RWD track car

[bam_bam]

So, I've been pouring over Pistonheads for a decent fast road/track car. I've considered many cars but it's cabbaging my brain with the choice, or sometimes lack of choice.
Cars I'd like to avoid, BMWs. Why? Because it's just too fecking obvious.

I've considered the following:

Mk1/Mk2 MX5 (then upgrade brakes, tyres, susp, seats, strap a turbo on)
Datsun 200SX
Honda S2000
Something with a bike engine in it e.g. Formula 27 etc (ruled out due to maintenance)
MR2

...and that's it - yes, it looks like an all Jap affair, the yellow fever has struck!

It just looks like a really short list so I thought I'd defer to you motley lot for advice.
The budget is 4-6k including fast road/track set-up mods. I know that's not a massive budget and I'll probably go over but it's a start. I'm not that bothered about paint, interior and consumables. Something cheapesh that has loads of tuning potential, many fast road/track accessories available and an exploitable RWD chassis. I think I may be doing myself a disservice not including BMW, so I'll review that stance upon opinions presented. I have seen BMW setups that look stonking fun for the money. I'm not a BMW hater by any means, like I said, it just looks like the obvious choice.

No AWD or FWD options thanks, it's mid-corner RWD adjustability I crave, thanks.

[Mr V10]

There is a Monaro on Autotrader for £6,975, that would be my second choice after an E36 M3. Offer £6k?

[K1Mac]

I'd be leaning towards the E36 M3, stripped out, cage and buckets! 6 cylinder note and tail out fun = winner!

[bam_bam]

There is a Monaro on Autotrader for £6,975, that would be my second choice after an E36 M3. Offer £6k?

It was considered but I thought it too heavy. I already have a powerful, heavy car. Besides, I've owned a few Holden Commodores previously, I already know what to expect.

[Mr V10]

So would I, but like Bam said, too obvious. I'm looking at getting an M3 track car myself this year not selling the 6 though.
Okay Bam, I'll keep thinking, you've covered most bases already though.

[bam_bam]

I'd be leaning towards the E36 M3, stripped out, cage and buckets! 6 cylinder note and tail out fun = winner!

Yeah, probably no need to go for an M3 version, just get a cooking 6cyl model and do the same mods.
Still like the idea of a an MX5 with 220BHP conversion. There's a write up in current Evo.

[RSKiwi]

The S2000 would be a great choice but whetehr there is enough expertise around to tune it 'easily' is another story.

You 'should' have thrashable reliability with it and IIRC it was considered to be very well balanced to start with.

The Monaro would eat fuel and tyres, too much of a heavy beast to consider IMWO. It woud be fun though!

[Maximo]

How about one of these?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3772018.htm

You could make a few quid from the parts you strip out. It's not a bad engine to get tuned either.

[Mr V10]

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3523051.htm

[Mr V10]

How about one of these?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3772018.htm

You could make a few quid from the parts you strip out. It's not a bad engine to get tuned either.

Liking that.

[K1Mac]

I guess it depends on the tracks that you are most likely going to be doing? short twisty ones or fast paced longer ones?

[Mr Footlong]

I have a real soft spot for the MX-5. Bought the ex an Eunos Roadster years ago specifically (unbeknownst to her) so that I could take it out in the wet when she was pretty well too scared to!. Had to drive it with the top down due to not fitting in it and had arms & legs everywhere but great fun fishtailing it about wherever possible. Would love to try one with a big ass turbo strapped to it.

Don't be weak & give in to a Beemer, stick to your guns!

[bam_bam]

I guess it depends on the tracks that you are most likely going to be doing? short twisty ones or fast paced longer ones?

I love some of the older AMGs, but again, it's a heavy car on components and I didn't think it'd be that known for its tunability or aftermarket kit. That said, it is the least obvious. However, most tracks in the UK are compact and twisty, the fun B-roads would also be better suited to a lighter car. It is interesting.

A couple of months ago I saw a late 80s C-Class Merc that had 15" steelies, lowered with some subtle camber (not a stancer and it was certainly used). The tyres were track-spec but everything else looked stock. I couldn't take my eyes off it, looked great, it had purpose.

[bam_bam]

It's amazing what you can get.

MX-5
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3774316.htm

Beeeeemer.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3706204.htm

Race MR2
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3692481.htm
NA MR2
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3586680.htm

E30 V8 Beeeemer with NOS
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3729059.htm

[Mr Footlong]

That Mk1 MR2 looks effing hilarious, would hate to be seen in it but at the same time would also want to be seen hooning it about too just for the sheer amusement of others!

To me, the first beemer or anuthing that size/weight upwards isn't my idea of a track car.