So, what would you get for a 24 hour of lemons car?

[ultimatebob]

So, apparently there is going to be a 24 hours of Lemons race near me next year:

Race - 24 Hours of LEMONS

24hoursoflemons.com

The budget for a 24 hours of lemons car is $500 (wink, wink), but the safety gear that needs to be added to the car like the roll cage and fire suppression system is not counted in the total price. That said, most of the people who win these cars tend to be driving BMW 3 series cars from the 1990's.... there is no way in hell that they paid for less than $500 for parts to make them race worthy, let alone the price of the car itself.

So, what would you choose for your Lemons car? I can't help but think that an older Volvo would hold up well to an endurance race.

 

[herm0016]

1992 Buick Roadmaster - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle...

I have a 1992 Buick Roadmaster sedan with 139,900 miles. It ran great until we let our son-in-law borrow it. It still starts and drives, believe or not. However, there is a small antifreeze leak in...

denver.craigslist.org

probably just needs a rad. and some hammer time to flatten out the hood and a serious diet. LT1 v8! anyhow, something like this.

does it have to have a title and a plate??

 

[Motostu]

Man, I'd love to do something like this. I always thought an old Honda/Acura might do well, though probably couldn't compete speed/handling-wise with an old bimmer.

 

[EXCellR8]

They do lemons at NHMS all summer long... I'd probably grab a beater Civic or Integra since there's cheap parts everywhere for D and B series engines/chassis.

Make sure you read into the tech & safety requirements though, as some of the events are pretty strict on regulations... ironically.

 

[jlee]

A lot of things don't count in your budget - for example, all the safety equipment, brakes, wheels/tires, and probably more that I'm forgetting. If you do want to run a LeMons race, IMO it's best to find a team looking for a driver. Building a car is a lot of work and a lot of money, but if you can join a team that helps diffuse the workload and cost (plus then you need to find additional drivers).

 

[fralexandr]

If you're lucky maybe a crown vic?

5 Cheap Race Cars That Finish Lemons Races - 24 Hours of LEMONS

Here are some good options for cheap race cars to undertake Lemons duty if you want to keep expenses down and (probably) race all weekend.

24hoursoflemons.com

 

[Dr. Detroit]

T-Bird/Cougar or any GM W-Body with the 3800.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Im thinking an old buick, something with the 3800 engine in it.
1.) Usually those cars have thick padded foam seats, something super soft and comfortable to help the drivers to endure a long time.
2.) Gm 3800 engine has a decent reputation for being a survivor.
3.) Might still be able to find a decent example in this price range.

Ford Panther would indeed be a great option if you could find one.

Good Luck finding an old LS400 in that price range. Those things are tanks, and usually dont drop down below like 2-3k in drivable state.

 

[EXCellR8]

If you do want to run a LeMons race, IMO it's best to find a team looking for a driver. Building a car is a lot of work and a lot of money, but if you can join a team that helps diffuse the workload and cost (plus then you need to find additional drivers).

Yes, like basically any motorsport going in alone is a quick and expensive way to get yourself to the "stuck" phase. I tried doing the math when I had the SC300 set up for drift events but there's so many variables that it makes it tough to manage costs/expenses.

That, and tires being impossible to find cos everyone runs 16's or 17's

 

[Scarpozzi]

Be sure to stay for the after-race party.

Look for a Buick Regal GS.

 

[herm0016]

well, if anyone is in Colorado and wants to start a team, I'm in!

 

[ultimatebob]

Im thinking an old buick, something with the 3800 engine in it.
1.) Usually those cars have thick padded foam seats, something super soft and comfortable to help the drivers to endure a long time.
2.) Gm 3800 engine has a decent reputation for being a survivor.
3.) Might still be able to find a decent example in this price range.

Ford Panther would indeed be a great option if you could find one.

Good Luck finding an old LS400 in that price range. Those things are tanks, and usually dont drop down below like 2-3k in drivable state.

I wonder if you could get a 90's era Toyota Avalon in that price range. It's basically the same thing as a LS400, but a different drive train and just as reliable.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I wonder if you could get a 90's era Toyota Avalon in that price range. It's basically the same thing as a LS400, but a different drive train and just as reliable.

Avalon is and was on the same platform as the Lexus ES and Toyota Camry v6. (FWD V6 based with Transverse engine)
That said, the ES/Avalon are indeed also very reliable. But, I suspect you'd have better luck finding a V6 camry.


All Lexus LS models are V8 with longitudinal engine. They were all RWD until they all became AWD. They are built on a RWD based platform. This platform is shared with the GS and IS lexus models.