A race series is like a season of races. Drivers compete at several events, usually with the same rules, and sometimes earn points for overall standings.
“Track time” refers to scheduled on-track sessions where drivers can practice and improve their skills. It’s often sold as part of track-day programs, sometimes with coaching or structured competition.
They’re talking about how racing events and the community around them feed each other. When people feel part of a scene, they keep coming back and bringing others.
A drift event is when drivers try to slide the car sideways through turns on purpose. The goal is to do it smoothly and consistently, not just to set the fastest lap.
Time attack is when drivers try to set the fastest lap time on a track. It’s like a competition version of a track day, with timing and structured runs.
This is a type of race where cars start in a grid and drive side-by-side. It’s more like normal racing for position than just trying to set the fastest lap by yourself.
Power-to-weight ratio is how much “go power” a car has compared to how heavy it is. A higher number usually means the car feels faster because it has more pull per pound.
Wheel-to-wheel racing is when multiple cars are on track at the same time and you’re trying to beat other drivers, not just your own time. It’s usually more chaotic and strategy-heavy.
A spec racer is a race car where many parts are standardized by the rules. That helps keep costs down and makes the competition more about driving and allowed tuning.
Factory built cars means the race cars are made by the manufacturer (or an approved builder). It usually makes the cars more similar to each other so it’s easier to compete.
A spec series is racing where the cars are controlled by rules so they’re very similar. That way, it’s less about who spent the most money and more about driving well and making smart setup choices.
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spec fit
This sounds like a community-made rule set. The idea is to keep cars more similar so racing is more about driving than spending money.
This means driving extremely close together. When cars are that close, it’s easier to bump each other if someone brakes or turns differently.
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diesel truck racing started as well
They’re saying a similar thing happened in diesel truck racing—people started racing in a messy, improvised way and it turned into a real scene. The common thread is community momentum, not perfect preparation.
“Cummins” is shorthand for a diesel engine made by Cummins. People associate it with a lot of torque (pulling power), especially in certain Dodge trucks, so it often shows up in drag or racing stories.
SCCA is a big U.S. organization that runs amateur road racing events. When someone says “SCCA club world,” they mean the community and rules that come from that grassroots racing scene.
This is describing a common track-day reality: if your dedicated track car breaks, people may temporarily use a daily driver instead. That choice affects performance, safety, and compliance with event rules, since daily cars often aren’t set up for sustained track use.
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power band width factor
A “power band width factor” is a rules-based way to quantify how broad (or narrow) an engine’s effective power delivery is across RPM. In racing rulebooks, it’s often used to balance different engines by accounting for where they make usable power, not just peak output.
Rally racing is a motorsport where cars race on timed stages over public or closed roads, often with mixed surfaces and changing grip. The “big issues” being referenced likely relate to how rules, competition formats, or vehicle preparation differ from circuit/track-day culture.
Rally cars are race cars built for rough, changing surfaces—like dirt or gravel—where grip can change a lot. They’re made to handle bumps and traction changes better than a normal car.
Racing rules are meant to keep everyone on a level playing field and to keep things safe. The idea here is that some people will look for loopholes to gain an advantage if the rules aren’t tight.
“Push the limit” describes driving or tuning behavior where you keep increasing performance or aggression until the car reaches its traction, braking, or mechanical limits. On track, this is where tires overheat, brakes fade, and driver mistakes become more likely.
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$15,000
They’re using a strict budget limit of $15,000 for the car you start with. That budget affects which cars you can realistically buy and still afford to maintain for track days. It also limits the list of cars they’ll consider.
They mean the “base car” is the car you can actually buy and drive right away. It’s not a broken project or something you have to fix before it’s usable. For track days, starting with something that runs and drives helps avoid surprises.
They want the car to be easy to find for sale in the U.S. That matters because if a car is rare, it can be harder and more expensive to get parts and repairs. So they’re focusing on cars that are practical for most people to buy.
The “ice cream test” is basically: can your track car still be used like a normal car with a passenger. If you’ve stripped it so much that you can’t comfortably take someone along after the track, the community says it’s gone too far.
They’re saying that if you’re on a tight budget, you often don’t buy a separate track-only car. You use your regular car for track days too, so it has to be both practical for everyday driving and tough enough for the track.
They’re treating the $15k as the car’s price, not counting upgrades. And they want upgrades that are affordable and straightforward—nothing that turns it into a huge, expensive project.
