is this too good to be true?!

if not, im going down there in 10 days and buying it.
http://www.specialstage.com/classifieds/show-ad/?id=49

could be a cool car, cant tell without pics. and they are providing minimal information. one nice thing about the low number of competitors in the US is that we all seem to know each other and know a little about each other's cars.

dont forget that you will not be able to race that car in Rally America events since it has a turbo motor and you are a new competitor. so you will need to enter NASA events, replace the turbo with one with now insides in it, or put a non turbo motor in there. so plan your budget accordingly.

if you go look at it take lots of pictures and if possible get in touch with another ralliest in area and have them look at it with you. just because it has a loog book does not mean it will automatically pass a tech inspection.

questions to ask:

-how old are the DMS and when was the last time they were rebuilt? DMS can be expensive to rebuild, but talk to JVL he knows how to get around the high cost of a DMS rebuild.

-are the belts current?

-does the roll cage padding meet the current rules?

-does it include a rally computer or intercom?

-what is the spare suspension?

-is the spare engine in need of a rebuild or can it be dropped right in?

-same question about the spare tranny. the tranny for this car can be spendy to rebuild.

-has it had any offs?

-when was the last time it was raced?

-when was the last time it was driven?

-does it have a restrictor?

-make sure to check general maintenance of the car too, like ball joints, bushings and what nots.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2011 01:04AM by Greg Donovan.

do i have to buy a non turbo engine? i cant just take the turbo off?

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WRCWRXSTI
do i have to buy a non turbo engine? i cant just take the turbo off?

you could do that but it will be down on power. turbo engines have lower compression than non turbo engines and typically have different cams. that will be the cheapest option to getting the coefficients needed to be allowed to run a car with a turbo in RA. remember, even a slow car down on power is better than no car.

however, you can rallycross the crap out of the car the way it sits i bet and it will probably be a bunch of fun.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2011 01:06AM by Greg Donovan.

Quote
WRCWRXSTI
if not, im going down there in 10 days and buying it.
http://www.specialstage.com/classifieds/show-ad/?id=49

Break any single part in the trans by Oh, say grimacing at the lever, and you are stuffed....

Stay the course....no 1.6 no no--big 2300 yes yes

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Seeing all these cars up for sale makes me sad, boo hoo, cuz they shore aren't asking very much for em. I'm thinking Janice's car is a better deal even though I have a soft spot for gtx's. I think this one here's been pretty well sorted if it's the one I think it is. But yes the geaboxes are made of glass and they ain't nowhere near as available as they used to be. Treat it carefully and it should last long enough to do many rallies however. I never broke one, I don't think the Baldinis have busted trans yet, but it doth sucketh to have that major a component be such a weak spot...

I know somebody that has a short ratio dogbox for a GTX taking up space in their garage. Sorta helps solve the glass gearbox issue...though it needs a few dog-rings replaced.

BTW, the GTXs are low enough on power that you might just get granted a waiver to run one, especially if you agree to turn down the boost. Only way to know is to ask the folks at Rally America. Keep in mind that GTX probably makes 180hp, which isn't too far off what an Open Light car could make.

Dave

With all the nasa and canadian events close by building coefficients shouldn't be that hard. Haven't seen that gtx sence the last rally sprints, if it were be I would pick up the talon as I have a feeling it will be cheaper to get on stage and in the long run.

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DaveK
I know somebody that has a short ratio dogbox for a GTX taking up space in their garage. Sorta helps solve the glass gearbox issue...though it needs a few dog-rings replaced.


I *Wish* that's all it took to fix the glass gearbox. But you still end up with the same glass centerdiff, which when it shatters will take your fancy closeratio gearset right with it...

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Jay
I *Wish* that's all it took to fix the glass gearbox. But you still end up with the same glass centerdiff, which when it shatters will take your fancy closeratio gearset right with it...

I always ran with the center diff locked on loose surfaces. Never had a problem, and I was making more power than most GTX'ers back then (built 1.8L, GT256R turbo). That said, I knew it was an issue, so maybe I shifted a little slower in hopes of saving things.

Dave

Quote
DaveK

Quote
Jay
I *Wish* that's all it took to fix the glass gearbox. But you still end up with the same glass centerdiff, which when it shatters will take your fancy closeratio gearset right with it...

I always ran with the center diff locked on loose surfaces. Never had a problem, and I was making more power than most GTX'ers back then (built 1.8L, GT256R turbo). That said, I knew it was an issue, so maybe I shifted a little slower in hopes of saving things.

Dave

We did as well. Never had a gearbox issue either. It's only when you really put on the boost that things start to happen.

..Which is why next time my car rallies, it'll be with a toyletta gt4 alltrac box grafted in.
With the boost turned up to the limits of the injectors. Looks like it'll be ready for Mt. Hood..

Cheers all around, Jay!!!!

Right on Jay!

Ive been talking to the owner of the car for a couple weeks now. there are 2 spare transmissions, ready to be dropped in to the car, same with the spare engine, and spare suspension. it was last raced in 2009, and the last time it ran was 9 months ago. everything on the car is current except for the safety harnesses. it needs a fresh battery, and a new wheel bearing, which he said we can change when i go to see the car. what do you guys think?