Action Jackson Posted September 10, 2016 Share Posted September 10, 2016 So me and 2 of my friends are looking at going 3 ways on a track toy for a bit of fun. We have done this before apart from last time it was 5 of us (4 students I might add), a £100 Ford Ka and A LOT of fun! 6 track days later and the poor thing was shot, but it was a fantastic learning experience (both on the track and under the bonnet). We are deliberating over using my MX5 1.8 or my mates RX8. Both cars would require a buy-in from the other members of the group. After that we would then all just inject a set amount of cash each month into a central bank account which we then piss away on track days and any maintenance/mods we want to do. It has worked great in the past as cutting the cost of a track day by 2/3 means you get some seriously cheap track time. I want to ask you guys - what do you think we should go with? The RX8 is probably the better machine overall, but damn is it expensive to run. It also runs the risk of grenading itself depending on how well the power plant has been serviced. The MX5 is cheap as chips, cheap consumables and still RWD though. I would love to hear peoples suggestions and their experience with track cars, especially if you like doing it on the cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mihai Posted September 10, 2016 Share Posted September 10, 2016 bmw E36 ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Jackson Posted September 10, 2016 Author Share Posted September 10, 2016 bmw E36 ? We have looked at these in the past but thought the cost is very high - however we have seen quite a few at track days so they must be quite good! Do you use one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jellybean Posted September 10, 2016 Share Posted September 10, 2016 MX5 , had one , great fun , parts easy to get and cheap, very quick if you bolt on a Super charger Lotus Elise is great with a Honda transplant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted September 10, 2016 Share Posted September 10, 2016 MX5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobgoblin Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 If you are considering a purchase of another car, to avoid using the one you have, then our MX5 will be for sale, immediately after October 04th. I can`t recommend it one way or the other, but will be able to after this date, (we only bought it as the day was booked, and our Kitcar will not be finished by then) as I am using it for the first time at Oulton Park. It will be ready to go with Yellowstuff pads, new brake fluid, and sticky tyres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jellybean Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 I installed the rollcage in my mx5 and could retain the use of the roof with all oem hardware Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jellybean Posted September 11, 2016 Share Posted September 11, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayJay1374 Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 (edited) My track car is also my daily. Mx5 10th anniversary edition. I've done 4 track days in it, all the same track and it's awesome. Just put some HKS Coilovers on to replace the standard comedy suspension. Obviously an mx5 isn't the quickest in a straight line but they are fast in the bends, parts are relatively cheap and widely available. If you are looking at mx5's I'd recommend a mk2, but make sure you buy one with an lsd. Mine: rear cage will be next on the purchase list. Edited September 13, 2016 by JayJay1374 (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie_k83 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Good shout on the MX5 I have owned 2 before the Supra, one of which i dumped a shite ton of money into with a complete overhaul/rebuild of everything on the car. I think they're a very underestimated car and handle extremely well when setup correctly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Jackson Posted September 13, 2016 Author Share Posted September 13, 2016 So here is the predicament: The MX5 is mine, has some decent resale value as I have serviced/replaced a bunch of stuff that it needed doing (last thing on the list is bodywork). No mods, completely clean. I could resell it when I get my Supra and not lose much money. If we ding it on track I doubt I would make my cost of the car back with parts. My mate on the other hand has said he will donate the RX8 to the project completely free, as long as we help him break it down for parts if/when it goes pop. The RX8 turns out has a bunch of stuff already done for track. Starting to think RX8 just because theres less risk in it for me (against all of your advice, of course LOL).... I have tracked my MX5 a few times and its hilarious fun, but the RX8 is built on the same chassis, with same GB with a bunch more horses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayJay1374 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 If the RX8 is completely free then go for that. You'd be daft not to. The only thing I'd be worried about is the time bomb under the bonnet. Reguardless free is free. There won't be much to part out if it does go bang as most rx8 parts can't be given away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 Get some cash together and buy my Megane 225 Trophy, its awesome on track or even fast A roads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berg Posted September 14, 2016 Share Posted September 14, 2016 My previous was a ep3 type r which was good fun but cost £££ to get to the level it was at My current is a saxo vts Seriously underated cars and sure does shock the bigger boys when your forcing them out the way It lacks a bit of straight line grunt which alot of cars pull away but people soon let you past when they realise how quick they are in corners Mine is only cammed running 140hp but 900kg, big brakes and semi slicks Its serious fun and you can literally throw it into corners flat out Personally i would use a rx8 as a track car mx5 gets my vite out of the two Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Jackson Posted September 14, 2016 Author Share Posted September 14, 2016 My previous was a ep3 type r which was good fun but cost £££ to get to the level it was at My current is a saxo vts Seriously underated cars and sure does shock the bigger boys when your forcing them out the way It lacks a bit of straight line grunt which alot of cars pull away but people soon let you past when they realise how quick they are in corners Mine is only cammed running 140hp but 900kg, big brakes and semi slicks Its serious fun and you can literally throw it into corners flat out Personally i would use a rx8 as a track car mx5 gets my vite out of the two I know a few of the Stock Hatch racers, they all say the same thing about the Saxo VTS being one of the most underrated cars they have driven I have considered racing quite a few times (basically racing or Supra first, im choosing Supra) and Stock Hatch has always been near the top of my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobgoblin Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 +1 for the RX8. Ragging it around a track will not harm the engine, I assume it has good compression now (no hot start issues). I have owned 2 of these, both full fat 231s, great fun, including the inevitable few laps of the Nurburgring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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