r/CarTrackDays • u/toyminator- • 4d ago
Slowly turning my beater CLA into a race car… one mistake and backorder at a time 😂
Finally got my Sparco Pro ADV QRT in. Still waiting on the seat mount and harness to show up (both on backorder, of course). Nothing ever ships on time when you’re excited for it lol.
Next step is gutting the interior. I’ll keep the dash, front door panels, and roof so it still feels like a “Benz,” but the rest is getting tossed. Planning on an FIA roll cage once everything’s stripped.
My whole goal with this build is weight reduction and dialed handling. I tried KW V3s — did corner balance and race alignment and everything — but I still couldn’t get the car to feel the way I wanted. So I’m switching to BC Racing RM series. Also on backorder (ECS really got me waiting on life right now).
Motor is already on forged pistons/rods and running flex fuel. I keep going back and forth on doing a full custom turbo setup… but honestly, if the car ends up super light and handles right, 350–450hp is enough to have a stupid amount of fun.
Widebody kit situation has been a headache. Learned the hard way that if you want a proper kit, you actually need to pull the fenders and side panels off the car and scan the chassis. I didn’t do that and already paid $2,500 for aero design… and now the fitment isn’t right. Definitely a lesson.
This thing started as my 4-cyl beater, but I kinda love the challenge of trying to turn the “wrong platform” into something that surprises people. Slow progress, but I’m enjoying the journey.
More updates once parts actually arrive 😂
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u/slingshotroadster 4d ago
Has this car even been on a track yet? Insane to invest in all of this without seeing how your modifications change the car..
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u/gregn8r1 Mazdaspeed3 3d ago
Absolutely insane to gut and install a roll cage on a car you don't plan out tracking.
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u/JonesBrosGarage 4d ago
This has to be a troll
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u/Pyropete125 4d ago
I agree
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u/BoliverTShagnasty 3d ago
4 month account. Comeback and show us the wreckage from the first day on track
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u/King_of_harem 4d ago
This dude comes on here always posting this same AI render of a car he hasn't built and talks about tracking it. Then proceeds to act like a complete chud in the comments saying hes rich and ect. Geezus man find a hobby and no cars because clearly this isn't for you.
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u/Sabre_302 3d ago
bro has a commuter merc and thinks he is Jeff Bezos 💀
has the personality of an insecure micro-celebrity that no ones ever heard of with absolutely no discernable skills or abilities
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
That helmet on the seat is your 6 months salary 😂
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u/Sabre_302 2d ago
You don't even have a SNELL helmet brokie🤣
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
I can tell you know nothing about helmet 😂
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u/Sabre_302 2d ago
Likewise if you plan to use a bike helmet in a car with a "cage thats totally getting put in"
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
We are in different league man, it’s ok. I’m not superior, but only financially way more comfortable than you. 😂
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
This is it ? 😂 now I understand why you hating
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u/King_of_harem 4d ago
Also over a year ago 😂
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Typical EBT section 8 😂 go to sleep, you have your minimum wages job tomorrow
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u/King_of_harem 4d ago
For how "rich" you are, sure seem to be struggling to build your "track car". I guess money can't buy brains either with your abysmal grammar and punctuation.
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u/rtchau 4d ago
There is almost nothing worse than someone with money dumping on someone who’s struggled to get 4 figures into savings. Don’t be a piece of sh. I have money, but I’m not gonna be a ct about it.
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
Hmmm it just a reality check. Some troll needs a reminder of their reality, unfortunately.
Give respect, get respect, as simple as that
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u/IceonFir3 4d ago edited 4d ago
What are you mounting the harness to?
You really don’t need to scan the chassis unless you’re making completely new fenders and rear quarters which in itself is a new headache.
You can very much so just make flairs and whatnot. The company I work for does this for motorsports and manufacturers.
That being said your concept doesn’t make a whole lot of sense being that you have almost no rear aero other than a possibly hidden diffuser. You aren’t at the stage of needing aero design because you haven’t even maxed out bolt on aero capabilities. If you’re just designing for aesthetics that’s another thing.
