Auto-Cross Newb, what's rx7club.com's opinon
 

I'm about to get my second car (300zx was my first now sold for a 7) and can't find a decent NA in Florida for sale. Budget really isn't a problem it's just availability.

Anyways, I'm considering this 87 T2.

"1987 Turbo II FC J-spec streetported motor with about 35k miles on it.
T04 turbo, 720 injectors, 850 secondaries, Haltech, 3 inch exhaust, new tires, has easily over 300 rwhp. and i'd be throwing in an extra hatch, intercooler, stock harness, ECU, new transmission mounts, FCD, MBC"

I know I'd be in a messed up class with the turbo and probably even more messed up with the modification.

I've never auto crossed before but understand the concept and am much more interested in becoming a better driver vs. having a crazy fast car. How bad would this car be in auto-cross? Would it be OK to learn on? Should I just hold out for an NA and street port it for some speed?

If the driver bit is true, then don't worry about which car to get. Buy the one that's been best taken care of and drive it. A faster car will not result in faster times .... faster drivers put down faster times. If you're truly interested in auto-x, it won't matter which car and/or class that you're competing in.

I just heard that turbos are a pain for Auto cross...just wondering if it was a bad idea for daily driver/first autox car.

it's not so much a bad car, while i'm not trying to scare you it'll be in SM2, an unlimited class. but as i've said alot of times, and i frequently need to tell myself the same is autocross is 90% driver 10% car. no matter what car you're in, being that it's in good shape and works, you'll be fast. there are variables like tires, and suspension though which in turn makes you a better driver.

with a street port i believe you'll either be in a Prepared class or a Modified class.

any car will work for auto-x, whether its a volkswagen rabbit, a mazda rx-7, or a nissan maxima. i'm pretty sure you're getting where i'm coming from.

-steven

Well I don't really want to get into auto cross to compete (yet, heh) but more to learn how to actually race. I'm just wondering if this is the best car to learn on. I also don't like being in an unlimited class...but even if I was in a limited class I'd still get my ass handed to me so I'm not sure.

So I take it you guys say it doesn't matter either way, turbo or naturally aspirated. I think the T2 will be more fun but 15mpg...

Thanks for the information guys.

That probably isnt the BEST car to learn on. But, I don't think it will matter too much. If you want that car, then buy it and learn with it.

Suuuurrrreee. Everybody says that at first ... 'oh, I'm just here to learn to be a better driver' ... but once you get the bug, you'll be checking the posted times at every event. :p:

Don't worry about classing. You will be slow at first. Everybody is. Some things about high performance driving don't make sense until you see the results firsthand. IOW, you're going to get your arse handed to you anyways ... whether you're in ES, BS, CSP, ASP, or SM2. Just go out there and have fun. :)

You can drive anything for autocross and learn and have fun.. Think about the daily-driving part of it.. you'll be spending more time "daily driving" it than autocrossing it.. Do you want a car with that much work done to it by who knows who? Do you want to have the extra worries/maintenance/complexity?

100% agreed with MechE00.

PaulC

If you want the car, buy it. But don't buy it for just autox, you are going to get clobbered at first by everyone, even Miatas will post faster times than you until you get some experience. Use the autox to get to know your car and what it - and you - can do. After a season or two you will begin to know enough to decide if that car is what you want to compete in, or if something else will fit you better; but don't buy anything just for autocrossing until you've done some of it.

i think it really depends on your ability. The car may start out as a handful with turbo power and you will have to learn how to keep boost up. but seat time is the only way to get better.