First track day car suggestions
Discussion
I’m wanting to start taking part in track days, I just don’t fancy taking the 355, at least not until I get a feel for the general temperament of other people on these events.
So ideally I want something cheap so that I can go out and not worry about any damage.
I want something quite capable once the basics are done such as, stripped, cage, tyres and brakes are applied, also reliable.
Thinking through my previous cars, the only car that fits this bill is the ep3 type r.
I believe most of the fun comes at the corners, so straight line speed isn’t of huge concern, although would be nice
So ideally I want something cheap so that I can go out and not worry about any damage.
I want something quite capable once the basics are done such as, stripped, cage, tyres and brakes are applied, also reliable.
Thinking through my previous cars, the only car that fits this bill is the ep3 type r.
I believe most of the fun comes at the corners, so straight line speed isn’t of huge concern, although would be nice
The usual:
MX5
Renault Sport Clio
Civic Type R as you suggested (although I've found ours to be a bit of a rot box)
But basically anything you fancy to start with. Good brakes is all you need (So not most standard BMWs
). Then see if you like trackdays before stripping cage etc.
If I was trawling the classifieds for a cheap track car, I think I'd take a punt on: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
MX5
Renault Sport Clio
Civic Type R as you suggested (although I've found ours to be a bit of a rot box)
But basically anything you fancy to start with. Good brakes is all you need (So not most standard BMWs
). Then see if you like trackdays before stripping cage etc.If I was trawling the classifieds for a cheap track car, I think I'd take a punt on: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Edited by Munter on Sunday 21st April 09:09
Yes good shout!.
Ive never been fond of mx5’s. I will take a look at the renaults mentioned
Another factor I haven’t mentioned is I’m probably going to drive the car to and from the track, as much as I’d like a full on track car I don’t think I could do with the hassle of trailering it everywhere, but then again it’s the unnecessary expense of taxing and mots
Ive never been fond of mx5’s. I will take a look at the renaults mentioned
Another factor I haven’t mentioned is I’m probably going to drive the car to and from the track, as much as I’d like a full on track car I don’t think I could do with the hassle of trailering it everywhere, but then again it’s the unnecessary expense of taxing and mots
If you are building up to tracking a mid engined car, doesn't make much sense to be learning in a wrong wheel drive shopping car.
So rwd as a min & yes mx5 great as a learning car yes a bit lacking in pace but a wet day in one will really get your skill set up. Big well established tuning path as yr skills grow, I've had lots of them & am a big fan.
E36 bmws etc great & I've had tons of them.
However mid engined in your case would make the most sense, so on tiny budget mr2 mk3 are good & can swap to the celica engine for decent grunt.
If you have a tad larger budget Vx220 ticks many boxes, take a look in classifieds I've got an NA with Nitrons in there on that could suit you.
So rwd as a min & yes mx5 great as a learning car yes a bit lacking in pace but a wet day in one will really get your skill set up. Big well established tuning path as yr skills grow, I've had lots of them & am a big fan.
E36 bmws etc great & I've had tons of them.
However mid engined in your case would make the most sense, so on tiny budget mr2 mk3 are good & can swap to the celica engine for decent grunt.
If you have a tad larger budget Vx220 ticks many boxes, take a look in classifieds I've got an NA with Nitrons in there on that could suit you.
Yes point well made, I’m not set on fwd.
I’m also not set on making the 355 a regular on the track, I feel compentant behind the wheel of it, controlled many slides etc, my main concern is somebody else making contact though being overly aggressive which is why I want to get a feel of the general track temperament.
I used to race professionally, so my track experience is of a no inch given mentality.
Ive never driven the 220’s/Elise’s etc, I’m sure they make fantastic cars on the track. I will take a look
I’m also not set on making the 355 a regular on the track, I feel compentant behind the wheel of it, controlled many slides etc, my main concern is somebody else making contact though being overly aggressive which is why I want to get a feel of the general track temperament.
I used to race professionally, so my track experience is of a no inch given mentality.
Ive never driven the 220’s/Elise’s etc, I’m sure they make fantastic cars on the track. I will take a look
Get an e46 328i or if budget can stretch, a 330ci. Closest in feel to a 335i, so will feel instantly familar, if i little underpowered. Though no where near as bad as an mx5 though! 6 cyl engines sound great, generally regarded as reliable, though check the cooling system.
Not sure brakes are a concern, sure the oem pads will fade quickly, but a decent set of pads and fluid will be first on the list to change, followed by trackday tyres.
Not sure brakes are a concern, sure the oem pads will fade quickly, but a decent set of pads and fluid will be first on the list to change, followed by trackday tyres.
My advice would be to start with a budget & work from there.
After that it would be if you are precious about the 355 stay away from track days.
I have used:
325 e36
328 e36
Current - Cooper S
All were good & all are common on track, as are:
Clio 182
Fiesta ST
Megane 225
MX5
Either find something already done & proven or make sure you buy something that every after-market manufacturer of uprated bits makes parts for, it makes things MUCH less expensive.
Could be worth turning up at a few track days as every now & again you can get good advice/inspiration & even cars for sale.
