 I have a line on a project car, to build or not to build, that is the question |
|
|||||||||
  |
 Nov 27 2006, 04:02 PM
Post
#21
|
|
|
FRRAX Owner/Admin  Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196  |
QUOTE (BumpaD_Z28 @ Nov 27 2006, 09:42 AM)  For me half the fun is in the project.... But coming form a 3rd gen guy, don't you think a 82-92 Z28 or even a 89-92 RS would be a better start ??? the Berlinetta was such the red headed step child.... Couldn't you use the disc brake rear end in any 89-up car ? Wouldn't the sway bars stay if you got a Z with the 36/21 or 24 combo ??? Maybe it's just me that hates the Berlinetta (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I don't like them either, but once you strip them to the bare chassis, toss most of the running gear (sway bars, etc), etc, they are still just a standard shell. I'd have to swap the nose, or wait until I hit something with it, then change it, but the dash and all that makes it a Berlinetta, would be going in a dumpster anyway. |
 |
 
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 04:48 PM
Post
#22
|
|
|
Senior Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,226 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Danville, CA, USA Member No.: 27 |
QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Nov 26 2006, 08:07 PM) Kevin, It is really simple. There are two pairs of questions. Do you want to build? Do you want to race? Can you spend a little money each month? Can you spend a bunch of money right now? Project cars (especially from scratch) take piles of money and months/years of time. Some folks really LIKE that kinda fabrication/build stuff and, for them, building it is half the fun. If you are in that group then building is an option. If you want to be on the track soon, buy a completed, running car. It *WILL* cost you less than building even knowing you will have to un-f#ck some stuff that you don't like the way the previous owner/builder did. The money part is obvious, I think decent cmc cars go for 8-10k. Now, not that you asked, but since I'm on my soapbox anyway I'll speak for a moment about car classifications. If you build something to follow NO rules, then it's appeal will be limited should you ever want to get rid of it. Additionally, if you go roadracing with it, you won't really have anyone to play with because you will be in a stupidfast class with an un-optimized car. Give a long thought to where you want to be in five years and work towards that. CMC looks like a helluva fun class and altho your cmc car will be slow in hpde situations, it will help you be a better driver to learn in a momentum car and then when your hpde buddies are still talking about the ferrari they passed this one time at band camp, you can be actually running wheeltowheel in a competitive car in a great series. Ditto for IT classes in SCCA. The cars are slow in hpde format, but running wheel2wheel is the cake, icing, and total hottie bikini girl that jumps out of the cake. For reference = http://www.nsxfiles.com/Pyramid_of_speed.htm Hope to see you at the track sometime, somewhere!! Costas cars and such... Ditto to EVERYTHING this man says..... I think THIS project is a lose/lose situation. Pros: 1. It is cheap Cons: 1. Building a car from scratch is EXPENSIVE, so your ONLY "pro" is taken out 2. It is an older less desirable car making it hard to unload when you want out 3. Building a car to YOUR specs, and not a class of cars is making the selling of the car almost impossible 4. You can get a BETTER car.....CHEAPER and ready to run from day 1 I think you are boxing yourself in FAR TOO MUCH and hanging it all on the "I can get this car for cheap" hat. I think that is a mistake. As one who UNDERSTANDS the desire to build your own vs. buy someone elses car, I think you can make MUCH better choices in car and prep in order to save yourself a TON of grief when it comes to running it and eventually selling it......JMHO Winter is the time of deals....get out there and look for a SMOKIN deal on a race car.....I see 'em EVERY day..... |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 04:56 PM
Post
#23
|
|
|
FRRAX Owner/Admin Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196 |
I'd make it class legal for something, not sure what though. If I were to drag it home that is.
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 06:54 PM
Post
#24
|
|
|
CMCer Group: Moderators Posts: 2,932 Joined: 12-February 04 From: the sticks near VIR Member No.: 194 |
Y know I went over the the 4th gen camp from the 3rd gen camp in CMC last year. When the car was running right I beat my best lap time in the third gen at my favorite track at my first CMC race weekend there and just missed a podium finish once I got in the groove with it. It was a better built car because Alan Blaine built it totally from the ground up, especially with the great roll cage that he built me - saved my butt and saved the car from going to the boneyard after getting hit by two cars at approx 60mph.
