Spazda- track/sprint/hoon
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:03 pm
I've wanted something cheap, fun and reliable for a while. I actually wanted something cheap, FAST and reliable but I know all too well that this isn't possible. So, fun it is.
My original benchmark was something like Mike's mk2 or Trev's mk1. The problem with these two (the owners not the cars) is that they are very competitive and both have a will to invest in their cars beyond my own. I had looked at many, many cars that were as potentially fast as theirs but all of the cars had big 'issues'; either massive gambles with bodywork, thirty year old electrics or blatantly dodgy owners. Add into that the huge travelling involved with checking these cars out and my shortlist soon started to become less fussy; my strict guidelines becoming more flexible.
I carried out hours of research comparing owners reviews, video footage on track and forums of every car from S13's, Golfs, 306's and E30's. Many of the cars were possibles but all of them were creeping up and over my tight initial budget. One thing I wouldn't compromise on was the cars legality- it had to be taxed and MOT'd so that I could avoid the fannying around with trailers or trade plates. I also liked the idea of having something that was largely stock so that I could buy new parts and upgrade it to my own spec. This wasn't a must because I know just how expensive that option is but at least I'd know how the work was done, by whom and what the bits were when fitted.
Quite a few phone calls, emails and PMs later and I found a couple of potentials. One was in Somerset and one was in Thetford. The one in Somerset was nice but owned by a guy that had basically admitted to systematically wrecking the car in the time that he had owned it. I have swept up enough of other peoples shit recently!
Thetford it was.
The bodywork is tatty with a few bits needing rubbing down and painting, and a few bits tearing off and slinging in the bin. Mechanically it seems pretty tight and brought a smile to my face within the first few bends.
Job list (so far)
It's a Eunos 1.6 with the earlier engine spec, so a little bit more power.
It has some nice Mazdaspeed bits and when I bought it it had a supposed Racing Beats rear spoiler.
Both Gareth and I thought that this was a standard FD3S one but the MX5 jockeys reckoned otherwise. They were wrong!!
I wasn't sure about the spoiler anyway; it didn't seem to fit in with the lines of the car and when I considered that it was an FD one bodged on there, it's time was limited!
Lighter and more slippery!
The boot and petrol filler needed a bloody good clean
After
JDM tyte enough Dan?
The factory hard top is a nice touch. Much quieter on the run and worth a few hundred quid too. I have an idea for this that is a bit special. The roll bar that is fitted currently is fucking dreadful so that'll be coming out and replaced by either a TR Lane roll bar, Hard Dog or similar. I'm not sure I'll have enough room for a full cage but that would be my preferred option.
It's fitted with 5zigen alloys; apparently rare and pricey
Not really my cup of tea but they'll do for now. I really want something a bit retro and about et28 on standard arches or et0 if I go wide arch. Daily checks on eBay and the like have presented some interesting options.
With a initial power to weight ratio of 120bhp per tonne, I have been assured I can get the ratio up to 140bhp per tonne without too many dramas. Nothing special I know, but if the current dynamics are anything to go by, a lighter, stiffer and punchier should be an absolute giggle.
Driving impressions;
Great steering feel although the 205's rob you of a little communication so they will be swapped for 195's at some point.
Gearbox and gearchange is lovely. Very snickety and short geared so the sprint or twisty circuits should be ideal. I reckon about 4000rpm at around 70mph. Snett 300 or Marham will be a pain in the balls
but Cadwell, Brands or Mallory will be awesome
Handling is predictably good due to Bilsteins all around and braces in the front and back, upper and lower. I may well buy some more though (details to follow)
The engine revs sweetly through to 7k plus and the note it produces is quite sporty. Helped by the Mazdaspeed exhaust system
The brakes are fine but I've been recommended the 1.8 model upgrade. Pricey though............about
My original benchmark was something like Mike's mk2 or Trev's mk1. The problem with these two (the owners not the cars) is that they are very competitive and both have a will to invest in their cars beyond my own. I had looked at many, many cars that were as potentially fast as theirs but all of the cars had big 'issues'; either massive gambles with bodywork, thirty year old electrics or blatantly dodgy owners. Add into that the huge travelling involved with checking these cars out and my shortlist soon started to become less fussy; my strict guidelines becoming more flexible.
I carried out hours of research comparing owners reviews, video footage on track and forums of every car from S13's, Golfs, 306's and E30's. Many of the cars were possibles but all of them were creeping up and over my tight initial budget. One thing I wouldn't compromise on was the cars legality- it had to be taxed and MOT'd so that I could avoid the fannying around with trailers or trade plates. I also liked the idea of having something that was largely stock so that I could buy new parts and upgrade it to my own spec. This wasn't a must because I know just how expensive that option is but at least I'd know how the work was done, by whom and what the bits were when fitted.
Quite a few phone calls, emails and PMs later and I found a couple of potentials. One was in Somerset and one was in Thetford. The one in Somerset was nice but owned by a guy that had basically admitted to systematically wrecking the car in the time that he had owned it. I have swept up enough of other peoples shit recently!
Thetford it was.
The bodywork is tatty with a few bits needing rubbing down and painting, and a few bits tearing off and slinging in the bin. Mechanically it seems pretty tight and brought a smile to my face within the first few bends.
Job list (so far)
It's a Eunos 1.6 with the earlier engine spec, so a little bit more power.
It has some nice Mazdaspeed bits and when I bought it it had a supposed Racing Beats rear spoiler.
Both Gareth and I thought that this was a standard FD3S one but the MX5 jockeys reckoned otherwise. They were wrong!!
I wasn't sure about the spoiler anyway; it didn't seem to fit in with the lines of the car and when I considered that it was an FD one bodged on there, it's time was limited!
Lighter and more slippery!
The boot and petrol filler needed a bloody good clean
After
JDM tyte enough Dan?
The factory hard top is a nice touch. Much quieter on the run and worth a few hundred quid too. I have an idea for this that is a bit special. The roll bar that is fitted currently is fucking dreadful so that'll be coming out and replaced by either a TR Lane roll bar, Hard Dog or similar. I'm not sure I'll have enough room for a full cage but that would be my preferred option.
It's fitted with 5zigen alloys; apparently rare and pricey
Not really my cup of tea but they'll do for now. I really want something a bit retro and about et28 on standard arches or et0 if I go wide arch. Daily checks on eBay and the like have presented some interesting options.
With a initial power to weight ratio of 120bhp per tonne, I have been assured I can get the ratio up to 140bhp per tonne without too many dramas. Nothing special I know, but if the current dynamics are anything to go by, a lighter, stiffer and punchier should be an absolute giggle.
Driving impressions;
Great steering feel although the 205's rob you of a little communication so they will be swapped for 195's at some point.
Gearbox and gearchange is lovely. Very snickety and short geared so the sprint or twisty circuits should be ideal. I reckon about 4000rpm at around 70mph. Snett 300 or Marham will be a pain in the balls
but Cadwell, Brands or Mallory will be awesomeHandling is predictably good due to Bilsteins all around and braces in the front and back, upper and lower. I may well buy some more though (details to follow)
The engine revs sweetly through to 7k plus and the note it produces is quite sporty. Helped by the Mazdaspeed exhaust system
The brakes are fine but I've been recommended the 1.8 model upgrade. Pricey though............about
light + N/a +handling package = awesome grins 
Very jealous.
I reckon it will be fun.