Planning to build a weekend toy/track car

[MotorSportWorld]

Good Evening.

Firstly a quick hello to everyone. I have been a lurker on the site for many a month and today thought i would sign up and start posting.

As my topic says, I am planning on building a small car for track use, but also keeping it road legal to have fun with on weekends. I have a practical car for everyday use so it need not worry about being practical in that sense.

As its also my first post I think i had better say a little about myself. My name is Garry Curley, Im 27 and live in Ashford in Kent. I have my own house and live my my girlfriend whom i have been with for the past 10 years. (No marriage or kids yet, still too young for that). I used to work at Piper Cams and Exhausts for the past 9.5 years and was in charge of product design and sales. I now work for the large online retailer MotorSportWorld as the sales manager. I love cars and motorsport, and enjoy modifying and racing them. My current car is a MK1 Octavia VRS. Its nicely modified and im happy with it at the moment. It has 18" BBS RC Wheels (Genuine BBS ones, not the MK4 Golf Anni ones), H&R Coilovers, Brembo Discs, DS2500 Pads, JDT CAI, Custom Code Stage 3 software, 28PSI Peak (holds 18psi till 5600), Spec Stage 3 Clutch, Fidanza Billet flywheel, Full Samco kit, Piper Turbo Back system, Eibach RARB, R32 FARB, R32 Steering Rack and a few other bits. I also have the S3 braces, Forge FMIC and a full Powerflex bush kit sitting in the garage to be fitted when i get time.

My thoughts behind this future project stem from the fact i have always wanted a MK1 Golf this project, but sadly they are just too expensive for me to justify as models with a decent body (my no1 criteria) are commanding allot of cash and although i agree worth it, it puts them out of my reach. So i started thinking of other cars i could do something fun with, but on a sensible "budget". I thought of a Corsa, Punto, 106, Fiesta etc but none of these grabed my interest. So i looked back at the VAG family and thought "Why not a Lupo?". Im a little annoyed that i did not think of it before but hear i am now. I already have most of my plan laid out in my head but thought i should run my ideas by you members who may point me in the right direction, or give me constructive criticism of my plan and point out other things I have not yet considered. So in Summary, my basic plan is thus:

• Lupo Car as Base (Probably 1.0 model as cheap to buy)
  
• Black Shell but with coloured Bonnet, Mirrors, Roof and Tailgate. (Bright colour so as to stand out on track.)
  
• Completly stripped interior
  
• 2 Bucket seats and harnesses
  
• Full custom cage (Will make myself)
  
• Home made dash (Flocked)
  
• 1.8 16v Engine (From MK2 Golf Gti - Tuned lightly and running on ITBs or 45 Carbs)
  
• Coilovers
  
• 312mm Brakes (From Audi TT/Golf)
  
• 15" Ronal Turbos (These would be a treat as i just simply love them, if the budget wont go, then a set of Steelys will be fine)
  
• R888 tyres
  

That's about the gist of it. I know it looks like an ambitious project but I think that most of it should be simple to do and the main thing being that I can do almost all of it myself (with help from some talented friends). Most parts will come from doner cars I have access to and any new parts I am lucky enough to get at cost price because of my job, so I am hoping it will be a comparatively cheap and cost effective project. Now, i am fully aware that despite my previous sentence, this will run over budget and I will have allot more problems that I can think of now but I am planning on being fully realistic about the whole project.

Other cars my friends and i have built are:

MK2 Golf VR6

Civic EP3 Track Car

VW Corrado G60 Turbo (Super charger removed, Turbo added)

I think that covers most about me and my plans.

So, back to the point on this post. Does anyone see any obvious problems that i may encounter and ways around it? I have read alot of the build threads on this forum and am very impressed with the unique ideas and quality of the work carried out.

Speak soon.

Garry

Edited November 3, 2009 by MotorSportWorld

[99hjhm]

This sounds great.

Few of these projects on the go now.

I wouldn't think you need to go past 256mm GTI brakes as you will have very little weight to stop...

[breamy]

1 big thing i see is that i very much doubt 312mm brakes will fit under 15s! and the 888s are a large profile so you will need arch work.

Look into the jabbasport rear arb really transforms the handling of the car

[99hjhm]

I would think 14" would be better?? Give Better gearing on a track car... You would still get 256mm brakes on too

[LiamD]

Welcome to the forum. Love your Octavia and I'm a really big fan of them. The Mk2 VR6 you built looks awesome, what was the car like performance wise? It's something I'm being persuaded to do with my Mk3 (basically build a Mk2 VR6 with widetrack).

