anyone do the GRM challenge?
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From: N. Indiana
anyone do the GRM challenge?
myself and a buddy are thinking about tryin it out this year, more so to just have fun rather than try to win it.
We found a mitsu starion for $250 we are thinking about using, or build a honda of some sort.
anyone do this before?
any tips?
We found a mitsu starion for $250 we are thinking about using, or build a honda of some sort.
anyone do this before?
any tips?
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From: One by one, the penguins steal my sanity.
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (junkyard racer)
GRM's forum has quite a few regulars who have participated in the past.
http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com
http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com
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From: Atlanta, GA
I've worked with GRM on the last 2, in '03 just being a general helper, and in '04, being one of the "pro drivers"
The rules changed this year, making the autocross more signifigant, which is nice to see.
If you're just there to have fun, definately just do whatever you want with the car.
It's a blast, with a good group of guys.
The rules changed this year, making the autocross more signifigant, which is nice to see.
If you're just there to have fun, definately just do whatever you want with the car.
It's a blast, with a good group of guys.
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From: N. Indiana
Re: (PseudoRealityX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PseudoRealityX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
If you're just there to have fun, definately just do whatever you want with the car.
It's a blast, with a good group of guys.</TD></TR></TABLE>
it looks like i will be enjoying myself.
If you're just there to have fun, definately just do whatever you want with the car.
It's a blast, with a good group of guys.</TD></TR></TABLE>
it looks like i will be enjoying myself.
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From: I started it
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (junkyard racer)
Catch 22 and I are kicking around doing the challenge in my CRX. I've never done one, but, from what I can see so far...
- Keep reciepts for anything you buy.
- eBay is your friend. I found a cold air intake for the CRX for like 25 bucks yesterday. Haven't bought one yet but that kind of thing is out there.
- If you actually want to *win* or get close to doing so, it seems to me that building some impossibly complicated motor swap monstrosity is the order of the day. Small-block RWD CRXen. SHO-powered, mid-engined Festivas. Weird stuff. If you have the skills and the time, you could end up with a neat toy car. Or you could end up with a raging pile of crap. For me personally, I'm looking at this as a way to jumpstart building an affordable STS2 autocrosser . daily driver, and only want to finish in "not last."
- Cosmetic stuff like cleaning and detailing the car is free. There is a concours and it is scored.
- Bring something somewhat reliable, or if not, tow it down there. The stories of people having to walk home (not really, but you get the idea) are not for me.
- Happily, the days of people "selling" $10K worth of other stuff to fund $10K worth of go-fast bits are over.
That's all I can think of.
- Keep reciepts for anything you buy.
- eBay is your friend. I found a cold air intake for the CRX for like 25 bucks yesterday. Haven't bought one yet but that kind of thing is out there.
- If you actually want to *win* or get close to doing so, it seems to me that building some impossibly complicated motor swap monstrosity is the order of the day. Small-block RWD CRXen. SHO-powered, mid-engined Festivas. Weird stuff. If you have the skills and the time, you could end up with a neat toy car. Or you could end up with a raging pile of crap. For me personally, I'm looking at this as a way to jumpstart building an affordable STS2 autocrosser . daily driver, and only want to finish in "not last."
- Cosmetic stuff like cleaning and detailing the car is free. There is a concours and it is scored.
- Bring something somewhat reliable, or if not, tow it down there. The stories of people having to walk home (not really, but you get the idea) are not for me.
- Happily, the days of people "selling" $10K worth of other stuff to fund $10K worth of go-fast bits are over.
That's all I can think of.
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From: Plotting My Revenge
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (krshultz)
The key to victory is lots of labor.
LOTS of labor. Like 100s of hours.
Karl and I are just planning to take a mild, well handling (hopefully), mostly stock CRX and just have fun. We'll put labor into getting a decent concours score, and just hope it runs the 1/4 in less than 20 seconds.
Sounds like an excuse to have great fun for a couple of days with a bunch of car folks, and a good way to kick off Karl's ST2 project (but I'm constantly having to remind him to wait until next March to install some of the goodies he wants
). Its also good motivation to get in the car and clean it up really well.
LOTS of labor. Like 100s of hours.
Karl and I are just planning to take a mild, well handling (hopefully), mostly stock CRX and just have fun. We'll put labor into getting a decent concours score, and just hope it runs the 1/4 in less than 20 seconds.
Sounds like an excuse to have great fun for a couple of days with a bunch of car folks, and a good way to kick off Karl's ST2 project (but I'm constantly having to remind him to wait until next March to install some of the goodies he wants
). Its also good motivation to get in the car and clean it up really well.
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From: I started it
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (Catch 22)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">(but I'm constantly having to remind him to wait until next March to install some of the goodies he wants )</TD></TR></TABLE>
And it's killing me. But I'm doing it.