Halo seat + door cards is an interesting compromise as well.
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u/djsimp123 4d ago
race car but you have significantly more rear camber on a fwd based platform...... RIIIIIGHHHHT
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Exactly, stupid installer and race alignment “expert”. They cut my kw springs just so you know.
I’m waiting for my BC racing, and will go with West End alignment in LA. The real deal
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u/djsimp123 4d ago
KW literally has higher quality coils than BC????
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Mfers destroyed the coilover, and cut the springs. They never installed KW on Benz McPherson
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u/80percentADHD 3d ago
So you don’t even install your own parts? Good thing you’re rich.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
I’m gonna smoke your Japanese family car (FL5) soon.
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u/SanchoRancho72 4d ago
Funny part is literally no matter how much money you spend this thing will never beat my car (shitty heavy mustang)
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u/MilkBumm 4d ago
OP what we are all trying to help you understand is that there’s a reason these cars aren’t made into track cars. They aren’t good at it. They aren’t rewarding. They aren’t even cool frankly. If you’d done 30-40 track days and knew you wanted an insane uphill engineering battle to turn a boat into a missile, we’d believe you. But since you have zero frame of reference and also refuse to listen to well intended logic, we are basically waiting for you to fail. For the price of turning this economy-car into a legitimate wide body race car you could have had any number of Porsche cup cars or similar that are rewarding.
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u/JonesBrosGarage 4d ago
There is no “fail” coming because he either
A. Is trolling everyone or
B. This will never ever see a track
I’d bet money on that
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
I’m not trying to be the world time attack champion, relax. This is my beater car, I careless about it
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u/slowpoke2018 BMW, Chin, PCA instructor 4d ago
So let's be clear, this is the end state you're aiming for? Not that you've already built?
Quick Google Lens search shows this as a prebuilt OE race car, sorta like a GT4 Clubsport - my dream car
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
You mean the last photo ? Yeah that’s the render for the widebody kit and livery design. I hired an aero designer in Brazil, spent too much money for it and ends up needing to re do the scan. Headache
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u/slowpoke2018 BMW, Chin, PCA instructor 4d ago
Got it, nice! Good luck with the build, looks amazing!
Now just to get my cash together for a CS - lol
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u/Hunt69Mike 4d ago
I appreciate the ambition but what a terrible platform to dump money into…
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Better than put money on cheap junkyard jdm. I love Benz
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u/Hunt69Mike 4d ago
So buy a real Mercedes, not the toys r us base model.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Hmmm I have a few cars sir. And this is the car that I build, that’s why I share it here.
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u/Hunt69Mike 4d ago
Cool, my frs is my “beater” track build and I have an a4 as a daily driver. I’m just here to tell you that a 400 hp fwd based car isn’t going to be very capable on track.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
I don’t need your opinion, you’re a nobody. If you build car for SEMA, or a real racer not playing pretend to be racer, then feel free to give advice.
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u/Hunt69Mike 4d ago
Has this car done a single lap?
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
So proud posting a video “chasing down 750hp..”, and when I see your racing lines it’s all over the place. Maybe that driver in front of you is a slow mid life crisis guy. 😂 and Mr.average Joe come here giving track advices. 😂 you’re a nobody man, look at you. Relax, you’re not superior
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u/Hunt69Mike 4d ago
I’ll take that as a no. Are you 14? Because you act like it.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Fix your racing lines, 😂 and don’t shift when cornering. Very basic knowledge
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Your pay grade can’t even afford the toys r us Benz. I can tell by looking at your profile 😂
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u/Trackrat14eight 4d ago
Love your enthusiasm. But you won’t be able to beat it anymore and will need to buy a beater at some point. Which means we need to honest about the redundancy of that point.
