Better track car

[FrancesTheMute]

I'm planning on building another track car once I'm back from Iraq. I've been out of racing for wayyy too long and I've been itching to get back in. Which would make a better track car, considering different suspension, engine, power/weight and weight distribution setups. I plan to gut and cage whatever car I choose. I'd like to use the car for auto-x and possibly drifting.

- S13 w/SR20
- S14 w/SR20
- S13 w/RB (RWD)
- S14 w/RB (RWD)
- S13 w/RB (AWD)
- S14 w/RB (AWD)
- S13 w/CA18

[Slidin240Wayz]

I'll be kind since your doing a very dedicated life duty. Please look into the options you posted. This will create more of a battle between chassis-->motor-->suspension than anything.

Carlos

[TAMTANIUM]

rx7 fc or fd and if you don't like to deal with rotary engine. Corolla AE86 is the way to go.

and thanks for doing a great job over there man. You have my salute haha.

[FrancesTheMute]

I'll be kind since your doing a very dedicated life duty.

Haha, don't spare me simply because of my job. I've done some research, but I prefer personal opinions from people who have actually used the various setups. Granted the RB AWD is not one I expect anyone to have experience on yet, the rest have all been tried.

I have already built two S13's, one was SR20ed the other a KA-T; however neither was a track car, both were my DD's.

[BOROSUN]

build a track s2000

[FrancesTheMute]

build a track s2000

My dad would kill me. A Nissan engineer's son driving a Honda...it's sacrilege. I'd never forgive myself either.

[JewGal]

S13 w/RB (AWD)

Not that it's a track car I'd build or like to see built, but just because I doubt the seriousness of your question.

[TheTimanator]

AWD in an s-chasis is a pipe dream. Also, last time I checked into auto-x, swaping any of those engines will put you in some really tough classes.

[FrancesTheMute]

AWD in an s-chasis is a pipe dream. Also, last time I checked into auto-x, swaping any of those engines will put you in some really tough classes.

http://www.full-race.com/r14/

Well, dream just became reality. As for being in a tough class, that's fine, it just means I have to become a better driver.

[ayuaddict]

i like your attitude.

id go with the SR in an S13, tried and true.

[bbs114]

There are so many factors when choosing a car, most will rely on your own personal opinion and amount of money you wish to spend. If you are actually going to use this car for auto-x and you want to be competitve you might want to rethink your direction, any swap will put you in a street modified class and if you're going to do a full cage and everything I don't know what class you would be in you can look it up at the SCCA website anyway these classes usually have some sick cars like lotus super sevens and other things so it'll be hard to win, except there aren't as many competitors which can be good or bad whatever you think. Anyway I would start with an s14 chassis because they are stiffer, the weight is a little higher but you can trim it down, not to mention s14 usually has less rust. Also s14 can fit much wider tires without major body work than s13. If not s14 because of cost/availability reasons, than s13 coupe its lighter and stiffer than the hatch. As for the engine SR is lighter and easier swap but doesn't have the low and mid range torque of an RB which can be useful in auto-x. But the RB and AWD system would add a lot of weight up front, and ruin the car's balance, you would also need to heavily strengthen the chassis in the front to not only handle the weight but the power that it will be forced to support. I feel like this way would be really expensive. If you're thinking of crazy swaps maybe an s14 LS1, 2, or 7 would be fun, you would definitely have low end torque but probably wouldn't be able to put it down. I suggest s14 with an SR, find a good spooling turbo, if you can make a manifold and get a dual scroll turbo that would be sweet eliminate like all lag too. Check this car out http://www.dentsport.com/gallery/v/dsg/projects/bill240_001/. I think a Miata SR or RX7 LS1 or SR would be pretty good too. I have also seen a VQ go into an s14 before, there are tons of options if you want to get crazy and custom a lot of things. Anyway good luck man, keep up the good work. I'm in the Army Reserve so I'm sure I'll be over there soon too. Hope I helped, Peace.

