Affordable cars suitable for autosolos?
Discussion
I'm looking for a daily driver that I could use for the occasional track day or auto solo. From previous discussions on here I know the HCAAC is quite active in my area (Herts/Essex border) so I was wondering if there any particularly active categories?
My first thought was an MX-5, does anyone in the area know how popular they are locally and what sort of spec people usually go for? Had also considered an MR2 or an E36.
If I'm honest, this is a fairly small factor in my choice of car, but it might sway things if one of the cars I'm looking at would also open up some friendly, affordable motorsport.
My first thought was an MX-5, does anyone in the area know how popular they are locally and what sort of spec people usually go for? Had also considered an MR2 or an E36.
If I'm honest, this is a fairly small factor in my choice of car, but it might sway things if one of the cars I'm looking at would also open up some friendly, affordable motorsport.
Chris71 said:
I'm looking for a daily driver that I could use for the occasional track day or auto solo. From previous discussions on here I know the HCAAC is quite active in my area (Herts/Essex border) so I was wondering if there any particularly active categories?
My first thought was an MX-5, does anyone in the area know how popular they are locally and what sort of spec people usually go for? Had also considered an MR2 or an E36.
If I'm honest, this is a fairly small factor in my choice of car, but it might sway things if one of the cars I'm looking at would also open up some friendly, affordable motorsport.
I compete in Autosolos and Targa rallys in this region. My first thought was an MX-5, does anyone in the area know how popular they are locally and what sort of spec people usually go for? Had also considered an MR2 or an E36.
If I'm honest, this is a fairly small factor in my choice of car, but it might sway things if one of the cars I'm looking at would also open up some friendly, affordable motorsport.
I would recommend looking at the local-ish motorsports clubs.
www.chelmsfordmc.co.uk is the one I am a member of and is very well supported - there is a list of events linked on their site that are great fun to do.
Close-ish to you is a series that runs in East Anglia - http://www.amsc.org.uk/html/aac15.html which is great fun. You will have a good year of competition if you do a few of these events.
There are also a number of events that take place at North Weald run by various clubs which are also great fun.
Car-wise - At most of these events, there will be more than one MX5 in attendance. If you get yourself a MK2 1.8 iS (because it has the Torsen diff) you will be in good company. (This is what I run). This puts you in a class which is usually mostly made up of MX5s - at which point, you really can judge yourself against others.
In a sub £1k MX5, you should have a car capable of winning one of these events.
There are people that do well in BMW 318s although they look like a handful to pedal round to me. Lots of people also choose FWD - a clio / saxo or equivalent but RWD is more fun imho.
Not sure I've seen an MR2 at a solo - have seen an MGF and an RX8 and if you can stretch to it a Honda S2000 will be the class act but where's the fun in that.
There are lots of choices to make but an MX5 (1.8 iS NB) definitely makes a good one.
Bob
fat80b said:
There are lots of choices to make but an MX5 (1.8 iS NB) definitely makes a good one.
Bob
Hi Bob,Bob
Why a mk2 out of interest?
I tried finding one last year and specifically had my eye on a 1.8 iS for the reasons you mentioned, but the rust issue seems to be far more prevalent on mk2s. Plus, I figured a reasonably smart mk1 might actually go up in value with prices the way they are now.
Seem to be a lot of mk1 V-Specials around with the revvier 1.6 engine and the viscous diff.
Chris
Chris71 said:
Why a mk2 out of interest?
Apparently the viscous diff is not as reliable as the Torsen unit (I've no experience of this myself) and the Mk1s have a lower hp engine (in most cases). There are several mk1s running in the various events but it is fair to say the majority of competitors are using Mk2s.
Chris71 said:
the rust issue seems to be far more prevalent on mk2s. Plus, I figured a reasonably smart mk1 might actually go up in value with prices the way they are now.
Rust is an issue, the mk2.5s tend to be worse than the mk2s themselves and you need to take care of the inner sills not just the easier to see outer ones.The beauty of autosolo is that you can pretty much run anything.
I would imagine you could be just as competitive in a Mk1 vs a Mk2, the biggest difference in most cases will be the skill of the driver anyway!
Bob
fat80b said:
Chris71 said:
Why a mk2 out of interest?
Apparently the viscous diff is not as reliable as the Torsen unit (I've no experience of this myself) and the Mk1s have a lower hp engine (in most cases). Anyway, like you say, I'd imagine they're all close enough that driver, tyre choice, suspension etc. will have a greater effect. Maybe making a naturally aspirated mk1 1.6 quicker than a mk2 1.8 would be a fun project!
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 12th October 16:52
I've done a few autosolos in my mx5 mk1 with VSLD. It was fantastic no problem and very competitive as well, if it rains you've got a really controllable drifty treat to put a smile on your face.
