Page all of 2 12>
Topic Options
#3875589 - 07/04/09 07:59 PM Trackable daily for 3k?
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
I'm looking for a car for my girlfriend. First and foremost the vehicle should be a daily driver, which should get good on gas, reliable, and fairly modern, because she does not want an old car. Something in the 90s plus. The second requirement is that it must be trackable. I've taken her for a ride along in my car and several others, and she loved it, so I'm looking to get her involved in HPDE at least, and we'll see where to go from there.

Few requirements:

1. Must be reliable, easy to fix if something breaks, and good on gas (thinking mostly Japanese cars here)
2. Must have ABS, preferably factory LSD, so it's easy to drive
3. Must have some decent potential and decent aftermarket support, so it's not a dead end from the factory like many cars are.

Some vehicles we've considered so far were the 200SX SE-R, maybe an E36 325is. Can anyone help out with some more suggestions for the budget given?
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
Videos
#3875593 - 07/04/09 08:06 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
skierd Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 08/21/01
Posts: 9104
Loc: Fairbanks, AK
94-97 Miata. /thread

edit - OR another mustang. Having two of the same cars means you always have spares available and you/her only have to get familiar with the same car.
_________________________
Never run out of real estate, traction & ideas at the same time.
2012 Outback - 2008 Yamaha WR250R v2.0

Top
#3875597 - 07/04/09 08:08 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: skierd]
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
Did Miatas come with ABS? lol on the mustang, I said good gas mileage.
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
#3875614 - 07/04/09 08:18 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
skierd Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 08/21/01
Posts: 9104
Loc: Fairbanks, AK
Yes, it was a standalone option but usually found on C or Leather package and M-edition models. NOT available on the R-models though, if memory serves. Also, ABS is NOT legal for Spec Miata, if thats a possible end goal for her/you.
_________________________
Never run out of real estate, traction & ideas at the same time.
2012 Outback - 2008 Yamaha WR250R v2.0

Top
#3875617 - 07/04/09 08:20 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: skierd]
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
I've been thinking Miatas as well, just because they are oh so everywhere at the track, but I want her to have something safer, because we will not be able to put a roll bar into the car for a while probably, if at all.
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
#3875674 - 07/04/09 09:18 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
neonmike22 Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 11/04/00
Posts: 3150
Loc: Nashville, TN
 Originally Posted By: ReplicaR
we will not be able to put a roll bar into the car for a while probably, if at all.


Solution: buy one with a rollbar.
_________________________
Mike Carpenter
'03 Civic Hybrid

Top
#3875684 - 07/04/09 09:26 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: neonmike22]
GB Offline
Sharesies!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 37351
Loc: Craigslist
Miata, older RX-7, E30 BMW, B13 Sentra
_________________________
Ay yo girl, when you gonna let me tap that?

Top
#3875742 - 07/04/09 10:37 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: GB]
S13kid Offline
Jr Member


Registered: 12/10/02
Posts: 697
Loc: The Great White North
Nissan 240SX. S13's can be had dirt cheap and you might even find a swapped one for that $$?
_________________________
"ever since the first cave man first saw two bisons fucking and got a chub, men have always jacked it to porn. one bitch won't stop nature, god dammit." -jsmonet

'01 Civic - DD
'05 Blk/Red Mustang GT - Toy

Top
#3875984 - 07/05/09 02:05 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: S13kid]
ESQ88 Offline
Post Master Jr


Registered: 11/08/03
Posts: 1604
Loc: Chicago
Id say a 1st gen DSM but that totally voids requirement#1, OR Miata for sure. They are great cars if you don't mind the homosexual comments thrown here and there by your friends. I'd def. rock the tits out of one tho.

240s are wayy the fuck over priced now and its hard as hell to find one with clean frame rails now that drifting is popular.

Top
#3876111 - 07/05/09 07:53 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: skierd]
CommonGutterTrash Offline
This user is more useless than a half-baked compost pile.
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/16/02
Posts: 6437
Loc: Boston MA
 Originally Posted By: skierd
94-97 Miata. /thread

edit - OR another mustang. Having two of the same cars means you always have spares available and you/her only have to get familiar with the same car.


sadly, I'm with this guy ;\)


although.. you may want to get her into a car that's not as competitive, to start?
(I always picture learning in a popular car to be pretty frustrating)
miata/civicSi/wrx/evo/dsm
all of these were pretty popular, and I'm sure their classes are quite competitive.

what about a 4-cyl e30? some are cheap, no?
volvo 2/7 series?

oh.. wait... a daily driver.

yeah... miata.
_________________________
Craig R.
2000 9-5 Gary Fisher Wagon
1995 850 T-5R
1996 Galant

AIM = gclipse96

Top
#3876224 - 07/05/09 11:10 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: CommonGutterTrash]
madmatt Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 09/17/02
Posts: 24674
My vote goes to Miata as well.

