I am looking to build a car for under $10k to take to the track, just something for fun, perhaps build some skill for when i actually have some $. What would you guys build with the money? an older integra, or a 96'ish civic hatchback? what motor and mods would you go with? would a non vtec b18 be better for turbo over vtec?

 

If you really want to auto x dont go with turbo. A basic turbo set up is not going to like to be run that hard for that long. Plus having the turbo spool coming out of an apex can really throw you off. I'd go with the integra because im biased. Great car for track/street car. I say get a 94-95 integra as cheap as you can find and swap in a newer b18c. Then build up the suspension from there. But remember you dont need a very fast car at all to have fun auto x'ing. Back when I just had bolt ons, springs, and shocks I had a blast whenever I went to the track. I kinda miss those days. Thats what my next car and bike is for tho. :thumbup:

 

I'd go with an Integra, you'll end up in lower classes.

 

not that it matters, but I am looking into more actual track racing/lap time than auto-x'ing.

 

So you mean track days and stuff?

A hatchback with an engine swap will be very very lethal on the track...but an integra works just as well. However, between an old integra and a civic hatch, the hatch will go further in terms of potential.

Shingo

 

thanks, thats what i want to know. im looking for fastest potential lap times. in all honesty, im just looking to have fun and build skill, i dont expect to build any sort of m3 or z06 killer.

 

Integra....longer wheelbase, already has the motor you want, so the weight distribution stays the same.

 

Nissan 240sx....rwd. cheap. light

 

I could have sworn a 240 wasn't an option......

 

I own an Integra, but I think the Civic might be a better deal for what you're looking for. The Civic is lighter which offsets the fact you start with a smaller engine somewhat. It also has better weight distribution. It's a little stiffer too. I can't remember where this was but the Civic TypeR had faster lap times over the Integra TypeR just for those reasons. It's also a lot cheaper so you can spend more money on upgrades and can learn how to install them all.