However, after the crash it cost some major bucks to get it fixed - a 3rd gen would probably have not cost that much to fix due to the body parts being so much cheaper and easier to find to boot. Should the cost of crash repairs be a factor in the decision as to what gen to choose? I think so. Further food for thought, some new guy showed up to race for the first time with CMC in Buttonwillow ran up front all weekend, including getting a win, in *gasp* a third gen carb car!!!!! A good driver in a well-prepared 3rd or 4th gen is competitive..., the carb motors will hopefully be getting a much deserved assist this year in the rules to even up the hp/tq discrepancy with the TPI 305s and the restricted LT1s. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 08:31 PM
Post
#25
|
|
|
Senior Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 5,226 Joined: 24-December 03 From: Danville, CA, USA Member No.: 27 |
buy a built 3rd gen for PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR....tear it apart....and make it "yours".....save lots of money....ESPECIALLY given your penchant for "giving up" on race type projects....
Not a slam....just trying to be the "voice of reason" that I ALWAYS ignore...... |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 08:37 PM
Post
#26
|
|
|
FRRAX Owner/Admin Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196 |
QUOTE (rmackintosh @ Nov 27 2006, 03:31 PM) Not a slam....just trying to be the "voice of reason" that I ALWAYS ignore...... Understood. The voice of reason is a good thing. I gave up on the last one partially because I decided that I didn't have the money, now I still don't have the money, but I have a lot more of it..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) How do you make a small fortune in racing? Start with a large one..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/burnout.gif) |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 09:13 PM
Post
#27
|
|
|
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,936 Joined: 26-September 05 From: Youngstown, OH Member No.: 896 |
Howdy,
Kevin, just outta curiosity... Has anyone said anything new here? Decide what you want to do and do it! If you can't decide, throw a dart at something and get started down a path anyway! Mark This post has been edited by marka: Nov 27 2006, 09:13 PM |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 09:28 PM
Post
#28
|
|
|
FRRAX Owner/Admin Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196 |
No, none of it's really news. But it's always good to get opinions (and I was hoping someone might say "I have a T5 and this and that and something else that you'd need and I'll sell it cheap"). Guess I didn't have any luck on that end.
My other thought is to buy a truck and start on a proper SM2 engine for the car that I have (and it's already running and complete). I don't think I really want to fully cage that car, though I'd do a roll bar for time trials type stuff, but I'm not against just putting a 402 LS2 or a blower on something that will still fit in SM2 (I have to double check the displacement rules for blown cars in SM2, I forget and it was never an issue for me, so I never looked). I've already ordered a spoiler from Alan for it.... I think I'm going to pass on this one, I had decided against it, but after seeing that it was straight enough, I started thinking that it might not be too bad. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 27 2006, 11:23 PM
Post
#29
|
|
|
Veteran Member Group: Member Posts: 2,688 Joined: 23-December 03 From: Ft Worth, TX Member No.: 8 |
if it was me, i'de take your current LS1 F-body and convert it to CMC-2. you could run well in CMC-2 or AI w/ that car. just go light and do what you can to make low HP/TQ. as for hubs, not an issue. i havent hurt one in 2 years or CMC racing. that 53 races, plus 28 qual sessions and 13 practice sessions. i started w/ old used hubs!!!!!
if i was starting to build a car today, it would be a CMC-2 car w/ out a doubt. in fact, i was very close to selling my current car to build one or converting my current car to CMC-2. i decided to wait and see how the rules gets massaged over the next couple of years. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 28 2006, 01:37 AM
Post
#30
|
|
|
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 997 Joined: 28-June 05 From: North Dallas, TX Member No.: 791 |
QUOTE (trackbird @ Nov 27 2006, 08:38 AM) Oddly Andy, this car had the same crate motor in it that yours did and it also had 6,000 miles on it. Seemed like an odd coincidence, but this one comes without the motor.....(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) That is odd Kevin. If I ever do "it" again, it will be an LS1 with a bad drivetrain.... or one that someone has so thoroughly screwed up that they are just sick of it. Man, those cars are out here everywhere. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 28 2006, 03:25 AM
Post
#31
|
|
|
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 311 Joined: 8-December 05 From: D/FW Tx Member No.: 1,005 |
2 schools of thought here from me.
Handy with tools vs. lots o' money. Cheapo buys a cheap 3rd gen race car and fixes it up. Or Builds a 4th gen. vs. buys a primo 3rd/4th gen with a good pedigree. jb ps. Me, I was a cheap we know. I also traded trucks (everyday driver) and sold my garage queen (C5) to go racing. No regrets. This post has been edited by jeffburch: Nov 28 2006, 03:34 AM |
|
|
|
|
Nov 28 2006, 05:49 AM
Post
#32
|
|
|
Grumpy Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,722 Joined: 1-January 04 From: Bakersfield CA Member No.: 81 |
You have your car!
