Ok, I have a very tight budget but some handy resources to build a fast road/track car to play with in 2011. Maybe 1500 to buy a semi decent motor.

I want to be fast on the track and have plenty of fun... but what do I buy?

RWD? Capri Mk3, Cortina Mk5-6, Sierra?

FWD? Escort, Fiesta, Puma?

One day I'll be able to afford a Mk1-2 Escort, my dream car... But until then I'm going to play with this.

Ultimately I have friends who can help (or do) engine transplants for me - a Zetec into Capri is an option - I'm pulled toward RWD, but would a Mk2 Fez with 200bhp be more fun?

Thoughts? Thanks in advance...

Barry (a newbie...)

 

A rear wheeldive car will be good fun on track.I thnk a 1.7 puma would be good too.

 

I'd go front wheel drive as i think it would be cheaper to build as your on such a tight budget maybe mk3 fiesta?

 

2.8 capri bought and run for peanuts

 

I'm glad someone said Capri - This is kinda where I'm most keen... Big Q though... Can I get one to go round corners without spending big money on mods?

 

I've seen anti-dive kits, coilovers, polybush kits and antiroll bars - I guess this lot will help with the corners right?

 

Mines pushing 360hp and handles fine, not saying its on rails or anything, but it is very predictable and alot of fun. With the bolt on mods that are available there is no reason a capri can't handle well enough (waits to be slated ).

Alex

 

Nice, Not sure I'll be looking for 360hp right away - might have budget to break the 200 though with an ST170 lump thats sat in the corner of a mates garage though

Do you have a techspec for yours I can look at?

Barry

 

It was a 2.8i special, so had Bilsteins and LSD as standard, now fitted with a 2.0 YB, which has a little bit of engine work and running MSD stage 3. Its on -1" springs at the front and standard new springs on the rear with a homemade (copied ) axle triangulation kit, and IMO this is the best single mod I have made to the car, it really does make it so much more predictable. It's also polly bushed all round (front TCAs make a huge difference to). Make sure you go for the toughest here because Capri's are noted for eating TCA bushes. I have Mondeo calipers on the front with 286mm (I think?) Cosworth discs and sierra rear discs and calipers, however if I could go back I would stick with the drums or go with a system you know has a decent handbrake.

Alex

 

Superb - Thank you - I'll save this and no doubt you'll see some pics pretty soon. At the end of the month the 'Capri Funds' will be ready for the spending

 

No probs mate, if you have any questions send me a PM, I'm on most nights.

Alex

 

MY 2.8 is almost standard apart form polly bushes and braided brake hoses k&n exhaust and manifolds,handles fine dont know where bad handling rep comes from
If ya get one just give it good service and make sure there plenty of proper oil in it
Also if using as a trackcar fit a 1.6 or 2 litre crown wheel and pinion really livens things up

 

id go for a mk3 fiesta as there proper cheap so u could spend more on mods and youll be able to use it in the dry or wet. if you get an SI one then it will easyer to find a solid one and they already have a zetec fitted so it would be a simple bolt it job for a 2 litre. also mk3 handle realy well. jon