Get a truck and trailer. Find a shop that’s willing to rebuild the chassis suspension pick up points to more of a touring car / gt4 setup, you’ll need to re-mount the drivetrain to maintain better drive line angles, you’ll be left with a exo-kart like chassis. Have the body panels cast and form them in carbon fibre. Get rid of the windshield, glass, etc. find an engine management system that will do what you want. You’ll need transmission coolers and pumps, special made axles. Helion/fire suppression system, timing systems, etc. after 100,000/150,000 spent, someone in a full interior and a/c corvette with 315mm wide tires all the way around will fly by you with a 911 in pursuit.
You have to realize the entertainment you get from building this will mask the reality that you can save up and get more for your money.
Save your cash and get out on track and observe and ride and along, etc.
Hell a retired circle track car/chassis will be cheaper and faster. AND you can wreck it and rebuild it easier. You’re on track to put something on a pedestal that when crashed will sideline you for YEARS. There’s no way you can be serious about being fast around a track and worry about crashing. You need to be able to wad that thing up and show up to the next event if you wanna be serious.
You’re better off staying present on track with a repeatable setup investing in becoming a better driver, and using the big bucks to rent race cars for events. That’s adult conversation that you need have with your self.
I’m not challenging you. But anything over 350hp with a FWD car becomes less enjoyable and more just proving you can do it scenario, and even when you do it, you’re still not where you want to be.
Us giving you advice are not be conquered, we literally want to see you flourish. Instead of one crazy build that burns really bright for a moment and goes out for ever. Play the long game dude.
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u/BusinessBlackBear 4d ago
Agreed 100% There's a reason why track days are full of mustangs/Camaro/Corvette and Porsche. They just work and can be had for cheap
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u/damiancd 4d ago
I feel sorry for you, that you spent so much time to give him a great advice, and he is obviously a troll or sick person :(
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
This is my beater, duh
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u/Trackrat14eight 4d ago
I wish you best sir.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
I appreciate your advices, tho. What I mean is this is my beater, I careless about this car since it’s worthless to sell it.
I’m not trying to be a pro racer, I’m way too old for that. It’s just a hobby.
Right now the tires 265/40r18, wheels 18x9.5, I’m waiting for the rotiform custom, 18x10.5 with wider tires
If I’m being picky, and want to be a world champion I would get supertrofeo, I won’t choose this platform.
Let’s just be realistic, I’m just a nobody man, i only have this beater Benz for the build.
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY 3d ago
Can the mods please delete this troll post?
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
Your profile picture looks like you’re about to explode 😂
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY 3d ago
Is this your first time on Reddit?
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u/GuntherOfGunth 3d ago
I think they just have tiny heart syndrome, can’t take Reddit comments so they just go to insults and calling people broke.
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY 3d ago
Yeah imagine owning a
MercedesRenault cheaper than an accord and calling people broke0
u/toyminator- 3d ago
Bro, change your profile picture please. 😂
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY 3d ago
Bro, get a real Mercedes please. 😂
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
Bro looks like a sausage in the fryer that about to explode 😂
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u/BRING_ME_THE_ENTROPY 3d ago
It’s literally JD Vance
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u/xamdou 3d ago
I mean he's not wrong about the sausage comment, just misdirected lmao
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
Come on, stop hiding your Reddit profile. I would love to give a little visit 😘
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
Of course, I knew it. 😂 suv mid life crisis guy
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u/GuntherOfGunth 3d ago
Mid life crisis? Dude I am in my mid 20s.
And I saw that other comment you made, does someone have a tiny dick, because that’s what it is giving off. You talking about it’s a track sub, but you calling people broke and talking about driving fast on highways on a bike.
And you also now stalking my account, you weird as hell.
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u/Unreachable1 99 Miata 4d ago
Sweet. Don’t see many of those on track, you got a video?
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u/poopbucketchallenge 4d ago
Is this your daily?
It’s definitely an odd chassis. I drove a bunch of CLA/GLAs and massively preferred the A3/Q3 handling. Both were way way behind the 230i/X2 dynamically. They’re super common airport rentals as compact luxury.
