figured I'd get an opinion from those who know best- need a new track car! tough dec

[joeking1978]

This is the situation- I'm getting rid of the b5 Audi S4 that I currently have (love the car- but I've been upgraded to a trailblazer for the company ride- and would prefer something more track-ready now).

I owned a 2002 Honda S2000 for 2 years that I tracked relatively frequently and loved it. I've pondered going back to it because it is so track ready- but I'd prefer to find one with FI (save me the trouble of doing it myself). The car was phenomanol and I loved it- but eventually I craved more speed. without going FI- bolt on's don't do much to the car (though I could easily whip most v8's- so it wasn't ALWAYS necessary! )

So I've been leaning between about 4- New Corvette Z51, 2006 Suburu STi, Mits Evo MR, Lotus Elise (or a used Corvette Zo6)...

I'd like to keep it between 30-50k, and would love the best bang for the buck- (evo and sti), but feel that it is more geared towards high school and college kids. The Vette is probably the best of the group- but the lease options are terrible (don't like to buy cars- bad experiences). The lotus I'd have to buy and the price would actually be close to the lease of the vette (despite similar cost) and this one is the most unique- head turner of the group and can tear it up pretty easily.

So what's everyone elses opinions? Any other cars they suggest? I've toyed with thoughts of a SC'd 2006 Miata, Boxter S, Carrera, used M3, ect. I've never driven any of these on the track though- and don't know what to expect.

Thanks for feedback!

 

[joeking1978]

wow... this forum is a little slower then I thought- figured I'd have more responses by now...

 

[esorlxaw]

I just took the Corvette factory tour on Friday ( I live in the same town ). Those cars are amazing. They have to pass all kinds of performance tests before they even get near the door.

 

[joeking1978]

Do people actually post in this forum? Are there BETTER forums out there? (in terms of racing discussion?)

 

[majestyx]

Basically on this forum, it is mostly Nascar discussion. Sorry.

 

[RaceChick]

I am a former GM engineer. Take it from me if you are planning to put this car anywhere near a track stay away from the Chevy. The repair cost (and there will be repair cost) are way too much especially in the Z06. They tell you these cars are track capable. They lie. Stay away from American cars if you don't want to mortgage your home to repair it.

 

[Mopardh9]

I'd take sthe Sti anyday over the vette, can't beat the fact that you can drive the Subaru all year vs parking the vette when you get a little snow on the road. Also the Sti is faster 0-60, you can easily get another 50-75hp out of the subaru without spending too much on aftermarket add ons. I have owned 7 Subarus and love everyone of them, my next one is going to be a WRX Impreza wagon.

 

[Kyle48]

My dad manages the local subaru dealership, and I had the chance to race a couple of aftermarket add STi's - un-freaking-believeable.

In an open division with only kart racing under my belt as far as any organized background; placed third behind a maxed out M3 late last summer, and took second behind a Carrera this spring. I'd take an STi over any of those, any day. Out of about 20 cars in both races we had probably 7 or 8 'Vettes (mostly old guys thinking their crap didn't stink) everytime the Vettes were lucky to crack the top ten.

We race again at the beginning of November - this time the guys got me almost 350 hp, whole new rear spring kit straight from the WRX series - I'm getting in the winner's circle this time =)

- k y l e

 

[Mopardh9]

Cool where do you race?...I want to get into this soon, maybe within 2 years, been in my blood and my family for years , so i gotta do it before I get too old...lol.

 

[joeking1978]

Cool where do you race?...I want to get into this soon, maybe within 2 years, been in my blood and my family for years , so i gotta do it before I get too old...lol.

me...? I'm up in Michigan- we have our choice around here- 2 of the higher ranked tracks in the country in terms of safety and fun (Gingerman and Gratten) and then we have Waterford to add a little extra pizazz... Plus the tirerack testing facilities are around the corner along with Ford's test tracks which they occassionally open up to the public with "special invite" (but everyone knows someone who has a connection to one of those!)

 

[Lap3Forever]

I am a former GM engineer. Take it from me if you are planning to put this car anywhere near a track stay away from the Chevy. The repair cost (and there will be repair cost) are way too much especially in the Z06. They tell you these cars are track capable. They lie. Stay away from American cars if you don't want to mortgage your home to repair it.

All we race is GM, lost 2 motors, but that happans when ya build any race motors. I do know if you are going to build a good racing motor you best bet no matter what is a 350 chevy block.

 

[RaceChick]

All we race is GM, lost 2 motors, but that happans when ya build any race motors. I do know if you are going to build a good racing motor you best bet no matter what is a 350 chevy block.

True, but the Vette has issues that just wont handle racing. If you want to tool around town and show off ever once in a while the Vette is great. The engine block really isn't the issue with this car. It's the modifications that are made to it. You are right though the 350 is a good way to build a great racing motor.

 

[vanzetti]

I voted for the Vette, but I wish I could change my vote to the Lotus. Something about Lotus has always held a 'soft spot' in my heart.

I would like having a car that you don't see on the road much...or ever...ok, I've seen ONE Elise....drooooool....

Even if it's not the best 'performer' on the track, you can guarantee you'll get watched closer just b/c there aren't 10 other Lotus's on the track...(Loti?)