Car choice

Alpina · 1 Sep 2003, 11:06 (Ref:704699)

This is an unusual one but I am looking for some help here. I want to build a autocross racer. Tjis is a standard car stripped out to race on mud and grass. The tracks are set out in a field and turn both ways (unlike autograss).
I want a car that is quick and nimble and light but I want to buy one for under £250 so I am looking for 80s and early 90s MOT failures, bangers etc. I am familiar with the Peugeot 205s and even a Maestro 2l and they are both in the picture but what else is there that could be quick and interesting. Should be 1.6 and above with good acceleration.

SL · 1 Sep 2003, 19:50 (Ref:705057)

Ever seen a Nissan 200SX S13 ? The old shape one's that is, or a Silva S12.

1.8 Turbo engine, fairly large and strong bodywork. Not that nimble but..... Quite a few coming up as MOT failures now, not sure about £250 but you never know. A few tweaks to the turbo and you have 200bhp.

Simon

Alpina · 2 Sep 2003, 01:37 (Ref:705282)

I have driven a Silvia a long time ago and I thought it a good car. I don't know how it will handle the bumps though and a RWD car just isn't going to do it as they can't get the traction.

evo · 2 Sep 2003, 01:45 (Ref:705288)

How bout a VW Golf GTI. I have a friend who autocrosses his and it's pretty quick. He needs to replace the brakes though.

coln72 · 2 Sep 2003, 07:15 (Ref:705367)

Dont know about RWD not being competitive. I run an early 70's corolla in autocrosses and regulary win or place in my class (0-1800cc modified). Anyway RWD is more fun anyway - lock the diff and drift away.

garcon · 2 Sep 2003, 09:46 (Ref:705480)

I was going to suggest an early 80s Corolla coupe. There must be a few knocking about, and they're popular for rallying/rallycross etc. They're rear drive, but once you've got the hand of looking where you're going through your side windows traction ain't that big an issue...

Alpina · 2 Sep 2003, 10:58 (Ref:705521)

I used to cross my Mk1 escort which had an lsd and I really struggled to get on terms with the FWD cars in my class. UK autocross is entirely on mud or grass and you rarely touch the brakes so I am wondering if Aussie autocross is like the US autocross which is on tarmac.
Corollas do seem to be a bit thin on the ground here but I would consider a Golf GTi. Just can't find one at the moment.

429CJ · 2 Sep 2003, 17:58 (Ref:705880)

BMW Alpina?

Alpina · 2 Sep 2003, 23:15 (Ref:706248)

You are joking? There is no way that would be competitive even if I were to prepare it. Too low and too heavy and too RWD. I would end up spinning my wheels everywhere and not going forward. It is worth a bit more than £250 as well.

coln72 · 3 Sep 2003, 07:43 (Ref:706486)

Aussie autocross is on dirt as well. Local track is actually granite sand/clay.

If you must go FWD

why not a Suzuki Swift GTI

Dani Filth · 3 Sep 2003, 07:52 (Ref:706501)

get the Pug ...

Alpina · 3 Sep 2003, 10:46 (Ref:706696)

coln72> granite? Got any pics?

At the moment the pug 205 1.9 has gone. Just missed it. So it is back to square one. I have been offered a porsche 924 and I am tempted for the novelty value. It is light and reasonably powerful 125BHP 1030kgs but I am worried about the costs and of course it is RWD although having a transaxle should give it good traction.

Dani Filth · 3 Sep 2003, 10:58 (Ref:706720)

1.9 .. what was that a Diesel??? ..
how about some FIAT's .. or a Alfa 33

but don;t know about the prices ..

Alpina · 3 Sep 2003, 11:10 (Ref:706737)

The 1.9 was a gti! I would consider a 164 3 litre or a 156 2l but I doubt if I can find one for the money.

garcon · 3 Sep 2003, 12:01 (Ref:706818)

924 parts aren't too scary price-wise - many are shared with a Mk2 Golf!

Alpina · 3 Sep 2003, 23:15 (Ref:707582)

I checked out the specs of a Silvia. those things are bloody quick off the mark! Has anyone run one?

garcon · 4 Sep 2003, 07:41 (Ref:707760)

I used to have a '93 200SX, which is the model after the Silvia but very similar mechanicals.

1.8 turbo putting out 160+ bhp in standard tune. 0-60 under 7 secs. It was a hoot to drive - rear wheel drive and good ole fashioned turbo lag meant for some entertaining moments on wet roundabouts...

Alpina · 4 Sep 2003, 10:46 (Ref:707900)

Did you have to get any repairs done? I am a bit nervous of jap spares as I used to run Mazdas and the parts were extortionate.

coln72 · 5 Sep 2003, 07:33 (Ref:708831)

Alpina,
its a really coarse sand. See the following link for pics
http://www.ballarat.net.au/blcc/

coln72 · 5 Sep 2003, 07:35 (Ref:708835)

Sorry, click on the link for the clubs complex at the bottom or the LHS of the screen

Dani Filth · 5 Sep 2003, 07:50 (Ref:708848)

i still think an Alfa 33 1.7 16V 130 BHP is a good choice ..

Alpina · 5 Sep 2003, 08:27 (Ref:708879)

coln72 You are a lucky barsteward for having such a great complex. I am jealous!

I al looking for Alfas but I have heard terrible things about the 4x4. Apparantely the gearbox is made of chocolate. I was looking for a V6 if I can find one.

garcon · 5 Sep 2003, 08:40 (Ref:708889)

Main problem on the Silvia - predictably - was the turbo. Extremely variable life span and expensiveto fix/replace. Didn't have anything major done to my 200SX, partly cos I got rid of it when it began smoking!

Dani Filth · 5 Sep 2003, 08:55 (Ref:708899)

lol

coln72 · 5 Sep 2003, 09:41 (Ref:708924)

Why not a Mini. Have to be one around in your price range, light nimble and enough information around to make them fly. One here used to place outright against the turbo 4wds and beat some of them.

PS. most of these photos are taken at the complex

http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...page_id=372278

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