Would an XR2 make a good track day car?
 

I've been searching high and low for a 205 GTi for a daily hack/track day car. I am now of the opinion that they fall into two catergories, either cheap and nasty or to expensive to buy just as a second car :brickwall .

Therefore, I have broadened my horizons. I have now found a 90/H Fiesta which is in reasonable shape. Has anyone any experience (good or bad) of one of these as a track day car.

Otherwise, any other suggestions? I'd prefer a smaller car up to the size of a 205/Escort etc.

Cheers

if u can get an ex stock hatch XR2 race car it will make a good track car, because even though its under powered, it will handle well. A road going XR2 come track car will be car too slow.

Your better off with a Peugeot 205 as they handlke better out of the box and have more power. Even better get an mi16 powered (or converted) 205 and it will fly.

My 205 is here http://www.mckeown-enterprises.co.uk

cheers
sean

Super Coupe Rover 216GTI ,Honda reliability,cheap parts ,150bhp,and will embarass many a fast road car !

I openned this thread ready to suggest a 205GTi! I really would keep looking for one, not only are they fantastic to drive (surely more fun that an XR2 with the handling and lift-off oversteer to play with) - but also its easy to get more power cheaply with the mi-16 engine for example - and they dont tend to really rust much - unlike the XR2/XR2i which seem to rust loads.

Although it pains me to say, a 205 would be the best car for the job. Good weight and great power but just look poo.

205 GTi's look fantastic mate!!!! No other 80's car has dated less - the first 205 GTi hit the road over 21years ago!!!! The design is timeless!

what about a Nissan Sunny 3 door ZX ... 1.8l 130bhp 16v + a viscous LSD

or Mazda 323 gti 1.8l 16v 138bhp

or Toyota Corolla AE92 Gti-6

or Mitsubishi colt gti

plenty of rust free jap stuff going cheap these days

205's are common but are they really the best ? I doubt it

XR2i wasn't much cop as a hot hatch when it was new, was it? It was the pug 1.9 that was king when I was a lad - or the 5 turbo.

looked at any honda crx's, was thinking of one for myself and a mate, just a thought, bit faster than an xr2, and a lower centre of gravity, just my 2p!

I hadn't really considered anything other than a Pug, I'm just getting so frustrated looking at 205's that don't fit the bill. Mind you, it did take me 6 months to find the Scoob, which finally resulted in me flying 400 miles to buy the right one :rolleyes:

Perhaps I'm being a bit to picky :D :D

For this type of thing, you'd be mad not to consider a mk2 golf gti. Cheapish, good cheap parts availability, strong cars, quick, great handling.

For me it's the Golf or Pug (they were easily the best of their time) but the golf was stronger so there's probably more of them still on the roads in working order.

I been thinking of this my self as i dont want to track the scoob
what have the 205s been like and how mutch money?
i was thinking maybe a grand with tax & test on a car and £500 doin it for the track
is this a decent budget?

ive got an xr2i for sale cheap if you interested.

I think a 1.6 is to small for the track when your mixin with scoobys clio 182s and the likes dont get me wrong i loved xr2s and xr3is in there day but i have a real soft spot for 205s
i realy hope im not disapointed when i get behind the wheel again

If you can't get a 25 GTi then how about a 309 GTi?

Or even a 106 Rallye mk1 (1.3) as you can pick them up cheap now...

309 is a possibility. No chance of getting my 6ft5/18 st frame in a 106. Unless I take the drivers seat out :D

they are quite rare and sought after I think you'll find

Or even an XR2 or 2i with an Escort RS Turbo engine? Quite powerful with a few mods.

Fiesta RS Turbo's are a bit too expensive to track day...

not thought about buying a something like a writen off saxo VTS easy to repair, just take the trim out fit a bolt in cage and fit a suspenion kit on an your away, you could pick up a damaged repairable pretty cheap.

how about an early clio 16v, better balance than the pug and have 137bhp.

Dunno about that. I had a K plate Clio 16v, was LETHAL and far from balanced. Pug 205GTI was a miles better motor imo.

Mk2 Golf GTI 16v is a top bet. All the Nurburgring lads use them. Says it all really.

I'd say a 205GTi but if you really can't find a good one then a Mk2 Golf GTi

I bought one of these new in 1993, had it for 6 years and loved every minute of it. It did cross my mind. However, they can eat tyres for breakfast. I remember getting through my first set of fronts in 6000 miles :eek: The second didn't last that much longer :eek: :eek:. The electrics can be a bit hit and miss too.

I fancy a bit of a change. I'm even thinking of sticking a 2.8i/3 litre lump in my Capri :D :D :D

what bhp do the 205 gtis have 1.6 + 1.9

Cant beat Honda reliability!Slicks and none of you're converted road cars .

or Mk2 with 1.8T @ about 250 bhp - better still :)

As standard, they were quoted as 115 and 130, IIRC. 1.9 Mi16 160 in standard 405.

Another surprisingly effective car for track use was the old AX GT/GTi. Only ~100bhp, but weighed <800kg, and basically handles very well if you stiffen it up. Get a bit more poke in one of them, it could be good. Of course, that assumes you can find one in decent nick

I'd go along with the AX idea - here's mine:

http://www.mooseracer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/POS2.jpg

Saxo VTS engine
286 cams
'Stage 4' head
BMC CDA
Unichip
uprated suspensions, brakes
etc,etc


It's even got 2 seats now :)

115 / 130 on paper there dosent seem mutch in it iv'e only had the 1.6 but if i do go for it i think i'll look for a mi16 seen them on ebay for £1200 ish :)

Have you considered the 106 GTi ? Great handling, cheap enough and still plenty about ...