So… i built my rx7 to road race. Spent too much time/money to beat the hell out of it so its pretty much now a street car.
Wanted to build something to actually race. I picked rally mainly cause I have a friend who does it, and I thought it would be cool to get my dad involved in something. He’s going to co-pilot. I’m shooting for black river stages in NY next september.
Got the car for $650, had to take a bus to virginia to pick it up though haha. Runs good, did a compression test on it 195,200,205,205. Anyways this is just the prelim shots, i’ll be gutting it this week. Ordering the seats and the steel/tube to start the cage soon.
Nothing too exciting on these pictures, but they’ll be some good ones soon.
Why did you choose a Celica? Are you trying for a certain class? Don’t know to much about the sport at that level. Knowing you it will turn into a badass project I’m sure.
Well, FWD is easier to learn on than any other platform. Infact you’re not even allowed to enter a AWD turbo car without a certain amount of points under your belt.
Basically I wanted something semi sporting looking, i mean dont get me wrong celicas not an amazing looking car, but it should look pretty good once its done, better than a civic or something. I also wanted something cheap. For $650 couldnt pass this up. I was also looking at preludes, 240sx, celicas, was actually considering a 1st gen Rx7’s but rwd… greater chance i wreck it.
Haha, i dont plan on getting as crazy with this one. I’m building it to meet the specs i have to get in, no engine work stock 135 HP of fury!!! I’m pretty sure the rx7 makes more at idle. I"m not uping the power until i feel comfortable flying through the woods with this much.
If you’ve never done one before, you may want to try volunteering for a few races to get the hang of how everything runs, its a different world there, plus learning the pace notes while being on a chase crew is always easier than learning them whilst flying sideways through some woods.
Black River is an awesome time, a lot of tarmac on that course so plan for that as well
awesome, cool to see someone throwing together a rally build
There’s a great rallycross program down at Summit Point, which could help you learn the car a little and shake out any builds as you go… and you can run it before the cage is in. I’m going to try to go back down in a couple weeks, and again in November. A number of the guys who come down are now doing a fair amount of stage rally
Good Luck on the build! I know of two people personally who currently run stage rallies, Jim McClelland and Jason Smith. Both great people and would be excellent resources. Let me know if you would like their contact information.
Foz, I enjoyed your pictures from Summit Point. Im glad you got the car running and out in the dirt!
I’d consider summit point, but i’m starting to gut it; probably be starting the cage this weekend. Depending on when i finish the car,i’ll probably take it down there in the spring/summer. As far as volunteering, if the build isn’t ready for STPR next june i’ll be tagging along with my buddy as his ‘crew’.
The engine is pretty much ready to be removed, didn’t snap any pictures. I’ve been debating which welder to buy,my 110 mig isn’t up to the task of building a cage. I did a bunch of tests welds with c02 on 1/8" plate. Welds looked good until i sledged it into submission. I was probably only getting 1/16" penetration. I’m probably cheaping out and buying a clarke 180en off ebay for $350. I know i know, but i’m not spending 700 on a comprable lincoln/hobart, or a grand on a miller. This way I can sell my lincoln and only be out $100 or so.
Found a decent oil leak once I pulled it in the garage. Looks like it’s coming from the front timing cover/oil pan. Shouldnt be a big deal. Ill probably replace all the gaskets along with the timing belt anyway.
I used dry ice to remove all of the sound deadening. The stuff is a nightmare to remove, but if you get dry ice and let it sit for 10 min. You can get a sledge and it just comes off in giant chunks. Pick up the big chunks, then you can vacuum up all the small pieces after the ice evaporates.
