Best budget HPDE car for $20k?

[blue flowers]

Originally Posted by AMG2M3

Hi guys,

I only plan to attend 3 to 4 events a year at first. If I really get into tracking then it will increase the number of annual events given free time of course.

If you like your E90, then stick with that. 3 to 4 events a year is essentially what that car is built to do. A dedicated track car is overkill and will end up costing you way more than you budget.

I'd recommend doubling up on oil changes, add some water wetter to your rad fluid, use SRF for your brake fluid, and at most get another set of brake pads for track. Skip engine mods.

An E90 with a talented driver is a very fast car.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Bgoetz

As far as square vs staggered, I wouldn't say going square makes the car something entirely different and is a must. Square is faster, but how many cars that you toss more rubber on are slower? I think that going square removes some of the characteristics of what I like about the car on the street and even at the track. I have been satisfied with the alignment adjustment and spring/sway bar adjustments to get what I want from it without going square. Again would I be faster, I am sure, does it matter for a guy like me who just likes to have fun, not really.

For 3-4 days I wouldn't even have a dedicated set of wheels. I'd run whatever the car came with, probably with rubber that lasts longer at the track than PSS after wearing out whatever rubber comes on the car
Something like the RS3 for example

[Bgoetz]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

For 3-4 days I wouldn't even have a dedicated set of wheels. I'd run whatever the car came with, probably with rubber that lasts longer at the track than PSS after wearing out whatever rubber comes on the car
Something like the RS3 for example

RS4s now, but yeah I just run RS3s all the time currently. I do really think you will be hard pressed to find something with this potential that can easily go from Street to track in this price that out performes an S2000. Another thing is the adjustability of the alignment, it is like they wanted you to change it!

Not trying to be a "Honda fan boy", but hell I can toss a new motor in mine for ~$4k, which = worry free driving.

[pbonsalb]

How about this track ready E36M3 for $20k:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showt...post1067642414

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Bgoetz

The S2000 is one of the few cars where the factory roll-over protection is sufficient for most events. The car is actually designed to rest on the structural window frame and rear trunk deck, forming a triangle for the driver. That said I have considered a roll-bar ($700 for a good one), but then there is that slope of safety mods, where it becomes debatable what is safe if you drive on the street.

AP1 vs AP2, I have owned both and the AP1 is far more raw than the AP2. My AP2 was stock though. The big advantage to the 06+ is a flash makes easy power, but I prefer the rawness of my AP1 and the 9k redline paired with the slightly different gearing. To each their own though. The only downside to the AP1 on the track is the oil making its way out of the PCV, but that is an easy fix. Some will say retainers and banjo bolts, but IMO those are way overblown.

The only real weak point is the brakes, the rotors more specifically and you have two options. One run the stock setup and spend $ on pads and rotors that will crack and wear (most including myself just go this route) or if you track enough a BBK becomes cost effective. The other mod that I like is a baffle in the pan, but I tracked mine a bit before I finally tossed one in. That said dropping the pan is a very easy job, not near like a BMW.

Hope this helps feel free to message if you have anyS2k questions

Oil out of the pcv is an ap2 problem too. It was so bad on my car that I had to pull over on track once and they thought my car was on fire. Had to get holes drilled into the valve cover baffle to stop that issue. But every car is different.

[Bgoetz]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Oil out of the pcv is an ap2 problem too. It was so bad on my car that I had to pull over on track once and they thought my car was on fire. Had to get holes drilled into the valve cover baffle to stop that issue. But every car is different.

You are correct, guys have swapped valve covers and still had issues, although I think the PCV location makes the AP1 a bit worse. I remember forgetting to empty my catch can at a track that is awful for this and thought I blew my engine up when I looked in the rear view and all I could see was a cloud of smoke!

[Bgoetz]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

How about this track ready E36M3 for $20k:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showt...post1067642414

I think an E36 would make a great track car as well and would be my #2 choice after and S2000. I thought the E46 required a decent amount of modifications to make them really track worthy, so I think I would certainly prefer the E36

[SunnyD]

I picked up a Fiesta ST as a daily driver and will start tracking it soon...will let you know my experience.

[GT3fan]

Originally Posted by SunnyD

I picked up a Fiesta ST as a daily driver and will start tracking it soon...will let you know my experience.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on your new Fiesta ST. What else did you consider before buying it?

I am currently more leaning towards a BRZ and fiesta versus the s2000 due the back seats and additional practicality. E36 m3 is interesting, but I'd like something newer.

[SunnyD]

Originally Posted by AMG2M3

Look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on your new Fiesta ST. What else did you consider before buying it?

Honestly, I considered the FRS/BRZ as well, but the FiST has more backseat room and is much torquier due to being turbo'd, both of which make the FiST a better daily driver.

[ridin135]

S2K

[turbo8765]

So, what’d you get?

[GT3fan]

Originally Posted by turbo8765

So, what’d you get?

I bought a Fiesta ST and my daughter adopted the GTI. However, I have yet to go to track.

The Fiesta is lots of fun and feels like a go kart. In my typical driving environment it is significantly more fun to drive than the e90m. However, it is barely quick with a Cobb tune and rides rough on broken pavement and lacks compliance. Sometimes I wonder if I should have bought an ND Miata instead.

[drunkentrader]

Edit: reading comprehension was never a strong point of mine. Lol

How about a disposable car — Mazda rx8. You can buy them for $3-5k. Beat the shit of it on the track. If it survives the abuse, go ahead and spend a few bucks prepping it for race. If it blows up rinse and repeat and swap parts.

E46 M3: too pricey.
E36 M3: appreciated itself into too pricey in the last 5 years.
Toyota frs: meh, you’d be better of buying a Miata.
S2000: same as e36 M3 - my fav choice, but you gotta spend $15k to get a nice one nowadays whereas the same car with less miles was $11k 8 years ago.

Rx8: cheapest thrills for the dollars. But then again, so is a Miata. Only cos I jusssssy saw this Miata for sale on Craigslist, I will share as I feel it’s a prime example of track value:

$4k hpde ready:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...875719215.html



Full disclosure: I don’t race. But I’ve owned enough M cars to know that better values are out there for the economy and thrill factors.

[Golddots]

C5 Corvette. Pretty sure you could buy a decent one, upgrade the front brakes, safety equipment, and some decent tires for under $20k.

Properly driven vettes are as fast as anything else on track.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by GT3fan

I bought a Fiesta ST and my daughter adopted the GTI. However, I have yet to go to track.

The Fiesta is lots of fun and feels like a go kart. In my typical driving environment it is significantly more fun to drive than the e90m. However, it is barely quick with a Cobb tune and rides rough on broken pavement and lacks compliance. Sometimes I wonder if I should have bought an ND Miata instead.

LOL

Enjoy the Fiesta ST

[Richbot]

The S197 Mustang is a solid platform to build from if you get comfortable with it being a crapmobile inside, and it truly will be a track rat only. And parts are cheaaap

Also, I like the idea of an import Skyline or Silvia, especiall ythe Silvia since at least some parts will be easy to come by