Cheap Rally car???

[TURTLE]

So Im trying to get into some rallyX racing for now.

Anyway Im looking at a couple really cheap cars. Anybody with experience?

Here is what is available.

1990 honda civic hatchback (2dr.)
1991 honda civic hatchback (2dr.)
1981 VW rabbit (4dr. 1.7l)
1996 ford escort (2dr.)
1993 ford escort LX (2 dr.)

Overall goal (optimistically) is to have something that I can hang on to for a little while, something that can be upgraded to a turbo and other faster parts later on. I am going the super cheap route though, so I really won't care if I destroy the thing and I plan too.
Interior or look doesn't matter to me, I plan to gut whatever it is from the inside anyway.

But what would be more reliable in a drive train?

What would be upgradeable?

What would last more then one race?

 

[hende]

civc

 

[Tmods]

Well I personally wouldn't get a Honda to rally I doutb it'll last, the ol' rabbit would be my choice cus damn those things jus don't die! If I'm not mistaken people have rallyd escorts and vw's but I've never heard of a civic rally car. I'd say do the dub out, you don't always need a turbo you can get that engine to scream without one but i love turbos so I'd haveta put one on anyways lol

 

[TURTLE]

civc

I was only thinking civic due to the amount of ricers out there, parts might be a easy find.

Well I personally wouldn't get a Honda to rally I doutb it'll last, the ol' rabbit would be my choice cus damn those things jus don't die! If I'm not mistaken people have rallyd escorts and vw's but I've never heard of a civic rally car. I'd say do the dub out, you don't always need a turbo you can get that engine to scream without one but i love turbos so I'd haveta put one on anyways lol

Yeah I had a wrx for a little while and after that I think everything needs a turbo.
The motor doesn't have alot of power in the Rabbit, but from what I have read because its so light it doesn't move half bad.
I do like the look of the Rabbit, but I honestly (for this purpose) don't care all that much.:mrgreen:

 

[hende]

civc will out run any of those cars.. dollar for dollar youll get way more outta the civc .. vw are trash

 

[Tmods]

Dude you got it all wrong if you rally a civic it won't last, have you rallied anything before hende? A rabbit will outlast a civic anyday you can't kill them I've seen people roll over the speedos alot, civics are dime a dozen but you'll end up spending alot into it for making it last, x2 on the hayabusa engine those are sick. Anyways the vw is your best bet by far, civics jus don't rally well.

 

[MnRockCrawler]

Civics are NOT good for rallying. Anyone who is not a honda fan boy will tell you that. They might be good to rice out, drop 10k into the motor to run 11's but on a dirt track... nope.

 

[Tmods]

This will be you if you try rally a civic lol. Like he said ^^^^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSmaAFXfRXA&feature=youtube_gdata

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvst6k0cPn0&feature=youtube_gdata

 

[Pete from Houston]

None of the above.

www.rallynotes.com

Cheap and easy to upgrade. Easy to swap in a non-interference 2.4 motor. Late model turbo manifolds bolt onto the DOHC motors, but kits are available for the SOHC motors as well.

 

[666]

Scirocco!!

 

[microgoat]

I was only thinking civic due to the amount of ricers out there, parts might be a easy find.

I didn't know that clear tail lights and a neon shift knob were helpful in rallying :?

 

[engineerjoe]

Mazda 323 GTX (rare but bada$$ if you can find one)
Early Eagle Talon
Old Subaru
Galant VR-4

What's your price range?

Edit: if you don't know about the rallycross series http://www.coloradorallycross.org/
I know one guy who does the series with a Mazda GTX

 

[dieselfuel]

VW, those early 80s rabbits are cool cars.

 

[kikcaffine]

Old subaru mail car!

 

[STANG KILLA SS]

what about suspension abuse. would a honda take something like that?

 

[Tupers]

I hear Ken Blocks got an Impreza going cheap. :lol:

 

[4xFord]

I personally thought an early 90's turbo all wheel drive eclipse would be the shit for a budget rally car. "thumbsup"

 

[TURTLE]

What's your price range?

Edit: if you don't know about the rallycross series http://www.coloradorallycross.org/
I know one guy who does the series with a Mazda GTX

Yeah I signed up over there a few months ago, I follow that site and Dirtyimpreza. Covers most of the rally scene in Colorado.
Im really trying to stay under 1000.00 for a runner, whether that be running when I get it or the parts for me to get it running.

None of the above.

www.rallynotes.com

Cheap and easy to upgrade. Easy to swap in a non-interference 2.4 motor. Late model turbo manifolds bolt onto the DOHC motors, but kits are available for the SOHC motors as well.

You know I dont know why I never thought of it, I have seen some rally. and that is a great idea!
I did a quick local craigslist search and it pulled up 255 neon's. 25 within my price range and the years I like."thumbsup"

I hear Ken Blocks got an Impreza going cheap. :lol:

I'll give hiim 500, you let him know.

I personally thought an early 90's turbo all wheel drive eclipse would be the shit for a budget rally car. "thumbsup"

Harder to find, there are alot of cars that are higher on my list then these, but it is all about price right now.
Thanks guys you have been really helpful. Keep the ideas coming.

 

[binaryterror]

I personally thought an early 90's turbo all wheel drive eclipse would be the shit for a budget rally car. "thumbsup"

DSM = Fail on street...worse on RallyX.

Your best bet is an older Subaru like a 2.5RS, though not terribly cheap.

 

[Code454]

i say screw it and got vw rabbit there are a few of them that rally and they are a blast and it would be different than the normal cars you always see"thumbsup"