Sprinting/Hillclimbing Car advice

[Parkind]

Hi all

I am looking at prepping a car to do sprints/hillclimbing and trackdays. Now i am looking at entering the modified production category to make things a bit more interesting, and the sub 2ltr class to try and keep the cost from escalating stupidly (i know who am i kidding).

However im still undecided about a car, now i just want something cheap to have a bit fun in, not something that is going to be super competative. The options I have come up with so far are:-

Pug 205 1.9 GTi - fine but at the end of the day its
FWD
Renault 5 GTT - CRINGE
Toyota MR2 MK1 - Good engine just a bit worried about
ultimate potential of the 1.6
Porshe 924 - From what i have heard engine tuning
is hard

Now i did see a salvage (light damage) MR2 MK2 not so long ago for cheap and am currently really regretting not buying it at the time.

Any thoughts or opinions whould be apreciated.

[ettore]

Mk1 or Mk2 Escort - they still win!. Lightweight, easily tuneable and RWD.

[agent006]

E30 BMW 320? Add the LSD from a 325iS and you're away.

[groomi]

I would expect a Mkii MR2 to be faster than a Mki, not just because of the bigger engine but because they have significantly more grip to start with - maybe not so much fun, but quicker.

To be honest though, for bangs per buck a 205gti has to be the favourite. Definately faster than either MR2 on a hillclimb and very easily and cheaply tuneable.

If I still had mine...

[ccharlie6]

get a mini! i think they even have their own group. although it's probably not what you are looking for.

my choice would be the 205gti those engine are so easily tuneable and many have be raced in different motorsport events

[Guy Humpage]

Is a Honda Integra within budget? They're pretty competitive out of the box.

[GreenV8S]

Make sure you're the right side of the capacity split for your championship. I still recomend that you stick to the standard production category or equivalent at first, otherwise you will find you are in an 'arms race' against more experienced competitors.

[anonymous-user]

my advice would be to go to some events or have a look at some results on the web and see what is popular in the championships. Then you have an idea of what sort of preperation people are doing to cars and you can see what any competition would be.

Also read the regs for various championships, this a link to the Association of South West Motor Clubs Sprint championship regs and it should prove useful. Most championships run to similar regs so cars can compete in a number of championships. www.aswmc.org.uk/hilclimb.htm#HREG

you will be up against some very very tough competition in <2 litre ModProd. I would suggest starting a bit lower. The reason being that ModProd means anything goes to a large extent and engine choice is free. Mk1 escorts with vauxhall engines, Davrians etc The extra grip offered by slick tyres (which everyone runs) will contribute to excessive wear on the cars major components etc etc. In short, lots of the components will require upgrading very quickly.

Why not try the road going class in something like a 1.6 205 GTI, as mentioned, parts are widely available and the car is very competitive with only minor mods.
If ModProd is the way you want to go I would suggest a mini. The competition parts are very cheap and there will be only similar cars in the same class which should be good for comparison.

Bore the A-series engine up to 1340cc and use a single weber carb and you should be up there near the top. I dont think a cost of £4K including buying a suitable donor car is impossible and cant think of much else that will offer the same per £

[Parkind]

First off thanks for all the advice guys.. Sorry for the delay in any responce but my ISP decided that i didnt need the internet this weekend, very helpful of them.

There is a problem however and i might have to delay my plans slightly, as the bloody head gasket blew on my car today ggggrrrr, in the worst possible place.

Im probably the only one stupid enough to think that i should only have roadside cover, as i dont really get that far from home in the car.... This is a stupid idea, and i would suggest to anyone who has done the same to upgrade there cover to one with home recovery.

All in all not a good weekend