sod it, I'm keeping my FTO

[cmasterson]

Hello,

I was going to sell my '95 FTO GR, but I've decided to hold on to it. I'm thinking now to fix it up and use it for track days.

The car is completely standard, no modifications whatsoever so I am hoping you guys can help me out.

I have a modest budget so I am looking for advice on how to get this car to track day standard.

I plan on replacing the current engine, IVI seem to be the boys to go to, I'll get all my seals and crap from Abbey.

So, as a total noob to this place, can you guys point me in the right direction?

If not, it's cool, thanks anyway.

Christian

[Myfeckin FTO]

You have a modest budget but you're going to do an engine change? Exactly how modest is your budget?

To keep costs down I'd firstly ignore all cosmetic mods and get straight to stripping the FTO of all unnecessary weight.
Then you would have to improve the suspension (probably coilovers and uprated antiroll bars plus possibly some chassis braces for track use) and the brakes (4 pot set-up on the front - braided hoses - performance discs and pads). You'll likely need to add a roll cage (the FTO is an old car now by modern safety standards and will need a roll cage for serious track use).

Lastly a set of lightweight 16 inch rims (Rota etc) and a set of Toyo R888's for good grip/traction.

I'd do all the above before I'd bother with an engine change. No point adding power otherwise. 170bhp will be plenty if you can get the car around 1000kgs with good handling/braking mods.

[cmasterson]

excellent, this is exactly the kind of advise I need.

I want to change the engine because this one has 200k on it and runs badly, I don't mind dropping a grand to get another one fitted,

thanks for the advice, I want to start on the suspension first,

much appreciated mate.

[Myfeckin FTO]

...............
I want to change the engine because this one has 200k on it and runs badly, I don't mind dropping a grand to get another one fitted, ............I want to start on the suspension first.........

Dropping another GR (or perhaps later model GX -180bhp) engine into the FTO is the cheaper option however if you really need more power now is the time to explore the VR4 engine conversion option.

Re the suspension - keep your eye out for a set of 2nd hand coilovers and uprated antiroll bars and possibly underbody chassis braces on this and the UK forums.

Be interested to see how this progresses - make sure to keep us updated.

[cmasterson]

that's the Galant VR4 engine, right?
2.5l?

this may be a stupid question, but will that work with a tip tronic box?

[colm_mcm]

I'm gonna go against the grain here and suggest you sell your tip GX and buy a rough manual GPX

[cmasterson]

I would, but manuals are tough to come across aren't they?

[Bernard]

I would, but manuals are tough to come across aren't they?

In a word, no.
The majority of owners cars on here are manuals. Don't be fooled by the ever present "Rare" in FTO adverts (it's a constant source of amusement here).

[Myfeckin FTO]

Didn't realise you had a tiptronic.
A manual box would be kinda important for track work.

[Dilogoat86]

I hear of more manuals then tips tbh.

Also, you say budget. You'll really need to explore exactly what you mean by a budget. If you have one, consider it already broken. Cars have an awful habbit and making you "need" the next thing on your list more than "needing" to stick to your budget.

Good advice previously. All worth thinking about, but the real question comes down to exactly how much you are willing to spend. You could very easily spend a few hundred quid and a few hours. Making it lighter is free unless you start going down the FG/CF route on boot and bonnet. A VERY hefty service on the engine and clean all the bits. It's time consuming but A LOT cheaper than a new engine. Also, buying an engine from a breakers could add to your troubles.

A manual is going to be a must for track use so bear that in mind. That said, you could still have a lot of fun in your tip but ultimately a manual is best.

There's no point in making your car faster until you know what kind of driver you are. Track and road are very different. More power could make you a worse driver so stick with the current engine for now would be my suggestion. Improve handling and safety above all and invest in a good helmet. Even a little knock could seriously hurt.

All in all, think about all your options and weigh up exactly what you want against how much you're prepared to spend.

Happy modifying

[cmasterson]

lots of great advice there, thank you.

The idea of a manual sat with me the whole time I have to admit.

I really don't know which way to go now. I'll have to have a long think about it.

Incidentally, my budget was about five grand.

[Dilogoat86]

5k? Wow, that's a decent budget. You'd easily get a set of tools, an engine and box, suspension, cage, helmet and full service for that. Get decent plugs and leads too, they can make a good difference in a car being pushed a lot.

[Dave]

If you have 5 grand for a track car, get something other than an FTO!!!

[cmasterson]

well I was thinking, because I had my FTO just sitting there that it would be the obvious choice, I mean it's a fantastic drive anyway.

what would you suggest instead? I was thinking EVO4

[Dave]

It all depends on what you want, do you want something big and powerful, drifting etc, depends entirely on what you're looking for!

[cmasterson]

honestly, I've never drifted before, but I've always been into cars (my last car was an E46 M3, someone decided to steal it) now I want something to blitz on a track without losing my licence, I know a bit about cars but obviously my knowledge pales in insignificance compared to some of the minds that post on here (honestly I've been shocked at how much some of you guys know)

this is purely a social thing for me, I want a car I can lose my stress in once a month or so

[Dilogoat86]

5 grand would get you a car and not a lot else...you'd get a hell of a lot more out of your FTO with the 5k invested in it.

[CJ]

You could track the tip but you'd want to be investing in an ATF oil cooler and decent ATF (i.e. Amsoil). I had my old 5-speed tip VR-4 around Mondello a few times and while it performed just fine, I was crying out for stick-shift. The tip box doesn't give you same level of control as a manual on track.

If you're serious about tracking the FTO, I'd recommend the following:

Manual conversion
Decent clutch (Exedy or similar)
Lightened flywheel
Strip out interior \ aircon
Exhaust \ decat \ CAI
Coilovers \ uprated ARBs \ poly bushes all around
Adjustable front camber bolts
Track tyres
Front \ rear \ lower suspension bracing

You might also want to consider:

Lightweight bucket seat
Roll cage

If you're handy, you could do most of this work yourself and have plenty of change out of 5k.

CJ

[Sebastian]

Are there any faults on the car you have ? NCT?

[colm_mcm]

Sebs manual GR would be a good track car to buy. it's proven to be plenty lively on the drag strip

[cmasterson]

Car is completely clean, just through the NCT.

Battery could do with replacing, I don't think the full 170bhp is still there.

If I was gonna buy a manual I think it would have to be a Mivec.

Lot of food for thought here, thanks to everyone.

[optical illusion]

Don't forget the upgraded pads and braided lines!!
I've had my fto on track and will be going to Mondello the 13th of this month. I'd go absolutely insane with a tip box.

[steelroe]

How about a vr4 conversion. I have this one for sale for a while. http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1036188 Would get you all you need for the conversion and sell on the rest. I also have a 22mm rear anti roll bar if you need an uprated one.

[Wildhound]

Seriously, 5k? Have you seen what a manual GPX goes for these days? I picked up a virtually immaculate one for peanuts a few months back.

I'd suggest finding a cheap manual GPX with a healthy engine (cosmetics aren't going to be an issue) and stripping out as much weight as you can. You'll have plenty of cash to spare for some choice modifications then.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1102305
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1134068

Mivec isn't even a must for this.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1102263

You'll easily get any of these for less than the marked price and there's tons more out there. I only looks for 2 minutes.