Clubman>GTR???

[Marlin]

Hi guys...I'd like to get your informed opinions on this. Have any of you either owned or experienced a Clubman type car, i.e PRB, Caterham, Fraser etcc?

I recently sold my GTR to fund my cocaine and stipper habit, but really miss doing a bit of mixed motorsport and mountain skidding. The company magna just understeers too much!

I don't on the other hand miss the huge expense and time involved with a serious GTR on the track, $2000 sets of tyres for 2 meets, pads, etc. I just want something legal to drive to the track, exciting to pedal and a lot cheaper to campaign, maybe with a couple of tarmac rallies one day. I've looked at the go-cart thing, but it's just not "real" enough.

What do you reckon?

[T0nyGTSt]

ANY Clubman is not cheap (unless of course if you try a "Locost" version but you need serious skills).

At the moment, I can't think of anything cheaper than an MX5.

Bit of a downer from a GT-R though.

T.

[Marlin]

I have thought of an imported MX5, or even an old superchaged MR2. But niether is particularly quick on a circuit. I wouldn't entertain the idea of building a clubman myself, as I did a full restoration and rebuild/improvements on my GTR, and tore up plenty of cash. I'd rather see someone else do all the hard work and pour all the money in!

I was thinking of spendind up to around 20G for a good clubman?

Tell me if you think I'm nuts, but aren't they the quickest circuit car for the money?

[Roy]

If you are after a quick fun car for around a circuit that wont cost big bucks, the id be looking for a tweaked MkI Escort. Light so easy on brakes and tyres, the 2L can punch out 200hp, Supra 5 spds etc etc, there are even soem floating around with Fj20s (tight fit) and SR20 turbos.... not the quickest car, but i have seen an Escort at Wakefield lapping then me and im in the 1:13s... 15 grand will buy you a weapon of an Escort set up as a Club Car.

What do the PBR (Lotus 7 style cars) go for anyway, i always thought they were pretty pricey

[T0nyGTSt]

PBR is pretty pricey.

http://www.prbaustralia.com.au/

Clubmans are extremely quick.

I'm quite certain that the Clubman in its more extreme incarnations (ie. SR20 or 4AG-ZE or maybe it was a Kwaka ZZR1100) does it around the 1 minute mark.

I could almost swear that they ran under 1 min on slicks.

I seem to remember some 2nd hand ones going every so often for under $20,000 but of course they all seems to be mild ones (ie. 4A-GE, live rear ends) - ie. an ok starting point.

T.

[Goon]

my ex's father had one, it was quick, unmoddified except for a chip or something, but otherwise stock. they're quick

[Birnie]

Been in one as a passenger and one thing is that they are small.

My legs were at full stretch with my knees hitting the dash and bum/seat as far back as they could go. I'm 6'1" which isn't overly tall i reckon.

[jlnewton]

My old man has a Canstel clubman with the escort 1.6 block/lotus twin cam head with twin webbers hanging of the side of it. They are an awesome thing to drive although it takes a little getting used to. Not sure they are to cheap to run though, but probably less than a GTR (Haven't got my GTR track ready yet.). Bruce and Ron at LEDA suspension at Brendale would be worth visiting for a chat, everytime I go there they have a clubman of some description there. The last time they had a yellow PRB, but the guy had spent mega $$$ on it and it was on going. But having said that the owner said he would have nothing else and drives it everyday to work (if sunny).

Definately fun to throw around the corners!

[GTRgeoff]

Stay true to the brand

Datsun 1600 with a SR20DET. There's one races in Vic MSCA and is quicker than Snowmans 200awkw R34 GTR on Stickies. But then he has no third gear now

[knore]

Go the cocaine and stripper habits

[Lavers]

Yeah I was looking at building one as a summer project, but not to sure now cause of the price.

Does anyone know of a kit which just has the body panels. So you can just modify the parts from a donor car in.

Thanks Lavers

[Marlin]

OK, thanks for all the input. It appears as though the general feeling is that I shouldn't limit my thoughts to a clubman. I do however want to be able to drive it to and from the track, and be supremely reliable, so wouldn't that rule out any sort of seriously quick/modified 1600's or Escorts?

If anyone knows the track, I'm looking for something capable of lapping Queensland Raceway sprint circuit in 57/58 seconds, without getting all hot and bothered!

[jlnewton]

There is a distributor for the Elfin Clubman in Sumner park somewhere (I used to have their card). I pulled one of the guys over once when they were on their way home from Q.R. Might be worth a chat also. Didn't ask what times they were doing. 57/58 sec, thats pretty snappy, well compared to my stock GTST times.

A dato 1600 with a stock SR20 will do low/mid 12s and be super reliable, I am sure with the right suspension and brakes you would get the times you are chasing and be way under budget. And would be cheap to run/repair.

[Lavers]

I think if you've got the money the clubman is definately the way to go. I've only been for a ride in one but bang for buck they are one of the best race cars and you can drive to the track/quick squirt through mountains etc.

Just my 2cents worth.

[Lavers]

Just looking at the elfin website www.elfin.com.au basic diy kits start at $10,805 and go through to the turn key version at $43,970. Also kits ranging right through that. Elfin is at 993 North Road, Murrumbeena and ask to talk to Bill Hemming or Nick Kovatch. Or call (03) 9563 7811.

[Marlin]

gee you blokes are on the ball!

jlnewton, you'll be doin 57's in no time mate, you got the GTR disease - keep spending!

Lavers, I'll go you halves in a turn-key mate, we'll keep it at my house hey??!!

Do you guys really think you'd get that from a 1600? a well modified GTR needs to be well driven to do that!

[Lavers]

Yeah Sure mate just give me a couple of months to get my drugs and pimpin business's up and running.

[jlnewton]

You would go close, would be hell scary though! If only you had out your car up for sale a few weeks earlier Marlin, I would have a GTR ready to go then, I am finding its a damn expensive hobby starting from scratch.

[rb26dett]

You would go close, would be hell scary though!  If only you had out your car up for sale a few weeks earlier Marlin, I would have a GTR ready to go then, I am finding its a damn expensive hobby starting from scratch.

Took me about 2 years to prep my GTR and it's not fully prepped yet. Will handle the track, but not do 57-58 secs.

The only 2 other cars that I saw lap under 1 min, a black 180sx and an RX3. I think the 180sx was doing 58 secs and the RX3 was doing 53 secs, although it blew up after 2 laps.

[Marlin]

ooh yeah, just looked @ Elfin site. Cool stuff there! I know it's dear, but the MS8 looks wicked. Just imagine it with an RB26, 4WD, 6 speed Getrag, 6 Piston AP's...... there I go again, getting carried away! It's a disease!......... hey, jlnewton, can I buy your car once you finish it?