Which Car Would You Choose For A Rally Build?

[Pento240sx]

I'm just curious, which car would be the best choice to build into a rally car; like reliability and endurance wise, not to forget kind of low budget too. It just has been in my mind for a looooong time. I have been researching a lot too, but I want advice and tips from some of the niconauts and also to gather information, tips and anything else that could help me for reference.
Here are the some of the cars I been thinking:
1. Nissan 200SX (S110)
2. Toyota MR2 (1ST Gen)
3. BMW E30
4. Nissan/Datsun all Z's (Except Z32/350Z)
5. Nissan 240SX (S13 maybe S14)
6. Datsun 210/510/Fairlady/Other?
7. Toyota GT4
Or any other options?
Sorry if I did not explain myself that well, is harder for me to type it, than to explain it talking.

[Bubba1]

I'm just curious, which car would be the best choice to build into a rally car; like reliability and endurance wise, not to forget kind of low budget too. It just has been in my mind for a looooong time. I have been researching a lot too, but I want advice and tips from some of the niconauts and also to gather information, tips and anything else that could help me for reference.
Here are the some of the cars I been thinking:
1. Nissan 200SX (S110)
2. Toyota MR2 (1ST Gen)
3. BMW E30
4. Nissan/Datsun all Z's (Except Z32/350Z)
5. Nissan 240SX (S13 maybe S14)
6. Datsun 210/510/Fairlady/Other?
7. Toyota GT4
Or any other options?
Sorry if I did not explain myself that well, is harder for me to type it, than to explain it talking.

How about an AWD car like a Subie?

[ProudNissanFreak]

I was building a B14 rally car 'til I ran out of time and funds. It was fun while it lasted. Just needed a better suspension setup and a few little things and I would have had it.

[zach-Ka]

Escort Cosworth

[Jesda]

Mazda 323 GTX. Of course, they're impossible to find.

[Encryptshun]

Escort Cosworth

This. While I wouldn't go gay for this car, I would certainly be willing to experiment.

[Speedy7_7]

I'm just curious, which car would be the best choice to build into a rally car; like reliability and endurance wise, not to forget kind of low budget too. It just has been in my mind for a looooong time. I have been researching a lot too, but I want advice and tips from some of the niconauts and also to gather information, tips and anything else that could help me for reference.
Here are the some of the cars I been thinking:
1. Nissan 200SX (S110)
2. Toyota MR2 (1ST Gen)
3. BMW E30
4. Nissan/Datsun all Z's (Except Z32/350Z)
5. Nissan 240SX (S13 maybe S14)
6. Datsun 210/510/Fairlady/Other?
7. Toyota GT4
Or any other options?
Sorry if I did not explain myself that well, is harder for me to type it, than to explain it talking.

Number 5, or 3. mostly 5, maybe 2. everything else would be ridiculously expensive/hard to find parts for/unreliable.

This list is kinda confusing?

Do you actually want to build one of these? Or is this just a fantasy type internet game thingy?

If you want a cheap, fun, reliable rally car, just buy a mark 2 golf gti. Go to specialstage.com and look through the classifieds, you can find cars that are ready to race for under $5000, most come with massive amounts of spares as well.
I wouldn't try to build your own, cause like they say; "if you have to ask, you probably can't do it"

[HashiriyaS14]

Of course I'd need two or three spares.

[flohtingPoint]

Something VERY cheap and quite abundant, abundance being the key as you're going to break stuff ALOT and will need to go to any pick n' pull in the area and find replacement parts. Your best bet would be a first gen Neon. They're great cars for rallycross and much better than the cars the OP listed.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

A Volvo Turbobrick with a welded diff. Cheap, easy power.
I assume we're talking about rallycross here?

[Urabus GodofTraction]

Mazda 323 GTX. Of course, they're impossible to find.

Indeed. As a bonus, a lot of knowledge about building Miata motors transfers over!

[Mr1der]

Dodge Neon.

they're cheap and you're gonna beat the hell out of it and break it.

[Pento240sx]

I'm just curious, which car would be the best choice to build into a rally car; like reliability and endurance wise, not to forget kind of low budget too. It just has been in my mind for a looooong time. I have been researching a lot too, but I want advice and tips from some of the niconauts and also to gather information, tips and anything else that could help me for reference.
Here are the some of the cars I been thinking:
1. Nissan 200SX (S110)
2. Toyota MR2 (1ST Gen)
3. BMW E30
4. Nissan/Datsun all Z's (Except Z32/350Z)
5. Nissan 240SX (S13 maybe S14)
6. Datsun 210/510/Fairlady/Other?
7. Toyota GT4
Or any other options?
Sorry if I did not explain myself that well, is harder for me to type it, than to explain it talking.

Number 5, or 3. mostly 5, maybe 2. everything else would be ridiculously expensive/hard to find parts for/unreliable.

This list is kinda confusing?

Do you actually want to build one of these? Or is this just a fantasy type internet game thingy?

If you want a cheap, fun, reliable rally car, just buy a mark 2 golf gti. Go to specialstage.com and look through the classifieds, you can find cars that are ready to race for under $5000, most come with massive amounts of spares as well.
I wouldn't try to build your own, cause like they say; "if you have to ask, you probably can't do it"

Im thinking on building one myself in the furute, I dont really want to buy a ready one. I want to experience building one myself, even if it takes me a while. Preferably will like a RWD or AWD. For the MR2 and S110 I could find the parts kind of easy. BTW: Forgot to mention the 200SX (S12).

[MinisterofDOOM]

Camry All Trac. Because I can.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Yeah, an old Volvo would be dirt cheap.

