Track car?, Is it time? Options

[trackbird]

Ok. Long ago, I built a 3rd gen race car. Just as I got it nearly finished, I sold it (like a complete moron). Parts of that car are all over Columbus (in friends cars). Now, I could buy my motor back, complete with a 1992 hardtop Z28 with a 6 speed and 3.73's in it (and no A/C). I have worked extensively on this car and my friend is offering me a price that is quite tempting.

GM has their deals on trucks right now, making a 2500 HD an attractive option for a tow/driver (I'm 13 miles from my office).

This would mean that I'd be getting rid of my 2002 (sadly), but I'm starting to think it's worth it as a whole. I have the following list of parts that I'd be removing from my current car (I know a few would carry over), which would offset a large portion of the costs of buying the new car. I was guestimating prices on the used parts and came up with about 3K worth of goodies (if these prices are reasonable).

350 front DA's.
100 35mm S/T bar
125 22mm rear Strano bar (with new end links, I used the ones on the car already)
75 25mm rear S/T bar
125 GC perches/ 150 in lb springs
50 Metco driveshaft loop (looks like the LG version)
115 H&R springs
700 wilwood 6 piston front brake kit
450 street rims (the graphite specials) with tires (new this year)
200 C4 rims (17x9.5 sawblades)
350 "mint" SS rims (10 spoke) with very dead Nittos on them
150 snow tires (16" steelies with snows)
225 Global west Del-a-lum upper control arms
500 shortened rear koni DA's
125 Ported and externally polished throttle body with black powdercoated throttle arm
75 Pro 5.0 shifter from T56 (after I buy the car, it's in the new car)

I can then get rid of the console and other interior bits from the new car to recoup more costs.

If those are reasonable, that would get me a long way towards buying this car (not there, but a good portion of it). So, being in the position that I'm in, is it worth it to consider a truck/track car? It's difficult to consider getting rid of the LS1 powered rocketship, but it may be for the "greater good".

I'd need some stock brakes (LS1, calipers, PAB and pads/rotors) and a set of 16" rims to go back on my car.

I didn't want this to turn into a "I'll take such and such part" thread. I'm more interested in a discussion of the merits of "making a change".

So, truck and track car or "Evil street (dual purpose) car"?

[robz71lm7]

I'd do it in a heartbeat, but that is a lot of money-buying two cars and losing money on a car I assume you bought new. But it's an even bigger waste to keep the '02 if it isn't going to give you what you want. I was looking strongly at 3rd gens before I picked up my 4th gen. I'd still like to get a 3rd gen, gut it, throw in a 6-speed, a nice carbed 355 or 383, and re-engineer the suspension from the ground up.

[mitchntx]

Kevin

After having built my CMC car and still owning a '98 "street" car one thing has become GROSSLY obvious to me ...

My '96 race car is worth more than my '98.

I feel confident that my '96 could fetch $10K ... I would be HARD pressed to find a buyer for my '98 at $10K.

Supply and demand ...

Your prices overall seem reasonable. However, what I found when I tried selling off parts, takes offs from my '96 and after-market parts from my '98, the market is dwindling and driving prices down.

Look at FRRAX classifieds and see how slowly parts move in that forum ...

[trackbird]

Look at FRRAX classifieds and see how slowly parts move in that forum ...

I forgot that I ususally buy them all. That's why they sell in that forum......

Hmmmm.....

[CMC #37]

I like your plan. Dump the '02, get your old ride back, get the truck!

[trackbird]

I'd do it in a heartbeat, but that is a lot of money-buying two cars and losing money on a car I assume you bought new. But it's an even bigger waste to keep the '02 if it isn't going to give you what you want. I was looking strongly at 3rd gens before I picked up my 4th gen. I'd still like to get a 3rd gen, gut it, throw in a 6-speed, a nice carbed 355 or 383, and re-engineer the suspension from the ground up.

I bought it new, that's correct. I have been looking at trade in values and it looks like I could get out of it and only lose about 3k. That's not bad when you're buying a truck at 9k (or better) under retail. So, overall, I'd finance less money than I did on my 2002 Camaro which should lower my car payment by a reasonable amount.

It is tempting. This car has my motor and my sway bars from my old car on it. The rest of the stuff went "elsewhere". It's not my old body, but it is a hardtop, my old one was a T top.

[Pilot]

Kevin, you know once I get a job you'll have an outlet for a few parts. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Plus, you know you'll always have an extra "in-house" mechanic that would be HAPPY to work on a full race car. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[trackbird]

Kevin, you know once I get a job you'll have an outlet for a few parts. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Plus, you know you'll always have an extra "in-house" mechanic that would be HAPPY to work on a full race car. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

You better find a really good job..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This one would be stripped and get race seats (and very likely a cage) in the near future. It would be the "full deal" (AV8SS?). It's getting very tempting.....