After that it would be if you are precious about the 355 stay away from track days.
I have used:
325 e36
328 e36
Current - Cooper S
All were good & all are common on track, as are:
Clio 182
Fiesta ST
Megane 225
MX5
Either find something already done & proven or make sure you buy something that every after-market manufacturer of uprated bits makes parts for, it makes things MUCH less expensive.
Could be worth turning up at a few track days as every now & again you can get good advice/inspiration & even cars for sale.
Thanks for the advice
I’m in two minds, either buy a car and build it into more of a track weapon, and during the process see and feel the progress the car makes, or buy one already done and have done with it.
I have always had a soft spot for type R’s, however I seem to recall the steering feel lacking in the ep3, the mugen FN2 I had afterwards was better in this respect but lacked elsewhere. Although I’ve never had a renault I appreciate they are popular track weapons so obviously they have something going for them. Then there’s rwd..
Regarding the 355, would love to take that out on an empty track, It is quite loud with the tubi so not sure on noise restrictions, I suspect it should be fine. this would be a long way off though, if it ever happens.
Good suggestion attending some track days, will definitely follow that up
I’m in two minds, either buy a car and build it into more of a track weapon, and during the process see and feel the progress the car makes, or buy one already done and have done with it.
I have always had a soft spot for type R’s, however I seem to recall the steering feel lacking in the ep3, the mugen FN2 I had afterwards was better in this respect but lacked elsewhere. Although I’ve never had a renault I appreciate they are popular track weapons so obviously they have something going for them. Then there’s rwd..
Regarding the 355, would love to take that out on an empty track, It is quite loud with the tubi so not sure on noise restrictions, I suspect it should be fine. this would be a long way off though, if it ever happens.
Good suggestion attending some track days, will definitely follow that up
A quick sub £2k sub 8 second to 60 search in Auto trader serves up several of the following:
MX5
Cooper S
Fiesta ST 150
Clio 182
All of which would suit as a starting point with a full brake disc/pad/fluid upgrade, set of 1/2 decent coilovers, then a few engine mods will see over 200bhp & a fine handling track car that can give real fun times all for under £4K, and can even double up as a runabout.
And what is better is that it is disposable at £4K.
It is exactly what I did but I am more like £5K.
MX5
Cooper S
Fiesta ST 150
Clio 182
All of which would suit as a starting point with a full brake disc/pad/fluid upgrade, set of 1/2 decent coilovers, then a few engine mods will see over 200bhp & a fine handling track car that can give real fun times all for under £4K, and can even double up as a runabout.
And what is better is that it is disposable at £4K.
It is exactly what I did but I am more like £5K.
usn90 said:
my main concern is somebody else making contact though being overly aggressive which is why I want to get a feel of the general track temperament.
I've done a fair few track days and never found other people to be a problem.If you don't like the way someone is driving, just indicate and let them pass.
If someone passes you on a corner (very rare - not allowed) - report them if it was close/agressive.
If you see a group of lads caning stripped out BMWs and Clios on slicks in a pack (quite common), just let them pass.
Most track days you'll be on your own for many of the laps. It's hard to catch or be caught even in a fast car unless you have good experience and tuition - you'll end up lapping with similar speed cars, with a healthy gaps - at least that's my experience. You can't overtake on corners, so the only overtaking that happens is on the straights and then it's down to power and exit speed.
Also, as the day goes on, particularly after lunch, you can end up out on the track on your own. Loads of breakdowns, fatique, loss of interest etc.
I've done Donnington GP (bike in fairness), Brands GP (bike again), Cadwell park (Westfield Cosworth), Llandow (2 Westfield 1600 twincam 4Age) 3 times, Castle Combe 3 or 4 times in a Westfield Seight, and the Westfield Cossie.
Never had any drama - kept out of the way of a very erratic driver at Llandow who span a lot, and avoided a group of slicked up race cars lads at Castle Combe. All great fun and never felt in any danger form other cars.
sorry my bad, misread 355 as 335... and naturally my mind jumps to bmw!
if its a 355 you're comparing to then yes, something mid engined would probably make more sense. Though, if you took the 355 to somewhere like bedford and kept and eye on your mirrors im sure you'd be absolutely fine.
if its a 355 you're comparing to then yes, something mid engined would probably make more sense. Though, if you took the 355 to somewhere like bedford and kept and eye on your mirrors im sure you'd be absolutely fine.
No problem
I’m sure a little precautions would go a long way, it only takes that one idiot thought is what’s in the back of my mind
I had a close call with a modded Lexus who insisted on showing off to his Mrs by trying to instigate a race, Happens a lot, I try and let them passed where possible.
I never had this in the 348, not sure if it’s becuase it’s a 355, the tubi or the fact I’m quite young, maybe a combination of all three!
I’m sure a little precautions would go a long way, it only takes that one idiot thought is what’s in the back of my mind
I had a close call with a modded Lexus who insisted on showing off to his Mrs by trying to instigate a race, Happens a lot, I try and let them passed where possible.
I never had this in the 348, not sure if it’s becuase it’s a 355, the tubi or the fact I’m quite young, maybe a combination of all three!
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