Autocross this year, R53 or....My First "What Car" Thread.

OK, so I haven't done anything autocross or track-wise since 2005. I have been considering getting back in this year, although no road courses or hill climbs like I was doing previously. I already have a 2006 Cooper S that would run in the new D Street class, but the CS looks very interesting.

I also have a 370Z that would fit nicely in that class, but it's my DD and besides, not sure I want the tire bill that would go with it. Looking through the rest of the class, it appears a NB or NC Miata might work, and the MR2 Turbo is also in that class. I can't help but think that might be the sleeper. Anyone here have any experience in CS?

Another option is that I could get my old '85 MR2 back from my brother for practically nothing. My 16yo nephew had a minor accident with it, but it's mostly panel replacement. And I still have 3 parts cars from my old ITA MR2 build. The pluses with this are it already has a decent suspension and strong motor, and could slot into STS pretty easily, and I could get fixed under challenge budget and go to the challenge for the first time. Downside is that it will not be very competitive.

Of course I already own the MINI.....

Opinions?

What is the current purpose of the mini? Is the 370z the DD and the mini is the fun car? I know a mini is fun for a fwd car, but it's still a fwd car. I like the mr2 turbo plan the best, but fining a clean stock one might be hard. The sts aw11 is also a good option.

Did your MCS come with the LSD option? If so, in my humble experience: IE camber plates + light wheels with good tires + Jan-tune = STX fun!

It won't be competitive against a fully prepped to the 9's STX car, but it won't be competitive in DS either and should be less tire-abusive in the above STX trim, while still keeping the car with comfortable street manners and with minimal cash-outlay.

Right now the MINI has no purpose. It was my DD until I bought the 370. Now I usually drive it when it rains. I should also add I autocrossed my old MR2 Turbo DD back in the 90's, and still have a set of wheels for one in my garage.

Ian F wrote: Did your MCS come with the LSD option? If so, in my humble experience: IE camber plates + light wheels with good tires + Jan-tune = STX fun! It won't be competitive against a fully prepped to the 9's STX car, but it won't be competitive in DS either and should be less tire-abusive in the above STX trim, while still keeping the car with comfortable street manners and with minimal cash-outlay.

No LSD, unfortunately. It's fun to drive around town, but not sure I want to autocross it. I'm not the biggest FWD autocross fan.

Based on what you said, the MR2 is the only way to go for you. It also may be the best way since you can also compete in the $2014 Challenge. I'm also reading from several sources that if you get a spare set of wheels for your auto-x car, summer tires will last you for 2 seasons usually. Even with a heavy car like a stock 370Z

With the new stock/street tire rule a set of rivals for the Z seems like the cheap, easy, fun answer.

evildky wrote: With the new stock/street tire rule a set of rivals for the Z seems like the cheap, easy, fun answer.

Of course I could get the MR2, complete the challenge including expenses, and still come out ahead from just the wheel and tire package for the 370. Then I would need shocks as well. I estimated it would take about $3.5k for a decent set up for the 370 using basic single adjustable Konis plus the extra wheels and tires. Given how much it likes to eat rear tires on the street, I would imagine it would need two to three sets for a season of heavy autocross use. I would love to talk to someone with direct experience to confirm however.

I talked to a guy that auto-x'ed a G35 or G37(I don't remember which), and he told me that a set of slicks would last him for about 2 seasons if he had them remounted for even tire wear. I was pretty amazed.

At least you have a few months time to decide unless you live down south and you have competitions every month. I don't know how they schedule that.

MR2.

Or I have a spare Yugo I can sell you.