Track build paths
 

So, one of the reasons I picked up an LR3 is so that I can tow a track car out to the course. I actually sold the car I was going to build, A 135i, so I could get a cherry LR3 to DD. The 135i just turned out to be worth too much as it sat to put it on the track.

Now that I have the LR3, it's time to think about what track car I want to build.

By track, I mean road coarse, not 1/4 mile.

I'm leaning towards a 350z or a Porsche 944. I want something I can start with for low initial investment but has a wide variety of upgrade and swap paths. Both the Nissan and Porsche are easy to get below 3k lbs. Both are widely available 2nd hand. The Nissan being easy to come accross parts both new and used. I'm looking for something that has easy parts availability when it breaks.

That all being said. I'm curious to see what other ideas there are. I'm not really interested in a Miata, as I am sure that will come up.

Old 240/280z would be high on my list along with a rx7

Reasoning for not wanting a Miata?

One vote for the 944. Not familiar with some of the others mentioned, as far as driving them, but the 944 is a pretty balance machine. Very nibble, quick on its feet and corners nicely, made any Corvette l'd ever owned seem like a slug.

Yes, changing the clutch is a job...but once you've done it...it's not awful. Did mine twice, once after loosing it in PA...bad gas, car was jerking so terribly it twisted the center portion out of the clutch disc, second time, teaching a female how to drive a clutch. Car had nearly 300K when I sold it...still ran like a champ.

Another nice thing about the 944...interior room. I'm 6'4" and squeezing into some of those smaller cars is a pain...whereas...the 944 is quite roomy inside. And, if you are adding a rollbar, having extra room for that is paramount.

The five speed has a nice spacing on gear selection, car pulls pretty nicely through all gears. Not like my 928 (78), it has some stupid first gear that is good for pulling out stumps...lol. Did have to open up the transaxle once on the 944 for a new fifth gear, but again...not that big of job.

Timing belts/idler pulleys are an easy job, all done from underneath, while laying on back.

Anyhow, good luck with your endeavor.

Brian.

2004-9 Impreza WRX STi. Pick em up pretty cheap and mod em to the moon.

Miata? I have no desire to run a convertible. Also, at some point I would be going beyond what that foundation could support or I would want it to support.

I had a stage4 2002 JDM Sti ~clone. Great power(417awhp) and platform but I did not like the car itself. I'll only do 2 doors from here on out.

I like the 944 availability. They are everywhere and cost nothing. You can even get ones in great running condition for $1,500. As far as the power plant, I would probably rip that out and put in something else. Probably not something Porsche to avoid engine part costs. I just really like the look and the car is dern light right off the bat.

What I do like about the 350z is you have a modern foundation and a ton of options and support for other engines and transmissions.

I had this crazy idea to take what I loved about the 135i and drop it in the 350.

A 350z with an N54.... hmmm