A turbocharger is a device that helps the engine make more power. They’re saying you shouldn’t need to add one (or do a turbo conversion) to get a car ready for track days on a tight budget.
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"Back half the whole car" (major chassis/body modification)
“Back halfing” means doing a big, structural repair or modification to the rear of the car. That kind of work is expensive and time-consuming, so it doesn’t fit their budget track-day rules.
Suspension is what connects the wheels to the car and helps the tires grip the road. They’re saying you shouldn’t have to replace basically all of it to make the car suitable for track days.
They mean the car should basically stay the same car—no major cutting or rebuilding. The goal is to pick something you can get ready for the track with normal upgrades, not a full transformation.
Tires are what actually grip the road, and wheels help support the tire setup. For track days, changing tires (and sometimes wheels) is one of the simplest upgrades that can make a big difference.
Brakes are what slow the car down, and on a track they get very hot. That’s why brake upgrades are often needed to keep stopping power consistent.
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reliability part
When people say “reliability” for track days, they usually mean making sure the car won’t overheat, break, or suffer fluid-related failures under sustained load. Common reliability checks include cooling system health, brake fluid condition, and basic wear items.
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contaminate
Contamination means something got on the tire surface that makes it less grippy. If your tires aren’t clean and free of harmful stuff, they can feel slippery and unsafe.
They’re talking about buying a used car from an online marketplace and then going to a track day with it. The idea is that cost isn’t everything—condition and safety matter most.
It just means you’re trying to get the most fun or performance for the money. Instead of chasing the absolute fastest car, you pick one that’s affordable and still enjoyable on track.
“Seat time” refers to how long you’re actually driving during a track day. More seat time usually means more learning, better confidence, and more opportunities to practice lines and braking points.
“Race to the bottom” means everyone keeps pushing harder, but the result is worse for you instead of better. Here, it’s about chasing speed in a way that can wreck your car.
“Fox body” is a nickname for a generation of Ford Mustang from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. People like them for track and drag use because there are lots of parts and tuning options.
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track that's really fast vs slow car that's really technical
Not all race tracks are the same. Some are more about going fast in a straight line, while others are more about turning and braking a lot. A car that struggles on one type of track might do great on the other.
“Gen one” just means the first version of that car. When you’re buying used, the generation can change how easy it is to find parts and how reliable the car tends to be.
Availability refers to how easy it is to find a specific car in the used market at a reasonable price. For enthusiasts, it also often implies parts availability and community support for maintenance and upgrades.
“Takeover tax” is slang for when a car gets so popular in a scene that the price jumps. You end up paying more than you would if it were just a normal used car.
The Honda Fit EV is a small Honda Fit that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. The podcast mentions it because it’s an EV version of a practical compact car. It’s brought up as an example of how small cars can be electric too.
They’re talking about the overall cost of doing track days, not just buying the car. The big expenses over time are things that wear out—like tires and brakes—plus upgrades you may need to make the car track-ready.
Longevity means “how long the car can keep going” without you constantly spending money. For track days, it’s about reliability and how expensive it is to replace the things that wear out.
Some cars put the gear shifter on the dashboard instead of between the seats. It’s a different layout that can feel unusual at first, but it’s part of what makes certain older cars memorable.
This is about how more people started buying crossovers and SUVs instead of regular cars. When that happens, car companies build fewer “fun” cars and more family-friendly crossovers.
Term
K20 Z three
“K20 Z3” refers to Honda’s K-series engine family variant commonly associated with the Civic Si/SiR era, known for strong aftermarket support and a high-revving character. The hosts are highlighting it as a “great motor” with lots of parts available.
A limited-slip differential helps both drive wheels work together better. If one wheel starts slipping, it helps send more power to the wheel with grip.
On a track, front-wheel-drive cars have to both steer and drive from the front wheels. If the front wheels lose grip, the car can’t put power down well—so upgrades like an LSD can make a noticeable difference.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan meant for everyday driving. The podcast mentions it alongside talk about power and racing, meaning people treat it as more than just a basic commuter. It’s brought up because it can be part of performance conversations.
A “diff” helps the wheels turn at different speeds when you’re cornering. That matters because the inside and outside wheels don’t travel the same distance around a turn. It’s a big part of why a front-wheel-drive car feels predictable and controllable.