[SochBAT]

Miata.

All the way.

[datboibrad]

s2k if i could afford one

[Wei240]

last time i was at autox, the fastest cars by far were corvettes...

old mr2 are fast too

but in the end, it's more on driver skill than anything, i've seen civic dx hatch eat up evo's/wrx's in terms of time at autox

[redsuns3838]

there is no better track car. u gotta narrow down ur choices by what you want to achieve. theres better cars suited for certain situations, but no "best track car"

if you want to make an AWD "track" car, why dont you just get a skyline from canada for cheap and set it up for the track? it would be a lot cheaper and a lot less headache than swapping it in a S chassis and making it AWD.
after all its a track car, doesnt need to be run on the street rite?


otherwise, a 240 with a SR or RB and RWD is really just about whether its worth the extra cash and difficulty in finding parts, and howmany HP you are planning to turn out, and which motor you prefer.
you can offset some of the weight from an RB with suspension settings..


also if you want a car for autox AND drifting, your better off with a RWD car, AWD currently cant compete in drift events per rules, IIRC

[wootwoot]

Miata with an f20c. Mr2 Spyder with fun stuff done. Ollldddd mr2 with practically any fwd motor you can ever think of.

I'm on the hunt for a Miata to beat on

[Dutchmalmiss]

+1 for the miata. even better with the sr or f20

[!Zar!]

Miata, 510 or, mazda fb. That's the only options I would suggest.

If you want tons of power, ls1 in a miata. Or sr in a 510.

[swwifty]

stripped s13 with stock KA. Once you get really good at driving it, add more power whether that be a RB, SR, or KA-T.

[FrancesTheMute]

stripped s13 with stock KA. Once you get really good at driving it, add more power whether that be a RB, SR, or KA-T.

I've actually considered that. I may just keep the car stock for a while till I can decide which route I want to go.

[DoriftoSlut]

FC.



/thread.

[LB.Motoring]

r32 awd :keke:

/pipedream

[DoriftoSlut]

FC



/Nissan

[FrancesTheMute]

r32 awd :keke:

/pipedream

I love when people say that. Just cracks me up. Sure it's a lofty goal, but when I come back with $75K and no expenses, what else should I spend it on? I've already been in contact with the guys at Full-Race figuring out prices and what not just to see how much it would cost if I did decide to go through with it. From what I can tell, the pricing is actually pretty reasonable.

[Duzzes_Wild]

what are you going to be using the car for, drag, drift, time attack, endurance, circuit..............you want to build the car around what you want to do

[FrancesTheMute]

I'd like to use the car for auto-x and possibly drifting.

Not trying to be a dick.

[exitspeed]

240z with VQ...Nuff said.

[drift freaq]

there is no better track car. u gotta narrow down ur choices by what you want to achieve. theres better cars suited for certain situations, but no "best track car"

if you want to make an AWD "track" car, why dont you just get a skyline from canada for cheap and set it up for the track? it would be a lot cheaper and a lot less headache than swapping it in a S chassis and making it AWD.
after all its a track car, doesnt need to be run on the street rite?


otherwise, a 240 with a SR or RB and RWD is really just about whether its worth the extra cash and difficulty in finding parts, and howmany HP you are planning to turn out, and which motor you prefer.
you can offset some of the weight from an RB with suspension settings..


also if you want a car for autox AND drifting, your better off with a RWD car, AWD currently cant compete in drift events per rules, IIRC

The RB weight issue is a myth perpetrated by people that have actually never had a RB in thier cars. Speaking from a point of reality, I can honestly say that the RB does not upset the balance of the car, or cause an undue weight issue. My car handles great running a RB25. In fact a car with a RB25 is the exact same weight as a car with KAT. Its a complete non issue and does not need different suspension settings to work. hhahhahhahhahhahha
Now as far as autocrossing goes or scca road racing what other people have stated is true. If you want to build a track car just to go out to track and have fun on track days and whatnot you can install a RB or SR and have fun. If your planning on serious competition then its study the rule books and expect intense competition from other very competitive platforms. That said figure out what you want to do yourself and have fun.

