Give a New Racer Some Guidance!, Build plans for SCCA car Options

[Redhorseracing]

Hey guys,
So I have started to clear out my garage enough to be able to start thinking about where i want to go with my 914 project. But before I got too far I figured I would present my conundrum and see what you all think.

I am trying to get into racing as driving and building cars is my passion. The best place to start seems to be SCCA Club Racing. Of course I have read over the rule books over and over and my mind is numb trying to figure out all the classes and limitations. In a nutshell, my goal with the car is to build a car that I can compete with and do well in. Maybe not nationally but hopefully locally and regionally. ( I am in Orlando Florida btw) My sub-goal is to build a fast car. I currently drive a 440hp BMW M5 as my daily and am planning on selling it to fund this project and also buy a more useful tow vehicle and trailer. So I don't particularly want to build a stock 1.8, I'd like to have a bit more oomph to satisfy my cravings lol.

The original plan before I realized how strict some of the class rules are, was to put an LS2 with either a Boxster or G50 trans in it and a fiber glass body all around. But is that going to be a useful race car? I mostly drew that up by seeing Patrick Motorsports Blown V8 Monster build.

Now currently I have a 1.8 motor and a 901 transmission in my garage that I am selling.
What type of class would be the best to build towards? I know I know, everyone asks this question, but atleast I know a little bit:
I know that I cant afford a 914-6 conversion so no hyped up class, and that if I do a LS or equivalent conversion I go straight to XP.

My last car was a 2.0 that was built all from FAT parts in Cali and was a stroker and put down about 130hp. It wasn't too expensive and I would be able to easily build a motor like that again. If I were to stick to a 4 cyl would it even be useful to keep the 1.8 motor? Or should I just go straight to building a more powerful motor? Where in the mix of class is the 914 best?

I am also dabbling in the go kart world and plan on entering the Rok Cup next year, so I know my car wont be finished for atleast a year or two. But still I would like to draw up a game plan and start moving towards the end goal.

Thanks for all your time if you read this far
I look forward to hearing any advice you guys have.
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[Redhorseracing]

Thank you guys for the replies I really do appreciate it.

I do realize that buying someone elses project is probably cheaper, but I'm ok with that. I have already built one before and in all honesty it wasn't that expensive. My full built motor cost only a few grand. My M5 coilovers ran me $2100 for KWs. I realize that any build from the ground up is going to be costly but I will have a good amount of cash and a lot of time. I would probably be comfortable spending upwards of $15k if it took that much by the time I was finished with it in a couple years. The other thing is that the car I have now does not have a spot of rust. No kidding. No hell hole, no underbody rotting, literally none at all. My last car was practically swiss cheese compared to this. So I feel like its a really good starting point. Plus I still have loads of parts 2 trannys and 2 engines and I have paid for the whole car by what else I have sold from it. So the car is nothing but profit at this point (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Also my last car I used to take to auto x all the time and had a blast but it just didn't feel the same as the few times I've been on a racetrack such as Homestead and Sebring. And is the 914 really not that competitive?? I've seen a few for sale saying that they are class winners, or regional competitive cars. I think even the past few years the winners of SCCA has been a 914 in F prep and DSP and one other I think. So they can't be the worst thing out there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Thanks again guys keep the comments coming!

[campbellcj]

I would probably be comfortable spending upwards of $15k if it took that much by the time I was finished with it in a couple years.

Realize that just necessary race prep and safety equipment will eat a big chunk of that budget. And to be anywhere near competitive, you'll be out there with guys spending $25-40K on their engines ALONE and overhauling engine and/or trans every couple seasons. Multiple gearsets for different tracks. Multiple sets of wheels/tires. Trick suspension and aero bits.

I'm not implying you are not aware of and prepared for that, but for many folks it can be a reality check when they start adding stuff up. (My philosophy is simply to never add it up!) Plus as you know stuff breaks and stuff happens. I just paid a $3,000 bill for a relatively minor "stuff happens".

Brant's advice is very solid. In POC nearly all the 914s are gone and even the aircooled 911s are rapidly fading. Rules can be complicated and can change yearly. I stick with my 914 because it's a total blast and I love driving and working on it, not because it makes financial sense or is gonna win trophies.