I want something a little larger and faster. I've accepted I'm not going to be doing much track type stuff in the forseeable future, so I sold all the parts I had acquired for it, and will be reverting it back to stock soon.
I'll likely end up with the Focus RS, hatch, great reviews, can handle the occasional track day with no needed mods, etc.
Also considering an STi, EVO X (but buying a 5 speed in a modern car seems so strange, but some dealers are unloading the base trim level relatively cheap), or possibly look for a used Audi S3.
Thoughts?
Just my .02, but I would go Focus>STI>Evo X. Personally though, I'm almost certain my next buy will be an 06+ 350z. Been craving one lately...
^I had an '06 350Z, it lasted 3 months. Very underwhelming car for me.
In all seriousness at least test drive a Nissan Juke NISMO RS...that vehicle is more like the BRZ/FR-S than the ND miata ever will be, but it has more grunt and better ground clearance. The most loveliest Recaro seats too (I installed the same model line for the driver's seat in my FR-S)...
In reply to Vracer111:
Cvt, partial awd. No awd for stick! Nissan can't get it right!
That being said, contemplating as a daily. P
Mustang. Seriously. I love the character (read: entertaining shortcomings) of the live axle in the S197 chassis. Can be had for reasonable money for a 425HP example that is a rocket on the straights, handles the curves better than you think, and is a comfortable place to spend a long drive. If you want the IRS, it will cost you a good bit more and be less entertaining. Assuming you want to stick to rear drive, it is the exact opposite of the light weight momentum car you are gettign rid of.
Focus RS is an idea I like.
Vracer111 wrote:
...Nissan Juke NISMO RS...that vehicle is more like the BRZ/FR-S than the ND miata ever will be...
Aside from the fact that they both have a metal roof and rear seats, I'm trying to wrap my head around this statement, and just can't do it.
z31maniac wrote:
Also considering an STi, EVO X (but buying a 5 speed in a modern car seems so strange, but some dealers are unloading the base trim level relatively cheap), or possibly look for a used Audi S3.
Thoughts?
Regarding the Evo X GSR only having 5 speeds: The 5-speed in the X is the same found in the VIII and IX, and it is bulletproof. The 6-speed found in the VIII and IX MR models is made of glass, which is partially why Mitsu went for the 6-speed DCT in the X MR. That and the "gunning for Audi" delusion.
I'm obviously partial to the Evo X. IMHO it's much more connected to the road than the 08-14 STI and is far less prone to engine failures (looking at you, Subaru ring lands...). Even my plusher MR model is a riot, but tamed enough to not beat me up on the daily grind. Do make sure you replace the fuel pump relay with the newest version if you get an Evo X, that's the main pain point for the engine.
I don't have any experience with the 15+ STIs. I think Subaru fixed the running lean and ring land issues with that one...
In reply to ultraclyde:
+1 at least give the mustang a shot. You can get one nicely discounted.
Nismo Juke. Your comments interest me now.
In reply to Ultraclyde:
One of my previous vehicles was '13 GT Mustang with the track pack, I'm well aware of how insane they are. But I've been down that road and not sure I want to again, at least right now. And AWD and Turbo is the only setup I haven't owned (not including mid-engine supercars since I'll never be able to afford one of those)
In reply to RexSeven:
Hmmmmm, more details? Anything needed to make them survive an occasional track day? What kind of HP out of simple mods/tune?
I love the look and since they've been out forever, there is plenty of parts/support/etc.
Harvey wrote:
Focus RS is an idea I like.
Yeah, me too - just wish Ford was bringing more than 2000 of 'em in for the 2016 model year. Most dealers in my area have already sold out their allocation, and the ones that haven't are asking 5K over sticker.
jstein77 wrote:
Harvey wrote:
Focus RS is an idea I like.
Yeah, me too - just wish Ford was bringing more than 2000 of 'em in for the 2016 model year. Most dealers in my area have already sold out their allocation, and the ones that haven't are asking 5K over sticker.
Oh I didn't realize that. Hmmmmm.
HOW do you want to go fast? If you're looking at a Focus RS I assume you're shopping in the $35k range? That's such an amazing dollar range to shop for cars. Everything from the RS to pony cars to slightly used Corvettes to older Vipers to used 911's to.....there's just so much. Do you need new? Do you need good MPG? Can you insure a semi-exotic?