“Aftermarket support” means how many replacement and performance parts are available from companies other than the original manufacturer. For track-day use, strong aftermarket support matters because it makes it easier to upgrade brakes, suspension, tires, and cooling without hunting for rare parts.
“Livability” means how easy and comfortable the car is to live with day to day. The speaker is saying it’s not only a track-capable car—it’s also pleasant enough for normal driving.
A junkyard is a place that sells used parts from cars that have been wrecked. If you break something at the track, junkyards can be a cheaper way to replace it.
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eating that thing into corners
It means you drive into the corner with confidence instead of being scared and slowing down. When you’re not worried about wrecking, you can practice better and improve.
A tail light is the red light on the back of the car. If you hit something and break it, it’s often a relatively simple and affordable fix compared to bigger damage.
“Not precious” basically means you’re okay with the car getting some wear or minor damage. On a track day, that’s normal, so you don’t treat it like a museum piece.
They’re saying the next suggestion will be in the Honda direction. Honda cars are often chosen for track days because parts are usually easier to find and cheaper.
The Miata (MX-5) is a small two-seat convertible made by Mazda. It’s designed to feel nimble and fun to drive, not to be a big, fast grand tourer. The episode brings it up as a reference point for what a “real” modern roadster should feel like.
An “unexpected car” is a normal-looking car that turns out to be great for track days. It usually works because it’s light and easy to drive, and people can upgrade it to handle better.
It means you can have a lot of fun on track even if the car isn’t very powerful. The key is learning to drive it well—brake smoothly, turn in confidently, and use the throttle correctly—so you’re going fast for what the car can do.
They’re saying track days can feel stressful, especially if you’re worried about crashing or damaging your car. A cheaper, easier-to-drive car can make you feel more comfortable, so you can concentrate on getting better instead of panicking.
They mean getting better by focusing on small things you do while driving. Instead of just trying to go faster with power, you improve how you brake and steer. Doing that repeatedly is how you get quicker on track.
The hosts are emphasizing a “one car, many weekends” approach: a track-day car that’s affordable enough to keep using, and practical enough to drive to the track, run all weekend, then return home and do it again. This is about total cost of ownership and day-to-day usability, not just lap times.
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First-generation vs second-generation model upgrade
They’re comparing two versions of the same model—an earlier generation versus a newer one. The point is that the newer generation is usually a better car overall, even if you’re still buying used.
“Print mags” refers to traditional automotive magazines (paper publications) that used to be a major source of reviews and coverage. Mentioning them is a clue that the hosts are talking about the car’s early-era cultural impact and media attention.
The Nissan 350Z is a rear-wheel-drive sports car that a lot of people use for track days and drifting. The reason is that it’s relatively affordable and there are lots of parts and tuning options for it.
Rear-wheel drive means the back wheels do the work of moving the car. Many track and drift drivers like it because the car tends to feel more controllable when you’re turning hard and managing tire grip.
The VQ engine is Nissan’s well-known V6. People like it for track and drifting because there are lots of upgrades available and it’s a proven platform for making power and reliability.
“Track day culture” and “drift culture” overlap, but they prioritize different things: track days emphasize repeatable lap performance and heat management, while drifting emphasizes controlled traction breakaway and durability under sustained wheel slip. The hosts are framing the 350Z/VQ platform as a bridge between the two communities for longevity and parts availability.
A three-speed transmission has only three forward gears. That can make it harder to keep the engine in the “sweet spot” when you’re driving fast, because you have fewer gear choices.
Term
long gear
“Long gear” means the transmission is set up so the engine spins slower for a given speed. That can make the car feel calmer on the road, but on track it may require more downshifting to keep the engine in the right rev range.
An LSD helps the car put power down more evenly when one wheel has less grip. If it’s “factory,” it’s already set up correctly from the start, so you don’t have to add it later.
Brembo makes performance brakes. If your car has Brembo brakes, it usually means the braking system is stronger and can handle repeated hard stops better on a track.
This means how much it costs to keep the car running over time. On a track day car, you usually spend more on wear items like tires and brakes, so the “cheap to run” part is a big deal.
Chassis stiffness is how “solid” the car feels when you corner hard. If it flexes a lot, the handling can feel less precise; if it’s stiffer, it usually feels more controlled.
The hosts mention “rules” tied to a budget class (under $15k), which affects what cars are eligible for the comparison. This is important because track-day performance is often limited by what you can buy within the class, not just what’s fastest overall.