)</TD></TR></TABLE>And it's killing me. But I'm doing it.
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From: N. Indiana
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (krshultz)
i am a big part of homemadeturbo.com so i am going to try to represent them.
i was going to look at a mitsu starion tonite, but time got away...$250 for a running starion i dont think would be a bad platform to start with and if that doesnt work out, use the turbo/IC on a honda. the turbo/IC alone is worth $250.
Im sure i will come up with something...but it will be a good time. im like you shultz, im just out to have a good time.
i was going to look at a mitsu starion tonite, but time got away...$250 for a running starion i dont think would be a bad platform to start with and if that doesnt work out, use the turbo/IC on a honda. the turbo/IC alone is worth $250.
Im sure i will come up with something...but it will be a good time. im like you shultz, im just out to have a good time.
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (krshultz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
- If you actually want to *win* or get close to doing so, it seems to me that building some impossibly complicated motor swap monstrosity is the order of the day. Small-block RWD CRXen. SHO-powered, mid-engined Festivas. Weird stuff. If you have the skills and the time, you could end up with a neat toy car. Or you could end up with a raging pile of crap. For me personally, I'm looking at this as a way to jumpstart building an affordable STS2 autocrosser . daily driver, and only want to finish in "not last."
</TD></TR></TABLE>
One thing to note here... you don't need or have to do anything crazy. However, it's sometimes cheaper to swap in an older V8 that's cheaply made to go fast than trying to make a CRX go fast in the 1/4 mile. Some guys like Denny Crabil just like to produce one-off crazy machines, which is respectable, and although he probably put the most time into fabbing up his machine, he didn't win.
With this year's changes to the scoring system, a more well balanced car or might I say "slow in a straight line" car may do much better than in the past. For instance, if you weren't running 11s or 12s last year, well you weren't really even in the hunt to win.
This year, that should balance out more nicely.
I *almost* bought a little Mazda 323 that already had a jdm 2L V6 swapped in for 800 bucks about a month ago, and if I had gotten it, it would have made it to the Challange, but I don't think i'll have anything now, so I'll probably just work with GRM again if they want me.
- If you actually want to *win* or get close to doing so, it seems to me that building some impossibly complicated motor swap monstrosity is the order of the day. Small-block RWD CRXen. SHO-powered, mid-engined Festivas. Weird stuff. If you have the skills and the time, you could end up with a neat toy car. Or you could end up with a raging pile of crap. For me personally, I'm looking at this as a way to jumpstart building an affordable STS2 autocrosser . daily driver, and only want to finish in "not last."
</TD></TR></TABLE>
One thing to note here... you don't need or have to do anything crazy. However, it's sometimes cheaper to swap in an older V8 that's cheaply made to go fast than trying to make a CRX go fast in the 1/4 mile. Some guys like Denny Crabil just like to produce one-off crazy machines, which is respectable, and although he probably put the most time into fabbing up his machine, he didn't win.
With this year's changes to the scoring system, a more well balanced car or might I say "slow in a straight line" car may do much better than in the past. For instance, if you weren't running 11s or 12s last year, well you weren't really even in the hunt to win.
This year, that should balance out more nicely.
I *almost* bought a little Mazda 323 that already had a jdm 2L V6 swapped in for 800 bucks about a month ago, and if I had gotten it, it would have made it to the Challange, but I don't think i'll have anything now, so I'll probably just work with GRM again if they want me.
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From: AWFUL autocrosser from, RI
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (PseudoRealityX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PseudoRealityX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I *almost* bought a little Mazda 323 that already had a jdm 2L V6 swapped in for 800 bucks about a month ago, and if I had gotten it, it would have made it to the Challange, but I don't think i'll have anything now, so I'll probably just work with GRM again if they want me.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Holy crap--passing that one up must sting a little bit!
It seems like the whole experience of the challenge is a great thing, regardless out outcome. Just to be a part of it must be a friggin blast.
Considering I know a couple of H-T members who did the $2002 challenge (I only helped prep the car--I didn't go), it sounded like an amazing experience.
I *almost* bought a little Mazda 323 that already had a jdm 2L V6 swapped in for 800 bucks about a month ago, and if I had gotten it, it would have made it to the Challange, but I don't think i'll have anything now, so I'll probably just work with GRM again if they want me.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Holy crap--passing that one up must sting a little bit!
It seems like the whole experience of the challenge is a great thing, regardless out outcome. Just to be a part of it must be a friggin blast.
Considering I know a couple of H-T members who did the $2002 challenge (I only helped prep the car--I didn't go), it sounded like an amazing experience.
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (gamby)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gamby »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Holy crap--passing that one up must sting a little bit!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I emailed the guy as soon as I saw the ad, but someone beat me to it. D'oh!
