think on balance the engine will wear more on track..- are normally lighter
- have very few cold starts per year
- very little load below 30mph (the strain of wot at 40mph+ is less than fast driving in traffic)
- only need to do another 4yrs/20k and everyone is happy. Many seem to do a lot more.
A lot of high milers live on. many that do explode often do so after mods.
It's always a balance, but as long as the engine isn't making any nasty noises, runs well and isn't smoking I'd be happy with paying less for a high mileage track slag. The engine was absolutely fine in my 130k mile Clio 182, you just have to expect a bit more maintenance on things like injectors, sensors, MAFs, etc.
HustleRussell said:
IME most track cars are trigger's broom anyway, mileage is pretty much irrelevant once its been re-shelled, it's on its third engine and its second gearbox and most of the drivetrain components have been replaced a few times...
My mr2 has about 250,000km the turbo failed a couple years ago at Bedford and was replaced. However the engine is starting to get a bit leggy, using a bit of oil on track and the gearbox gets very hard to select second after a long session. I'm remedying this by fitting a rebuilt engine, a lower mileage gearbox and I keep thinking about getting a quaife to replace the std rubbish lsd......git-r said:
Really good thread this. How many miles have people covered on track without problem?
I've no idea what the odometer shows on the Caterham Supersport I bought last month. I've deduced that it was built for the 2009 Caterham Academy and has raced pretty much continuously since. The only 'history' it came with was a complete film of engine oil from when it's first engine voided its bowels and a thorough coating of what appears to be cement dust or gravel dust from its last outing with its previous owner (Estoril, I think). I'll find out whether it was a good purchase on Tuesday when I drive it for the first time...i completely think there are no savings on this front.
You should start out with the best example your budget allows. Track usage increases wear and tear tremendously and if a car lives mostly on track rather than occasional track usage then it makes sense that everything that can break will given usage and time wear out. That's why due consideration must be given to lighter cars and those with cheapish replacement parts that are readily available.
My CSL has been upgraded with a FIA spec csl cup shell on standard drivetrain. During the last 3 years I have owned the car, I've had cooling upgrades, fuel system upgrades, suspension upgrades, exhaust and brake upgrades. It's been a deep pit but there is little choice if you are addicted to a beautifully balanced bmw rear drive chassis and that straight six wail. So I would advise to look at your budget, look at the 2 must haves re a track car and narrow down from there. If you are realistic it will narrow down your choices tremendously. Good luck.
You should start out with the best example your budget allows. Track usage increases wear and tear tremendously and if a car lives mostly on track rather than occasional track usage then it makes sense that everything that can break will given usage and time wear out. That's why due consideration must be given to lighter cars and those with cheapish replacement parts that are readily available.
My CSL has been upgraded with a FIA spec csl cup shell on standard drivetrain. During the last 3 years I have owned the car, I've had cooling upgrades, fuel system upgrades, suspension upgrades, exhaust and brake upgrades. It's been a deep pit but there is little choice if you are addicted to a beautifully balanced bmw rear drive chassis and that straight six wail. So I would advise to look at your budget, look at the 2 must haves re a track car and narrow down from there. If you are realistic it will narrow down your choices tremendously. Good luck.
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