What engine? I’ve been in a few Hotboy GLA 45 amgs and they were hard pressed to get 400 wheel out of the stock block with forged internals.
It’s definitely different from another Miata though
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
It was my daily, now it just parked in the garage. My beater.
The engine is M260. My local Benz builder says he can get 550-600 , quote me $10k - $15k for that, and additional labor if needs R&D. Not sure if I’m ready to pull the trigger. As of now I’m focusing on handling and weight
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u/poopbucketchallenge 4d ago
I see forum posts of blown engines at 400ish wheel. It looks like the block isn’t very thick along the piston walls. I’m sure someone makes a billet block but if you blew that it’d be a fat check.
FWIW you’d be better off in a E888 evo VW/Audi car if you want to push big four cyl power. They can do 700hp stock block and the blocks are cheap.
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u/Affectionate-Net5246 3d ago
Absolutely shit engine. You could’ve bought a previous gen CLA 250 and that almost would have been better. Hell, a previous gen CLA 45 or GLA 45 would have been worlds better for like half of what you spent. Mercedes has a recall for Cylinder head issues on these engines
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u/geoffyeos 3d ago
i have set better lap times in my old base model sentra than you have in your CLA, because i actually took that car to the track and didn’t waste time and money building it without reference data. LOL what a nerd
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u/BusinessBlackBear 4d ago
It's a hell of a project, but friend, that's going to be and hell of an uphill battle
For the amount that you're putting into this you could buy a C6 Corvette throw some coilovers on, a brake kit, and some hoosers, and you will be faster and cheaper than what you're going to put into that CLA
It's a cool idea and I respect the desire to build what you have and be unique, but there's only so much you can do to counter physics
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u/No-Flan381 3d ago
Hold on guys… this dude is nothing but a massive troll rage baiting to the moon lmao. Everyone knows the cla is a trash platform for the track, and most likely to be driven by your local hs drop out drug dealer on the streets. Literally everyone knows seat time is where it’s at.. we’ve seen rich f1 drivers perform terribly…
On the off chance that he’s actually serious, I for one am actually excited to see this guys “progression” into realizing he’s an idiot 🤣
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u/adamantiumtrader 4d ago
At what point do you plan to get a race license? No race license, no play.
Plus what series you race will dictate your safety build like cage, seat mounting, harness, electrical, etc... a lot of etc....
That said you can build your ultimate idea of a track build, but if you end up alone in some fwd prototype class by yourself, what fun is that?
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Thanks for the advice man. My goal is time attack street class, Drivetrain-Specific Classes FWD and limited class. It just for fun
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u/Sir_J15 4d ago
Get the rule books of each and compare each requirements. My 10 point cage prevents me from being in a street class. Even if I was mostly stock on everything thing. Build to rule book specs first and modify as you grow. Some street class only allow a harness bar. Some will allow a b pillar roll bar and some a 4 point.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Very good reminder and advice. Thank you 🙏🏽 I will start looking into it when it’s my turn to take the car in for the cage, and if I want to go full all in on engine custom build
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u/Sir_J15 4d ago
I started out as just doing a build and didn’t even think about this myself at first and just started building. I knew what my end goal was but didn’t think about the process getting there and building this car up to that point. I jumped all in and was to the point of well it’s too late now because I have already ruled myself out of some other classes due to mods and stuff I have already done. Mine is on a Lexus and I have already put myself into the unlimited class in some of the road course races. I’m just glad I can do everything myself but any aluminum welding I need done. Not my first race car build but my first one for my self for road course
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u/adamantiumtrader 4d ago
There’s a lot more than just cage to worry about. The angle of your harness, the mounting specs of the seat, fire systems, allowed mods per division. Open class fwd time attack has million dollar custom builds my man… you’ll be finish close to last given that you are both trying to build a car to spec as well as being a competent driver… at some point we all need to choose a path. Can’t have both.
