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.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[jhadler]

You are confusing me in your responses....

In your first inquiry, you mention club racing and wanting to put a V8 in a 914. To me that read colossal cubic dollars.

Then you mention autox classes... Yes, FP and DSP are classes that the 914 runs in. But no, a 914 has never won DSP.

What exactly are you looking to build the car for? Wheel to wheel racing? Or autox? If you're looking to build a competitive car, you need to decide what class and what limitations you need to manage.

A V8 in club racing that will be competitive will cost a *staggering* amount of money, and the motor is only a small portion of that. Chassis engineering will be a kicker. Once you open the door to alternate power plants, that comes along with a whole host of other allowances. And all of these allowances will be ones that people who want to win will invest in.

A competitive autox FP 914 will cost a fortune as well. Big motor, big money. Lot's of chassis engineering, and all the rest.

As for DSP, since I was once building my 914 for SP, I am resigned to the fact that with all the new rule changes to SP that even if you exploit the rules to the limit, a 914 may still not be nationally competitive in DSP. On a transition intensive course, with a *fully* built car, it could hold it's own against the power house cars of the class. But give those BMW's a chance to stretch their legs, and the 914 won't be able to keep up.

XP for a 914 (like Britt's car) may be the best place, but that is anything but inexpensive.

If you REALLY want to competitively race a 914. You need to choose the class first. Don't build a thing until you do.

Brant may have the best info, vintage may be the best place these days.

-Josh