JDM FD for track use only?
 

I've searched and it seems like it is next to impossible or doesn't make nse to import an FD to use on the streets. so how about importing one for track use only? is it going to be tough? im not talking about breaking any rules and then converting it for street use, im just saying is it possible to bring one overfor track use only.

Why are you going to pay that much money for a nearly brand new car (I'm assuming you want a newer one) that you're going to use and abuse on the track? I understand wanting a nice new car to drive on the street, I do not understand the difference between a new and an old car of the SAME model once it's on the track.

I think it is logic. to bring a JDM car for track use.

A lot of heavey mod car in japan. cant even pass car inspection(with out this you cant even get your teg). so they are dirt cheap. so it would save a lot of money buying a car that already got every thing you want for less money.

It's a dumb idea, unless the "JDM" car is set up exactly how you would want it. A dedicated track car doesn't need to look pretty and should be gutted anyway. Why bother importing a car and having to learn how to shift left-handed when there are plenty of stripped FDs right here for little money to convert to track use.

rynberg, are you saying that you would pass on a 2001 Spirit R for $10k, if you were planning on buying a car for track use only? The newer models are a better platform to start with, and they'll be afforable someday.

To the original poster: I've seen other japan-only cars imported for use as off-highway racecars, namely the Lancer EVO5 and Impreza WRX STi ver 6. They were used as Group N rallycars, trailered to and from events, never driven on the street.

If you've got the means, then it should be possible. If you're not resourceful enough to find out how to do it yourself, then you're probably not the kind of person who could do it anyway.

Good luck,
-s-

and just where do you think you will find a 2001 Spirit R for 10k???

not yet... give them a few years...

-s-

Yes, I would pass on it for a track car only. Why would I purchase a rare car from Japan just to have to gut it and all the stock systems? A dedicated track FD for me would have an aftermarket coilover suspension system, gutted interior, stripped down engine bay (no a/c, p/s, wipers, cruise, emissions, etc), and be single turbo. I think buying a Spirit R for that treatment would be silly.....

Do you think in the future I can buy an FD and make it into a speed boat?

Should I buy 5 FD's to mold all of their hoods into one panoramic dish and try and get my own satellite signal?

Should I Chop up my FD's interior, import a Euro one, turn it upside down, and put it on backwards?

Because the Japanese are basically forced to junk them once they've accumulated 30k miles. It's either going to get exported somewhere or turned into scrap metal. It might as well go to someone who appreciates it (most end up in Australia, and many of those get turned into track cars).

-s-

the answer is as always, "if the price is right".

if you can get a running (as if that would be easy to insure without going there) FD bought and to the US for ~8-10k, then sure. strip it and go nuts. but i doub't you'll be looking at any S7's or 8's. which is fair enough for a race car... if the price is right.

you'll be looking at 2-4K for shipping alone.It is 2200 from Saipan to the mainland USA. It is 1k for me to ship my USDM from Hawaii to LA. And that doesn't even include the customs charges, taxes, fees, registrations etc... If you want a jdm car move to jdm land!

Didn't any of the other 1 million threads about this answer the question. Or did you not search? Sorry, i am just tired of seeing this question every week. We should have a mod set up a auto virus for people that post these threads!:D

how about we setup a virus that deletes your useless posts.

As long as it takes these with it. Show me a useless post from me. And i'll show you 23 from you;) Go to bed son. And think of a better one than that mmmK!

What makes you think a Spirit R is a better platform to start from? Better than a US stock FD sure but I'm betting everything about a Spirit R is going to be a downgrade in performance for anyone that tracks a US car. I'll confess I don't know a lot about them but aren't they just factory upgrades of things like brakes, shocks etc. that aren't very good compared to aftermarket anyway? Is it the same unit body etc.?

Kevin T. Wyum

Kevin, the brakes are most likely good enough for track use on the Spirit R, and it has very nice Recaro seats. But other than that, yeah, pretty much everything else would be scrapped for aftermarket anyway...:)

i heard this from a firend of a firend ;)

if you have lets say a 1993 Fd and you import a 2001, use the 1993 as a track car and use the 2001 registered as a 1993 on the streets :):):) i have not done this but i am wondering if its the same car and both are yours, why cant you do this?

????

vin #'s? cept what cop is gonna check that....hmm I dunno. someone smart chime in!

Ive always wondered that.... or just swap vin numbers lol.

sure why not, you could tell them ("the man" or pick your own cliche) that you swapped the front clips :D aside from the fact that you didn't do the work, if you make sure to sway any and ALL vin numbers in a manor that would suppor that story, how could they prove you wrong? it seems like a lot of work just to possibly get caught doing something stupid and have them both impounded and destroyed, but i've often toyed with the idea of importing one as a parts car, strippin it and selling the parts i didn't want... just gotta find the right price :D

*edit: i do not condone this type of illegal behavior, i'm simply adding my $.02 in both directions.

Gee, ya think the cop or insurance agent might notice that the car is right-hand drive? When are people ever going to wake up and smell the coffee that importing a car and illegally trying to register it just doesn't work?

like i said... tell 'em you swapped the front clip :D

The VIN # is located on more than one place on the car. The stamp in the engine bay is NOT the only place the VIN is located on the chassis of the car. If someone really wants to catch you, they definitely can and will.

I'm with you!


I sure hope someone can. Useless posts in general, not anyone specific.

hey guys, im just looking for a jdm fd for track use only. reason being is that if transported by ship, i can bring it all the way from Japan for only 700. It will take around 50 days though. you can buy a good running fd for about 8k in Japan, and that's like a 95 96 model.

im not trying to skirt around the legal issues, i just want a track car for cheap. jdm is going to be cheaper than a car here and i've got to admit i think rhd is pretty cool to me. if anyone has any aditional advice id appreciate it.