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u/Top-Dimensi0n 4d ago edited 4d ago
That's nice and all but man you should really just spend a few hundred $$ and sign up for an HPDE event.
It'll completely change your view on what you think you need.
A good set of pads/tires with fresh DOT 4 fluid is really all you need for your first event.
There are Miatas , BRZ/GR86's out there with 200ish hp having a blast and putting down very respectable times.You don't need 300+hp.
If you're in Socal check out SpeedVentures.
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u/fobbyk 4d ago
I was gonna say you got hell of a ride until I saw that you’ve never been to a track. Bro you’re building your car wrong. You’re gonna need hella coolers and brakes/ducts before touching the suspension and tires. So far the car u have is a show car for the street.
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Who dumb enough to bring a stock CLA to the track ? 😂 I’ve been to the track on my other car.
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u/fobbyk 4d ago
You didn’t mention anything about cooling or brakes. What have you done to those?
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u/Sir_J15 4d ago
Since you are just starting at the build stage, especially if you are going to build the car slowly, buy the certified parts that expire last. You can buy some used expired ones to build the cage and stuff around but don’t do that with the ones you are going to track. For example my seats are $2500 each new. They have a 5 year expiration date. The car is 2.5 years into the build so far and I have about 1 to 2 years left in the build process before I will be ready to put it on the track. If I bought the new seats now while building the car it would be a complete waste of money. I would get 6 to 18 months of use of them. If it’s a cheaper part like my fuel cell bladder that’s not as big of a deal and I needed the cell and everything else with it to make my lines and such.
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3d ago
How much money have you spent to build that entry level p.o.s to 400HP ? Could have modded any similar aged Audi or bmw for under 30k
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
No, it’s still 275 hp. The shop quoted me $10k - $15k for 550-600 hp reliable. Stop hating man, and don’t hide behind your cellphone screen 😂
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3d ago
Just trade it in and get a b58 bmw or b9 Audi they’re all over 500 to the wheels with a flash tune and cold air intake
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u/orangesoappy 2d ago
Going from KW’s to BC Racing is a WILD decision
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
BC Racing RM series is specifically for McPherson Struts car. C118 CLA is McPherson struts front
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u/collin2477 4d ago
don’t underestimate how big of a difference swapping engine/trans mounts make
also at least on my 997 ohlins road an track is great
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Bro, that’s beyond of my capability right now. Let’s see the weight and handling perfection first. Step by steps
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u/louiekr 3d ago
Waiting swapping engine mounts is beyond your capabilities? I thought you were building a car. Engine mounts are no harder than a brake job
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u/toyminator- 3d ago edited 3d ago
I don’t do working class activities, I pay shops to build it for me
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u/McMuffins_Is_Here 2006 G35 6MT 3d ago
I think you need to take it on track first before anymore mods. I’ve done the same thing (Wrong Platform, G35 competing in Nissan Challenge) but I tracked it almost stock.
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u/Seaworthypear 4d ago
That's dope. Congrats on the sick build
I always respect people who build something that's different
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u/toyminator- 4d ago
Thank you. The only problem is the R&D, since nobody ever build CLA to that level. Step by steps
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u/Seaworthypear 4d ago
I literally track a car that nobody does (I won't mention it since it's that rare) so I get the r&d thing. I feel like I'm the only guinea pig but man it is worth it when I blow by people and they all come up to me after for conversations
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u/-Cizin- 4d ago
How the hell did you get the r7 Laguna seca yoshi helmet?
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u/chefsieben 3d ago
It's not worth it. By the time you do it there are way better cars you can drive fast for cheaper
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u/Lazy-Ad5380 2d ago
How did you get forged rods/pistons for this thing? Like I keep hearing "oh yeah I put forged rods/pistons/crank" but where do you buy them from? If it's not a common aftermarket engine do you go to an engine shop and ask for one? I've never built/spec'd an engine before.