Another option, wasn't someone driving old Mirage 2 doors around, and finding ways to stuff LOTS of tire in the front stock fenderwells?

Top
#3876238 - 07/05/09 11:25 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: madmatt]
southjerseyTSI Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 08/07/04
Posts: 3611
neon acr?
Top
#3876346 - 07/05/09 01:19 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: southjerseyTSI]
Sackajaweeba Offline
Post Master Jr


Registered: 12/22/01
Posts: 1705
I vote E30 as well, you could do everything from auto-x to spec e30 racing.
Top
#3876545 - 07/05/09 04:12 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: southjerseyTSI]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
I was thinking neon acr too, but miata > neon acr, at least in the reliability and RWD categories.
Top
#3876655 - 07/05/09 05:51 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
cacasesi Online   content
Say my name!
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 06/01/00
Posts: 10993
A normally aspirated MKI or MKII MR2 would fit the bill.
Top
#3876659 - 07/05/09 05:52 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
neonmike22 Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 11/04/00
Posts: 3150
Loc: Nashville, TN
 Originally Posted By: spotch
I was thinking neon acr too, but miata > neon acr, at least in the reliability and RWD categories.


Not to mention the "finding one" category these days. I couldn't find a nice neon in 3 months of looking before i got the miata.
_________________________
Mike Carpenter
'03 Civic Hybrid

Top
#3876823 - 07/05/09 07:47 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: neonmike22]
daemon Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 10/14/02
Posts: 3538
Loc: West Columbia, SC
rx7
z-car
miata
f-body

Top
#3876850 - 07/05/09 08:07 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
vwkaferman Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 06/08/00
Posts: 13550
Loc: Mesa, AZ
Early Nissan SE-r is screaming for this one. \:\)

James
_________________________
'74 Beetle, 0-60, probably
'97 Jeap XJ, '05 Bandit 1200
maPiH

Top
#3883655 - 07/08/09 10:35 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: vwkaferman]
WeakVTEC Offline
Jr Poster


Registered: 04/15/02
Posts: 100
If you don't hate FWD... i suggest the Integra. Very well balanced, and it does pretty good on a track, even on a track like Sebring, mine holds its own just fine.



passed all of those cars in about 1/2 of a lap, and was running close times to my old evo. the car only has KW V3s, itr rsb, bushings, carbotech race pads, boltons, and its stripped. doesn't do bad straight line either, pulls 14.1s with only 158whp due to the weight. i got the car for $2800.
_________________________
04 EVO RS - Stock and in break-in.

Top
#3883715 - 07/08/09 10:48 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: WeakVTEC]
FCobra94 Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 10/22/01
Posts: 19689
Loc: MD
 Originally Posted By: WeakVTEC
the car only has KW V3s, itr rsb, bushings, carbotech race pads, boltons, and its stripped. doesn't do bad straight line either, pulls 14.1s with only 158whp due to the weight. i got the car for $2800.

Nice!
_________________________
'07 335i

Top
#3883779 - 07/08/09 11:01 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: FCobra94]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Yeah, if you can find an integra for under 3k that would be a viable option. Not sure I'd take it over a miata, but any integra would be a badass DD. I regularly got over 35mpg on the highway and low 30s mixed driving, owned it for 2 years and ~50k miles (150~-200k~) and had to replace the upper radiator hose and the oil in that time, and that's it. Which isn't bad for the age of the car (10+ years old). It ran strong to around 320k~ miles without a hickup (the last 120k of those pizza delivering and being beaten on) before it needed an engine rebuild. If she values utility at all, she'll appreciate the integra over the miata by a mile. If not, the miata might be the better option.
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#3885124 - 07/08/09 05:34 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
RedheadsFTW Offline
Post Master


Registered: 03/10/09
Posts: 2629
Loc: St. Paul, MN
Miata or Neon is what I would get...

