Thinking about building a track car - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

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rmackintosh View Member Profile	Dec 26 2005, 06:50 AM Post #2
Senior Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,226 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Danville, CA, USA Member No.: 27	QUOTE (John Boelte @ Dec 25 2005, 14:05) Thanks! I've been checking the site out a bit. I can certainly see the SCCA influence here, which I am intersted in. I would like to be able to attend a variety of events. I got started in SCCA autocross several years ago and I want to get back into it. Although I'd like to attend events that have more run time, maybe even do some wheel to wheel events! So, I need to figure out where to start. Getting a rule book would be a good way to map out what I can and need to do. I do prefer a manual transmission. My thinking is that TH350s are cheap and easy and fairly tough. I'm guessing I could get a TH350 for around $500. The car is an automatic car, so I would have the cost associated with converting everything over (flywheel, clutch, master cylinder, pedal, etc.) to contend with in addition to purchasing a manual transmission. I'm guessing $1000 - $1500 for a rebuilt 5 speed? Is the durability of a manual really that much better than an automatic? I'm guessing about $3000 to put a manual in that car versus $800 - $1000 for an automatic. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Hey John, I also think the auto thing is a bad idea for a dedicated track car....guys seem to eat them for lunch, and you can get by quite nicely with a stock T56 if you are not a beast with it.... As for the T-tops, I think most groups will want you to cover them as well. Alan Blaine here makes both fiberglass and carbon fiber models for this. As for influence, I would say we are a NASA-centric group if anything...there are a few SCCA nuts like myself, but for the most part you will get good, quality NASA advice. And to be honest, if you are looking to "gently" get into road racing, NASA is probably a better bet. The SCCA is more strict/rigid/etc. and if you aren't shooting for a particular class, can be frustrating to "fit in".... Anyway....have fun! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

Posts in this topic

John Boelte Thinking about building a track car Dec 25 2005, 07:08 PM

Rob Hood Hi John, welcome aboard and Merry Christmas! ... Dec 25 2005, 07:45 PM

John Boelte Thanks! I've been checking the site out ... Dec 25 2005, 08:05 PM

Rob Hood You will probably find a whole manual trans car fo... Dec 25 2005, 08:46 PM

CMC #37 If you are interested in racing, then check out CM... Dec 25 2005, 10:44 PM

nape QUOTE (John Boelte @ Dec 25 2005, 15:05)I do ... Dec 26 2005, 12:15 AM

John Boelte Thanks nape, I was thinking that a "built... Dec 26 2005, 02:37 AM

sgarnett The T56 gears will handle a lot of power. It... Dec 26 2005, 03:36 AM

rmackintosh QUOTE (John Boelte @ Dec 25 2005, 14:05)Thank... Dec 26 2005, 06:50 AM

CMC #37 My first race car, an '84 Camaro Z28, was a t-... Dec 26 2005, 07:49 PM

27Cam02 QUOTE (John Boelte @ Dec 25 2005, 14:08)Hi fo... Dec 28 2005, 10:53 PM

trackbird QUOTE (nape @ Dec 25 2005, 19:15)The only way... Dec 28 2005, 11:24 PM

nape QUOTE (trackbird @ Dec 28 2005, 18:24)When I ... Dec 28 2005, 11:45 PM

sgarnett Just keep in mind that unless you are buying a T56... Dec 29 2005, 04:28 AM

ws6transam I've got $2200 in my T56 retrofit. Just d... Dec 30 2005, 07:59 PM

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John Boelte View Member Profile	Dec 25 2005, 07:08 PM Post #1
newbie Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 25-December 05 Member No.: 1,023	Hi folks! I was recently bitten by the "Let's build a race car" bug. I'm looking at a 3rd gen that's already gutted. I'm thinking about using a mild 350 (read inexpensive), TH350 trans, stock 9 bolt rear, and focus on suspension and brakes. Since it's already gutted, I was thinking about putting in a weld in roll cage and race seats. It's a T-Top car, would a cage help there? Would there be other issues related to T-Tops I should be concerned about? It looks like this is the type of forum I was looking for. Are there any links to other build sites or forums where I can find more information on building up a race car? Thanks!