[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?

[Shortcutsleeping]

Well...I guess I'll mud up the waters some more...
<steps up on soapbox>

Purpose built car. Say it with me. Purpose built car. Yes. Nice.

Do you want a race car or a car that is raced? Huge difference. Long term what do you want? A car that you can track hard and not worry about? A car that you can find inexpensive parts for? A car that was designed to go 100% for hundreds of laps and will wear you out before you can wear it out. Yes...purpose built car.

Cooling issues, hub issues, brake issues, PITA to work on, blah blah blah. I've raced production based cars in everything from circle track to IT to AS, rally, and of course autocross/hpde/etc. I've raced purpose built cars in roadracing and circle track. There is no comparison. A 'car that is raced' or a race car.

The best places to find them are asphalt circle track 'late models'. Obviously make sure it is a symmetrical car and not an 'offset' chassis. Finding 'rollers' is not too hard and can frequently be found for less than 5k. Slip in an LS1 with an ASA PCM and you never have to mess with carbs and timing issues and it will start every time. Or run a cheap 355 that you can put 400rwhp out of. Weights can be down as low as 2400lbs and wheels/tires are wide open.

Parts: Stupid cheap. Lefthander, Stock Car Products, Coleman, Smileys, and tons of others.

Nowhere that I know of can you go fast for as cheap for so long. The car will wear you out long before you can wear it out. 400rwhp and 2400lbs on 10" wide tires. What hpde car can match that performance anywhere near that price, much less durability.

Just food for thought.

Costas
cars and such...