[Pilot]

Kevin, you know once I get a job you'll have an outlet for a few parts.  (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)   Plus, you know you'll always have an extra "in-house" mechanic that would be HAPPY to work on a full race car.  (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

You better find a really good job..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This one would be stripped and get race seats (and very likely a cage) in the near future. It would be the "full deal" (AV8SS?). It's getting very tempting.....

Hey! I'm just trying to do my part to help corrupt you... ermmm... convince you to do the right thing and build an all-out race car! Returning the favor of corruption is only the right thing to do. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Hell, no one here can tell you what to do with your money or how you should finance a car. Just remember the old system of economic wants and economic needs... that and the opportunity cost. None of those can be fully measured in tangible terms, but remember, it's all up to you.

[Crazy Canuck]

i'd sell the 02 and get your baby back.
you should see your own face when you were talking about that 3rd gen you had and how you regretted selling it.. follow your heart, and $ ain't that bad, as you were saying since you get a good deal on the truck.

[pknowles]

I personally don't like driving a truck everyday. I love my truck, it does every thing I need, except a car is so much more nibble and fun to drive. I drove my truck everyday for the past three weeks and I drove the car to work this morning and it is just so much better to drive.

[Mericet]

I think you have already decided. Sort of the way I was with the RS.

What will happen to your tire warmer though? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[trackbird]

I think you have already decided. Sort of the way I was with the RS.

What will happen to your tire warmer though? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I'll still need a tire warmer. We can run this one in SM2. It's a 10.6:1, 353 cu in splayed main cap, forged crank, Lunati rod, KB piston, Speed pro file fit ring motor with the full machine work treatment (0 decked, torque plate honed, deck plugs, balanced, etc). So, we are under the displacement limits and we will have no back seat....that's SM2 to me. It could use better heads. I built it with ZZ4 heads with Manley race flo valves and K motion springs. So, it has "flow issues", but it makes buckets of torque with that compression and a 220/230 .5-something Crane Compu cam (and tuning is in the works). It has traction issues from a roll in second gear as I remember (and maybe third). It's not been dynoed yet, but I'm guessing it will be something like 400 ft lbs and 275-300 hp at the wheels, it's a torque monster (big fun!). High compression TPI cars make torque, big block style (or nearly so).

The car currently has:

Eibach Pro kit
Suspension Techniques Sway Bars (may need to change the rear bar)
KYB shocks (as I remember)
Spohn torque arm (that thing is "gone")
Pro 5.0 (that will be gone too)
Extrude honed TPI system with SLP parts (runners?)
Upgraded Throttle body
SLP 1 3/4 stainless headers (stock routing) running to an SLP 2OTL exhaust (no cats)
T56 swap
Centerforce clutch (as I remember)
3.73 gears (not sure on those)

I'm sure there is more, but the car was built and probably does not have 30 miles on all of it.

I won't lose my tire warmer....he may just need to change his driving style a little bit...... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[robz71lm7]

So, we are under the displacement limits and we will have no back seat....that's SM2 to me.

I don't know, but reading that you seem to imply that the back seat puts you in SM2. You can run regular SM without a back seat.

[Mericet]

So, we are under the displacement limits and we will have no back seat....that's SM2 to me.

I don't know, but reading that you seem to imply that the back seat puts you in SM2. You can run regular SM without a back seat.

We know (at least I do), but we always bump ourselves into SM2. :drive:

[axoid]

I won't lose my tire warmer....he may just need to change his driving style a little bit...... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Neil, sounds like your going to be driving a car setup like mine again. Now repeat with us: "Loose is fast", "Loose is fast", "Loose is fast". (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[trackbird]

Mostly I think the "looseness" will be due to prodigious torque output. It may be a tire smoking machine on an autocross course.

Who makes affordable 17x9.5 rims for these things?

[pknowles]

I do have to say that if your going to get a truck take advantage of the employee discount program that they are offering to everybody. I looked this morning and program runs until July 5th. I would love to have a new 2500HD ext cab, short box and right now the employee price for the LS trim (which is pretty nice) is $23K and some change. That is a killer deal.

[trackbird]

I do have to say that if your going to get a truck take advantage of the employee discount program that they are offering to everybody. I looked this morning and program runs until July 5th. I would love to have a new 2500HD ext cab, short box and right now the employee price for the LS trim (which is pretty nice) is $23K and some change. That is a killer deal.

That's exactly the truck I'm considering, that package and all. I may add fog/driving lights, a bose stereo, I will add the trailer package and possibly the 5th wheel package (it's $35), locking diff and a few other things. I'm looking at a 5.3 or a 6 liter gas motor (as much as I'd like a diesel, the $6k extra is enough to make this not such a good idea anymore (and I live 13 miles from my office). I even thought of a 1 ton. It's much overkill, but it's not much more money with the discount (though you can't get an extra cab/long bed in a 2wd as I remember.

[pknowles]

I'm looking at a 5.3 or a 6 liter gas motor

The 6L is standerd in a 2500HD, so no 5.3L.