124Spider

I love driving my S2000 on the track, but I am getting increasingly uneasy over the lack of roll protection, and I'm too tall to fit in an S2000 with roll protection (I'm 6'2"). And the trend seems to be not to allow roadsters without full roll protection. So I'm starting to at least consider the possibility of building a dedicated track (and possibly autocross) car.

I'm not all that hung up on raw power; I actually kind of like a momentum car. But power isn't bad, either, of course. The passenger compartment would have to be big enough to fit me in a roll cage, reasonably easily. And I can't spend a fortune on the car.

I'm thinking of cars like a second generation Toyota MR2 Turbo (the 3SGTE engine is a great engine, and the MR2 is a capable chassis), or an E30 M3. Does anybody have any other ideas along these lines?

twohoos

"too tall for an S with roll protection"? I thought that's why we tall guys add roll protection -- cause the stock hoops aren't high enough?

Anyway...

Cheapest ($10K prepped):
Spec Miata
Datsun 510
BMW 2002??

Mo' money ($20-40K):
C4/C5 Vette
E30/E36 M3
Evo/STI

Big money ($50K+):
Elise/Exige
911
Radical

krazik

gut the s2k, put a cage in and there you go just don't make it a daily driver

Ludedude

Um no. You can set up a nice E30 and likely an E36 as well for much less than $20,000. Closer to $10,000 with a cheap donor car that you build up.

911s are way less than $50 K as well. You've been listening to the Dept of Homeland Security again, haven't you?

loudes13

I'd recommend a spec miata or a NASA spec e30 if you want a hardtop. Having a car that you can eventually race helps too.

speed_bump

I have the same problem and I don't want to gut the S so I have been looking at:

Porsche 968 coupe
240Z or 280Z
944 Turbo

124Spider

Good suggestions, thanks. I don't fit in any Miata I've ever sat in (including spec Miatas), so that's why that's not on my list.

And, when one puts a roll bar and cage in the S2000, there's no longer room for my legs under the steering wheel. That's why I need a slightly bigger car.

The 968 is a cool car, but expensive to maintain, me thinks. The 240Z is a great suggestion, if I could find one not rusted out. I worked the course yesterday at an autocross with a guy who built a 240Z, and he's got it going very well for a small amount of money.

speed_bump

I think we are close to the same build and I understand the Miata and the S2000 steering wheel bit. The 968 isn't really that expensive (at least my cabriolet hasn't been) and room is not a problem. Finding the non rusted 240z definitely an issue but a seriously fun car.

mikegarrison

Thinking about a certain Mini -> Civic Si conversion from last week?

krazik

I wonder where people get their info.

Any correctly made welded in bar/cage isn't going to reduce seat travel.