ok...me and a mate are getting a Vauxhall nova sri cheap with a spare GTE engine and gearbox. The car already has springs and dampers, an induction kit and a strut brace.

My first thought is to make it into a little track day car, putting the GTE engine and gearbox in and stripping it out. Me and my mate plan to do all the work to keep the costs down as we dont want to be pulling out too much cash, although we have never done anything like this before so will be learning as we go along with very limited mechanics skills.:(

Anyone on here done this sort of thing before? if so any advise on what to expect money wise, and any general advice that could help me along with my porject.

Looks like i might have to put a towbar on my Vrs as well:thumbdwn:

Daz

I am considering something similar myself! As your towbar comment suggests, if you're planning to make it a dedicated trackday car, then you'll need a trailer. Even if you keep the car road legal, if it's thrashed around a circuit for 30 laps it's more than possible something serious can break (gearbox/clutch/engine etc.) to the point which you would not be able to drive it home.

Let me know how you get on though! I'm considering doing the same with something along the lines of a mk2 Golf GTi.

hhmm... sounds like an interesting project, something I've considered doing as well as it sounds fun.

I have just come into possession of an Audi 90 Quattro as well...

As for towing with the furby vRS.. I didn't think that possible with it not being approved and approval aside the furby's that can tow are only rated up to 500Kg unbraked and 800-1000Kg braked.

I admit I am only guessing but your going to need a car trailer with brakes which chances are will be more than one without... or does such a thing not exist?

Anyway goodluck with the project and take lots of pics

first off make sure the Nova body shell is in excellent condition , there is no point throwing in the a big/heavy more powerful motor only to find the shell is full of rust ,ask at the local MOT centre to find out where the Novas weak points are,then repair/strengthen as necessary

bigger/better brakes will be needed i would imagine as well

as you have said in your post you have limited mechanical skills , so if you are not sure about something ask someone who knows , there are a few firms that do this kind of conversion , who may be able to give you info , these sort of conversions used to be in the Maxpower type mags

my biggest piece of advice other than have fun doing it is , don't cut any wiring looms or connectors as you may need them to make it run

Get some MK2 Astra GTE brakes for the front for sure.

And I would think seriously about towing a car on a trailer with a Fabia vRS, I thinkk you may find its to heavy for that size car.

cheers for the advice guys:)

the car is coming with a full years MOT so the shell should be ok, but i will still get it checked out. cheers.

as for the towing, im putting a towbar on my dads Handa Accord 2.0se so i dont have to use the fabia.

ive been looking at getting a dolly to tow the car, due to cost of a trailer, would this be ok?:confused:

Daz

ive been looking at getting a dolly to tow the car, due to cost of a trailer, would this be ok?:confused: Daz

yes assuming your car will roll along if something has failed. Clip something and take a wheel off you might well be a bit stuffed..lol

If you want somethnig seriously scary you can fit the engine from a Cavalier / Calibra Turbo into a Nova, I think you can or could buy kits for this conversion as it was so popular. Cav GSi engine conversion are also popular.

MIG Performance Vauxhalls Car Club - Vauxhall, VXR, Opel, OPC, Holden, HSV, Tuning Tips, Performance Enthusiasts, Forums, Gallery, Car Club.

www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk

Both of the above links will be usefull on setting up your car.

If you want somethnig seriously scary you can fit the engine from a Cavalier / Calibra Turbo into a Nova, I think you can or could buy kits for this conversion as it was so popular. Cav GSi engine conversion are also popular.

MIG Performance Vauxhalls Car Club - Vauxhall, VXR, Opel, OPC, Holden, HSV, Tuning Tips, Performance Enthusiasts, Forums, Gallery, Car Club.

www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk

Both of the above links will be usefull on setting up your car.

thanks for the websties, ive been looking for a decent forum to get info on.

The Redtop engine is something ive been looking at. Although im going to at least have a few days out with the lower powered engine before i decide to kill myself!:eek:

Daz

caviler 2.0 8v brakes will be a cheap and cheerful upgraded for you nova and are a piece of **** to fit, and you can get all the parts from a decent breaker

before you start stripping the car down ,why don't you do a track day at Croft to see how it goes , you may find the power of the standard engine OK for the first time on the track , just an idea anyway

Croft Race Track and Circuit Information for Car and Bike Track Days

Saturday 14th of April , £169