If you get an E30, get a 325ix.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Yeah, an old Volvo would be dirt cheap.

If you get an E30, get a 325ix.

Don't...the awd system will most likely be shot by now. And the viscous couplings for those are expensive as s***. A low mileage one maybe...

[Speedy7_7]

Im thinking on building one myself in the furute, I dont really want to buy a ready one. I want to experience building one myself, even if it takes me a while. Preferably will like a RWD or AWD. For the MR2 and S110 I could find the parts kind of easy. BTW: Forgot to mention the 200SX (S12).

Ok then, I respect your pluck. I would go with a 240, because I have. S13 to keep costs down. I wouldn't jump into any AWD if you plan on doing real stage rally. You will have a lot more fun in a 2wd, and have a lot more competition. Once you have raced a while, then decide if you want to jump to something AWD Turbo. Don't bother with N/A AWD rally cars, they end up being as much fun as riding the bus.

I also urge you to avoid an MR2.................................because that is my rally project, and I want to keep it all to myself.

An E30 or E36 Bmw 325 or even a 318 would make for a fun rally car too. Plentiful, easy to find parts, a 325 would be way more than enough power to seriously scare you and you will still be able to race it as a novice. Parts prices have come down considerably as well, just avoid the token BMW only tuners like AC Schnitzer and you could keep costs low.


For a little inspiration check out the build Ian and I are doing.
official-nicoclub-s-rally-car-lets-go-p ... 57229.html

And enjoy yourself!
To the right person, the build is just as much fun as the race.

[Pento240sx]

I aprreciate the advice and yes I been seeings FlatBlackIan rally thread and is amazing build. I do apologise if I end up with the MR2 lol, but i'm still looking around and looking for more advice, tips and researching.

[Zydeco]

get an old GC subie and be done with it.

[tmeyer29]

Lancia Delta Intergrale

[sbird1]

Neon.

Handles surprising well. It's fun to break s*** Chrysler products.

[Speedy7_7]

I aprreciate the advice and yes I been seeings FlatBlackIan rally thread and is amazing build. I do apologise if I end up with the MR2 lol, but i'm still looking around and looking for more advice, tips and researching.

Have fun if you end up with an MR2, that is a dream car of mine....... oh shut up, my dreams suck.

Go to http://www.Rally-america.com and download the rulebook for stage rally, keep in mind, you will be far better off having an experienced cage builder do the actual cage building, that can cost anywhere from 1500 to 5000+ depending on what you go with. Do your research, http://www.specialstage.com has alot of very useful information, they will tell you to buy a pre-built car but they will still give you some great information.

Research cage designs in the rulebook.
Buy a ton of used rally tires off people, 14 inch are harder to find, thats why the 240 works well.
Buy a lot of wheels
Buy a spare car or a lot of body panels and various suspension bits.
Keep in mind that whatever spare parts you don't bring, you will break.
And a few useful tips from the rally pros:
"When in doubt, flat out." -Colin McRae
"Don't Hit sh*t" -Mike Hurst
"Its not if you roll, its when."-Everyone
"When you are going to crash, make sure you crash the passenger side first, preferably the rear."-The teacher at novice training
"Stop and think 'Am I upside down?' Before you remove your harness."-Anonymous

[Pento240sx]

IDK every since I saw the MR2 Rally video, I kind of fell for it. Thanks for the tips I will look into it, I will probably find everything I need there. There is still some research to be done tho. Even if you think your dreams suck, don't give up until you fulfill them, after that you could eitheir be happy or facepalm yourself.

[flohtingPoint]

IDK every since I saw the MR2 Rally video, I kind of fell for it.

WRONG way of going about things. I can show you a million cool vids of my Corolla autocrossing and its still a terrible car for most of it's applications (aside from FSP and EP and EP is debatable unless you're Dorsey). f*** videos, look up results. Grab some time sheets from rallycrosses and look for a trend. Chances are, it's going to be neons/old civics/2.5RS's/cavaliers. MR2's are too fragile, you'll be replacing endlink attachment points every week unless you're talking about a 2nd gen, in which case you should be looking at ES instead of rallycross.

[Pento240sx]

Good point. Better do some more research, thanks for pointing it out.

[breadbox]

for starting out get like a 97 escort. you can find parts for cheap all day long for those bad boys. My mom has one and its pretty quick for what it is. i think its a 2.3 her car has all manual windows and so its pretty much ready to go do starter rallys in stock form. and just see what breaks and make that better.

Also a 1997 Mazda Protege being that it is the same platform, not sure all the parts are the same but they may be similar.

You have to do 2wd before you can go for AWD.

[troskinatior]

I definatly get a toyota starlet beacause there cheap, super super light, rwd, underpowered, nimble, and good rally cars.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MF9uoNpRJQ[/youtube]

[Pento240sx]

for starting out get like a 97 escort. you can find parts for cheap all day long for those bad boys. My mom has one and its pretty quick for what it is. i think its a 2.3 her car has all manual windows and so its pretty much ready to go do starter rallys in stock form. and just see what breaks and make that better.

Also a 1997 Mazda Protege being that it is the same platform, not sure all the parts are the same but they may be similar.

You have to do 2wd before you can go for AWD.

Of course I know that, but I'm trying to get a RWD not FWD even tho most of them are the cheapest ones.

[breadbox]

Okay. Then in that case, S13. Super cheap, easy to find everything, huge aftermarket. Have fun.

[IanS]

Do I even need to answer? Or will my sig suffice?

Seriously though, dont try to build your first rally car. Buy something that has already had the bugs worked out of it, then go get some seat time. You will learn many of the things you will need to know for a build, just from the experience, plus you will save a grip of cash, and be racing far sooner.