Alright, I'm really considering a 1st gen for a rally build. Fully gutted cage etc. Now I have a 3rd gen that is very far from stock and I know how costly parts are for that car... its really almost depressing.

How are standard wear item parts to source/price compared to the 3rd gens, i'm talking about things like suspension/bushings/drivetrain components.


The engines, I personally think the 13b is garbage (hate me if you want ), but leaving this stock and non-turbo'd i'm willing to give the rotary another shot. Can it withstand high RPMs for a long period of time? Overheating issues etc..



Anyway I know the questions are kinda random, but any advice would be appreciated. I'm more concerned about price to repair when things break.

 

First gens make great rally cars due to the inexpensive initial build as well as maintenance parts.

If you do not plan to run a rotary then look at another vehicle platform. The reason I say this is that you have two options, Open class or a two wheel drive semi open class. The first you will not be competitive in and the second you must run a Mazda engine.

-billy

 

That's kinda what I want to hear... I plan on using the rotary in this car. Thanks for the opinion.

 

I just took a quick peek at the NASA rally website. Looks like they got away from the old Group2 and Group5 classes and now have "2 wheel drive", "heavy or light" classes.

Also they have a "2 wheel drive, Stock" class. Not sure if the first gen would fit in stock as I did not read deep enough.

There are a number of items you will want to re-enforce but the foundation is good with a first gen.

Let me know if you start building. I have allot of ideas.

-billy