Thread: Hpde build and driver development

I currently have a nx2000 with an avenir swap GTiR T28 turbo about ready to go in. However unlike yourself I do not have a lot of track experience and was wondering would it be a severe hindrance to my driver development to jump straight to a turbo NX instead of keeping it NA for another year. ( I have only 4 AutoX and 1 HPDE under my belt). While I have almost everything for the swap I don't want to rush it if it is going to be a stumbling block to my driving development. Then again many people start out with faster cars and seem to do fine.

I would only put the build off for one season so approx 3-5 hpde qnd 6-10 autox. Any longer and i will feel guilt leaving my nice avenir cold and unloved. Ps if i stay na my avenir has a crank scraper and windage tray i could swap over to keep the engine more reliable.

What would you track junkies recommend? Thanks

I'm not a track junkie, but I have a couple dozen hpde's under my belt over a couple decades in a variety of cars. If I were in your position, I'd focus on becoming a better driver before going turbo. Get your brakes and suspension set, upgrade your cooling, and maybe upgrade your cams. The turbo might detract from your learning at this point, even to the point of being dangerous.

^^^^ Agreed on all points. More power with an unskilled driver is asking for trouble if he lets more power mask his shortcomings. Out here in AZ I have run against 99whp Mazda Miatas that asskick a lot of cars because the drivers are that good in HPDE. We frequently run with BMWs, Porsches, Corvettes, Audis etc. Skill is priceless.

I agree with my dad, to an extent. I do believe that you should stick with whatever you are currently driving to build your skill and stamina but, a Turbo is not automatically a bad thing. My first and only track car was/is a S13 DET. This is the car that I learned how to drive on a track with. I am comfortable with the power now.

That being said if you only have experience with NA then you should probably stay that way until you know your car inside and out. It will take a while before your skill outgrows your car.

In the mean time go out bang gears, have fun, and most importantly learn something.

Cheers!

Sent from my HUMBLE 4.5 using Tapatalk

That is what I think I will do. I already have the fastbrakes 11.75 superlite kit coming so I will install that get my gauges i, do ducting for the rad etc and get at least a bunch more trackdays and autox in then so the swap end of summer at the earliest. Thanks guys. I now a lot of people who use HP as a crutch to poor skill and I don't want to be one of them. Cheers

Start out with a basic platform and as you get more track time you will become even more comfortable. As we change and adapt to different tracks, driving adjustments and modifications on our cars it's almost as if you have to learn how to drive the track all over again. Gunnar you are one of those drivers that can drive a turbo on the track, you just need more time on it. Just like me. To the OP, depends on what you place as a high priority... If I were you I would do the NA for a year and as Gunnar said go out, have fun & learn something. You'll need it when you slap that turbo on especially with FWD.

It sounds like you are on the right "track." HPDE and autocross are more about driving the car that you have well than driving a fast car poorly. You get that, so you will be fine if you have patience and stick with it.

I'm late, but agree here too. We didn't have much luck with realiability on our turbo car. You can't learn if it's always broken...

Thanks so much guys. It is one of those; you know the right answer but you don't like it situations. It helps to have people 'encourage' you to make the right decision.

I am almost tempted to use the sr20det block and head, pull the pistons and put in some s16ve pistons or similar and go high comp NA but I think boost is too fun a thing not to try out eventually.

Have deep pockets just in case......