I've been doing the racing game for awhile and it is always best to buy a built car. Now I'm not listening to my own advice on the Fiero, but that's because I already have a full blown SPO race car ready to go for next year. (Which is my main focus) The Fiero is a winter experiment and it is very fun building a car. Its a cool, oddball car that has never gotten the respect on the track I think it can earn. That said I am going to be very sure the car can make excellent power and the car is in very stout condition before I spend $2K to put a cage in it. I can sell it as a street car and get my money back or even make a couple hundered - but selling it as a mid-pack race car is a cash buster.
My buddy is going to do a bolt in cage (Kirk) in his 87 GT and we will weld in reinforcements etc - but for me a custom welded cage from a top shop is the only way to go. He'll save about $1K and likely get his car on the track for under $2K. He will also get whipped but he's new and doesn't care - just wants to race.
I'd look for a built car unless you are a really good mechanic. Of the two Fieros I'd do the ITB car - I don't think you If the Iron Duke is healthy that will get you on track the cheapest but I have no idea how competitive that car would be in ITB. I think an ITA Fiero would be very competitive if it's making over 130 hp at the wheels. If I can't get my car to do about 130-140 hp I wont build it since I dislike losing very much. Make sure the car will perform before you gut it - just cause it might look like a race car doesn't mean it's fast.
PS - found a bunch of stuff last night that would have caused my car to dyno so poorly. Just basic maintenance crap overlooked - talk about worn plugs, wires, rotor and cap all shot and the dirtiest air filter ever. Looking foward to going back to the dyno with a well running car and see what we get. Compression test tonight and timing check and I'll be ready. Happiness is a low base so they say! Also, don't trust the kid who tells you he methodically maintains his car.
BenSpeed
#33 ITR Porsche 968
BigSpeed Racing
2013 ITR Pro IT Champion
2014 NE Division ITR Champion
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