Its cheaper to pay it off and cage it, than it is to build/buy one! You have your car! Its cheaper to pay it off and cage it, than it is to build/buy one! |
|
|
|
|
Nov 28 2006, 07:09 AM
Post
#33
|
|
|
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 439 Joined: 14-January 04 From: Texas Member No.: 128 |
and buy the tow vehicle and the trailer...
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 30 2006, 04:29 PM
Post
#34
|
|
|
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,640 Joined: 25-December 03 From: Louisville, KY Member No.: 40 |
All I know is I'm sick of hearing it. It's time for action! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 30 2006, 05:01 PM
Post
#35
|
|
|
FRRAX Owner/Admin Group: Admin Posts: 15,432 Joined: 13-February 04 From: Ohio Member No.: 196 |
QUOTE (robz71lm7 @ Nov 30 2006, 11:29 AM) All I know is I'm sick of hearing it. It's time for action! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I told them I was going to pass on this one. I think it's going up on ebay soon instead. The search continues. |
|
|
|
|
Dec 3 2006, 02:14 AM
Post
#36
|
|
|
Veteran Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 3,323 Joined: 30-March 06 From: Detroit Suburbs Member No.: 1,144 |
Kevin, don't listen to these people that are telling you to cage your 4th gen... WE NEED MORE 3rd GENS ON THIS BOARD! BUY THE 3RD GEN! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 3 2006, 04:09 AM
Post
#37
|
|
|
CMCer Group: Moderators Posts: 2,932 Joined: 12-February 04 From: the sticks near VIR Member No.: 194 |
QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Dec 2 2006, 09:14 PM) Kevin, don't listen to these people that are telling you to cage your 4th gen... WE NEED MORE 3rd GENS ON THIS BOARD! BUY THE 3RD GEN! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Third gens! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) The 383 torque monster '91 Formula is launching in '07! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_driving3.gif) |
|
|
|
|
Dec 3 2006, 04:27 AM
Post
#38
|
|
|
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,086 Joined: 16-January 04 From: Chandler AZ Member No.: 130 |
QUOTE (CMC #37 @ Dec 2 2006, 09:09 PM) QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Dec 2 2006, 09:14 PM) Kevin, don't listen to these people that are telling you to cage your 4th gen... WE NEED MORE 3rd GENS ON THIS BOARD! BUY THE 3RD GEN! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Third gens! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) The 383 torque monster '91 Formula is launching in '07! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_driving3.gif) That would be the one sitting in Alan's shop, eh Julie? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Yeah, I think I need to vote for a 3rd gen too. Passively looking for a home for my 406.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/burnout.gif) |
|
|
|
|
Dec 3 2006, 06:00 PM
Post
#39
|
|
|
CMCer Group: Moderators Posts: 2,932 Joined: 12-February 04 From: the sticks near VIR Member No.: 194 |
QUOTE (Rob Hood @ Dec 2 2006, 11:27 PM) QUOTE (CMC #37 @ Dec 2 2006, 09:09 PM) QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Dec 2 2006, 09:14 PM) Kevin, don't listen to these people that are telling you to cage your 4th gen... WE NEED MORE 3rd GENS ON THIS BOARD! BUY THE 3RD GEN! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Third gens! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) The 383 torque monster '91 Formula is launching in '07! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/gr_driving3.gif) That would be the one sitting in Alan's shop, eh Julie? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Yeah, I think I need to vote for a 3rd gen too. Passively looking for a home for my 406.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/burnout.gif) That would be the one Rob! Can't wait to drive that car... Hope you find a nice clean third gen buddy! They are out there if you are patient! |
|
|
|
|
Dec 5 2006, 11:22 PM
Post
#40
|
|
|
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 951 Joined: 2-January 04 From: Austin, TX Member No.: 88 |
As far as budgets go, Julie's old car (this is your old car, right?) is starting to look like a steal!
http://camaromustangchallenge.com/cmcbb/vi...&highlight= QUOTE (trackbird @ Nov 30 2006, 11:01 AM) The search continues.
|
|
|
|
|
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:
| Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 4th June 2025 - 02:06 AM |