Track Car Advice

shotgunuk · Post by **shotgunuk** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:08 am

Hi Peeps, having recently joing the Subaru Bottm End club I've decided to keep my Impreza off track from now on.

Anyway, a pal and I are thinking about a jointly-funded track car. Neither of us are able to afford much so it would need to be cheap, something we can gradually improve over time whilst still keeping it reliable and useable.

I've come across a 146 alfa (150bhp engine). Does anyone have any experience of these in track environments? It doesn't need to be a Timeattack winner, just somehting we can have fun with and not have to sell our kids to repair it after every session.

fezza · Post by **fezza** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:14 pm

Morning Spencer!

Not had alot of experience with Alfas, although a saw a 146 running very well in the Alfa cup last year.

What about something like a E36 328i? Fairly cheap to buy and there are a fair few on here with BMW track cars so plenty of advice if needed?

mikeb · Post by **mikeb** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:25 pm

hello mate used to run a 155 excellent cars good looking and somthing different as is the 146 but for pound for pound as said e36, carnt go wrong. mike

Post by **Stuart** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:23 pm

Shame about the Impreza but I guess there could be a silver lining to that cloud.

Before I'd make any recommendations, I'd suggest you two have a think about;
1) Your mechanical knowledge and the amount of support you may need from various communities and shops/specialists
2) Your short, medium and long terms plans with the car
3) Interior space. As daft as it may sound, will you and the other guy be comfortable with a crash hat on in the car. It's a bloody important consideration but few of us think about that sort of thing until it's potentially too late
4) Supporting parts and modifications for the car
5) Will the car have enough potential. No point spending the money twice if you can avoid it

After weighing that lot up, truth be told, I would pick something else if it were my money for my use (I appreciate that it's your money and for your use) You can get some cracking platforms for less than a grand with more parts choice, similar power and some of those would be arguably more durable.

By all means suggest a budget and then I'm sure there'll be a host of suggestions for your money. Good luck

shotgunuk · Post by **shotgunuk** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:21 pm

ummm....good advice chaps thanks....haven't got as far as working out a budget yet, it's a plan which is still at the "pub table" stage.

Lets suppose

russ979 · Post by **russ979** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:38 pm

The E36 ive posted up on this and that might fit your brief?

Post by **Stuart** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:40 pm

Ref. the Alfa

As long as you guys treat it like that, I don't think you can go wrong. Just beware the slippery slope that track days put you on. As soon as you start spending money, the scales could tip the wrong way.

Been there, done that

russ979 · Post by **russ979** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:44 pm

Don`t most people embarking on/getting into trackdays start out as cheap budget cars.....................till the need for speed kicks in!:D

Mr Fletcher · Post by **Mr Fletcher** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:54 pm

russ979 wrote:Don`t most people embarking on/getting into trackdays start out as cheap budget cars.....................till the need for speed kicks in!:D

i have no idea what you are on about russ:sifone:

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:48 pm

My advice would be to work out the budget for the trackdays themselves then see what's what.

Remember to include the trackday, trackday petrol, petrol to the track, servicing and consumables (oils, brake discs and pads, tyres), a 'sorting out' fund (bushes, bearings etc) and a breakages fund.

It all adds up very quickly.