Interesting choice of engine for the Lupo. If you're going with a old school 16v though, surely a 2.0 ABF engine is much better choice?

Your post was the best thing I have read all day on this site though, looking forward to reading your build thread!

[Kam Racing]

hiya Garry, long time no speak..

as mentioned you don't need to go for massive brakes, just get the Carbone Lorraine race pads and Maxtorq group N stuff off of us

We've developed some adjustable solid top mounts that we could supply you with, that would be perfect for your project too

195x50x15's scrubed when turning the wheel when I tried the Dunlop DZ03 track tyres so you'll need arch work I'd imagine..

-Jon

Edited November 2, 2009 by Kam Racing

[MotorSportWorld]

This sounds great.

Few of these projects on the go now.

I wouldn't think you need to go past 256mm GTI brakes as you will have very little weight to stop...

Thank you. I had a spare set of 312's avaliable to me so assumed they would be the best option for track use. If the car is that light then im happy to use smaller if it will provide the best package.

Can you point me to similar projects in case i have missed them I do like a nice build thread read.

1 big thing i see is that i very much doubt 312mm brakes will fit under 15s! and the 888s are a large profile so you will need arch work.

Look into the jabbasport rear arb really transforms the handling of the car

We have fitted the 312 behind 15s before but i cant recall the wheel ofset but the caliper casting did require some minor trimming. Again, i had them avaliable so thought i would use them Do you know to what extent i would need to modify the arches? Or would 14s be a wiser choice?

I would think 14" would be better?? Give Better gearing on a track car... You would still get 256mm brakes on too

Looks like 14s and 256s are the way forward. This is the reason i joined.

Welcome to the forum. Love your Octavia and I'm a really big fan of them. The Mk2 VR6 you built looks awesome, what was the car like performance wise? It's something I'm being persuaded to do with my Mk3 (basically build a Mk2 VR6 with widetrack).

Interesting choice of engine for the Lupo. If you're going with a old school 16v though, surely a 2.0 ABF engine is much better choice?

Your post was the best thing I have read all day on this site though, looking forward to reading your build thread!

Why thank you. I like it as its a little different to the miriad of MK4 Golfs and is also 100% practical. Trips to Le Man are so much nicer in the VRS

The MK2 VR6 is up for sale if you want (Around £2.5k). Full bare shell spray and build was only started/completed less than 6 months ago. Its epicly quick, handles awesome and sounds like thunder. What more can a man want

I ruled out the 2.0 engine as i had always found the 1.8 a nicer engine to drive, it seems more willing to rev and as im not going for massive power, it should serve nicely. I dont want too much torque (i know the 2.0 will produce more) as i want the drive Revvy and fun. (If that makes sense)

High praise indeed. The only downside is it wont be started for a while yet. I am just gathering information at the moment. I will probably start looking for the doner car after xmas. As most of the car will be binned i really will be looking for the cheapest car avaliable regardless of engine or milage etc. As long as the shell is good the rest i can sort So if you hear of any painfully cheap Lupos coming up, then point me to them.

Thanks again.

Garry

[MotorSportWorld]

Hi Jon, yeah, has been a little while. I cant seem to escape you guys these days, lol. I was just speaking to Kevin (i think) over on Sax-P a few days ago

You bits sound nice, i shall give you a call when im doing the build.

Hope buisness is good for you all.

Kind Regards

Garry

[Jack.]

loving the octy

[MotorSportWorld]

Cheers Jack

[Kam Racing]

Hi Jon, yeah, has been a little while. I cant seem to escape you guys these days, lol. I was just speaking to Kevin (i think) over on Sax-P a few days ago

You bits sound nice, i shall give you a call when im doing the build.

Hope buisness is good for you all.

Kind Regards

Garry

The business is growing all the time so all is good, just not enough hours in the day

give us a shout when you start on it as we may have a few more custom bits you'd be interested in by then too..

Are MSW helping fund the project? If so a set of KW V3's will go on nicely.

[MotorSportWorld]

The business is growing all the time so all is good, just not enough hours in the day

give us a shout when you start on it as we may have a few more custom bits you'd be interested in by then too..

