Road race: Keep the 1G or go 2G?

[questhe]

I have a '90 1G TSI AWD that I had set up to roadrace. I participated in 2 events so far, but the engine blew. Whil it was down, I purchased basic handling upgrades: bushing kit, RRE sway, all new bearings and other bushings.
Now weeks turn to months and its not getting anywhere. I have since purchased a 2G auto GSX, and I like the body style better. I also understand that the suspension is designed better.

Question is, should I take the loss and go 2G? How much better is a 2G? That would be the only other option I'd consider.

 

[talonracn49]

Are you daily driving either car?

Are these true Road Races or HPDE's? If its a true road race, make sure dont race anything you cant afford to lose.

If it was me, I would fix the 1G, and drive the 2G as the daily driver. That way, you can really tune the 1g for the track. The suspension and alignment of a race car and a nice driving street car are night and day.

Yes, the suspension on a 2G is much better -- but are you really at the level that you will gain from it?

I would think that you are developing your skills as a driver at this point, rather than worrying too much about suspension geometry.

I have run a few HPDE's, and you are learning so much about how to drive that you really just need the car be consistent.

My feelings wont be hurt either way, but my opinion is to drop a fresh engine in the 1G, and enjoy the track!

 

[questhe]

I am DD the white 98 GSX (auto). If I use it on track, it will be HPDE, and stay street setup with stereo ac etc. Nice quiet car. It does have stoptechs and a HRC kit, etc. I don't plan on racing this one, but getting a beater one to race. Unless someone thinks an auto could be fun on a road course?

The 90 talon is stripped out inside. It is also stripped of cruise, radio, washer, wipers, etc.
However, I still drive it on the street if I feel nasty. Being in AZ, AC is still in the car. I would class the car as still HPDE, heading towards full track. I already have a 5 point harness installed, both strut tower bars, KYG AGXs, filled motor mounts, all bolt ons for engine. Lot more parts purchased but not on yet: steel brake lines, bushings, sway bar.
I'll need brakes for sure. It Now has single piston. Oh, it has a bullseye to4b v1/v2 with a 3500 spool.

If the difference is not great enough for me to notice, I guess I'll keep the '90.
I just don't want to get into this much farther and then find I am regretting not having made the switch.

 

[my_precious]

a buddy of mine raves about auto transmissions beacuse they are real strong and you can set it up to shift by a button. however, im a fan of the traditional 5 spd and clutch. how many true racecars have an automatic transmission in them? I say drive the 2nd gen because its newer and works and build the 1st gen for the track. personally i'd just do enough to actually drive it and work your way up making it a track only car.

 

[1LE]

Use what you've got for now. If you ever damage the car beyond repair, then consider switching to a 2g...

 

[my_precious]

agreed. racing is better than not racing (as in my case right now )

EDIT: HOLD THE PHONE....is it just me or are you the same guy at the autox meet in fort wayne today? Your car was very nice and thanks for giving me a ride. BTW, I thought you said you rarely ever posted...

 

[1LE]

EDIT: HOLD THE PHONE....is it just me or are you the same guy at the autox meet in fort wayne today? Your car was very nice and thanks for giving me a ride. BTW, I thought you said you rarely ever posted...

Yes, it's me

Thanks. I always enjoy having passengers too, I'm not one of those super-serious competitor types that can't afford to add a few extra pounds on the car. It was nice to meet you guys. Wish the weather had been better, but it was still a fun event (even though I did end up losing to a Neon ).

From my post count, you can tell that I *used* to post a lot. Lost interest in 'tuners since it really didn't have much to offer me anymore, but mavisky told me to give it a shot again since there's the Road Race/Autocross section now. So... Here I am again

 

[jtmcinder]

I always enjoy having passengers too, I'm not one of those super-serious competitor types that can't afford to add a few extra pounds on the car.

Hey! Some people who are more serious than is healthy are also open to taking passengers on competition runs ... as long as most of the turns are rights.

- Jtoby

 

[Ludachris]

Yes, it's me

Thanks. I always enjoy having passengers too, I'm not one of those super-serious competitor types that can't afford to add a few extra pounds on the car. It was nice to meet you guys. Wish the weather had been better, but it was still a fun event (even though I did end up losing to a Neon ).

From my post count, you can tell that I *used* to post a lot. Lost interest in 'tuners since it really didn't have much to offer me anymore, but mavisky told me to give it a shot again since there's the Road Race/Autocross section now. So... Here I am again

Well good - we need all the autocrossers/road racers we can get! Welcome back!

 

[my_precious]

I knew I should have asked for another ride . I mean, how offen does one get a chance to ride in a rally car and seasoned race car anyways? That timing system was nifty too. Perhaps I'll wait to change the suspension and rally my car (in my back yard hehe) and just replace things as they break.