BRZ is Subaru’s small sports car. They’re comparing older versus newer versions, and saying the newer one feels more solid and better for driving hard.
The Scion FR-S is a small sports coupe designed to be fun and affordable. The podcast talks about buying one for around the low $10,000s. It’s mentioned because it can give a real sports-car driving experience without costing a lot.
At higher elevations, the air is thinner. That means engines often make less power, so the car can feel weaker than it would at sea level.
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avoid the twins at all costs
They’re saying not to pick the “twins” for their situation. The reason seems to be that where you live (like high altitude) can make those cars less ideal for track days.
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I thought it was broken
This highlights a common track-day/enthusiast-car issue: unfamiliar behavior can feel like a mechanical problem when it’s actually normal for the conditions (e.g., altitude, tire/brake heat, or drivetrain characteristics). It’s a reminder to verify fundamentals before assuming a failure.
The Civic Si is a sporty version of the Honda Civic. It’s meant to feel more fun to drive than a base model, but still be practical enough for normal life—so it can be a good “track day” choice without being too extreme.
Light cars tend to feel quicker and easier to control. On a track, that usually means you can brake and turn more confidently without the car feeling heavy or sluggish.
It means not spending way more money than you planned. Track days can get expensive, so the goal is to pick a car that won’t force you into huge extra costs right away.
“Mob the fit” is slang for aggressively or enthusiastically driving the Honda Fit—here, implying there’s a limit to how far you can push it. The idea is that the Fit can be a riot on track days, but it won’t match higher-power cars in outright performance.
It means there’s a point where you’ve learned as much as you can from that car. After that, you’ll want something else—either more capable or more challenging—to keep improving.
They call it a “goblin list” for cars that aren’t the obvious choices. The idea is to find weird or underrated cars that still do great on track without costing a fortune.
The Corvette is a sports car made by Chevrolet. The C5 is one older generation of Corvette that many people look for because it can be cheaper than newer high-performance cars. The episode mentions it as an obvious pick for that kind of shopping.
The Acura RSX Type S is a sporty Acura that’s popular with enthusiasts. It’s often picked for track days because it’s affordable, has lots of upgrade options, and is generally straightforward to keep running.
Track driving is harder on the engine than normal commuting because the car is constantly pulling high Gs. That can cause oiling problems, so people add upgrades to keep the engine properly lubricated.
Oil starvation is when the engine doesn’t get enough oil for a moment, usually because the oil moves away from the pickup during hard driving. On a track, that can be dangerous and can lead to major engine damage.
AccuSump is an add-on that stores extra engine oil and keeps oil pressure steady during track driving. It helps prevent the engine from briefly “starving” for oil when the car is cornering hard.
Bore scoring means the inside of the engine cylinders gets scratched or damaged. It usually happens when the engine isn’t getting enough lubrication, so the metal parts wear badly.
Helmet clearance is whether your helmet fits comfortably in the car when you’re seated for track driving. If it’s too tight, you may need a different helmet or adjust the seating position.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine coupe that shares much of its driving character with the Boxster, but this segment focuses on pricing and fit for a sub-$15k track-day list. The hosts imply the Cayman is appealing but “too expensive,” which affects whether it makes the budget shortlist.
The Porsche Boxster is a Porsche roadster that can be surprisingly cheap on the used market. The idea here is that if one car has problems, you can buy another cheaper one and combine parts or keep swapping until you end up with a good track car.
“Engine issues” refers to problems that require repair or replacement of engine-related components, which can derail a budget track-day plan. The hosts suggest that if the engine problem is bad enough, you may not want to keep fixing the same car—hence the “buy another one” approach.
This is a rest-of-the-story strategy: instead of repairing a single problematic car, you buy multiple inexpensive examples and cannibalize parts to build one reliable, track-ready car. It’s a common approach for budget track-day builds when the purchase price is low enough that parting out becomes economical.
The Porsche 944 is an older Porsche sports car. People still talk about it because it has a distinctive feel and handling character compared to other Porsches.
“High consumable” refers to parts that wear out quickly under track-day stress, like tires and brake pads/rotors. Cars that are heavier, make more heat, or have more aggressive driving dynamics often end up costing more per track session.
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upper end
“Upper end” here likely refers to the higher end of cost, difficulty, or performance expectations for the track/time-attack path being discussed. It’s a reminder that some track categories demand more from the car and driver than others.