If you go with a Neon, and can find one for 1000/1500, you could have a full suspension and a couple mods and have a pretty damn capable track car. Same with the Miata.

RWD >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>FWD
_________________________
Minnesotan ehhhh? Jaaa.
Go Vikings/Twins/Wild/Gophers!

Top
#3886301 - 07/09/09 12:41 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: RedheadsFTW]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
A 1500 dollar neon with full suspension would be a better track car than an integra, but a relatively shitty daily driver compared to a 3000 dollar integra. Not to mention most of the 1000-1500 dollar neons I've seen around are in beat-to-shit condition to begin with. One of the mgrs I work with has one that she got for around 1500 and the front end is all fucked, along with god knows what else other maintenance is long past overdue on it.

I think something to keep in mind with ANY car you get for much under 3k is that you're probably going to have a bunch of maintenance costs waiting on you within the first year. Most of them will either be due for a timing belt or water pump or past due for one, have worn out shocks, bushings, possibly needing cv stuff, brakes, etc. Finding a beater for 3k is totally doable, but plan on doing a lot of (sometimes costly and time consuming) work to it. Especially if you're going to expect it to be doing any kind of track duty.

Top
#3891782 - 07/10/09 05:41 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
nohondahere Offline
Major Member


Registered: 06/22/00
Posts: 1457
Loc: Mentor, OH
I would pass on a civic or integra, integra especially, because it is very likely to be stolen.

Perhaps a Celica or something sporty but not a honda.

A neon R/T can be had for cheap and would make just as good of a DD as an integra. And when it gives up the ghost, you can replace the engine for dirt cheap.
_________________________
20' Sierra 1500
14' Chevy Volt
97 Miata
00 FBP Si

Top
#3891834 - 07/10/09 06:07 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: nohondahere]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
older integra > older celica... the celica makes even less power than the already weak integra and gets worse gas mileage.

A neon R/T won't make as good a DD as the integra simply b/c the hatch gives you 3x the useable space. I daily drove a neon for years and then an integra for years, and aside from the integra simply being put together 10x better and breaking less (not even counting the mistakes I made with the neon), I could haul way way WAY more crap. And it's not just a honda > dodge thing, because when I moved to the prelude i lost that ability to haul stuff again because I lost the hatch. Also, for whatever it's worth, the integra takes the cheap gas and the r/t doesn't (at least it's not SUPPOSED to). At most gas stations around here that's a 30c a gallon difference (used to be 20c ).

Though the r/t will be cheaper. I think with either the neon or the integra you're going to run into problems with the previous owners either being ricers that modified them or trashy pieces of shit that just beat on the car and don't do maintenance. Whenever I've shopped for either finding a decent one for 3k or less takes some searching, and usually they're 100+ miles away.

Top
#3891870 - 07/10/09 06:18 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
interpol Offline
Post Master Jr


Registered: 01/31/07
Posts: 1669
Loc: las vegas
miata... if she can't fit in one, quit dating fatties
_________________________
maybe. maybe not. maybe fuck yourself.

Top
#3891885 - 07/10/09 06:24 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: interpol]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
There are all kinds of tall girls that don't fit in miatas too... don't forget!


But yeah, I've got a big boner for miatas lately. I don't think it's the best all-around daily driver by a long shot (giving up the ability to carry anything) but if you guys are really going to be taking it to a track frequently that's easily your best bet IMHO. My biggest reason for trying to talk you out of that is that I don't want anyone else snatching up all the good sub-3k miatas before I can unload the truck and save up a little cash lol decades.

Top
#3892788 - 07/11/09 02:33 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: WeakVTEC]
progressi Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 06/01/01
Posts: 9133
 Originally Posted By: WeakVTEC
the car only has KW V3s, itr rsb, bushings, carbotech race pads, boltons, and its stripped.


"F",you failed to read the lesson plan.

 Quote:
I'm looking for a car for my girlfriend. First and foremost the vehicle should be a daily driver


You also get poor marks for favorably comparing your stripped race-pad equpped 14 second gunslinger to a stock Evo.

Top
#3893135 - 07/11/09 11:30 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: progressi]
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
Wow, this became a pretty good thread. I feel so special

Anyway, after reading all this and making my own research, and also talking to the girlfriend, we've narrowed down the search a little bit. Many of the cars that were noticed here were either too old for her, or she did not like them.