If you like the Focus RS, get an ST and do a simple ECU upgrade. While it won't get you AWD, it'll get you pretty similar power numbers to the RS.
mazdeuce wrote:
HOW do you want to go fast? If you're looking at a Focus RS I assume you're shopping in the $35k range? That's such an amazing dollar range to shop for cars. Everything from the RS to pony cars to slightly used Corvettes to older Vipers to used 911's to.....there's just so much. Do you need new? Do you need good MPG? Can you insure a semi-exotic?
- That's a good question. As you can see from my choices, I've been leaning toward AWD/Turbo.
- That's correct.
- If going with a "boost buggy" type car, I'd prefer new.
- Mileage isn't really a concern for me.
Something like an older 911/Viper doesn't really interest me from a maintenance standpoint. A slightly used Vette is an interesting proposition. I've always LOVED the C6 Z06.
z31maniac wrote:
In reply to RexSeven:
Hmmmmm, more details? Anything needed to make them survive an occasional track day? What kind of HP out of simple mods/tune?
I love the look and since they've been out forever, there is plenty of parts/support/etc.
First, make sure you get the most recent fuel pump relay from Mitsubishi. It switches the fuel pump between low- and high-speed mode. Earlier relays are prone to failure, which will cause the engine to run dangerously lean at high RPMs. At $15 it's cheap insurance.
You will also want to replace the three plastic auxiliary belt pulleys with metal ones from a 4-cylinder Genesis Coupe. They are the same diameter. Two are idler pulleys and one is the tensioner pulley- be careful with the tensioner pulley bolt, it is left-hand threaded. The plastic pulleys are usually worn out by 60K and can shred the aux. belt! The 4B11T uses a timing chain instead of the 4G63T's timing belt, so there's a bit less to worry about there. The pulleys aren't expensive either.
The last thing is to keep an eye out for the AYC pump. The AYC pump works all of the Evo's uber-complicated AWD magic but it's located under the trunk and vulnerable to contamination from road dirt. Mitsubishi has warrantied it for replacement for 100,000mi, which is good because it ain't cheap. Here is an aftermarket kit to relocate the AYC pump to the trunk.
I know you're not looking at the MRs, but in case you do go for one, you will need to get some extra cooling for the DCT before taking one to the track. I can go into more detail if you're interested.
Power mods are easy! When I first got my Evo X I installed a Cosworth panel air filter and an off-the shelf Cobb Accessport ECU tune. My Evo made 274whp on Dynojet AWD dyno with only those two mods. Stock Evo Xs make about 250whp! Once you get to around 320-ish whp you'll want to consider upgrading the fuel pump and injectors.
I've done some more mods since then. I don't know how much my X makes exactly but I'm guessing I'm near 300whp.
Make a list. Cars around $35k. New, used, whatever, don't box yourself in yet. Now try to go drive everything on the list. Doesn't have to be an example you'd actually buy either. If you'd like a really clean Z06 but there is a slightly ratty one close, go drive it. Same with an EVO. And the Juke. And everything. Don't hem yourself in by what you think you want.
And report back to this thread on every one so we can vicariously car shop through you. Most of us don't get a chance to experience all of these cars first hand and we love to hear about them.
I suggest 15+ wrx with the 2 litre direct injection motor.
Klayfish wrote:
If you like the Focus RS, get an ST and do a simple ECU upgrade. While it won't get you AWD, it'll get you pretty similar power numbers to the RS.
I would not do this if he wants an occasional track day toy as the ST is far from prepared for track work and probably is unable to be prepared for track work properly without some major work to the front brake venting and even then the electronic LSD up front is always on.
You can find a supercharged CTS-V for about that much.
Klayfish wrote:
If you like the Focus RS, get an ST and do a simple ECU upgrade. While it won't get you AWD, it'll get you pretty similar power numbers to the RS.
I've had a MazdaSpeed 3 as well. No desire for Turbo/FWD only.
Along with all the internal updates to the motor and larger turbo on the RS, it has drivetrain/oil coolers and is supposed to be able to handle 30 minute track sessions right off the showroom floor.
I like the WRX, but I'm not sure I could not buy the STi.
Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote:
You can find a supercharged CTS-V for about that much.
I hate to constantly recommend this, which is why I didn't, but 556hp, manual available, and track ready (including stock brake pads) from the dealer. They're kind of awesome.
