Need some opinions on a track car

[jadkar]

I have a question for all you track rats out there and was wondering if I could just get some different opinions or suggestions.

I have recently been bit by the track bug. I only have 2 days at WGI under my belt, but plan on a few more this year and a much more vigorous schedule in 2005. I was wondering what I should do about my NSX. Ever since I have contemplated going to the track I have been nervous about destroying my 1998 NSX. I have wanted the car for about 12 years and finally was able to acquire it last June. Although I’m a novice, and I’m not driving near the limits yet, it’s obviously still possible for something to go wrong leading to a bad wreck, especially in the next few years as I get more comfortable on the track.

Now, besides the NSX, I have sitting in my garage one of the first cars I have ever owned. It’s a 1990 CRX Si. The car hasn’t been driven in 8 years, it has no rust, and the interior is in show room condition. This car means a lot to me as well, it’s the car I took my first date in with my wife and I drove this car throughout my High School years. I had planned on keeping it and passing it down to my kids (as long as they don’t rice it out).

So the question is, should I continue to track the NSX, strip the CRX and build a track car out of it, or should I just buy a third vehicle for the track? If I buy a third vehicle should I buy a 1991 NSX and strip it? Or go with a CRX (probably a HF) and build that up. I am very familiar with both cars, the NSX is naturally gifted on the track, and the CRX with some help becomes very capable as well. Although very different in driving behaviors, I think they would both be fun. I know some of you may point out the cost difference between the 2 cars, but keep in mind that by the time I build a CRX up to where I would like it the car will be up around 18 grand anyway. Whereas if I buy a 1991 NSX I will probably just strip the interior out and leave it stock (for now).

I’m curious as to what you guys think, especially on the choice of cars for the track.

 

[RSO 34]

What the hell, if you are crazy enough to get hooked on HPDE and don't want to do it in your NSX then maybe consider the Dodge Neon track car being sold by Ian at SCDA. I think it is around $8000, comes with multiple sets of track tires and does a 1'06" at Lime Rock.

 

[jadkar]

Sorry....I'm a Honda freak.


Plus, I think while I'm learning it would be better not to buy a full blown "track car". I should start with something I'm familiar with, discover the limits and build up from there. What do you think?

PS:thanks for the heads up on the Neon though

 

[docjohn]

I'm confused John,you say you want to biuld a track car but when shown a track car for sale you say you don't want a full blown track car?Your ? has too many answers.I think the way to go is a decision tree.Decide wether you want to build or buy a track car first.It is much cheaper to buy someone elses car because they put in the R&D and sweat equity.Building your own though gives you satisfaction and fosters emotional atachment.If you are limiting your choices to honda products,look in the clasified of grassroots motorsports and sportscar mags.Also talk to Andrie about tracking hondas.Call some local race shops as well as to what models are good platforms and what readymade susp setups work.I mean for 10K you could pick up a nice race ready spec miata.

 

[jadkar]

I'm confused John,you say you want to biuld a track car but when shown a track car for sale you say you don't want a full blown track car?

Sorry for the misleading post. What I mean is if I were to build the CRX, I would build a track car, however, I would be able to build/modify as I progress, rather than jumping into a Neon that essentially's already prepared.

As soon as I bought a CRX HF I would drop some cash, just swapping out old components, the High Fuel engine, and probably body work. I wouldn't consider this highly modified, just enough to get around the track, the stock HF isn't built for speed or handling at all. I would slowly work up from there.

Did I make the confusion worse

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

I believe John is not ready to make a full commitment yet. Full blown race car mean tow vehicle, trailer, you get the idea.

The CRX can be a fun car to drive on the track. Setting up a FWD car is a challenge on its own. Properly setup FWD car is definitely not an easy car to drive fast in.

From your post, I can see that you are just starting track events. My suggestion is to stick with the NSX and drive it about 10 track events before you decide what to do. Use your head and drive within your ability and there is no reason to be scared.

Shoot me an email when you're ready and need help setting the car up.

 

[jadkar]

My suggestion is to stick with the NSX and drive it about 10 track events before you decide what to do. Use your head and drive within your ability and there is no reason to be scared.

Shoot me an email when you're ready and need help setting the car up.

Thank you

 

[NSXLuvr]

I would think that the CRX Si would be the obvious choice. light weight, plenty of potential to begin with. With time, you could make it a hybrid and it would be incredibly fast. The only weakness is the FWD, but if a RSX and the Integra Type R can do it, so can you.

 

[Peter Mills]

Michael move over here comes Jadkar

John: Please don't take offense...but you are a long way from beinging a track star. Keep tracking the NSX. While your learning you'll be with instructors and they should keep you from harm's way.
Your NSX is probably in greater jeopardy on the street than at the track. Once you've learned the skills necessary you'll be able to drive any car. Look for at least a three year track education, hot shoe. Caution is not a character flaw but an asset when "learning the line". The NSX is an extremely nuetral car and very forgiving. I feel you couldn't learn with a better vehicle.
John your posting privileges have be revoked.

 

[RSO 34]

See, John, I always tell you to listen to Pete. That is why our society keeps our wise elders around.

 

[2slow2speed]

See, John, I always tell you to listen to Pete. That is why our society keeps our wise elders around.