Are MSW helping fund the project? If so a set of KW V3's will go on nicely.

I know what you mean about enough hours in the day, so much for the ressesion aye

Yes please keep me posted. No, this will be a private project so all out of my own pocket But i know Rich from KW so im sure i can get a good deal, he lives about 5 doors down from me

Speak soon.

Kind Regards

Garry

[Frankie]

I too am interested in the arch clearence with R888's as this is an issue i am to face in time.

When i had my old lupo i ran 195/50 15' with no problem. i do remember the lupo has a massive lip to the wings so is the arch work required minor enough to solve the problem by making some adjustment with the grinder?

[MotorSportWorld]

When i get round to building it i shall let you know how i get on. It has been advised i run 14" wheels so these may give additional clearance. If the arches do require any modifications i shall document the required work.

Kind Regards

Garry

[Jack.]

Cheers Jack

you've almost persuaded me to keep mine with those pics

[MotorSportWorld]

lol. Sorry

Depends what you want from the car? The Octavia is a great all rounder. The Lupo/Arosa will be just a toy.

Why you selling?

[Jack.]

lol. Sorry

Depends what you want from the car? The Octavia is a great all rounder. The Lupo/Arosa will be just a toy.

Why you selling?

For the above reason really, i have a company van and only ever use the Octy sparingly.

I do like it but i just think a smaller car will be more fun, having previously had a slammed fiesta zetec s (which i still miss the fun of driving)

I've done 3k miles in the year that ive had it!

Plus it might stop my girlfriend from mentioning kids just incase she gets broody

Edited November 4, 2009 by Jack.

[MotorSportWorld]

I have done alot of reading. Almost all the progress threads off here it seems and have a couple of fairly obvious questions im sure you can all help with.

What is a Lupo 3L?

Does the GTi have a quicker rack than normal Lupos?

- If so, can they be swapped?

What models came with rear disc brakes as standard?

- If a smaller model has drums, what rear beams/discs can be fitted?

What are Cambridge rear lights?

Im sure this is simple enough for you wonderfully helpfull people to answer. Once i have a more solid idea of what i need as a staring model i can go shopping

I was pointed to this little beast by a member. Only £700.00 (after a couple of e-mails) but think i do prefer the look of the Lupo.

But, i do think the Morrettes add to the "Track" theme i will be working towards. Fit side lights into the bumper, HIDs into two of the lamps and cold air feed the other two.

Kind Regards

Garry

[Philplop]

The Lupo 3L was a 1.2 TDI that was only available in Europe. It was mega-economical, using 3 litres of fuel for 100km (hence the 3L), which is about 100MPG.

Steering rack? Not that I know of. Will let someone else confirm.

Sports and GTI's had rear disc brakes. Think it's easiest to swap the whole beam over.

Cambridge lights have tinted indicator strips rather than the slightly orange standard ones.

[MotorSportWorld]

Perfect answers. Thanks.

Does the 3L have different bumpers that can be fitted to normal Lupos? I see alot of people mention them?

So depending on the cost of finding a rear beam, i may be just as well to spend the extra and get a 1.4 sport to start with? But they are around £2k so quite a cost. I shall have a look.

Okay, nice and simple then

Thanks for the answers.

Garry

[Philplop]

Yeah, they had different bumpers. You can trim them to fit the standard wings, but to do it properly you need to get the 3L wings and make a new section of sill to meet up with them. They need a different grill too.

Rear beams don't seem to go for a lot when they do come up. £100 should get you one I would think.

[Naif]

it's gary from ccuk! ftw

[MotorSportWorld]

Thanks Phil, great info.

So the various fronts are:

- Basic Lupo

- Sport

Are they both the same fronts, but the Sport having a centre exit?

- GTi

- 3L

I prefer the Gti front, but have read its a bit of a mission to fit onto a non-Gti, so will probably look at the Reiger front:

That should look purpousefull enough i think

Any other major points between the models i should think about?

Kind Regards

Garry

[MotorSportWorld]

it's gary from ccuk! ftw

Yeap, im over there also

Hi

[little rich]

Welcome Along,

It sounds like it is going to be an interesting build

One thing you may look for is a gti breaking as the doors and bonnet are aluminium I think the wings are too but would be a pain to fit on a non gti, The boot is possibly aluminium too buy im not certain!

Pretty pointless post but you get the idea!

Rich,