Miata: Great car, no doubt. Has a lot of potential, is easy on the tires and everything else, because it's so light. The big problem is that you need a roll bar at least to get it on the track. The bigger problem is that my girlfriend is 5'10". To make sure that the roll bar will clear her head in the helmet is going to require too many compromises, so it's out of the question for a daily

E30/FC/B13/S13/VW: All these cars are great cars, minus VW (I swear no one I know will ever own one). I have shown all the cars to girlfriend, and she said that she wanted something newer, so they are out as well. What can I say...

Neon RT/ACR: While it could be a good track car, it's both old and neither me or her like the car as a daily. Cheap plastic dodge interior

DC2 Integra: This car seems like the best compromise out of anything mentioned above. Ton of potential on the track, with ginormous aftermarket support. It is also fairly light, so it will be fairly easy on tires and pads. It gets great gas mileage, it is reliable, it looks good, and it is built well too. Now, we just gotta see what we can find. I might throw in some of my budget too if something comes up that's too good to pass up.
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
#3893201 - 07/11/09 12:08 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Indeed.
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#3893236 - 07/11/09 12:24 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
progressi Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 06/01/01
Posts: 9133
BOOO! You made your GF have the slow car. "She's just a girl"

\:\(

You should've gone with another Mustang. You know them very well and yours has proven reliable. That wouldve been cool.

Top
#3893292 - 07/11/09 12:51 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
A_Mantis Administrator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/21/04
Posts: 22929
Loc: Valley of the Sun
Anyone know anything about the 2nd gen Integras (90-93)? I know the styling looks a bit dated compared to the 3rd gen, but they seem to be a lot less desirable to thieves and are a bit cheaper. Reliable? Aftermarket support? (from what I understand DOHC VTEC b-series motors swap right in?) Decent weekend track car? I think it would be a lot more of a "sleeper" than a 3rd gen teg as well.
_________________________

Top
#3893299 - 07/11/09 12:54 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: A_Mantis]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Similar weight, similar suspension setup, less power but swaps are doable. I always thought it would be cool to have 2nd generation in GSR form with the b17, although I don't know if thieves would be drawn towards that or not.

For what it's worth, I forgot and left my integra unlocked all the time and I never had any problems with it. I think it helped that I was driving an RS with a dent in the fender.
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#3893328 - 07/11/09 01:13 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
A_Mantis Administrator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/21/04
Posts: 22929
Loc: Valley of the Sun
I've always wanted a 3rd-gen GSR but the fact that it would be a thief-magnet has always scared me off.

This girl I know had a 94 RS and in the 2 years she's owned it, its been broken into 3 times (even though it had an aftermarket alarm). Its almost like thieves have breaking into/stealing Integras/Si's down to a science and know how to get inside of one in just a matter of seconds. \:\(
_________________________

Top
#3893365 - 07/11/09 01:43 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: A_Mantis]
interpol Offline
Post Master Jr


Registered: 01/31/07
Posts: 1669
Loc: las vegas
spend a little more and get an s14... integra will be pretty gay
_________________________
maybe. maybe not. maybe fuck yourself.

Top
#3893499 - 07/11/09 03:18 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: interpol]
progressi Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 06/01/01
Posts: 9133
 Originally Posted By: interpol
spend a little more and get an s14... integra will be pretty gay
Yeah! I dont even like S14s but the other car is just giving up. \:\(

Top
#3893586 - 07/11/09 04:38 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: progressi]
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
I was thinking another mustang, but there are a few key things that are stopping us from going that route. The clutch is a cable clutch. It will be really hard for her to drive it around city, continuously stuck in traffic. I can deal with it, but I'd rather have her not deal with shit like that. Second issue is that Mustang gets around 13MPG in the city, where she does most of her driving, which is down right terrible. Third, it will cost a lot more to run it at the track and on the street, due to more expensive rubber, pads, and other items.

I don't think that getting a Teg for her is giving up at all. It's a very good car on the track, and it's excellent around the city.
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
#3894479 - 07/12/09 01:20 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
progressi Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 06/01/01
Posts: 9133
I dont know about a very good track car,but I understand the practicality of it,especially considering costs and gas mileage.

I didnt know Mustangs were sooo bad with city mileage. Whats the deal with Probe V6 and the MX6s? Those are 200HP,front drive,and frugal right?

