Hello,

Im looking into purchasing a car to beat around an auto-x track and run around 1x a month at the new race track that opened here in ga, Atlanta Motorsports Park. I've never really done anything like this before, and it seems like it would be fun so I figured I'd give it a try. I'm having trouble finding what kind of car that would be suitable though for my needs. I'm bouncing all over the place from a RHD 96 type R to 99-00 si's to 2002 si's to gsr's. I have a 7k budget and that integra R will put me right at the top of it. I've spoken to a few people and the general consensus is that with my driving ability's I wouldn't benefit from having the type r over say a stock DX civic. Im mechanically inclined so if stuff needs to be done to the car I can take care of it myself. Im leaning towards a honda because I want something I can beat on without too much worry behind it. Im also wanting to leave the engine stock on the car and not have to compromise any kind of reliability or increase the noise unless its absolutely needed.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

What are your driving abilities?
Lets start with that one first.

 

You dont need a ton of power for autox, light and nimble is what you are after there.
If you are learning car control it may be better to start with a CX/DX'ish civic hatch.
Really cant go wrong with a 96-2000 civic hatch tho!

 

Beginner on a racing level? I've gone to alot of the high performance driving events audi/bmw/porsche put on. I race rc cars so I understand the concept of apexing turns and the dynamics related to braking.

 

Is there a difference in the chassis between the 92-95 vs the 96-2000 that would make the 96-2000 better handling? Or is it just a better platform to work with?

 

Thats all debatable one vs the other, so flip a coin and choose a chassis, and go have some fun.

 

92-95 is the "spec" FSP car to have. But that requires a boat load of dollars to build to the limits of that class.

I would just find a stock car, preferable something in the slower classes. Run on the street tire index times (lumps all stock street tire classes together, it's like SCF or something now). Just do that, freshen up the dampers with off the shelf bilstein units or koni, get your rotted bushings fixed with OEM stuff and stick the widest tire you can fit on an OEM wheel. The mods allowed are very minimal for a stock class and you can still have plenty of fun once they equal everyone out with index times.

 

For that type of money you could purchase a pretty decent already built race car if it doesn't need to be a daily driver.

For example this is a local car to me I saw on another forum for $3500 http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w151/SMF_Trucking/

That is if you are really looking for a car to race, that has the proper safety equipment.

 

Not planning on DDing it at all. Need it to be somewhat street legal to drive it to said track/autox events.

 

92-95 are good too, I lean to the 96-00 myself.
Ive owned both era civics, aftermarket parts for the newer models are just a tad more available...there are other differences, but for autox should not matter too much.

Pick your flavor and go for it!

 

I've been in this boat for the past 5 months, but mainly looking for a prepped turn key race car. I believe this is the best way to go as building your own would be costly.

I'm assuming you just want to start off with HPDE (high performance driving events)? If you want to go out and have fun, the quickest/cheapest way would be to purchase something already modded (civic, integra, 4 door, 2 door) and have fun.

I would suggest that you purchase a stock vehicle and mod as your skills improve. Growing with your car is a good way to learn your vehicle and to see what works and what doesn't work for you on the track. $0.02

 

What aftermarket parts are easier to get for a 96-00 over an 92-95? Both use the same engine/trans and can swap to a b-series or k-series. 92-95 is actually easier since you don't need to swap the subframe out.

Front lower control arms are the same, but the 92-95 has a smaller front/inside bolt hole on both the subframe and control arm which you can fix replacing the bushings with poly ones (did this on my 96-00 civic which is using integra LCAs right now.

92-95 civics have a direct bolt on from an Integra suspension. Plenty of aftermarket parts available.

I would just get whatever you can get that's a) cheap b) rust free c) runs well as is.

 

thumbs up!


now that I dont have an eg i want one, not as easy to find as an 96-00. just saying...

 

if you are looking for a car to do track days and autox, I am selling the perfect car for you. Has all the right parts and you can drive it to and from events with out problems. It also has nice things like A/C. Also if you are in GA you are not to far away

http://hondamarketplace.com/showthread.php?t=3051560

 

the answer is always Miata.

Cheap. RWD. Will teach you a buttload about speed maintenance. RWD. Easy to work on. Parts are readily available everywhere. RWD. Won't get stolen as frequently as a Civic. Did I mention it's RWD?

 

Didnt hear you mention its for teh gheys...ha aha..jk

Yes, the Miata is a great racing platform, I like lou's car and it has my old wheels too!

 

well to be honest in my add is says i am looking at another car and well I kinda already have it and it happens to be a miata, so this would be my 3rd Miata that i have owned lol

 

If you buy a normal car, make sure to budget for suspension, wheels, and tires at the least. If you can find an already built car, it'll save $ and effort; there are always a few around.
besides here on HT check your local SCCA/NASA sites and:
http://roadraceautox.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3
http://www.sccaforums.com/forums/for.../scope/threads
http://nasaforums.com/viewforum.php?f=31

If I had to start over on a budget of $7k, I'd go back to an Integra GSR for STC(formerly STS or ST) and track days. Koni/GC, rear sway, 15x7.5's, 225/45-15 RS3's, intake/header/exhaust. reliable, efficient, fast enough, call it a day.

 

Thats what I was looking for.

Been down the miata path, didnt like the car. Wasnt very comfortable and the seats hurt my back.

 

Rear Wheel Drive? OMG!

 

Seats can be changed, but, if you're over 5' 10", room does play a role.

I'd suggest a S2000 then. You can find for less than $10K.
As much fun as I had in my CRX, I have way more fun in my S2000 and it's just as fast, despite my old CRX having a 8.8lb/hp ratio while the S2000 has 14lb/hp.

but, if you're over 6', you'll need a different seat.


Well, it is "better"

 

This can be an issue as more clobs are ratcheting down on open top cars. I know you can get the HD bar but that still limits you to hpde and only some tracks. I am 6' 1" and DD an S2000 because I can't fit in the S2000 when caged with a helmet. It's certainly an awesome car.

 

true... I know the east coast guys have it a bit rougher than us west coast guys. I would hope the OP puts a rollbar in the car he decides to use as a track *****.

I believe a hardtop gets you passed the open-top requirement though.