Building up a domestic car for auto X

[flatlander757]

Ok, I recently got caught racing and I've realized I need to keep that stuff off the street because it could screw with my career as an automotive technician. I am considering selling my Camaro and buying something to build as an auto X only car, but still street drivable on the weekends. I will use something else as a daily driver. I just have a general dislike for foreign cars, especially all things FWD. I'd rather go slower in turns driving a sweet looking 5.0 Mustang than a civic or mini cooper. I'm planning on getting an 89-92 GT and then making it a long term project. I don't really care what class I'll be racing in, as long as it's not against anything too nuts. I really just want to go for fun, not points or anything.

Should I look for an automatic or manual?

Hatchback or notchback?

Are taller or shorter rear gears preferred?

Tires/wheels?

Ultimately, I'd like it to be a great handling, fun to drive car that is nimble on a roadcourse and quick in a straight line for any possible drag strip runs in the future(mid 13s). I don't need any help modifying the engine, it's the chassis and brakes I need help knowing what to get. I plan on doing stuff in order like this:

-full disc brakes(probably baer or other high end manufacterer), with everything from master cylinder to pads/rotors replaced with new
-shocks/struts/springs
-set of road race wheels/tires(bogart RR series... what are good tires?)
-torque arms/a arms/panhard rod/sway bars
-something else?

Thanks for the help!

[500]

Go to a couple of events and see what is out there that strikes a positive chord within you.

Build something similar.

[flatlander757]

That's great advice! Thank you I don't know why I didn't think of it first...

[clawhammer]

Especially if you're short on cash, buy someone else's project. Look at the classifieds section of your local scca website.

Don't forget that there are plenty of RWD imports (RX-7, 240sx, MR2, etc) which do very well in auto-x and would be similar in price to a camaro or mustang.

[flatlander757]

But I don't like imports

I'd rather have a mustang that isn't quite up to par with an rx7 rather than something that goes "FAARRRRRRRRRRT pish FAARRRRRRRRTT"

[turtlecrxsi]

That's too bad, because if you go to an autoX event you usually don't see many stangs. Don't get me wrong, my buddy raced autoX with a 400bb 77' grand prix and got the third best time but he smashed a few cones and scared the shit out of the fans and racers as he drifted sideways toward the finish at 60mph... Needless to say, they moved the course to another parking lot. Anyway, a notchback would be my choice.

[500]

I would probably build an 82 Camaro or Firebird. Specifically an 82 because GA will quit emission inspecting those year models in 06

I would go with tubular suspension members in the rear with an upgraded rearend. Stout handling package [ springs, bars, shocks ] 4.11 gears. Good brakes. Built 700 od tranny. A good, fool proof ratchet shifter. 350ci. 9.0:1 compression . Performer intake. 600 holley vac secondary. 210@.050 hyd cam. Aftermarket distributor. 1 5/8" headers. 3" exhaust.

The above combo would be a good multi purpose car. The motor would make a lot of lowend torque which is what you need for solo II. The low rear gear would keep the motor spinning in the meat of the power curve. The OD trans would allow relatively relaxed cruising to the events. The ratchet shifter would allow worry free up and down shifting.

Throw on some skinny fronts and some 9" slicks and the thing should run low 13's high 12's in the 1/4 mile.

The biggest compromise is the torque convertor. You want a tight one for autoX and a loose one for drag racing. The torquey motor , 4.11 gear and the low first gear in the 700 trans should mostly make up for it when drag racing so I would go with a stock tight one. For autoX you need that more direct feel between the throttle pedal and the rear tires that a tight convertor gives you.

If you are real serious you need 3 sets of wheels and tires and a small trailer. You pull the trailer loaded with a set of wheels/tires & a jack and a couple of jack stands and change tires when you get to the event.

Plan B is a tow vehicle and a trailer.

[flatlander757]

Well the auto x area near my house is only 6 miles away, so I could get away with driving it there

Your idea actually sounds really good, there are tons of old Camaros around here And keeping a 350 small block would be nice. Can you say open headers?

[500]

I think just about all forms of SCCA competition require mufflers.

[flatlander757]

Well... it's only a few bolts to take off for fun during the week!

[drdisque]

also, I can tell you right now what classes you'll be building this car for:

E-Street Prepared or Street Mod

Also, if you decide to go a little crazy, you might want to run C-Prepared. C-Prepared guys always seem to have more fun than anybody.

[flatlander757]

Where can I find a list of what is required of every class?

[drdisque]

Complete SCCA Solo Rulebook - http://www.scca.org/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf

[Automatic 51]

There's also Pontiac Fieros, Dodge GLHS, Dodge Stealth (AWD version).

by shunning imports there's realy not much in the way of great handling non FWD domestics.

[pro_am]

How come your getting rid of your camaro? IMO They have more power and out handle the mustangs that your looking at, it seems like you would be off to a much better start with the camaro, so why get rid of that. Of course i'am biased, i've had mustangs and camaro's and i just like the f bodies better than fox bodies. Well either way have fun and be safe!
Jake