[kuruptR]

s13 w/ sr, quick and nimble.

FC with huge Picnic table drift wing, because its functional and mazda is awesome.

[DoriftoSlut]

FCs are the harest car I've ever drifted. But its also the most rewarding.

As a grip car, the damn thing is so much more sorted than my S13. It makes me realize the HUGE shortcomings in the 240 chassis.






that being said, you really do need to be a very good driver to control an FC. Its low polar moments and short wheelbase make it very squirrely and easy to get into a heap of trouble with. But god damn its awesome.

[chmercer]

c5 for track car

[drew935]

FD is easy to drift but I'd put a LS1 in there.

How about a blown VQ in an S13 or 14? It's all NISSAN :D

I agree with the C5 though. FTW

[vvtisupra]

whatever you feel comfortable crashing. I tend to hold back when its an expensive car I am driving I don't know about the rest of ballers on here

[FrancesTheMute]

whatever you feel comfortable crashing. I tend to hold back when its an expensive car I am driving I don't know about the rest of ballers on here

Haha, well I've already crashed an S13 w/SR20 and S13 w/KA-T, so I think it's time for a bigger crash this time! :D

[Dutchmalmiss]

Haha, well I've already crashed an S13 w/SR20 and S13 w/KA-T, so I think it's time for a bigger crash this time! :D

s15 it is then lol. try an s14 out then.

[azndummie]

s13 w/ sr because its easy to find another chassis if you crash

[withy]

if i had 75,000 i'd buy a brand new z06. there really isn't any thing quite like it for the price as of the moment.

[TheTimanator]

http://www.full-race.com/r14/

Well, dream just became reality. As for being in a tough class, that's fine, it just means I have to become a better driver.
I got owned. lol. I guess for most of us it is still out of reach just b/c of the price. Well, I agree you definately have the right attitude. Good luck with whatever you decide. BTW, have you considered a 350z or waiting for the next GTR to be released?

[FrancesTheMute]

I got owned. lol. I guess for most of us it is still out of reach just b/c of the price. Well, I agree you definately have the right attitude. Good luck with whatever you decide. BTW, have you considered a 350z or waiting for the next GTR to be released?

My mom has a 350Z and I'm not as big of a fan of it as I thought I would be. Great car, just not my first choice. Yeah, the price for the swap is kind of pricey...oh well, it'd be a dream come true if I do go through with it.

[Slidin240Wayz]

I love when people say that. Just cracks me up. Sure it's a lofty goal, but when I come back with $75K and no expenses, what else should I spend it on? I've already been in contact with the guys at Full-Race figuring out prices and what not just to see how much it would cost if I did decide to go through with it. From what I can tell, the pricing is actually pretty reasonable.

I suggest investing that money. Maybe buying 2-3 houses, use the earnings to buy your own house, and be able to support your car needs.

Carlos

[SoSideways]

I suggest investing that money. Maybe buying 2-3 houses, use the earnings to buy your own house, and be able to support your car needs.

Carlos

Most reasonable suggestion thus far :werd: lol

At least in my situation that's what I'd do.

[drift freaq]

FCs are the harest car I've ever drifted. But its also the most rewarding.






that being said, you really do need to be a very good driver to control an FC. Its low polar moments and short wheelbase make it very squirrely and easy to get into a heap of trouble with. But god damn its awesome.
sounds like a cross between a 510 and a 240z

[FRpilot]

FCs are the harest car I've ever drifted. But its also the most rewarding.

As a grip car, the damn thing is so much more sorted than my S13. It makes me realize the HUGE shortcomings in the 240 chassis.

that being said, you really do need to be a very good driver to control an FC. Its low polar moments and short wheelbase make it very squirrely and easy to get into a heap of trouble with. But god damn its awesome.

probably why most of the hardcore norcal track guys drive or switched from s chasis to FCs. (ie. var, xander, joe, andrew, todd ho, etc.)

