Greetings,

Well I've decided to get into the whole racing scene, I have a car in mind that I wanted to import specifically for just tracking.

Meet the Honda Beat



Some specs on the vehicle:

Dimensions:
Overall Length - 3,295 mm (129.7 in)
Overall Width - 1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Overall Height - 1,175 mm (46.3 in)
Wheelbase - 2,280 mm (90 in)
Weight Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GWWR) 760 kg (1,675 lbs)

Major problem here is that the engine code won't work with anything in the rules (from what I understand) E07A engine.

In the Honda Beat, theres PLENTY of room for a B series, and thats my plan. But I'm confused on what class my car would be eligiable for.

Installing the engine would require no cutting of the frame or modifying the body to accomidate the engine (if I had to remove a panel to accomidate size, is that allowed?) Using the stock rear hubs/kunckles is possible, but I'd prefer to use older Intregra Hubs/Knuckles, but this would require fabbing up a custom LCA.

It would also be necessary to fab up something to bolt to the frame to bolt up to the rear engine/tranny mount.

Is the weight of the vehicle going to be a problem? 1675 lbs. I figure the B series would add maybe 30-50 more pounds, plus I weight about 240 lbs right now. So would any of that matter?

 

beautiful car! never seen that before.
Are all the body panels stock? ie bumper cover, fenders... A lot of classes require everything to be stock, or stock replacement. Ive just never seen a honda with the hood being the top of the wheel arch. Same goes for wheel size, as those look larger than a honda of that size is likely to come from the factory. Obviously this is not a USDM car, and Im by no means qualified to tell you it is or isnt, just doesnt look like what im used to seeing on cars around here.

Man, what Id give to have a car that weighs less than a ton with me in it without the use of a sawzall! 1600# makes even a mx5 look fat!

 

contact the HC director out there.
He can answer your questions better .
The "beat" isnt the best chasis to import.
Stick to something more easilly supported.
Never seen a Beat racing here in the U.S.

 

That's kind of the whole point. I'm big on being original. It's easier to stand out from the crowd in something that no one else has.

 

Ya dont want to be an innovater and have no support. (parts for it)
Stay closer to the right and whats being built right now.
HC and Time attack are about to go through major changes.
stay on the beaten path.
Less money out of your pocket testing the upgrades.

 

While I applaud your originality, I'd suggest you stick to something already classed.

The Beat will never be classed in HC. It wasn't every available in the USA and likely won't ever be. Thus, the chances of them showing up and racing in the class are slim to none. Additionally, a new car will never be added to the rules simply for one to start racing.

There are way less expensive options available to hop in HC and I'd HIGHLY suggest taking one of those routes instead. Spend the money you'll save on the importing/car/built, buy a decent car, and get tons of seat time!
In the end, I'm certainly you'll be a lot happier!

A race car is suppose to be an expendable item. Remember, the car can always be written off and any point which is why going with something that's so hard to replace isn't the best idea to begin your racing endeavors with.

Just my 2 cents as the Socal HC series director.

 

its been said in this thread a few times. start with something thats already classed and sorted. if you are starting racing, you want to focus on learning and prefecting racecraft, not working on the car all the time. seat time is your friend. there are PLENTY of cars out there for sale that are already built for reasonable prices.

 

I'm wondering if the OP just wants the car, and "racing" it is the only legal way to get it here. Can't say I haven't thought of trying that in the past myself, but it gets WAY more complicated and silly and you still can never drive it on the street.

In racing, only to a point. You'd garner more attention by being fast and successful. Example (among many): Meris, racing an EK 4-door sedan. Can't get much more plain-jane than that. Or Renan in an EG hatch, or Helms in an EK hatch. Normal, typical, common cars.

 

Heres another car I was thinking about putting into HC.

My already imported, 92 del Sol SiR


The del Sol is obviously more supported. And I'm planning on putting in a TYPE R swap.

 

the del sol would be better because it's already classed. what class are you thinking of running? and how much track experience do you currently have?

 

I have no experience at the moment. Looking at getting into it fully.

 

A De La Slow. now you are in the ballpark.
Wasnt there a guy who had his del sol for sale in AZ about a year ago?

Dooood get out to the track and get some seat time.
You have a way to go to get your competition license.
Read the faq and start attending events.

 

The absolute best way for you to get out to the track is buy a already built car!
You'll also need a truck/trailer to get the car to and from the track! Already have those?

If not, simply start running HPDE with NASA with your del sol until you get the truck/trailer and then pick up a race car and work your way through the HPDE system. Then you'll be ready for your comp license and racing!

 

Cool maybe this Beat machine can be contender?