7 replies to this topic

[Junkyard Racing]

Hi! I'm the new guy with a boatload of questions for anyone with the patience to answer em, so bear with me.

I seem to have picked up an autocross addiction at my first event. However, I think I've got a snowball's chance in hell of being competitive for two reasons:

1. I'm new to the sport
2. I'm racing a car that's lucky to still be on the road.

Experience is the only thing that's going to fix the first one, tightening up that proverbial "loose nut behind the wheel"
the second one is where you guys come in: I want to build a dedicated autocross car.

To follow in the 'Junkyard' tradition that started back in high school when we rebuilt and drag raced a 79 trans am that was destined for a future as a few thousand soup cans, and continues today in autocrossing my daily driver that's just about used it's 9 lives up, I'm looking to take a tired old vehicle and make it into a racing machine.

First question is what should I start with? I've got the budget of a poor college student that works three jobs, so I've got maybe $3,000 to put towards the base car. What's fun to drive, potentially competitive in stock (and later modified classes) and fits in that budget range?

Second question is how can I insure such a vehicle? I don't have a trailer or space for one, so this thing has to be capable of getting itself to and from events under its own power (and legally), not to mention I want to be able to drive it on a weekend or two in the summer. Is there a special insurance for a car that's driven essentially only one season out of the year?

Next, should I be looking for Rear, Front, or All wheel drive? I saw cars of all shapes, sizes, and drivetrains out there. is there a 'best' or is it a matter of preference.

Following that, where should I shop for tires? Online? the local shop basically offers all-seasons or... all seasons, along with 90,000 different types of rims. they didn't seem to understand that I cared more about what the rubber on the road did and not how shiny it's mount it was

After getting a helmet and car, what's the first thing I should buy for it (well second, after the tires) ? suspension, power, steering, or something I'm not thinking of?

Some preliminary looking around has me leaning towards a 90's miata, they look fun. However, I love camaros (I guess it's just a holdover from my dragstrip days )there's lots of mustangs here in SJR, but not a camaro in sight. Is there a reason that nobody seems to run them?

[Scoob]

Lots o questions and, unfortunately, not any 'right' answers. But I'll add my 2 cents.

You're definitely on the right track with an old Miata. That would be my first choice if I had another chance. Miata is a great (bulletproof) platform and you can easily be competitive in the Stock class (ES), add some street friendly upgrades and be competitive STS (on street tires) or CSP if you prefer DOT R-compounds. To see exactly what's legal and not in the different classes, read the SCCA Solo rulebook (available on the scca.com site in PDF format).

Lots of opinions on insurance, but I personally don't mention anything about autox around my insurance co - several companies have been known to drop patrons when they find out they participate in autox (even though autox arguably dramatically improves driving skills). Best not to risk it unless you know the agent would be cool with it. I always just insured my dedicated autox cars as regular street vehicles with 1000 miles/year for the lowest premium. I don't need to worry about that anymore...

For tires, etc, don't worry too much about that initially. Stick with some tires that will serve double duty and still give enough feedback when you autox them. Tires like the Kumho Ecsta XS or Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star come to mind. There are a few region folks who work in and around tires who can provide tires at reasonable prices when you're ready.

Good luck whatever way to progress. Autox is an addition and it's great in SJR for the people and atmosphere.

[bronxbomber252]

Scoob, on Apr 29 2010, 04:57 PM, said:

Lots o questions and, unfortunately, not any 'right' answers. But I'll add my 2 cents.

You're definitely on the right track with an old Miata. That would be my first choice if I had another chance. Miata is a great (bulletproof) platform and you can easily be competitive in the Stock class (ES), add some street friendly upgrades and be competitive STS (on street tires) or CSP if you prefer DOT R-compounds. To see exactly what's legal and not in the different classes, read the SCCA Solo rulebook (available on the scca.com site in PDF format).

Lots of opinions on insurance, but I personally don't mention anything about autox around my insurance co - several companies have been known to drop patrons when they find out they participate in autox (even though autox arguably dramatically improves driving skills). Best not to risk it unless you know the agent would be cool with it. I always just insured my dedicated autox cars as regular street vehicles with 1000 miles/year for the lowest premium. I don't need to worry about that anymore...

For tires, etc, don't worry too much about that initially. Stick with some tires that will serve double duty and still give enough feedback when you autox them. Tires like the Kumho Ecsta XS or Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star come to mind. There are a few region folks who work in and around tires who can provide tires at reasonable prices when you're ready.

Good luck whatever way to progress. Autox is an addition and it's great in SJR for the people and atmosphere.

What scott said...

[JoeCool]

Miatas are hard to beat for Autocross. RWD, 4 wheel independent suspension, and lightweight. Mustangs and Camaros are hard to beat for all around performance per dollar. There are some very fast Autocross Camaros around. One occasionally shows up at South Jersey. If you go with the Camaro then look for one with the handling package. Not sure what the codes are but look for stock Koni shocks. You might have to pay a little more but most of the work is done for you. All you would need is some good tires and seat time.

[198esp]

I race a 4th gen z28 in c-prepared, this week end up in the nnjr we had 6 drivers. very competitive to say the least. 4th gens are getting cheap. I like the idea of a 2nd gen in esp or cp. I to come from a big hp drag race back round. Cant bring my self to drive a low hp car. yes there are easier cars to autocross but, when you go fast in a big v8 rear wheel drive car you have done something special.

[Junkyard Racing]

198esp, on May 4 2010, 10:12 PM, said:

I race a 4th gen z28 in c-prepared, this week end up in the nnjr we had 6 drivers. very competitive to say the least. 4th gens are getting cheap. I like the idea of a 2nd gen in esp or cp. I to come from a big hp drag race back round. Cant bring my self to drive a low hp car. yes there are easier cars to autocross but, when you go fast in a big v8 rear wheel drive car you have done something special.

I managed a respectable time in a big, heavy, FWD Chevy, so I think i can do pretty well with a stronger, lighter RWD Chevy. I've never been to an NNJR event, where/when do you guys run? (and how's your H-stock turnout?)

[bronxbomber252]

Junkyard Racing, on May 4 2010, 11:59 PM, said:

I managed a respectable time in a big, heavy, FWD Chevy, so I think i can do pretty well with a stronger, lighter RWD Chevy. I've never been to an NNJR event, where/when do you guys run? (and how's your H-stock turnout?)

Hey mike... those are the englishtown events i've told you about a million times lol.

[Junkyard Racing]

bronxbomber252, on May 5 2010, 08:35 AM, said:

Hey mike... those are the englishtown events i've told you about a million times lol.

hey i'm not the brightest bulb in the box, never put those two together lol