It's not so easy to get sideways in the dry but still quite possible with weight transfer to slide it around a cone.
If you're quick mine is still on ebay but runs out in the next hour. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MAZDA-MX-5-EUNOS-1-6-12-MONTH-MOT-/262075658132?hash=item3d04ed2f94)
It's not so easy to get sideways in the dry but still quite possible with weight transfer to slide it around a cone.
If you're quick mine is still on ebay but runs out in the next hour. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MAZDA-MX-5-EUNOS-1-6-12-MONTH-MOT-/262075658132?hash=item3d04ed2f94)
Cyder said:
I've done a few autosolos in my mx5 mk1 with VSLD. It was fantastic no problem and very competitive as well, if it rains you've got a really controllable drifty treat to put a smile on your face.
It's not so easy to get sideways in the dry but still quite possible with weight transfer to slide it around a cone.
If you're quick mine is still on ebay but runs out in the next hour. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MAZDA-MX-5-EUNOS-1-6-12-MONTH-MOT-/262075658132?hash=item3d04ed2f94)
Doh! You're only just round the corner. Love the roads around Hitchin and Barton Le Clay - it was actually the mental image of buzzing round those lanes on a warm summer's evening with the top down that attracted me to the idea of an MX5.It's not so easy to get sideways in the dry but still quite possible with weight transfer to slide it around a cone.
If you're quick mine is still on ebay but runs out in the next hour. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-MAZDA-MX-5-EUNOS-1-6-12-MONTH-MOT-/262075658132?hash=item3d04ed2f94)
Sounds like a lot of fun for £400.
I had a very healthy mk1 RS-Ltd in the past. That's a 1.8 with a Torsen diff and all the toys and it was still pretty planted in the dry. In the wet, though, it was a very different story.
Around here BMW compacts and MX5s are really good on Autosolos. I'd try and find an import 1800cc MK1 Eunos, they mostly had the Torsen diff and nice and light. I have driven FWD and RWD in Autosolo and to be honest I find RWD so much more fun. Also for a wacky leftfield option look at a Suzuki Cappucino, with the boost wound up they are really really nimble.
Around here BMW compacts and MX5s are really good on Autosolos. I'd try and find an import 1800cc MK1 Eunos, they mostly had the Torsen diff and nice and light. I have driven FWD and RWD in Autosolo and to be honest I find RWD so much more fun. Also for a wacky leftfield option look at a Suzuki Cappucino, with the boost wound up they are really really nimble.
Furyblade_Lee said:
Around here BMW compacts and MX5s are really good on Autosolos. I'd try and find an import 1800cc MK1 Eunos, they mostly had the Torsen diff and nice and light. I have driven FWD and RWD in Autosolo and to be honest I find RWD so much more fun. Also for a wacky leftfield option look at a Suzuki Cappucino, with the boost wound up they are really really nimble.
I'm in a bit of a dilemma now.I think I've narrowed it down to either an MX-5 or a mk3 MR2. The MX-5s seem to fall into one of two camps: Virtually show-standard examples or really tatty ones. Weirdly, there seems to be absolutely no middle ground! The upper end of my budget would just about cover a really nice mk1, and I know somewhere there's one for sale, but I'm not sure I'd be able to keep it in that condition.
How much wear and tear do you find you pick up in sprints and autosolos?
Have you ever thought of a ford puma? Above you would prefer a rwd but it's cheap as chips, one of the best handling small cars out there and plenty of bits oh and did I mention there cheap! Plenty of people use them up in the northeast. I use my 2 for road rallys and for stages but have also used them for autosolo's and test rally's.
Just a thought but Bristol Motor Club is running a very low key novice event as a charity fund raiser at Castle Combe circuit on Sat 31st. You can get tuition runs in club member's cars and try a run in whatever you turn up in. Details here: http://bristolmc.org.uk/stroke-slalom-exp/ Plenty of experienced Autosolo people there to ask questions and discuss cars with.
avenger286 said:
Have you ever thought of a ford puma? Above you would prefer a rwd but it's cheap as chips, one of the best handling small cars out there and plenty of bits oh and did I mention there cheap! Plenty of people use them up in the northeast. I use my 2 for road rallys and for stages but have also used them for autosolo's and test rally's.
I've just sold a Clio 172 Cup, so I've had my fill of FWD for a while. Can't deny the Puma appeals, though. Always thought they were a nice looking car and 'that' Top Gear with Tiff Nedell getting incredibly sideways in one with Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Wilson looking terrified in the back left a lasting impression on my teenage brain back in the nineties!Yellow Fever said:
Just a thought but Bristol Motor Club is running a very low key novice event as a charity fund raiser at Castle Combe circuit on Sat 31st. You can get tuition runs in club member's cars and try a run in whatever you turn up in. Details here: http://bristolmc.org.uk/stroke-slalom-exp/ Plenty of experienced Autosolo people there to ask questions and discuss cars with.
