Best New Budget Track Car?

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingBananaSS

Most definitely agree. And anyone who knows track cars will also vouch for the Miata's prowess on the track. If you don't believe me go look at videos of experience drivers on you tube. Simply amazing how such a small car can carve up a track with 4 cylinders.

Yes, but the Alpha platform with the 2.0T and 1LE package is something new. It'll be interesting to see how this track specific vehicle compares.

[Norm Peterson]

I guess not brand-new any more, but I think a V6 1LE would make a better budget alpha-chassis track day car. If only to keep the focus away from big power and the reduced reliability that tends to go with that.

The anti-lag techniques used at last year's SCCA Solo Nationals had an appetite for the turbochargers themselves . . .


Norm

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

I guess not brand-new any more, but I think a V6 1LE would make a better budget alpha-chassis track day car. If only to keep the focus away from big power and the reduced reliability that tends to go with that.

Norm, the V6 1LE is over $30k though, while the 2.0T 1LE, Miata and 86 can be had for less than $30k.

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

The anti-lag techniques used at last year's SCCA Solo Nationals had an appetite for the turbochargers themselves . . .

Will you please elaborate on this information? It seems interesting.

[pyroguy]

Talking with some GM engineers when the 4 cylinder 1LE was coming out they gave me some information on the 1LE upgrade system and I was a little disappointed. Basically whatever engine you have, if you add the 1LE package on it that car has the suspension of the next engine model up car. So the Turbo 4-1LE has a V6 suspension, a V6-1LE has a SS suspension, a SS-1LE has a ZL1 suspension and a ZL1-1LE is just the "kind daddy" of track car. This is also why we haven't seen a Z/28 in a 6th gen Camaro. The ZL1-1LE is the Z/28 of the 6th gen Camaro. This is what the GM engineer told me at least.

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by PDXSSCE

Will you please elaborate on this information? It seems interesting.

I know there was a video where this was discussed by the guys who drove the turbo-1LE, probably in the Road Race/Track/Autocross section.

From memory - I think it basically had to do with intentionally introducing fuel into the exhaust so that combustion there would help keep the turbo spooled up. Critical at autocross, maybe a little less so on the big tracks.


Norm

[PDXSSCE]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Talking with some GM engineers when the 4 cylinder 1LE was coming out they gave me some information on the 1LE upgrade system and I was a little disappointed. Basically whatever engine you have, if you add the 1LE package on it that car has the suspension of the next engine model up car. So the Turbo 4-1LE has a V6 suspension, a V6-1LE has a SS suspension, a SS-1LE has a ZL1 suspension and a ZL1-1LE is just the "kind daddy" of track car. This is also why we haven't seen a Z/28 in a 6th gen Camaro. The ZL1-1LE is the Z/28 of the 6th gen Camaro. This is what the GM engineer told me at least.

It makes sense because it's much more cost effective to have an additional 1LE package than an additional Z28 trim.

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

I know there was a video where this was discussed by the guys who drove the turbo-1LE, probably in the Road Race/Track/Autocross section.

From memory - I think it basically had to do with intentionally introducing fuel into the exhaust so that combustion there would help keep the turbo spooled up. Critical at autocross, maybe a little less so on the big tracks.

Norm

It is interesting. I'll poke around that section for it. Thanks.

[Camaro fanboy]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

I guess not brand-new any more, but I think a V6 1LE would make a better budget alpha-chassis track day car. If only to keep the focus away from big power and the reduced reliability that tends to go with that.

The anti-lag techniques used at last year's SCCA Solo Nationals had an appetite for the turbochargers themselves . . .


Norm

poor ole norm. no longer with us.

[xstuntman]

Originally Posted by azikormaz

I would pay attention to Audi cars.td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}

Bot!

[Danial]

Originally Posted by kurtjeg

I was buying a BMW 330i E46 for the track. Many people love the E46 generation of the 3 Series. Introduced in 200, it has become one of the most beautiful and recognizable BMWs ever made. No, it's no M3, but the 330i accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds and has a top speed limited to 250 km/h. For almost 20 years, a used BMW 330i E46 will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the condition. This is the price tag offered in the U.S. our pricing policy is basically the same, but there are diesel engines. I bought this car when I saw it in the car news https://zumroad.com/automotive. I hope you are a BMW lover like me.

I realize this is an old bot post, but nope, not a BMW "lover". Owned one when I lived in Germany. My Mercedes and Jag beat it in all categories hands down.