Let's do some bench challenge racing!

ok, so I have been dreaming of a build for a while, and think it would be fun to actually have a challenge class or something. but 201x challenge aside, what would you build for best drag, autox and concours with the following restrictions:

1. original car is model year of the year you are born
2. ALL parts are OEM parts from the original car's OEM (but parts are not limited to model or year)
3. Challenge budget, and buy/sell/trade rules apply

Here's what I would do: Born 1987. Two main options in my mind.

1. Porsche 924/944. Good starting point, lots of swappable engines, transmissions, brakes, turbos (maybe too much coin for the turbo stuff).
2. BMW 6 series. Yeah, I could do an e30, but this is much more fun. Again, lots of swappable engines, trans options.

Jesus, you're saddling me right in the Malaise era..... BUT- this makes things interesting because I can still ....

Yep, that'll do pig, that'll do.

In reply to rcutclif:

Your rules are skewed from the gitgo.

original car is model year of the year you are born

'58 is not a good year to drag or auto-x

damn kids

@fasted58, It's not too bad! Lots of light British stuff is available.

For me, I think it would be this:

72 corvette strip everything and put a LS in it.

fasted58 wrote: In reply to rcutclif: Your rules are skewed from the gitgo. original car is model year of the year you are born '58 is not a good year to drag or auto-x damn kids

You've got some wicked gasser bones at your disposal, sir.

First person to say Miata needs to get off my lawn.

81 Fox Body Vert. I dont remember the rules in drag for a convertible though....

Hummm. Being stuck with one of the worse years for cars in the recent era, 1975 I'd have to go this route. Ford Capri. Pull out the 2.9 and put in a 302 from the explorer and pop a bit of a cam in there. Back it to a yard T5 and Take out everything possible from the car. Fab up a Watts link and some decent shocks and go to town.

C4 Corvette comes to mind. Or I've heard those MX6 GT's have some potential...

Or Miata

Don't think I'll find any 300 series Chryslers circa 1959 for Challenge money...

85 CRX Si. Mostly because I miss the one I had 10+ years ago.

Ugh... 1982.

My choices are pretty much this guy:

or...

I'd probably go the Mustang GT route. Return of the 302!!!

Also 1982, but I'll pick this. With a turbo and some work on the stock suspension setup, it could be a pretty decent performer:

all of these 79-85 guys and no fb? I probably should add some fc to my list:

But this is more likely.

I'd like to have this for 1971....

Sigh. I hate technology, can someone explain to me in stupid old guy terms how the berk to link in cool pics?

Rule 2 would keep me from joining. I like Ford rears into....Datsun, Fiat, MG, VW, Chevys, Studebakers...you get the point.

Ever since I passed on one of these for $500, I can't stop thinking about it. (I think one has been in the Challenge, no?) I have access to really powerful electric motors that are scrap and therefore free, and car batteries can be pulled at the yard for cheap. Who cares about range, I only need to go ½ mile on a charge. (how long is a Solo II run?) I would just swap batteries out between runs. I think with some fat, sticky tires and a low CG, this thing could be fun. Especially with 800/ft lb of torque at 0rpm.

Challenge accepted.

I'd take one 1982 Caprice Estate: One junkyard 5.3;

Mix lightly and go fast.

1952 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 coupe.

yeee ha

Fueled by Caffeine wrote: yeee ha

does it come with that mustache and passenger?

1969 Opel GT

79.. Easy... O24 or omni and use a challenge proven formula..

That or Lil Red Express.

What if I was conceived in a 72 Elcamino SS... Could I bend the rules and roll with one of those?

My 79 would be this. with a turbo.