11 replies to this topic

[aholmes23]

I have searched every keyword I can think of on this forum and can't seem to find anything usable for my question--

 

I started out driving Honda's about 8 years ago. I started to race prep one for the Honda Challenge and attended a few HPDEs. Unfortunately it as all cut short by some thieves with a tow truck. Anyhow, I am at it again and this time would like to participate in Spec Miata. I have looked a several fully prepped cars for sale and unfortunately they are out of my cash purchase range and would be for a while. I am now looking into buy a used Miata and slowly turning it into a Spec car while I attend HPDEs with it and get my NASA race license. Now, my only real question in this post is what is your opinion on which chassis/year to start with? The 1.6's and 1.8's between 1990 and 1996 all seem to be hovering around the same $2000 to $3000 price. In my research, I believe I would be best served with a 94 to 96 with the torsen diff so I don't have to upgrade it later, but I think I just wanted confirmation (or not) on that thought process before I dropped 8 to 10k on my first car only to learn I made a rookie mistake at the chassis selection stage.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Also--- if you know the thread that has beginner info in it like this, just send me a link and I will be more than happy to read it myself.

[James York]

If you are in it for the long haul and want the most reliable and chassis longevity, I would only buy a 99 and up.

 

If you are just looking for the cheapest way to go racing, not considering the additional costs to make the car a front runner, then the earlier models will do.

 

I thought there were some cars prices very reasonable of the early models in the classifieds.  You should consider those if you just want to get into it.

[aholmes23]

James-- Thanks for the quick reply. I think the initial costs of the 99 and up chassis are in my way. Of the earlier models, are there any ones that stand out as better than the rest? Also, I'm looking to only doing regional races, nothing national. Unless I hit the lottery the costs of traveling outside my local races are just too high.

[FTodaro]

There are a few things to consider, while The earlier year cars my be less expensive to purchase they may not be cheaper to build. The parts are going to be harder to find, the older the car. You may spend more up front for a 99, but you will get more bang for the buck, and it is likely also going to have a higher resale value, as it is the car to have at the moment.

[MPR22]

1.6 requires you to drive on the edge of knife for 40 minutes to be competitive. Few newer drivers to the class have that kind of mentality and focus. Kids or adults coming out of Karts can do it. The NA 1.8 has the torque to cover up some of those mistakes. The 99 has even more torque and feels like a Cadillac compares to the 1.6. I can rip off some very quick laps in a 1.6 but I struggle to race it fast on certain tracks that have big penalties, ie long straights after a technical section that demands perfect exit. Budget sounds like a key element of your quest to race, so a good safe NA (1.6 or 1.8) that is in good shape should be within your budget.

[Ron Alan]

This topic has been started a dozen times. There is lots of info here...keep looking. In short...not that i think or know anything may happen but you should wait a few months until the 2015 rules come out! Buy a car that fits your budget...and gets you on track! If you are in CA there are a few cars here for under $6k!

[RazerX]

Just saying in general it costs more to build a SM than buy an used one.  Yes you can defer costs if you build it over a year, but spending an extra couple $k over 18 months isn't really saving money IMHO.

[davew]

This has been discussed every couple months for the past 10 years. Search, you will find the same people giving the same answers.

 

My advice:

Read and understand what the rule book says for the club you plan on racing with.

Buy my book, read and understand the parts about buying a used cars.

Read this website a lot. All you questions have been answered before.

Repeat steps 1-2 and 3

Make friends with your local SM prep shop. He probably knows where a car is available that will fit your budget constraints.

Building a car is the most expensive way to go.

Buying a used POS racecar is the second most expensive way to go. And the most depressing

Have your new friend at the local shop inspect whatever you buy. he will likely spot things that you never will.

Repeat steps 1-2 and 3

 

Buy the best deal you can for your budget. Do not worry about what year or engine. Go for safe, reliable and then performance.

 

Dave

[Jim Drago]

This has been discussed every couple months for the past 10 years. Search, you will find the same people giving the same answers.

 

My advice:

Read and understand what the rule book says for the club you plan on racing with.

Buy my book, read and understand the parts about buying a used cars.

Read this website a lot. All you questions have been answered before.

Repeat steps 1-2 and 3

Make friends with your local SM prep shop. He probably knows where a car is available that will fit your budget constraints.

Building a car is the most expensive way to go.

Buying a used POS racecar is the second most expensive way to go. And the most depressing

Have your new friend at the local shop inspect whatever you buy. he will likely spot things that you never will.

Repeat steps 1-2 and 3

 

Buy the best deal you can for your budget. Do not worry about what year or engine. Go for safe, reliable and then performance.

 

Dave

+ 1.. 

such good advice and for whatever reason so hard to follow.. I was given the same advice multiple times and still went against the advice! I felt i knew more at the time than I did.  Listen to the guys who have made all the mistakes, learn from them.

[FTodaro]

+ 1.. 

 I felt i knew more at the time than I did.

You stated this in the past tense, do you think you have that problem solved

[Jim Drago]

You stated this in the past tense, do you think you have that problem solved

 

Good point.. definitely should not have been in the past tense!

[Brandon]

One point of clarification is where you are based/located.  Your profile picture/details don't show an area otherwise we could give you some recommendations on where to go to both meet builders but possibly people selling their own cars.

 

End of the season is a good time to start the search and come January/February, at least here in the NE, some significant deals come to pass as people try to move their "no-longer-needed second racecar".

 

Good advice provided above & best of luck to you!

Brandon