[Orly? Yarly.]

Why not just import an R33, get it legalized (airbags at an importer, see the US Import list for details) and drive that?

[FrancesTheMute]

Yeah, I'm not interested in going through all that paperwork.

[redsuns3838]

i dunno, IMHO it seems pointless to spend the amount of cash itll cost to get full race to do the AWD-RB swap, vs other cars you can probly get for the same price. but if you really wanna do it, go for it. all the power to u. its YOUR car.

[wootwoot]

If I wanted a fun track car it would definitely never ever be AWD. Why not compete in the spec Miata class and have some serious racing. There are cheaper options then that even. There is now a e30 racing class. If you want to race, get a race car.

[ayuaddict]

um...how about a evolution 9 with some AO48s?

pretty surprised nobody suggested this yet.

[FrancesTheMute]

While most of those suggestions may suit my purposes fine, the only issue is, half aren't Nissan's. I don't want Mazda, Chevy, whatever...there's a reason I buy Nissan's and not something else.

[OptionZero]

if you have 75 grand and intend to dump it into the car, it doesn't really matter whether you get an s13 or s14. By the end, you'll have stripped, welded, and caged the damn thing and put in whatever custom Penske suspension and built engine.

S13 and S14 matters to those who are on a budget or considerably favor the look of one model to the other.

[Dutchmalmiss]

75 grand? save up a little more and wait for the new GT-R

[drift freaq]

If you don't care about the money issues and you want a Nissan chassis for racing then a 240z or 510 is a great way to go. The biggest issue here is you have not really elaborated what class of racing your trying to do. That would definitely help on the suggestion list.
Plus I don't care what people say about FC's I think they were Mazda's attempt at trying to be a Porsche 924/944. In truth if your going to go that direction the real deal 944 is a fucking amazing car in the handling departmet and I bet it would drift great. You can pick the chassis's up cheap as well. screw the Porsche engine (10k to replace) just stick something else in. hahhahha
but back to the whole thing of you wanting it to be Nissan. I made good suggestions above depending on the class of racing. Though tell us what your after.

[wootwoot]

FC's WERE an attempt at the 924. They did it much better though! Then Porsche came out with the 944 so Mazda said shit and then came out with the Turbo II. Same as how the GTR is going to be Nissan's attempt at the Porsche 911 turbo.

[drift freaq]

FC's WERE an attempt at the 924. They did it much better though! Then Porsche came out with the 944 so Mazda said shit and then came out with the Turbo II. Same as how the GTR is going to be Nissan's attempt at the Porsche 911 turbo.
If you believe that then I want what your smoking. :rofl:
Trust me Porsche does not in the least feel threatened our one upped by the Japanese . 924's came out way before FC's.
No matter what you say Turbo II or FC neither were better than a 944 especially a 944 turbo. FD well its a dope car but Mazda got smart and stopped trying to copy Porsche.
The GTR is not even going after the 911 Turbo. Its out to establish its own place in the realm of things much like the R32GTR and R34GTR did. Just like the FD did.
The 350z did aim for the Boxter and I feel they pulled it. They admitted that they aimed it there. Now did Porsche feel threatened by it? no. They just went and built the Caymen. The best handling Porsche since the 944. hahahhahhahhahhaha . give it up your not going to win this debate.
To keep it somewhat on topic 944's do make great track cars as would a Caymen . hehhehhehehhe

[FrancesTheMute]

Well hopefully my A4 will sell this week. If it does I've found a good S14 that I'll be picking up asap.

[wootwoot]

Ghosn himself was driving a Porsche turbo for a while and said he was doing so to "eye up the competition."
I still believe the rx7 to be better then a 924 but not a 944. I'm sorry that I apparently cannot win an argument of oppinon?
I'm waiting for the Porsche guys to try and start shoving the rear engine turbo motor into the mid Caymen. Someone has enough money and is weird enough to do it.