Holy crap--passing that one up must sting a little bit!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I emailed the guy as soon as I saw the ad, but someone beat me to it. D'oh!
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From: N. Indiana
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (PseudoRealityX)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PseudoRealityX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
One thing to note here... you don't need or have to do anything crazy. However, it's sometimes cheaper to swap in an older V8 that's cheaply made to go fast than trying to make a CRX go fast in the 1/4 mile. Some guys like Denny Crabil just like to produce one-off crazy machines, which is respectable, and although he probably put the most time into fabbing up his machine, he didn't win.
With this year's changes to the scoring system, a more well balanced car or might I say "slow in a straight line" car may do much better than in the past. For instance, if you weren't running 11s or 12s last year, well you weren't really even in the hunt to win.
This year, that should balance out more nicely.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dont see why i couldnt put myself around the 12sec mark with slicks in the 1/4 and with the right tires, and a turbo that spools fast, i should be ok in the autoX as well....in the honda.
if i pick up this starion, i dont know how i will do in the autoX with RWD. In the straight line, i dont see why 12 sec either wouldnt be in the picture.
LOTS OF BOOST!!!
One thing to note here... you don't need or have to do anything crazy. However, it's sometimes cheaper to swap in an older V8 that's cheaply made to go fast than trying to make a CRX go fast in the 1/4 mile. Some guys like Denny Crabil just like to produce one-off crazy machines, which is respectable, and although he probably put the most time into fabbing up his machine, he didn't win.
With this year's changes to the scoring system, a more well balanced car or might I say "slow in a straight line" car may do much better than in the past. For instance, if you weren't running 11s or 12s last year, well you weren't really even in the hunt to win.
This year, that should balance out more nicely.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I dont see why i couldnt put myself around the 12sec mark with slicks in the 1/4 and with the right tires, and a turbo that spools fast, i should be ok in the autoX as well....in the honda.
if i pick up this starion, i dont know how i will do in the autoX with RWD. In the straight line, i dont see why 12 sec either wouldnt be in the picture.
LOTS OF BOOST!!!
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From: Atlanta, GA
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (junkyard racer)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by junkyard racer »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I dont see why i couldnt put myself around the 12sec mark with slicks in the 1/4 and with the right tires, and a turbo that spools fast, i should be ok in the autoX as well....in the honda.
if i pick up this starion, i dont know how i will do in the autoX with RWD. In the straight line, i dont see why 12 sec either wouldnt be in the picture.
LOTS OF BOOST!!! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, there's that whole 2005 dollar budget restraint that makes things hard.
I dont see why i couldnt put myself around the 12sec mark with slicks in the 1/4 and with the right tires, and a turbo that spools fast, i should be ok in the autoX as well....in the honda.
if i pick up this starion, i dont know how i will do in the autoX with RWD. In the straight line, i dont see why 12 sec either wouldnt be in the picture.
LOTS OF BOOST!!!
</TD></TR></TABLE>Well, there's that whole 2005 dollar budget restraint that makes things hard.
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From: Cinnaminson, NJ, 08077
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (junkyard racer)
I did the challenge and it was a great experience. I learned a lot and had a great time in Florida. I would suggest not building to win unless you have many experienced folks to help and LOTS of time. I think the other pitfall is that most of these cars are built as hybrids or frankensteins and have no place in the world after the challenge. I would build something that you can go and race afterwords. Dont waste a lot of time and effort on fancy bodywork and massive turbos. If you make the car look good and handle well you can do well in concourse and the AUTOX. V8 cars usually win the 1/4 mile competition and its tough to compete with them. If you can be respectable in all three competitions you will do well.
Good luck
#81 H4 Hankook Tires
Good luck
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From: Portland, OR, US
Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (Andrew240z)
The rules are out of balance. If you got friends in the motorsports indestry, you've got a huge advantage. An axample...some of those guy's are "given" cars....it's all about "market value".
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Re: anyone do the GRM challenge? (jojoforhelp)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jojoforhelp »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The rules are out of balance. If you got friends in the motorsports indestry, you've got a huge advantage. An axample...some of those guy's are "given" cars....it's all about "market value". </TD></TR></TABLE>
http://www.grmotorsports.com/2005rules.html
rules state:
18) Parts that are given to the competitor by a company or person must be figured into the budget at fair market value. Sponsorships are allowed, but the values any product or service that is used in building the car must be figured into the $2005 budget.
now how is that to be taken.
there is the protest rule also. I will play fair, and im hope everyone else does also.
