306 GTi6? What else? (Which cheap track car)

Post by **Stuart** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:45 pm

I owned an XSi years ago, a phase one for all you train spotters out there, and loved it like a tramp loves chips. I've driven a GTi6 back in 08 for a while and have to say it was hysterical; guaranteed arrest material! It was cammed, lowered on decent suspension, better brakes and had the most hardcore acoustics due to an induction cone/decat combo. It sounded like a mini-touring car every time it came on cam!

Anyway..........the point of my post is simple enough; has anyone on here owned one for a while and tracked it?

I know enough about the car, it's weaknesses/traits and it's niggles so I am not that worried about that stuff. It's more a case of getting first hand knowledge about what mods work, what don't and how you far you took the car in terms of modifications.

I know of a local guy that races them and his is down to 870kgs with a meaty cage!! I have to allow for a heavier car than that, but if I can get it gutted and tidy (ala Mike or Trev's Golfs) the 306 should still be well under a tonne, 170hp out of the box, great handling, stunning sound track (for a four pot) and cheap as Leanne off of Corrie.

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:39 pm

Shite turning circle.....................erm......................french.................erm..........that's about it.
As a track hack, I reckon one would be epic. The guy I work with had one and LOVED it.
Don't forget the uglier Xsara VTS had the same gear is can be found cheaper. (And by the time you've camo'd it no-one would see it anyway

)

Post by **Stuart** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:47 pm

Yup, knew about the turning circle (left hand drive ones are fine by the way) and quite aware of their heritage ta. More research required but I thought it would be worth asking on here in case we did have any previous owners lurking. Very tempted though....white, caged, proper seats........mid-life crisis anyone?

The Xsara VTS is so grotesque I could not ever own one. Ever.

Danny@APT · Post by **Danny@APT** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:54 pm

Sounds like the APT Saxo may get a playmate.

Post by **Stuart** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:00 am

And Mike and Trev too if it goes to plan. Essentially, this kind of power to weight has been chosen because it's close to lots of track cars on here, and that should make for good, close driving whatever they are used for.

I had the money ready but that's being spent somewhere else now. I should be able to get started on this once I have paid/saved for everything Berg Cup related. I'm not that bothered how long it takes to put together and quite like the idea of doing it right first time for once (you can quote me on that later

).

Let's face it- anything with pop out rear windows has got to be good.

Rob S · Post by **Rob S** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:04 am

Sorry mate......if I've got anything useful to add I re-post tomorrow.

Danny@APT · Post by **Danny@APT** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:16 am

I'd be intrigued to see what the Paxo weighs actually. Once Mr Hayward is done ripping bits out of the Evo and it needs corner-weighting again, we'll have to wheel the Saxo in for a laugh.

Post by **Stuart** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:20 am

OK smart arse, but hardly likely to be my kind of outcome with the kind of budget I usually play with

Still not as fly as this

(Needless to say, I seriously doubt anything I own will ever look as cool as this either)

I have already owned one Citroen and I have vowed never to buy another.

mikeb · Post by **mikeb** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:47 am

sounds good glad to see youv'e got some enthusiasm back for some fun will be good to get us all out this year.

Post by **Stuart** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:39 pm

I haven't gone off of the idea of a 306, but having spoken to Mike, Trev, Dan, Rob and Russ it's got to be worth considering other cars too......
306 1215kgs 167bhp
Good parts availability, tough engines, non-rusty shells and easy to get down to 1000kgs
E30 1124kgs 174bhp
Loads of bits but older so more prone to rust. Rear wheel drive though although unsure about further weight reduction
Mk2 ABF 980kgs 160bhp
Aftermarket engine swap will need to be checked thoroughly. Rust and electrics balanced up by massive aftermarket upgrade choices.
Mk1 ABF 850kgs 160bhp
As above but with added Berg Cup girth as an option

Rev 3 MR2 Turbo 1260kgs 240bhp
Mid engined, rear wheel drive turbo for shits and giggles. Repair bills to calm me down again. Did I mention wastegates and dumpvalves?

I can pick up any one of these above for around