Top
#3894631 - 07/12/09 03:21 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: progressi]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Dude... the probe v6 had 164hp, weighed 2800-2900 pounds, and was *not* an especially good handler. 1.8 liter four cylinder > 2.5 liter v6 in a 300-400 pound heavier car with bigger and wider wheels, at least when you're talking gas mileage.


Top
#3894634 - 07/12/09 03:28 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
progressi Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 06/01/01
Posts: 9133
Thats it? Terrible. I retract that idea.
Top
#3894955 - 07/12/09 12:09 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: progressi]
A_Mantis Administrator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/21/04
Posts: 22929
Loc: Valley of the Sun
The KL03 Mazda-built V6 in the Probe GT does not respond to mods well at all. I remember back in the day Sport Compact had a "Project Probe GT." They threw on I/E and the car LOST power. The only way to make them somewhat quick is to swap in the 200hp KLZE motor, but that requires $$$. They are pretty good looking cars for their time though..... but build quality/reliability is a few rungs down the ladder from the Integra.
_________________________

Top
#3895113 - 07/12/09 02:00 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
SlowKA Offline
Jr Poster


Registered: 05/28/04
Posts: 183
Loc: Pflugerville,Texas(Austin)
B14 SE-R or B14 SE or P10 G20

Edited by SlowKA (07/12/09 02:01 PM)
_________________________

WWW.SUPERNISSANS.NET
1999 Platinum Gold Nissan Sentra SE-L 5 Spd
JWT ECU & Popcharger+Ksports Coilovers+SSAC Header+16X7" Sportmaxx 002+Cusco FSTB
2002 Aspen White Pearl Infiniti G20 5 Spd

Top
#3895133 - 07/12/09 02:28 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: skierd]
silentfurymm Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 03/03/02
Posts: 7549
Loc: SoCal....again
 Originally Posted By: skierd
94-97 Miata. /thread

edit - OR another mustang. Having two of the same cars means you always have spares available and you/her only have to get familiar with the same car.


Late to the party, but this was my exact first thought.

Top
#3895152 - 07/12/09 02:44 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: progressi]
silentfurymm Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 03/03/02
Posts: 7549
Loc: SoCal....again
 Originally Posted By: progressi
I dont know about a very good track car,but I understand the practicality of it,especially considering costs and gas mileage.

I didnt know Mustangs were sooo bad with city mileage. Whats the deal with Probe V6 and the MX6s? Those are 200HP,front drive,and frugal right?


Well, to be fair some have had success with the 2nd gen Probe/Mx6 for a track car. Most noteably was the guy that took first in his class for One Lap of America using a virtually stock Probe GT with a 75 shot of NOS. If you can find a KLZE, it usually was worth 180 hp at the wheels, and you could find LSDs for it.

Modding the stock KL03 is worthless however (I ran it at the track once. 17.1 @ 80mph, I never raced anybody ever again), unless you put some sort of forced induction on it. I remember people getting away with low boost of 6psi without popping the motor, and seeing 210 or so whp. After that you needed dished pistons, and the motor didnt have oil squirters so people where fabing there own. Also, you had to lock open the VRIS intake system or you would get really bad holes in the power curve.

Stoptech (The guy who ran the One Lap Probe worked for them) made a pretty good big brake kit, and I think Wilwood had one. I bought a 20mm custom rear sway bar for my Mx6 back in the day, and that helped alot with body roll. However it was a limited run. Corksport may make one in that size now, but at the time the only other option was the Cusco bigger one that seemed to produce alot of oversteer. With the hatch on the probe you would probably want some sort of rear tower brace, the Mx6 didnt need it as much.

The automatics where shit, mine killed one at 70k, and was dieing again at 120k when it was finally sold. The manual seemed to be pretty strong on the other hand, and guys seemed to get away with a fair amount of abuse.

I really did like alot about the Mx6. It was very comfortable, you could haul alot of stuff, and it was fun to drive. It wasnt fast, but fun. But in order for it to be decently quick your going to have to turn wrenches with alot of new parts.

Edit: I averaged 26mpg mixed driving, and 29.5 on the highway with the KL03 and a auto. Manual guys got a little better.


Edited by silentfurymm (07/12/09 02:47 PM)

Top
#3895204 - 07/12/09 03:21 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: silentfurymm]
Mikey_b Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 04/11/00
Posts: 47099
I vouch for a Miata too.

