s2000's are already pretty decent handling cars from the factory. They have the reliability of Honda, and put out decent power as is. Throw a headgasket, stronger clutch, and a turbo kit on them, and you will see 400+ whp that is pretty reliable (some guys running 500-600 whp with no issues)....Thanks to the OE forged internals in the F20. The drivetrain is also able to hold up to the abuse, for the most part. I would love to build a 450whp road course monster, with suspension (springs/struts/sways) for $15k.
Least expensive car for parts/maintenance that'll really teach you how to drive? E30 325/328. There are usually a few good track ready ones for under $10,000. Also, I just saw a Panoz(Ford 302-8, great brakes, full cage - used at the RA track school and club racing) totally track only car for $14,000 in the For Sale ads in Chin Motorsports. Check Chin, NASA, Hooked on Driving, PBSOC websites for guys getting out of their cars - alot like buying a track ready WERA bike.
Two of my friends with s2000s have gone through 3 transmissions each, broken axles, etc. The drivetrain is poop sauce, considering the motor makes only like 150 ft-lbs of torque lol. Still an AWESOME car to drive however. Probably the most enjoyable car to drive under 40 grand.
Odd. I know several that have no issues. One has stock compression and is running about 7 lbs of boost. Runs mid 12's around 110-ish.
Neon's were pretty popular in the 90's as racecar's,fallen out of favor now since the rwd cars make better platforms.Nice though
My brother-in-law has a little Beemer roadster as a track day car. He says they're great cars, but after market parts can get pricey (he makes good money so it doesn't matter to him). He also said most domestics are pretty cheap when it comes to aftermarket parts. I.E. Mustangs, Corvettes, etc.....
Screw Spec Miata! GTPinto! LOL! http://georgecallender.tripod.com/pintopageone.html Pintos with a 2.3 used to run in the GT3 class. The few I saw over the years when I raced SCCA were junk yard specials, but I actually thought they had some potential. I think it would be hillarious to go by the track day guys in high $$$$ cars in a beat up Pinto. Don't forget the flames on the rear when you are painting it. I'd stay away from the FWD cars personally-not as much fun.
After doing track day I gave up on miata, mostly because it may be to slow. They were getting in my way I just bought this one. Hopefully it will go ok so I don't have to bolt V8 in there.
