Once I get back from this school in Little Rock, I think I am going to sell the XD. In its place I am going to get something to enter the many eco-cheap car events that are popping up all over. (and a hitch/car hauler for the van)



What I need



Import

2.5 or less

no vtec

no DOHC

has to be an auto



OR a



Domestic

3.1 or less

No Dodge Neon??

has to be an auto



The most expensive part, the cage. I have a friend that can weld it up for me, he runs the Pro-stock v8 stuff.



Soooo... what do you think would be the best combo of being quick, being able to turn, and somewhat reliable with the above limitations. (no factory turbos or s/c allowed)

 

Asphalt or dirt track? I know the local dirt track out here has a 4 banger series that I wouldn't mind racing in and it might be cheaper to buy a pre-built car that was already raced at the track you want to start at and then you can modify it from there.



I almost bought one for $900 that was winning at the local track but someone beat me to the car.

 

Yeah, what types of racing? No DOHC rules out a lot of things. First thing popping into my head is a 1.5l X3 Accent. It could be good for some things, but other racing it'll be underpowered.

 

-early 90s pontiac grand prix/cavalier? 3.1, quasi sporty, most were auto, and pushrods FTL.

-EF civic, get one with a non-vtec d16 and it will be bullet proof and somewhat fast



i've never heard of these events though, are they road races or demo derbies or what?

 

CRX with a 1.5l non vtec if it's a slow course like autox

 

Asphalt oval that is big enough to get a little speed up.





Another thing about the race, anyone.. other drivers or spectators can buy the car for 1800 after a race. So its not a good idea to bring something decent. heh.



Update: The domestics can be DOHC, but it can't be a neon (wtf?)





1.5l X3 Accent - I think it might get murdered being an automatic, slooowww.. if they allowed 5spds I might go with that

3.1, quasi sporty, most were auto - sort of what I was thinking but it might be hard to find a decent one for cheap

EF civic, get one with a non-vtec d16 - they are not so bullet proof in the lemons series racing, but this doesn't last nearly as long. Maybe.

CRX with a 1.5l non vtec - I think I would get smashed by a grand am and end up dead, literally.

 

Ford Escort ZX2

Pontiac Sunfire

Volkswagen Golf

Saturn SC1



You said no Dodge Neon...how about a Plymouth Neon?



Or a Mazda Rx-7 if that is allowed.

 

I checked on the RX7 thing, it has to have a factory installed back seat



Ford Escort ZX2 - didn't think about that one. Wonder how much used ones go for.

Pontiac Sunfire - thought about it, the 2.4 is rated at 150.

Volkswagen Golf - the 2v turd box... ehhh no :biggrin:

Saturn SC1 - Id go with the DOHC SC2 unless they view that as an import

 

A mid 90's saturn even the standard sohc version is pretty fast and they handle really good with the factory suspension plus they utilize timing chains instead of belts.

 

I have a SOHC sitting in my driveway at home waiting for a few more parts to get it going (not mine). Not sure if I would call it quick B) but relative to the stuff in that class it would hold its own so I see your point.