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Joined: 8/9/2011
Posts: 5
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I ran my first Rallycross event last weekend (since SOLO season ended) in a rental Ford Probe our division has for use, and LOVED IT!
So, I'm searching craigslist for $1k cars for next Spring. Toyota fan, so thinking MR2, 80's Celica or Corolla. Maybe an RX-7 or VW, even an old Datsun. Pretty much staying import if possible.
Any good ideas? Other places to look besides craigslist?
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Joined: 1/16/2011
Posts: 85
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If you have a tow vehicle and trailer for hauling to events, you can probably find something in a local scrap yard priced by the pound. Half of the cars at our local Rallycross events seem to come from there, and go back for trade-ups every few events when they break. You might also want to check with local repair shops, as around here they all seem to have an abandoned car or two left behind by an owner who didn't want to pay for repairs. They can get a title via mechanic's lien if you want to be above-board.....
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Joined: 10/11/2004
Posts: 200
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The first gen MR2 was a good platform for me a few years back. Has weight on the rear wheels for better traction than most RWD cars. Fit some pretty monster tires without modification too. I've seen several RX7s beening sucessful at a regional level, with no reason they can't be at a national level (just haven't seen too many try).
Think about your local classes though. At a national level you have rear wheel drive classes, at regional levels the FWD and RWD classes are often combined into "2wd", where you'll be at a big disadvantage with most of your wish list being RWD cars.
Jay W
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Joined: 11/23/2001
Posts: 2545
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1st generation Mazda Protege. Either 1.8L engine (twin cam or SOHC) has decent torque, and even the base DX trim has a rear sway bar so you get decent rotation on dirt with a little Scandanvian flick. Pretty competitive Stock FWD car IMHO. Also, $1000 should land you one in nicer condition than any of the other cars you mentioned that might sell for the same price.
2009 SCCA RoadRally Sportsman National Tour Champion
2010 SCCA RoadRally Senior National Tour Runner-Up
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Joined: 10/11/2004
Posts: 200
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gary p wrote:
1st generation Mazda Protege.
AKA Ford Escort. Probably similar, but lighter than the Ford Probe you drove.
Jay W
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Joined: 6/27/2005
Posts: 81
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Joined: 11/23/2001
Posts: 2545
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woodrufj wrote:
gary p wrote:
1st generation Mazda Protege.
AKA Ford Escort. Probably similar, but lighter than the Ford Probe you drove.
Jay W
An Escort GT of the 90-94 vintage, maybe. The run-of-the-mill Escorts shared the same platform as the Protege but had crappier engines and much less pleasing handling dynamics.
2009 SCCA RoadRally Sportsman National Tour Champion
2010 SCCA RoadRally Senior National Tour Runner-Up
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mcolangelo2005 wrote:
Miata with roll bar!
Only if it has the hard-top with it. Pop-top vehicles are dis-allowed in RallyX.
Scott Creech
#54FS Ozark Mountain Region (107)
Parfois on Fait pas Semblant!
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Joined: 8/9/2011
Posts: 5
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Thanks so far! thought I had a Toyota MR2 lined up for $250 but he stopped answering his phone/emails. Think he realized he was way under priced. Dammit.
Also looking at Merkur's, Tiburon's maybe. I had a 93 Talon years ago that might have been perfect. Hmm... Checking craigslist every day.
Any thoughts on Nissans? I see a few Pulsar NX's and a 200SX that look interesting. (More in it for the fun, less about points/technical)
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Joined: 2/24/2004
Posts: 293
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We have a guy in our region who runs a Datsun 510 with great success.
FWD will be faster, RWD will be more fun. Just find something you like and get out there. Don't put too much thought into it. RallyCross is soo much fun!
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Joined: 8/9/2011
Posts: 5
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Ended up finding a '87 Toyota MR2 in good shape for $2K. I have all Winter to tinker with it & get set for the season. Now I'm interested in tires. I keep hearing about snow tires, then I hear that "Rallycross" tires are even better than snow's. The hunt is on.
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ToasterDriver wrote:
Ended up finding a '87 Toyota MR2 in good shape for $2K. I have all Winter to tinker with it & get set for the season. Now I'm interested in tires. I keep hearing about snow tires, then I hear that "Rallycross" tires are even better than snow's. The hunt is on.
Snow tires are great - Rally tires can be expensive, though. Lassa seems to be the best compromise of longevity/grip/price.
http://rally-tire.com/lassa.html
The "hot" deal would be to find someone selling used. That's what I did - got a set of 2-event-use tires AND wheels for less than about what a new set of Lassa's would cost, with shipping.
Keep your ear to the ground, deals are out there to be had.
In the meanwhile, snow tires bought in the springtime are the word of the day (closeout on tire rack or discount tire).
Scott Creech
#54FS Ozark Mountain Region (107)
Parfois on Fait pas Semblant!
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Joined: 2/24/2004
Posts: 293
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Just start with some Firestone Winterforce snow tires, then later you can move to better tires if you feel they are really holding you back.
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Joined: 8/6/2007
Posts: 76
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I did my first Rallycross in January and was hooked! My 1991 Civic DX on Firestone Winterforces was a pretty good combo to start with.
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