Getting a gutted CRX with a 12psi tuned Fuel Management car on slicks, could be seen running low 13's, and low PSI, and fast spool times could be very helpful on the autocross track, and to have a car that looks good to, I think I might have a chance.
http://www.grmotorsports.com/2005rules.html
rules state:
18) Parts that are given to the competitor by a company or person must be figured into the budget at fair market value. Sponsorships are allowed, but the values any product or service that is used in building the car must be figured into the $2005 budget.
now how is that to be taken.
there is the protest rule also. I will play fair, and im hope everyone else does also.
Getting a gutted CRX with a 12psi tuned Fuel Management car on slicks, could be seen running low 13's, and low PSI, and fast spool times could be very helpful on the autocross track, and to have a car that looks good to, I think I might have a chance.
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If you add suspension to that setup, im seeing over 2005 bucks...
1000 for the car?
200 for a set of R comps?
100 for a set of slicks?
800 for a turbo/IC/managment/dyno time?
suspension?
etc, etc, etc.
I'm not trying to say that your car will be crappy, but just that actually building something fast for 2005 bucks isn't as easy as one makes it out to be. Some guys are better at building drag cars, while others build better autocross cars, and others make very pretty cars that don't do either of the other things well...
oh, and about this...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jojoforhelp »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The rules are out of balance. If you got friends in the motorsports indestry, you've got a huge advantage. An axample...some of those guy's are "given" cars....it's all about "market value". </TD></TR></TABLE>
The only thing it changes is the amount of money out of your own pocket. If you're given a car, you still have to include it's fair market price in your budget, and Per and the other GRM guys will have to talk to you if you have some sort of mint car that you said you got for 100 bucks... because it's not playing fair.
1000 for the car?
200 for a set of R comps?
100 for a set of slicks?
800 for a turbo/IC/managment/dyno time?
suspension?
etc, etc, etc.
I'm not trying to say that your car will be crappy, but just that actually building something fast for 2005 bucks isn't as easy as one makes it out to be. Some guys are better at building drag cars, while others build better autocross cars, and others make very pretty cars that don't do either of the other things well...
oh, and about this...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jojoforhelp »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The rules are out of balance. If you got friends in the motorsports indestry, you've got a huge advantage. An axample...some of those guy's are "given" cars....it's all about "market value". </TD></TR></TABLE>
The only thing it changes is the amount of money out of your own pocket. If you're given a car, you still have to include it's fair market price in your budget, and Per and the other GRM guys will have to talk to you if you have some sort of mint car that you said you got for 100 bucks... because it's not playing fair.
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From: N. Indiana
Re: (PseudoRealityX)
im thinking along these lines...
CRX from a junkyard 500
homemadeturbo kit 500
suspension 500
tires 300
your right, this isnt going to be an easy task no matter how you look at it.
isnt that the fun of it?
CRX from a junkyard 500
homemadeturbo kit 500
suspension 500
tires 300
your right, this isnt going to be an easy task no matter how you look at it. isnt that the fun of it?
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Re: (junkyard racer)
update on the $2005 challenge car....
I went and looked at a $250 staion today.
Make a long story short,
-I couldnt crank it
-I pulled the dip stick, very little oil
-Looked in the radiator for oil, no coolant, nothing in there, nothing in the resivor,
-Pulled the hose off the turbo to check the turbo, the shaft in there felt like it was connected to nothing.
So i am up in the air about using the car for the clannange? It seems to me someone ran the car with no oil, and it went, reason being, the lady said it ticks like hell...the turbo is torn to hell, no oil in the oil pan...
it just doesnt look to good.
I can get another engine from japan for about $400 through some connections over there...and the car is only $250.
so im up to $650 for the car, and i will still need to buy all the stupid **** to install it, plus another turbo.
think i should get it and use the car or wait to see if i can come accross another?
--and the body is MINT. NO rust/dings/dents/nothing.
(i also get scored on appearence)
should I get it?
ohh yeah, and no pictures, my camera is in the shop gettin repaired.
I went and looked at a $250 staion today.
Make a long story short,
-I couldnt crank it
-I pulled the dip stick, very little oil
-Looked in the radiator for oil, no coolant, nothing in there, nothing in the resivor,
-Pulled the hose off the turbo to check the turbo, the shaft in there felt like it was connected to nothing.
So i am up in the air about using the car for the clannange? It seems to me someone ran the car with no oil, and it went, reason being, the lady said it ticks like hell...the turbo is torn to hell, no oil in the oil pan...
it just doesnt look to good.
I can get another engine from japan for about $400 through some connections over there...and the car is only $250.
so im up to $650 for the car, and i will still need to buy all the stupid **** to install it, plus another turbo.
think i should get it and use the car or wait to see if i can come accross another?
--and the body is MINT. NO rust/dings/dents/nothing.
(i also get scored on appearence)
should I get it?
ohh yeah, and no pictures, my camera is in the shop gettin repaired.
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