Hi,
I thought I would see if I can get some advice on here before I start pouring cash into the black hole that is called car modifying.
Some of you may have seen my previous car, which I recently sold off in parts.
Link is bellow for those interested
http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/topic/388746-another-rb25-r32-thread/page__fromsearch__1
This car was my first foray into serious car modifying and was an absolute money pit. A lot of this spending could have been avoided as I did little work by myself and also did half assed upgrades, which then required re-upgrading etc.
Also, I went about it the wrong way, in my opinion, which involved spending a lot of money on getting power out of it, and adding suspension, brakes, wheels that fit and tyres as an afterthought.
So my plan now is to try and do things right from the beginning.
What I am after ideally is a track specific car that is still registered. The registration is not for wank facor of street racing or anything similar, I just want the flexibility of being able to drive the car to wherever, whenever I wish. But, I also want the car to be street legal in QLD, which obviously makes things trickier.
So the questions I do have are around what platform to start with, as the ultimate goal will be to strip the car of all unnecessary weight and try to make it go as fast as possible.
What I would like to know are some of the finer points of what I can do. Such as what I am able to strip out.
My plan was to look at an S chassis car, preferrably an s15, as I like the shape, they weigh in mid 1200kgs, and have a huge ammount of after market parts available. Furthermore, there are pretty decent examples going for around 15k.
What I need to know is, what can I get rid of? Do I need to retain the factory airbags? Demister? Sun visors? Padded steering wheel? ETC
My plan for the car once I get it is to strip it entirely, all carpets, plastics etc, and have a cage welded in.
Buy coilovers and some adjustable arms, a radiator and have a go at getting some laptime under my belt from there.
Several other options I have been thinking about is to start with an s13, but due to the age, money required to get 5 stud, s14 or 15 rear cradle etc, I though I am better off with a newer car.
Another option I have been looking at are mx5's, as they are cheap and handle well, and even 1970's ford escorts, as I love the shape and have seen a few cars go for reasonable money.
Suggestions, feedback is appreciated.
I am ideally looking to get something somewhere between March and July as no performance car at this stage is killing me and I have decided not to get a bike as I like my legs too much.
Am overseas for two months before that, hence waiting until then. Heading to Vegas so keeping my spending money for thats, so I can double it. Or at least spend it on hookers.