[trackbird]

I can never seem to decide which way I want to go in my automotive travels. I enjoy my 2002 and it's a great car, quick, handles well, etc. I don't really want to run it at track events as a daily driver. I've been considering a 3rd gen for a long time now and I have some options.

I have a car lined up in VA that I can go pick up. It's an '83 chassis (not the best year), an automatic, a hard top and has no engine in it. However, the price is "right".

I have a local friend who's car I could buy. It's not CMC legal and it's not enough motor for AIX (though I might run ok in AI). Considerably more money, but a nicer car.

I've been looking at the specials on trucks lately (Dodge is way overstocked on inventory and they may be giving them away soon, they have good incentives now) and thinking of "de-modding" my car and trading it in. I'll keep what I can use and sell off the rest of my parts towards the new car (being a 3rd gen, only the rear suspension stuff will swap). The real concern is, can I get rid of enough of the parts from the current car? And, will I be sorry for getting rid of the 2002?

[marka]

Howdy,

What's your goal? Do you want to race or do trackdays?

For racing, I agree that your current car seems a bit of a goofy choice... That's a lot of cash to tie up in a car that's gonna get beat one. I think I'd go with a cheaper 4th gen over a 3rd though, so that more of your current parts would transfer.

If for track days, I'd say to keep your current car and just track it more.

Either way, a truck (newer if you go with a "race" 4th gen) & open trailer seems like a good way to go. That'd give you a backup daily driver in case something is happening with the trackday car or be your primary daily driver with the race car.

As for the truck... Carefully check out mileage figures if you have much of a commute at all. For us, the cummins in our 2500 pays for itself in improved mileage over the v10 in our old truck. Not that the v10 is especially great for mileage of course... :-) I'd also buy a 3/4 ton vs. a half ton, no matter which marque I was going with. The little bit of extra money buys you _a lot_ more truck, which will put up with about anything you want to throw at it.

FWIW, our quad cab 2500 Dodge makes a super daily driver compared to everything else we've used, with the exception of mileage. And at 18mpg empty, its still better than most trucks/suvs. Comfort-wise, its awesome.

Mark