Don't be scared of the 1.6 models either. I have an early one with the crank mod and it's a great car. With Miata's I would be more concerned with finding the best Miata for the money instead of trying to find a specific model year. I've driven my friends 95 and it's not that much different than my 1.6. I get a around 29mpg with a mix of freeway/city driving just about every time I fill up tank.

It's also a very easy car to drive...everything is comfortable and the shifter/clutch is perfect for women because it's precise/light.

Top
#3895382 - 07/12/09 06:09 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: Mikey_b]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
It always surprised me that miatas didn't get better gas mileage. I always felt like something that light, with an engine that small, should be getting mid 30s mixed and high 30s/low40s on the highway.
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#3895399 - 07/12/09 06:20 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
silentfurymm Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 03/03/02
Posts: 7549
Loc: SoCal....again
 Originally Posted By: spotch
It always surprised me that miatas didn't get better gas mileage. I always felt like something that light, with an engine that small, should be getting mid 30s mixed and high 30s/low40s on the highway.
s

It would if it had longer gears. Needs the short gears to keep the little motor in its power band.

Top
#3895562 - 07/12/09 08:33 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: silentfurymm]
neonmike22 Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 11/04/00
Posts: 3150
Loc: Nashville, TN
I think it's the relatively high .38 drag coefficient that hurts mileage the most on a miata. You'd probably get really good mileage if you only ever drove at 55 on the highway.
_________________________
Mike Carpenter
'03 Civic Hybrid

Top
#3896016 - 07/13/09 01:05 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: neonmike22]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Ah yes, the 'Honda Prelude' effect.
\:\(
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#4394776 - 01/04/10 07:52 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
ReplicaR Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 05/26/06
Posts: 7093
Loc: E.E.B.
Sorry to bring this back from the grave, but I did not want to open a new thread. Girlfriend is still saving up for a car (her tuition is priority), and thought just came into my mind. What about a Del Sol? On the paper it has all kinds of cool features. It's got a targa roof, it's reliable, it's good on gas. How would it be as a make shift weekend track car? I'd image that most of the EG civic stuff would work?
_________________________
'94 Mustang GT

Acceleration.... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Handling......... \:\( -------+-- \:\)
Speed............ \:\( ------+--- \:\)

Top
#4394786 - 01/04/10 07:56 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: ReplicaR]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Meh? The targa roof probably means you lose some structural rigidity, it's not especially light and it's the least practical civic ever made. I mean I'd rock one, but I'm not sure if I'd seek one out over a civic EX or an integra.

EDIT: Although the b16 del sol would be pretty cool for a beater.

Top
#4394983 - 01/04/10 08:57 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
neonmike22 Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 11/04/00
Posts: 3150
Loc: Nashville, TN
I drove both and picked the miata. The targa roof was kinda cool, but it meant giving up trunk space, and it couldn't be operated from inside the car.

That aside, it's got all the double-wishbone goodness going for it, although i hear the chassis is a flexy flyer.
_________________________
Mike Carpenter
'03 Civic Hybrid

Top
#4395442 - 01/04/10 11:48 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: neonmike22]
Moof Offline
Mounts the residents
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/17/02
Posts: 29347
Loc: Canadia
_________________________

Top
#4395499 - 01/05/10 12:07 AM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: Moof]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
I still love those cars. Not sure I'd take one over the integra (esp in a climate with little snow/rain), but I do love them.
Top
#4397175 - 01/05/10 01:28 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
SEANSE-R Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/24/00
Posts: 10434
Loc: West MI
P10/P11 Infiniti G20. It's a solid 4cyl. with a decent suspension design and some creature comforts to boot.
Top
#4397843 - 01/05/10 03:56 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: SEANSE-R]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
 Originally Posted By: SEANSE-R
P10/P11 Infiniti G20. It's a solid 4cyl. with a decent suspension design and some creature comforts to boot.



I think that's a solid suggestion also.

Top
#4397971 - 01/05/10 04:42 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: SEANSE-R]
neonmike22 Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 11/04/00
Posts: 3150
Loc: Nashville, TN
 Originally Posted By: SEANSE-R
P11 Infiniti G20. It's a solid 4cyl. with a decent suspension design[


Double wishbones in the front, beam axle in the back. lol


/still a good car!
_________________________
Mike Carpenter
'03 Civic Hybrid

Top
#4397979 - 01/05/10 04:46 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: neonmike22]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
 Originally Posted By: neonmike22
 Originally Posted By: SEANSE-R
P11 Infiniti G20. It's a solid 4cyl. with a decent suspension design[


Double wishbones in the front, beam axle in the back. lol


/still a good car!


