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Old 3rd January 2019, 20:31   #11
SCP440
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How about a kit car? Usually light and many can take numerous engine choices so a great power to weight ratio.

Plenty of Lotus 7/Caterham clones if you want to go that route but I suggest you have a look at what is available.

My son drives a GTM with 175hp, truly amazing performance.
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Old 3rd January 2019, 21:25   #12
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Hey Dave, buy yourself a MG TF160, it has faster acceleration than the MX5 and more stable in the corners due to the mid engine location. Having the engine in front of the rear axle is a genius idea, its the ideal weight distribution, better centre of gravity and traction.

Two seats and the engine behind you is something all petrol heads should experience.
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Old 3rd January 2019, 22:54   #13
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It's not about power though - I used to build and run a 750MC Locost 10 or so years ago. They are Caterhamish in looks/build and have a mere Ford 1300 X-Flow engine in them. They only weigh 600 kg though and they have precisely zero 'drivers aids' so it's you and the car The number of people who turned up in very fast expensive road cars and said 'meh, a 1300 x-flow' and then disappeared off the track (usually backwards at high speed) was quite amusing Stick a 2 litre Zetec in one and very few production cars could keep up with you.





Small and light with a good competition history so you can buy parts every time over a heavy saloon with a big engine. Going fast in a straight line is easy but it gets boring quite quickly when everyone piles past you in the corners
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Old 4th January 2019, 13:54   #14
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This is true John, the Elise would be a superb choice. Great pics by the way.

The MGF/TF's are so underrated, a well designed sports car which seems to be going unnoticed, all thanks to the MG Rover branded stigma.

I hear of many TF's being the car to use as a track day car, they are incredibly stable in the corners. Its a case of the engine being in the middle of the car maintains equal front and rear weight, you get the best of both worlds from these cars, speed and handling.
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Old 4th January 2019, 16:19   #15
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VW Lupo's are a good basis for a track car, small, cheap, light (especially when stripped out), and fitted with a 1.8t from a Golf or Seat Leon go like rampant rollerskates.
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Old 4th January 2019, 17:32   #16
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Lol John, Boyz... I'm so glad I got girls.

The only downside to using a MGF as a track car is the hydragas suspension, some say its easier to lower by letting out the gas, and some end up cutting off the lowering knuckles which isn't a good idea really.

Dave would be better off buying the MG TF, the TF has a stiffer suspension as it uses regular coil springs, the car feels so much tighter and handles like its on rails.
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Old 4th January 2019, 18:48   #17
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Great thread this and has certainly got us all thinking.

As I mentioned before I could use the ford probe how ever tuning parts are damn expensive and pretty much all come from the states, the postage is a big killer.

Been looking though cars and these are my top 6 I would choose for the track.
All these cars have tuning parts available for them and they have a very good track history from there heydays.

The Mitsubishi GTO is most expensive out if the bunch but is the most powerful and they don't break the bank balance rarity is a slight problem.
regarding parts.


The TF and the ZR or 25 is the cheapest routes and be able too get it racing on the track more quickly, At the moment gunning for this route I've done the VVC conversion on my 1.4 twin cam 25 made a difference.

Can't forget the ZS and what's been said there chassis suspension is pretty rock soild form the start.
Great way too start again other great car for the track.

The ford Puma again other great with sporty suspension and light as anything lighter then the ZR and again tuning parts off the shelf other great car.

Then there's the Celica beep loads of parts very fast very good handling brilliant all rounder, Problem tuning parts super expensive






Trying too get the best of everything is going too be tough one, How ever sometimes you gotter break the bank balance little too do what you want.
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Old 4th January 2019, 19:00   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MGJohn View Post
Yes, under rated by our know it all know nowt media with poisonous little rodents like Clarkson's sidekick shout out loud and clear MGFs are RUBBISH on UK National Prime Time TV whilst forever bigging up Japanese two seat product. Huge negative influence the long and the short pair of the former Top Gear Trio. Folks believe that stuff... "Been on Top Gear John and WATCHDOG so must be kosher" ...... Clueless.

Both the Elise and MGF/TF share the same powertrain configuration. It works ... well... ask Ferrari but not Porsche. Too pendulous.

Some like this can be picked up for little more than loose change ... relatively speaking. Here's mine :~


Five years ago, when I was a regular contributor over on the usually anti-MG-Rover car enthusiast web site with initials PH, another member contacted me offering the above car along with a long list of MoT fails. He took it on to make a track car out of it but, his storage space was no longer available so offered it to me for little money. Did not go looking for an MGF but, this was the proverbial offer impossible to refuse. The long list contained nothing serious for any half decent DIYer who enjoys working on cars. I hardly ever use it and a nephew has shown interest and I will sell it when weather improves. Mainly because it needs a few minor jobs to complete before ready to sell. Has MoT until September and goes very well even allowing for over 120,000 on its clocks.

EDIT TO ADD :~

My son has also lapped "The Ring" in his Rover 620ti loaded with mates and their holiday stuff. I think they enjoyed that experience as one recorded the lap and put it on YouTube here. :~

.... Youngsters today ... don'y know theyze born...

Oh get over it, you are just as opinionated and blinkered as anyone on Pistonheads - you are as wrong as the rest of them much of the time as well, the only difference is people put up with you more on here so you think people are agreeing with you

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Old 4th January 2019, 19:20   #19
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Back on track lads (No pun intended)

My son, his mate and little old me are considering just the same issue. Our take, the Mazda RX8. Buy the best with a knackered engine, get one of the specialist to fit a recon unit circa £1500 (Total target £2000)

They are a lovely thing to drive. Our plan is £2000 on the road as above, use it as a daily and go race.

Regards
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Old 4th January 2019, 19:21   #20
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At least you both don't have the same problem as I do living in a country known for sheep sh,agging or sheep land.

All I get from is taffy or Top Sha,gger

mainly because of this.


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