[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?

[92Voodoo]

Noticed your post and as usual I feel the need to add my two cents as your advisor and friend. You've got to get over your hand wringing and get racing. The only way that'll happen if you can do it both cheaply and in a car you can wreck. You are right. You're never going to feel comfortable racing you current car. You are too attached to it both emotionally and financially. It is not what you need to go racing. You need a plan that will not require more debt, so that you'll have the money to go racing.

My suggested plan:
1. Get focused on racing now or you'll be using social security checks to fund your late mid life crisis.
2. Stop spending money anything wasteful. Money on other hobbies (guns, computers, & house). Money on fast food and dinner out more than once a week. Cooking at home is healthier and cheaper. Take it from one who knows there are plenty of meals to be made within 30 minutes of getting home without much work.
3. Sell off what ever toys except the ones you can absolutely not live without.
4. Clean out the garage and sell off anything you can.
5. Put your the 02 Camaro back to stock and sell the parts that are not allowed in CMC.
6. Buy a reasonably priced reliable used tow vehicle. Here's 38 found within 100mi of you.Tow Vehicle Search @ AutoTrader.com
7. Take the '83 chassis you have lined up in VA to build a cheap car to race. Build it for CMC. Do not waste any $, like I have on my car or like your old '89 Formula, with unnecessary changes. Keep it simple and light and cheap.
8. Sell the 02 Camaro. Less debt, less insurance $, less $ speeding tickets, less garage space (reason to move and spend more $), less temptation for spending on a car that is not on the race car. I know you'll miss her. I know commuting in a pickup truck is boring. You will make up for it with fun on the track.

I know this plan means sacrifices but...
1. it solves worries about racing your 02 baby.
2. it does not get you in to more debt.
3. it allows you to put together a low buck car that you won't care if you wreck on the track.
4. it allows you to finally race competitively.

Forgive me if this sounds harsh. I'm just trying to help. You need get out on the track. It's in your DNA. You just need a reasonable plan to remove the "can't afford to" and "can't crash it" barriers to make it happen.