Wait, I thought the later G20s still had the independent rear suspension. And if I'm reading these specs right, they weigh 2900-3000 pounds... in which case, fuck that. If it's 2900+ pounds and has a beam rear suspension I can think of a bunch of cars that would be a better choice.

Top
#4398499 - 01/05/10 08:27 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: silentfurymm]
I am Jack's VR6 Offline
Sr Member


Registered: 10/31/01
Posts: 1152
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
 Originally Posted By: silentfurymm
It would if it had longer gears. Needs the short gears to keep the little motor in its power band.


What power band?
_________________________
© #1 e-thug™ ®

Top
#4398771 - 01/05/10 09:58 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
JustinP10 Offline
Post Master


Registered: 09/27/01
Posts: 2280
Loc: Gilbert, AZ
 Originally Posted By: spotch
 Originally Posted By: neonmike22
 Originally Posted By: SEANSE-R
P11 Infiniti G20. It's a solid 4cyl. with a decent suspension design[


Double wishbones in the front, beam axle in the back. lol


/still a good car!


Wait, I thought the later G20s still had the independent rear suspension. And if I'm reading these specs right, they weigh 2900-3000 pounds... in which case, fuck that. If it's 2900+ pounds and has a beam rear suspension I can think of a bunch of cars that would be a better choice.


They basically share the same front suspension, but the rear setup on the P11 chassis (99-02) is a beam. The early models are a little lighter and drive a lot better due to the weight and IRS, imo (my old one was ~2700). The B14 SE-R's have the same beam rear suspension as the later model G20's, but due to the lighter weight (~2550), they seem to drive better.

I'd vote 91-94 SE-R or an NX2000 if you can find one. If you can't find one, then i'd say 200sx SE-R or 91-96 G20. The 94-96 G20T's have a nicer interior and a few more options, but weigh slightly more due to the options and interior changes. They're also very rare and hard to find with a manual transmission too.

Top
#4398812 - 01/05/10 10:12 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: JustinP10]
NOT spotch... Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/25/00
Posts: 57149
Why did they keep dropping the redline on the SR20 over the years? (just remembered that today, but always wondered)
_________________________
"On the street where there is no lap timer, feel is all that matters" - scootergeek
"A bunch of nerdy douchebags chasing a ghost." -Ob1 on bitcoin

Top
#4398927 - 01/05/10 10:48 PM Re: Trackable daily for 3k? [Re: NOT spotch...]
JustinP10 Offline
Post Master


Registered: 09/27/01
Posts: 2280
Loc: Gilbert, AZ
because they're stupid.

But really it was mostly emissions related changes that hurt top end power so the higher redline wasn't "needed" (in their opinion i guess?). Then with the roller rocker motor it was designed for more mid-range and on top of it the valve train wouldn't support the higher redline even with aftermarket cams.

A lot of 200sx guys run the 94-96 G20 ecu's as they have the higher 7450rpm redline like the older cars.

Top
Page all of 2 12>


Moderator:  auxilary, Professor Paki 
Hop to:
Shout Box

CSi Sponsors

DiGBiC Lighters
DiGBiC Lighters
DallasColo
Dallas Colocation
ClubSi.com Shirts
ClubSi-Shirts
GameStop
Black-Friday Specials
Big Brake Kits
StopTech.Sale BBK Clearance
Brake Kits
Buy Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
BuyBrakes
Brake Kits-Pads & Rotors Sets
StopTech Brake Kits
StopTech
StopTech NZ
StopTech
StopTech Australia
StopTech
Hawk Brake Pads
Hawk Brake Pads
Samys Camera
GoPros, Cameras, Gear
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Pad Coupons
Coupon Code "hondafetish"
Porsche Brakes
Porsche Brake Upgrades
2-Piece Rotors-Civic Type-R
2-Piece Civic Rotors
Advertisement

| Brake Pads | | How To Change Brake Pads | | Drilled Slotted Brake Kits Cheap | EBC Brake Kits | Performance Brake Kits | Brake Specials Near Me | How To Replace Brake Pads