I'd be half tempted by that, but I'm going to be out the country (driving other people's cars somewhere a lot sunnier!)The good thing about autosolos, from what I gather, is that they're so damn cheap. Turn up in whatever without so much as a National B and get involved in motorsport for less than the cost of a good night out. I think my local club doesn't even charge any extra for non members to have a go.
Chris71 said:
Furyblade_Lee said:
Around here BMW compacts and MX5s are really good on Autosolos. I'd try and find an import 1800cc MK1 Eunos, they mostly had the Torsen diff and nice and light. I have driven FWD and RWD in Autosolo and to be honest I find RWD so much more fun. Also for a wacky leftfield option look at a Suzuki Cappucino, with the boost wound up they are really really nimble.
I'm in a bit of a dilemma now.I think I've narrowed it down to either an MX-5 or a mk3 MR2. The MX-5s seem to fall into one of two camps: Virtually show-standard examples or really tatty ones. Weirdly, there seems to be absolutely no middle ground! The upper end of my budget would just about cover a really nice mk1, and I know somewhere there's one for sale, but I'm not sure I'd be able to keep it in that condition.
How much wear and tear do you find you pick up in sprints and autosolos?
I have recently bought MX5's for £150 (!) £300, £500 and £900, and just bought another for £500 today. They were all solid and not rusty ( the £150 one needed one sill being honest ) All we wear out are tyres, and I am being honest with you. I would not autosolo a mid engined car, no way. A friend has campaigned an MGF for a few years with some good results, but it is flawed and is hard work to handbrake an spin.
Furyblade_Lee said:
Chris71 said:
Furyblade_Lee said:
Around here BMW compacts and MX5s are really good on Autosolos. I'd try and find an import 1800cc MK1 Eunos, they mostly had the Torsen diff and nice and light. I have driven FWD and RWD in Autosolo and to be honest I find RWD so much more fun. Also for a wacky leftfield option look at a Suzuki Cappucino, with the boost wound up they are really really nimble.
I'm in a bit of a dilemma now.I think I've narrowed it down to either an MX-5 or a mk3 MR2. The MX-5s seem to fall into one of two camps: Virtually show-standard examples or really tatty ones. Weirdly, there seems to be absolutely no middle ground! The upper end of my budget would just about cover a really nice mk1, and I know somewhere there's one for sale, but I'm not sure I'd be able to keep it in that condition.
How much wear and tear do you find you pick up in sprints and autosolos?
I have recently bought MX5's for £150 (!) £300, £500 and £900, and just bought another for £500 today. They were all solid and not rusty ( the £150 one needed one sill being honest ) All we wear out are tyres, and I am being honest with you. I would not autosolo a mid engined car, no way. A friend has campaigned an MGF for a few years with some good results, but it is flawed and is hard work to handbrake an spin.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
The price is perhaps a tiny bit strong for the cosmetics, but it's got all the right bits on and some people are asking silly money for the smarter mk1s.
At the other end of the spectrum, I drove an £800 V-Special the other day. It had quite a bit of rust, but the front end felt really good (none of the vague floatiness some seem to have). Even had nice seats.
Chris agree the price may be a little strong for having a damaged roof and laquer peel, but that roll bar is the same as in one of our sprint / autosolo Eunos , It a quality one. If mechanically sound its worth £1,500 I reckon all day long, especially if it has a torsen LSD ( it should have ) At our level of autosolo that car is a potential winner , the MK1 1.8 is a nice little car. £2k is still cheap though if the car is a good one and all thats wrong is a torn screen and some laquer.
Furyblade_Lee said:
Chris agree the price may be a little strong for having a damaged roof and laquer peel, but that roll bar is the same as in one of our sprint / autosolo Eunos , It a quality one. If mechanically sound its worth £1,500 I reckon all day long, especially if it has a torsen LSD ( it should have ) At our level of autosolo that car is a potential winner , the MK1 1.8 is a nice little car. £2k is still cheap though if the car is a good one and all thats wrong is a torn screen and some laquer.
Yep, it's a Torsen diff and I think £1,500 is about right given it needs a little tidying. Current owner believes it has been in a front end shunt at some stage, but it's not on the register and damage appears to have been cosmetic only - new nosecone and a new rad. He's owned it for quite a long time, doing a mixture of road and track work with no problems and it's had a WiM alignment during that time. The thing is, he's away for a few weeks now, so I'm tempted to put the search on hold until he gets back.lanan said:
That's a good spot, but I plan to use the car as regular transport, so door bars etc. are a bit excessive. Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff