One Lap of America

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 2:05 pm

So, it looks like I will be doing One Lap next year. I have a budget, now I just need to pick a car and a class. I am looking upon the wisdom that is the THSCC membership for ideas and thoughts. Our total budget is $40k, including modifications, but not including entry fees/gas/hotel/food etc.

Here is the class breakdown list:
1. Sports/GT cars over $40,000 – Engine displacement 3.5L and over
2. Sports/GT cars over $40,000 – Engine displacement under 3.5L
3. Sports/GT cars under $40,000 – Engine displacement 3.5L and over
4. Sports/GT cars under $40,000 – Engine displacement under 3.5L
5. Mid-priced sedans and wagons $20,000-$40,000
6. Economy cars under $20,000
7. Luxury sedans and wagons over $40,000
8. Sport Utility vehicles and pickups all price ranges
9. Classic American: All domestically produced vehicles built prior to
1985, including street rods, specials, etc.
10. Classic Imported: All types built prior to 1985
11. Alternate Fuel class-including hybrids, electric, diesels, etc.
12. Retro: Vehicles intended to reflect past trends or models, Minis, etc.

The over/under $40k listed above is based on original price. Modifications are 100% open. I don't think runing in the vintage class or SUV sounds like us, so more likely one of the other classes would be first choice.

So, what would be your choice with the $40k budget for each of these classes? Obviously a used z06 with some mods would fit nicely into the SSGT1 Big Bore class... so that is a thought, as I am pretty familiar with those cars already. What else? Ideas?

what do you think?

adamb

Rich Anderson · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 2:59 pm

Not sure if it would qualify, but I think an original Z-car equipped with a new GMPP LS-7 and a T-56 would have a good chance at obliterating the Classic Import class. Could easily be done for under $40K and, since you are using a modern crate engine, should be able to last. Ditch the stock front end for a hot-rod type double A-arm setup for better front grip, then if you still have the bank, work on grafting a C5 rear suspension, substituting the aforementioned T-56 with the Vette's transaxle, to the back of the car. Add some big ass brakes and go win.

Similarly, in Classic American, you could get yourself an 84 Fiero, bolt on all the good suspension stuff from the 88s, and run a Northstar V8 in the back. It has been done a bunch of times, and with a mid-engine, you will get much better launch for the dragstrip portion of the test. Since the Fiero is basically body-of-frame, suspension mods are much easier. The kit car industry has thousands of parts for the brakes and suspension, so you wouldn't have to be a fabricating wizard to get what you need.

I am sure I could come up with more.

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:27 pm

Do you wanna wrench or polish?

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:30 pm

we want to make it with minimal major issues... so the less wrenching the better.

A fast stock car with bolt on parts would probably be the best choice for us rookies.

adamb

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

Do you want to win or are you doing this for the experience?

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:34 pm

We would like to win our class, but I think as a Lap puppy an overall win is unlikely.

A top 10 overall would be fantastic

adamb

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 4:47 pm

Under 40 and Under 3.5L

350Z with Turbo or SC
RX8 " "
3rd Gen RX7
AWD DSM (dear lord what would 40k do?)
E36 BMW M3 with S/C

Under 40k and OVER 3.5L
Z06
Z06
Z06
ohhh and a Z06
05+ Mustang?

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:07 pm

An off the wall suggestion - a stealthyt, comfy, capable and quick car in the under 40 Sedan/wagon class might be an early S4, specifically the S4 wagon. Even with a modded suspension, an S4 would be pretty comfy and a decent place to put on a couple thousand miles in a week. With the wagon, if you plan out your packing correctly, you can probably give one person the ability to fold a seat down and lay out completely flat in a sleeping bag and get some half-decent sleep while the other drives. Sleep deprivation looks to be expected during one lap, but if you can steal a little while on the road, that's an intangible advantage. The car has an excellent aftermarket, and with just a chip, turn up the boost for some strong power.

Cons: Heavy, heaven help you if a turbo dies - you have to pull the motor to swap turbos.

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:18 pm

Ryan and Tom.

Its funny, your lists are very similar to the ones I have on my idea paper right now. I like the idea of the wagon though, hadn't thought of that.

I haven't driven either the 350 or the RX-8 yet. I suppose a little seat time in each wouldn't be a bad thing.

One other thing the z06 is in the top class (over $40k big bore) as it was over 40k when it was released. The M3 also falls into the over 40k class -- I thought it had a 3.6l motor in it, does it not?

The under $40k big bore car to have is likely something like a mustang or a camaro. I am not sure what else would be good in that class

I like the under $40k small bore class, as I think there are some great choices there. The AWD DSM is a great candidate, as it is likely going to rain at least one day, and the wet skidpad test would be good in that car as well.

We want to get the car in the next couple of months and spend the year modding and sorting it out in preparation for the 07 One Lap.

any more thoughts?

adamb

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:24 pm

AdamBreakey wrote:

I like the under $40k small bore class, as I think there are some great choices there. The AWD DSM is a great candidate, as it is likely going to rain at least one day, and the wet skidpad test would be good in that car as well.

I couldn't see how the DSM would stand a chance against an EVO or STi. Would they not be in the same class?

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:31 pm

the EVO and STI are in the mid priced sedan category

adamb

TomFreeman · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:31 pm

Evo and STI are naturals also. An Evo or an STI will clean the DSM's clock in every category except price.

Another wagon similar to the Audi - a Volvo V70R - they can be had w/ a 6 speed, but may be in the over $40K category. The Audi will handle better than the Volvo, and should have a much broader base of enthusiast support. Granted, I have seen both an S4 Avant and a V70R at THSCC track schools, so people drive them as they were meant to be driven.

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

How about a 302 in a Volvo wagon? I hear that can be done, and have even seen on with three passengers on an autocross course do some whipping up.

AdamBreakey · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:54 pm

Ian Stewart used to have (may still) one of those 302 Volvo wagons. It was painted a beautiful shade of flat krylon blackish grey. He was fast even in that car.

and John Dega is selling his 1985 Volvo 740 w/ a "319 CI small ford, with Victor jr heads, Aftercooled Vortech supercharger system, Has produced 700 HP with T-trim blower in the past. T-56 trans, 8.8 rear axle, Baer brakes, coil overs, Torque arm, 22 gallon fuel cell, roll bar, race seat, etc. " which has run the One Lap the past 3 years in the Luxury Car Class. :lol:

I am thinking something a little easier on the eyes, ass and wrench turning. A nice cush ride w/ a lot of power and big ass tires would be good enough for me.

adamb

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:19 pm

How do they define "economy cars under $20,000?" Is it the original tub of the car, and any modifications are not counted?

If it's the former, I bet you could do well building basically a Honda Challenge H1 hybrid-type car, possibly with some sort of boost added. I bet you could even convince one of the import-oriented magazines to support you on the project. I have to believe that showing up at a different car magazine and whipping up in a K-motor Civic hatch would sound pretty sweet to the editors at Sport Compact Car.

Just a thought.

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