LOL

 

[TigerNSX]

John,

I think that I understand exactly how you feel.
Originally, I did not want to risk destroying my wonderful NSX at the track. That was the main reason that held me back in regard to the involvment of track events last year.

In fact, at my first track event, I used my M3 instead of the NSX, worrying that something wrong would happen to it. However, after having realized how controlled and safe the environment was, I started using my NSX from the second track event. Since then, I have decided to stick with my NSX.

I love my NSX very much, and its well-being is very important to me. However, whenever I go to the track, I always tell myself that there "is" a chance that my NSX may get into an accident or some sort of a trouble like a wheel falling off of my car . Nevertheless, I feel that my NSX is truly alive at the track, and I am building many wonderful memories with it.

A potential accident can happen at the track no matter how careful you are (for instance, someone else crashing into you). It sounds to me that this is the kind of thing that you are concerned with regarding tracking your NSX since it is very valuable to you. Under the same premise, your CRX has a lot of sentimental values to you as well. If this is the case and this is what bothers you, I don't think that it makes sense for you to track either car. I would suggest that you pick up any inexpensive car for the track. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.

What everyone said above is wise. However, you should not feel pressure to track your NSX if you are not comfortable. Most of all, we go to the track to have fun, and enjoy the experience.

Watever decision you make, have fun and be safe.

 

[RSO 34]

I feel I can speak from experience, especially since Tiger gave me the "knowing wink" reference to a wheel falling off.

No matter what car you take on a track you don't want to have an accident. When I was in Skip Barber I was concerned about framing out that formula dodge and having my credit card charged at the end of the day.

That is the risk you take on a track as well as on any public road. The end result of my wheel-off incident in the left-hander was similar in body damage to what I got in the motel parking lot at Kids' Day last year when chucklehead backed into my parked NSX.

I have said it before and I'll say it again: it's just a car. It is not a one of a kind rare vehicle nor is it going to appreciate in value sitting in your garage behind velvet ropes. If all you want is something nice to look at, frame one of my photos and hang it in your house.

All busting aside, always hope for the best but anticipate the worst. I will borrow a quote from a driver on a BMW race team:

Remember, when you get up each morning, think to yourself, "What I am going to do for fun today?"

 

[nsxtasy]

I agree with the advice above, particularly from Andrie and Peter. Get more track experience with your car(s), bone stock, before doing anything else.

One thing I would add is that I question the wisdom of "building" a CRX into an $18K investment. That sounds like an awful lot of money to put into a CRX. The CRX was popular in its day, primarily because it was an inexpensive car. Even today, it would be a good car to choose because of its relatively inexpensive nature, if you can find one that is in decent shape. But you ought to be able to get one and make it trackworthy for no more than half that amount. Or, you can get a lot better used track-only car than a CRX for that amount of money.

 

[jadkar]

Well, after reading Bob's last post about garage queens I wasn't going to write back. But, I figured what the hell, after all, the old guy told me my posting privilege was revoked, and since I am the young whipper-snapper I must

This is actually intended for Tiger since he seemed to show the most compassion and understanding toward not driving my CRX.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34856

I'm sure I'll probably get the, "John, just shut up and don't drive the cars then." But heck, I need to get to 900 posts

 

[RSO 34]

I sure hope that car has held up better than you have over the last 10 years if you are going to be that anal about not driving it.

p.s. I need to stay 20 posts ahead of Jadkar in the great post whore race.

 

[jadkar]

will you stop posting!!!!

Oh no!, Pete's on, I'm gonna get blasted

 

[docjohn]

You two are in a posting battle,shows your competitive natures.Peter wish me luck at Pocono

 

[RSO 34]

Peter wish me luck at Pocono

Don't tell me you're stuck with Jadkar as a student!?!?!?

 

[jadkar]

Peter wish me luck at Pocono

Your gonna need it because after all of this I finally did decide on a track car. I'm following in Bob's footsteps

 

[RSO 34]

Are you sure you don't want to put that in the garage and save it for your kids?

 

[jadkar]

Are you sure you don't want to put that in the garage and save it for your kids?

I don't like German cars

 

[TigerNSX]

This is actually intended for Tiger since he seemed to show the most compassion and understanding toward not driving my CRX.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34856

I'm sure I'll probably get the, "John, just shut up and don't drive the cars then." But heck, I need to get to 900 posts

Hey, John,

Who's the guy posing in front of the red CRX?? I recognize your wife, but not the "buffed" guy with the "New Kids on the Block" look

In regard to the post battle, I know that I am not invited, but I already have 1,000 post with my previous ID (Tiger740) - close to 2,000 posts if I sum up to my current ID - I did not know that I could change the ID name without creating a new ID.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=5035

 

[jadkar]

Ah yes, however I only registered in May 2003 (very late May)!! You my friend registered in 2001!! So as far as psychos go, I think I win


But then there's Ken Sax, hmmmmm......OK, he wins

 

[Peter Mills]

Best Wishes at Pocono

DocJohn:
Our prayers and best wishes go with you into that great black void....Jadkar's NSX
Just keep repeating....plenty of run off room... plenty of run off room...plenty of run off room.