[Steve91T]

And I don't think it's going to be in an F-body.

I've got a 97 SS with tons of mods. It's an absolute blast on the track, but rather expensive. Tires, brakes, fuel, and not to mention opti sparks (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) . I love HPDE's, and I still have tons to learn, but I am dreaming of wheel to wheel racing. I've been doing HPDE's on and off for 12 years now, and I'm very comfortable in the experienced groups.

I've been thinking for years about Spec E30. It seems to be in my price range, but the cars, to me, are boring. I know everyone raves about how much fun the series is, but it doesn't excite me.

Spec Miata is another boring car, just more expensive.

FFR challenge would be fun, but out of my price range.

I've lately been thinking about Legends cars. Either that or the Thunder Roadsters. I've heard they are a blast to drive, relatively inexpensive to maintain, and if you crash, it's a lot easier to fix than an old street car. I live in VA, as you guys know, Charlotte, only 3 hrs away, is home to racing. The legends cars were born here, and has the largest turnout. Seems like you can get a legends car for less than $10K used. That's more or less the cost of a Spec E30.

I also know they can and do race them on road courses. I'm not sure what I think of the small circle tracks, but I'm sure they'd be fun.

Anyway, what do you guys think?

This is something I'm looking at doing in about 2 years. I'm going to be heading to pilot training for the Air National Guard sometime early next year, but after that, I'll have some free time again. It'll give me time to save up the money.

Thanks guys,
Steve

[Steve91T]

harnesses
cutoff switch, battery box and wiring
fire system and fire extinguisher
window net
right side net
spherical bearings for front LCA
tow hooks
firewall blockoff
headlight, turn signal, foglight blockoffs
oil cooler
radiator closeouts
AC elim pulley
PS reservoir
breather plumbing and catch tank
bias valve
diff, gears and bearings
steering wheel, QD
hood and hatch pins
windshield clips
cage, interior paint
numbers, stickers
transponder





I removed from the list what I already have. I was expecting the list to be much shorter. I know you guys are correct in saying that I will spend more money building my car compared to selling mine, then buying a ready to race CMC car. But the problem is that if I sell my car, I'm basically giving away all of the nickel and dime stuff, and all the hours I've put into my own car. The brakes, the cooling ducts, the suspension, the PS cooler.....the list goes on. If my car was stock, or close to it, I would sell it in a heart beat, because it makes the most sense. But being that I've got so much invested in my car already, it's hard to figure out which is really the better deal.

I just need to make more money.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Blainefab]

I was expecting the list to be much shorter.

heh.. there's more - I just listed the basics to put together a car that could be competitive. I wanted you to know how deep the pool is you are jumping into.

I know you guys are correct in saying that I will spend more money building my car compared to selling mine, then buying a ready to race CMC car.

I didn't say that. If you can afford to build your own car, and have the ability and tools, then go for it. Race cars tend to become quite personalized - buying someone elses will always require some adjustment to get it to fit. Also, some wear items will tend to be near their end of life, whereas building your own with good/new parts leaves you with a new race car.

But the problem is that if I sell my car, I'm basically giving away all of the nickel and dime stuff, and all the hours I've put into my own car. The brakes, the cooling ducts, the suspension, the PS cooler.....the list goes on. If my car was stock, or close to it, I would sell it in a heart beat, because it makes the most sense. But being that I've got so much invested in my car already, it's hard to figure out which is really the better deal.

I don't see resale on a LT1 4th gen being over $4k, no matter what the condition. None of the non stock parts will net you more than 20% of what you paid for them. IMO you've got 2 clear choices:

1) buy a bone stock LS1 4th gen for $3 or 4K, swap the suspension and brakes between the cars, sell the SS. If it is really nice condition and you find a buyer willing to pay the 'SS' tax you might get $6K for it, but it could take a year and some advertising dollars.

2) Sell your SS hood and rear spoiler and badges, pick up a Z28 hood, and tear into the car you have. Sell the built motor, buy a stocker. Better yet, sell the complete built LT1/T56/wiring as a package, buy a stock LS1/T56/wiring to swap in.