Discussion
Hi all, I'm debating about turning one of my cars into a track-only car. I have never done anything like this before so I'm looking for some guidance on the order to do things. I was thinking first of all shed some of the weight (it's an A4 B5 sport), go back to light 17" alloys, then brakes, suspension and finally engine power. Does that sound about right?
Cheers
Cheers
Tjay65 said:
Hi all, I'm debating about turning one of my cars into a track-only car. I have never done anything like this before so I'm looking for some guidance on the order to do things. I was thinking first of all shed some of the weight (it's an A4 B5 sport), go back to light 17" alloys, then brakes, suspension and finally engine power. Does that sound about right?
Cheers
Full carbon tub and interior delete. Cheers
As mentioned, the issue is the entire engine is ahead of the front wheels giving a ~60/40 weight balance.
The problem is that even if the car itself is 'free' as it's otherwise scrap, doing trackdays in it is not. You've got brake pads and fluid as a minimum, potentially tyres, and any other mods you choose to do (more supportive seat?). You've got the cost of the trackday itself, transport to and from it (do you have a tow vehicle and trailer for it?), fuel used on track etc. And you've got maintenance/repairs for the wear and tear on track.
So you're going to be spending money, to then drive around in a fairly nose-heavy car that's not very track-suited.
I'd suggest scrapping the Audi and driving even an almost standard cheap MX-5 or MR-2 would work better and be more fun for probably similar total financial outlay. Being more balanced they'll be more fun even without much in the way of mods, and being lighter and more balanced they'll go through fewer consumable parts. You could buy a car for a grand or so, probably get £150 for scrapping the Audi or more if it's still got it's original cat on it.
The problem is that even if the car itself is 'free' as it's otherwise scrap, doing trackdays in it is not. You've got brake pads and fluid as a minimum, potentially tyres, and any other mods you choose to do (more supportive seat?). You've got the cost of the trackday itself, transport to and from it (do you have a tow vehicle and trailer for it?), fuel used on track etc. And you've got maintenance/repairs for the wear and tear on track.
So you're going to be spending money, to then drive around in a fairly nose-heavy car that's not very track-suited.
I'd suggest scrapping the Audi and driving even an almost standard cheap MX-5 or MR-2 would work better and be more fun for probably similar total financial outlay. Being more balanced they'll be more fun even without much in the way of mods, and being lighter and more balanced they'll go through fewer consumable parts. You could buy a car for a grand or so, probably get £150 for scrapping the Audi or more if it's still got it's original cat on it.
Edited by samoht on Sunday 28th August 18:51
samoht said:
As mentioned, the issue is the entire engine is ahead of the front wheels giving a ~60/40 weight balance.
The problem is that even if the car itself is 'free' as it's otherwise scrap, doing trackdays in it is not. You've got brake pads and fluid as a minimum, potentially tyres, and any other mods you choose to do (more supportive seat?). You've got the cost of the trackday itself, transport to and from it (do you have a tow vehicle and trailer for it?), fuel used on track etc. And you've got maintenance/repairs for the wear and tear on track.
So you're going to be spending money, to then drive around in a fairly nose-heavy car that's not very track-suited.
I'd suggest scrapping the Audi and driving even an almost standard cheap MX-5 or MR-2 would work better and be more fun for probably similar total financial outlay. Being more balanced they'll be more fun even without much in the way of mods, and being lighter and more balanced they'll go through fewer consumable parts. You could buy a car for a grand or so, probably get £150 for scrapping the Audi or more if it's still got it's original cat on it.
MX5 would be my go to really, I know how they handle and also know where to get some parts from i.e bucket seats and roll cage. I guess I need to go on the hunt for one. The problem is that even if the car itself is 'free' as it's otherwise scrap, doing trackdays in it is not. You've got brake pads and fluid as a minimum, potentially tyres, and any other mods you choose to do (more supportive seat?). You've got the cost of the trackday itself, transport to and from it (do you have a tow vehicle and trailer for it?), fuel used on track etc. And you've got maintenance/repairs for the wear and tear on track.
So you're going to be spending money, to then drive around in a fairly nose-heavy car that's not very track-suited.
I'd suggest scrapping the Audi and driving even an almost standard cheap MX-5 or MR-2 would work better and be more fun for probably similar total financial outlay. Being more balanced they'll be more fun even without much in the way of mods, and being lighter and more balanced they'll go through fewer consumable parts. You could buy a car for a grand or so, probably get £150 for scrapping the Audi or more if it's still got it's original cat on it.
Edited by samoht on Sunday 28th August 18:51
I can get £320 for the A4 in scrap value which, for a 22-year-old car is not to bad.
Surely an inherently understeering chassis can be fixed by alignment? Lots ie 3-4 degrees of front camber, perhaps a touch of toe out all round. Plenty of decent front engined cars out there.
But starting point aside, yes, strip all the weight out, brakes, tyres, suspension to allow some adjustability then take it to a decent alignment shop who will know how to get it to work. After all, a4s and other terrible understeery cars (vauxhall astras, mondeos) have been made into successful touring cars!
But starting point aside, yes, strip all the weight out, brakes, tyres, suspension to allow some adjustability then take it to a decent alignment shop who will know how to get it to work. After all, a4s and other terrible understeery cars (vauxhall astras, mondeos) have been made into successful touring cars!
brillomaster said:
After all, a4s and other terrible understeery cars (vauxhall astras, mondeos) have been made into successful touring cars!
They have, but not really a fair comparison. Supertouring era onwards, the chassis has little in common with the production car other than 'most' of the monocoque. Tubular subframes with fully adjustable double wishbone suspension for a start.Anyway, off topic. If the A4 is a free car for you, why don't you just go spank it round a track a couple of times as it sits? See how get on with the whole experience. But as has been said here, the actual cost of the car at the £1k-£5k price point is insignificant enough compared with the cost of building/upgrading a car that it makes more sense to start with something as suitable as possible, even if the car is free.
Though enough cash can make anything fast so if you're willing and happy to throw it at the A4 because you love it don't let us talk you out of it
The initial purchase price of the car can quickly be outweighed by general running costs. There was a thread on here where people put up the overall cost per trackday, (excluding trackday booking) I think it was about £200 per event in tyres, brakes, fuel, oil changes, food etc.
So if you're spending that much 4 or 5 times per year, it makes sense to do it in something you really enjoy driving.
So if you're spending that much 4 or 5 times per year, it makes sense to do it in something you really enjoy driving.
Tjay65 said:
@carfield, the only reason for using an A4 is cos I already have one, the other option I have is to scrap it. Seem a shame to do that as the bodywork is in excellent nick and its a runner. Hey if that's the best thing to do with it then so be it.
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