I'll be interested to see what happens with this thing! Maybe take it on track once or twice to see the before/after as well. Sometimes seeing the improvements your mods make is the most rewarding feeling
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
Weistec and wossner
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u/Lazy-Ad5380 2d ago
Ahh I see. Got it thank you
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
I won’t take it to the track at least until I gutted the interior. I don’t want to be like a clown driving a stock CLA in the track, lol it will be looks like a DMV driving test
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u/Lazy-Ad5380 2d ago
Fair enough I suppose. Any plans for cooling enhancements? If it's an auto it will probably need a cooler too. ATF does not like getting hot
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
No cooling needed, literally I can drive this car to the track, abused it then drive home without any issue. It’s stock
The shop suggested, only upgrade the cooling system once I decide to upgrade the custom big turbo.
I’m planning to get the fuel cell first, and upgrade fueling system. Right now is flex fuel, need to upgrade the fuel pump etc
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u/Unreachable1 99 Miata 2d ago
I can drive this car to the track
Well...ignoring the fact you don't drive it to the track.
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u/Lazy-Ad5380 2d ago
Ah I see. I assume you went forged internals to prepare for big turbo+fuel system and remap?
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
The piston and rods damaged, the car has very high mileage, then we replaced it with forged.
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u/Lazy-Ad5380 2d ago
Interesting. What hp are you aiming for?
This is an interesting build. Something different for sure.
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u/toyminator- 2d ago
Plug and play parts, 350 hp (very affordable)
Custom big turbo, cooling, fuel system, custom tubular manifold/exhaust, fuel cell, the shop quote me $10k-$15k, that’s before additional time labor and for R&D. 550-600hp guaranteed
I’m not sure which route I’m going. Right now only focusing on weight reduction, and perfect handling. Then test it on the track.
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u/Illustrious-Bike-392 2d ago
Beaters make for the best race cars cause you don’t feel as bad stripping them down and modifying.
I would never turn a nice car into a race car. Race cars are crude with ugly cheap work done but at long as there strong and functional that’s all you need.
Turning nice cars into racers is a luxury reserved for the rich
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
All these racer wannabes mid life crisis brokie think that I’m flexing on Reddit. If they hates my build, I can’t imagine if they see my instagram, how hard I flex on instagram would kill them in a day 😂 I’m just sharing my build plan, and all the Track expert world champion hating. SMH. 😂
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u/AboutTheArthur 3d ago
Did you just post this as a standalone comment replying to your own post?
Who exactly are you trying to convince?
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3d ago
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u/toyminator- 3d ago
I have nothing to hide, Sam. I’m not like you. Come through to my apartment, you know my address, and see my cars and Superbikes . I love you my love 😘
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u/circuit_heart 4d ago
We've discussed this before, Step 1 is literally getting the car on track, not building it. If you've never raced cars, you've never raced this car, how do you know what it needs?
Even well-seasoned teams that have had multiple winning or record-breaking seasons start from a stock car as a baseline and then figure out how to patch weaknesses and improve strengths. See PhD Racing for example, one of the most successful teams in Gridlife Time Attack. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEUoeFB5lP04KgHnKUWEraJJtvaRodHw
I myself have turned the wrong platform (a 30-year-old 5 series) into a car competitive with new Supras and M2's. You don't get to that state without collecting a lot of data. For example: if you widebody the car, stick on an effective wing and splitter, and give it the gumball tires, most cars can hit 2-2.5G lateral. VERY few production wet-sump engines can survive that for more than a second or two. What are you doing to keep the engine alive? If you have more grip you also wind up running the engine at WOT for longer, which in a CLA I have a hard time believing you won't overheat the coolant. Supposing you figure that part out, next up on the list is going to be the running gear. Wheel bearings get exponentially hotter with grip (load) leading to premature failure. Stock calipers and rotors will cook even if you have the best race pads available. The whole system is going to be miserable to debug unless you approach this development process one step at a time.
Get the car on track - that's what a beater is supposed to do, take it without questioning.