so here we are a year later and Im back with a similar dilemma, but let me bring you guys up to speed what has happened since the last update. It all starts with that POC event I was at with the E30.
I chose the #318, as the car is actually a 318 model, though it has a 2.8L 24v aluminum I6 in it. This was a bit of a troll because the car is quite fast and left most of the POS guys scratching their heads
However, this was my last race with the car. I realized that what I had built was a lot of fun, but wasnt built to any rules and that meant Id be running with the "deep pockets" groups. This event also exposed certain issues the car has, mostly with a 225 tire, no aero and stock sized brakes... thats a quick $$$$ to drop to try and stay competitive with the 911s, M3s, Vettes, etc that Id be racing against. the decision to sell it happened shortly after and I took advice that was given here and elsewhere.
I read the rule book, specifically VARA since i want to race vintage cars.
I knew which groups I wanted to avoid, and slowly began to narrow down the list. I wanted an Alfa, clearly being influenced by the Alfa Club I was racing with, but I really didnt want to run in B-Sedan with all the maniacs (and budgets) of the 510s, 2002s and GTVs. A friend told me to check the Datsun Roadster with the larger 2000cc motor, and that group looked pretty good. Comparing the car to the competition made it even more appealing and last year, with the help of that same friend, we found the winner. It didnt look like much, and was a bit neglected, but pop the hood and this is what was staring at us..
Its the U20 (2000cc) motor with the optional Mikuni 44 dual side draft carbs that were a factory upgrade. These motors were rated at 150bhp with the carbs and "stage 2' B-cam. Granted mine likely has quite a bit less than 150bhp, but it still has the right parts. Spent a lot of time and money getting it mechanically sound, and though it wasnt ready for track time, I still took it to Willow Springs to see if I could get a few laps in. Unfortunately, the alternator died right when I got to the gate. She didnt want to be driven on the track... I pushed her into place to get this pic haha
Im at a bit of a crossroads with this car though because situations like what happened when I went to Willow Springs seemed to become more frequent, where she would happily cruise for hours and miles, but when I had a canyon run, or a trip to the race track planned she would die...
and here we are again. Im at the point where everything I do from here is all of the safety equipment (new roll bar, kill switch, fuel cell, fire suppression, etc) but Im a bit torn because do I keep chugging along and building it up, or do I sell it and buy something thats already done?
914world member 'jacquot' has a wonderful 914-4 thats ready to go, just needs new belts, but its a 2165 so its technically not going to fall into the D-Production group that a 914-4 2L would fall into, should I play dumb and run with them anyways?
I guess what Im asking is, am I reading too much into these events where I feel like the car is telling me "I dont want to be a racecar" or is it just odd, 50 year old car behavior?
a couple bonus pics of the Roadster for you guys that are more current