So you want to build yourself a race car. Maybe you know, maybe you don’t, but the average Nascar Sprint Cup car costs anywhere between $125,000 and $150,000.
That may be pennies on the dollar compared to your Bugatti’s and Rolls-Royce’s, but those race cars come with heavy drawbacks compared to their street-legal brethren. No A/C, no anti-lock brakes, and the list goes on.
If you want to do this right, you’re going to need to get your hands dirty. If you can do that and are willing to spend some time and money, let’s jump in.
Step 1: Find the Right Car Base
What’s the right car? Well, that’s up to you. Some prefer old-school cool, like an ’86 Toyota Corolla GTS.
Other’s may be preferable to an ’06 Shelby Cobra, something with muscle aesthetics and a roaring engine. (Shelby even admitted that driving race cars was what led him to build his own).
At the end of the day, it’s your decision. If you want a car that’s easy on the eyes, make that your prerogative. If you’re going strictly for speed, older models strip out a lot of the tech that goes into newer models of cars.
When choosing a car there are three things you need to consider:
1. Cost of the car
2. Work required to get it in racing-shape
3. How much time is needed for repairs and upkeep
… And of course, you should ask yourself the question: is it worth the effort? If the answer is yes and you have yourself the right car to start with, it’s time to get to work.
Step 2: Build a Car for Racing
To start, you need to strip the car. This is time-intensive, but a cheap process. This means removing the interior of the car, adding a roll cage (or welding and manipulating a current one), and making smart updates to the car.
Just kidding. Here’s where you can go nuts… both interpretations are valid.
Want a twin-turbo v8 engine to drive fast? Or an F1-R Procharger (one that costs the equivalent of a used Honda Accord)? This is where it happens.
Here’s what you need to consider for removal/replacement:
- Engine
- HKS Exhaust systems: tailpipe, muffler, etc.
- Wheels
- Tires
- AC Compressor
- Shocks and Struts
If you don’t want to drive yourself crazy, figure out what parts you’ll need prior to purchasing the initial car. Surprises will always come up during the rebuilding process.
Your best bet is to take a swig of something special, bite the bullet, and push through.
Step 3: Test, Tweak, Test, Fix, Test
Lots of tweaks are going to be made during this time. Installing an engine for the first time isn’t guaranteed to go as smoothly as replacing the air filter.
Top off coolant. Tighten all the bolts on the car. Don’t flood the engine with gasoline.
Double and triple-check your wires. Make sure the starter is connected properly and then turn the key.
If everything seems alright…
Final Step: Go Drive Your Race Car
If you’ve found the right base, assembled your new parts to get it into racing shape, then congrats: you’ve got a race car!
Go take it for a spin. Start with small trips, in case something starts to malfunction. Once you’re confident in your car racing abilities, feel free to take it out on the open road.
Looking for more on how to improve your ride? Check out our related auto articles.
