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)

[ThePaintedMan]

Brant,
I have now run 4 chump events and I personally have never had a scratch. I don't particularly lay back either - if I paid for my ride, I expect to get my monies worth. I also know I have a LONG way to go to catch up to the talent that people like you, TC, Chris, and others have, but I feel like I am predictable and I always try to telegraph my moves and be patient where it is warranted.
That being said, there is certainly some rubbing that occurs with people who are overzealous and under-talented. Truthfully, I have gotten confident enough now that I feel like it might be time for me to move on to SCCA/NASA/SVRA. Chumpcar, while fun and *relatively* cheap, gets frustrating. Its like being at a track day where all classes of drivers are on the track at the same time. Randy Pobst might be in the car next to you, but so might Billy Joe Six-pack. It's hard to tell, so I spend a lot of time being overly-cautious and perhaps assessing the driver ahead of me too long. If it were any of the other aforementioned series, I'd be more aggressive and I feel, would learn a lot more.
That being said, it is a blast for those who have never been on track before. Even if you have a lot of experience, I'm sure it's fun to get out there in a car that you don't have to be quite so careful with. Who cares if you rub the fenders off a '95 Dodge Neon?
The biggest thing it has taught me is just how expensive it is to build a car for the track. I had NO idea. But it has also opened up some doors for me, both getting to drive with some really experienced and respected drivers as well as slowly making a name for myself as a solid driver, but more importantly (to me) a good mechanic. It really is the epitome of grass-roots racing, the way it once was maybe 30-40 years ago when money and engineering were a little less plentiful in sportscar racing.
You should try it Brant. You'd have a blast. Get some of these other 914 guys out there with you and buy a ride with a team. You already got all the gear and experience!