“Not easily serviceable” means it’s not simple or cheap to work on. If something needs fixing during track season, you might spend more time waiting or more money paying a shop.
A clutch job is when you replace the parts that let the engine connect to the transmission. It’s usually a big repair because it often requires taking major parts apart, not just swapping a small part.
They’re saying some jobs are hard to do safely at home. A lift gives you better access underneath the car, while jack stands can make big repairs much more difficult.
They’re saying people want the car partly because it feels like a throwback. That kind of nostalgia can make more people buy it, which can affect price.
They’re talking about how, when you’re shopping cheap for track days, you often have to choose between paying more for the “right” model or buying a cheaper one and spending money to make it track-ready.
“Track viable” means the car can handle track driving without falling apart or feeling unsafe. They’re saying one BMW needs more upgrades and prep to be truly track-ready.
A subframe is like a strong metal base that holds parts of the suspension in place. If it gets damaged, the car can handle poorly and become unsafe on track.
The differential is what sends power to the rear wheels. Choosing the right one affects how the car grips and how it behaves when you accelerate out of turns.
An inline six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. They’re saying the 330i uses this kind of engine, and it has a different feel than the more hardcore BMW motors.
S54 is the name/engine code for the M3’s special engine. The hosts are saying the car they’re discussing isn’t that exact engine, so it won’t feel as “M3-like.”
A swap kit helps you install a different engine or transmission than what the car came with. It usually includes the parts you need so the swap is less of a one-off custom job.
Knuckles are parts near the front wheels that help the steering and suspension work. Upgrading them can make the car handle better and survive harder driving.
They’re talking about the Acura Integra. It’s a small sporty car that a lot of enthusiasts liked because it’s fun to drive and easy to modify. That’s why it shows up in conversations about track-day cars.
Car
Honda RSX
The Honda RSX is a small Honda sports car that enthusiasts like because it feels connected and fun to drive. People talk about it as a “driver’s car,” not just a commuter.
The Acura NSX is a high-performance supercar. The point here is that the driver feels a familiar kind of control and connection, even though it’s a much faster car.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a hardcore track-oriented 911. The speaker is saying that even in a car like this, the driving feel can still feel “familiar” in a way that reminds them of another brand.
The Pontiac Solstice is a small sports car/roadster. They’re basically saying it could be just as good as a more expensive option, depending on what you care about.
The BMW Z3 is a classic small BMW roadster. They’re bringing it up as another car that can be fun for track days without necessarily costing a fortune.
A hot hatch is a regular hatchback, but tuned to drive more aggressively—faster acceleration and better handling. They’re saying some cars are built for that from the start, while others just end up being fun.
A Honda Civic is a small, front-wheel-drive car that’s popular because it’s affordable and parts are easy to get. The hosts are grouping it with the RSX because they drive and handle in similar ways.
The Ford Fiesta ST is a small “hot hatch” that’s meant to be fun. On track days, its light weight and simple driving feel can make it feel fast even when you’re not going crazy.
Flat spotting is when a tire gets a flat spot because it was slid or locked while hot. It can make the car shake and it often ruins the tire faster than normal wear.
“Smoke those tires” means you’re driving hard enough to overheat the tires and wear them out quickly. On track days, tires are usually the first thing you’ll replace.
Term
VA
“VA” sounds like the speaker’s shorthand for the engine’s sound they’re enjoying. They’re saying it’s especially cool when the engine is working hard coming out of a corner.
FCP Euro is a company that sells car parts, especially for European cars. People mention it because it’s a go-to place to buy parts for repairs and upgrades.
A feeler post is basically a “let me know if anyone would be interested” message. It helps the seller figure out whether selling is realistic before they put in the full effort.
They’re talking about a 1991 Audi wagon called the 200 Avant. It has a turbo engine and a higher-valve-count setup, which usually helps the engine make more power. The host is deciding whether to sell it or keep working on it.
The clutch master cylinder helps your clutch work by using hydraulic pressure. If it’s worn out or leaking, the clutch can feel weak or not engage properly.
Liqui Moly makes car fluids and additives like oil and other maintenance products. The host is saying they bought those fluids because they think it improves how the car runs.
A hydro lift system is a device that can lift your car up using fluid pressure. It helps a very low car avoid scraping when you’re driving over bumps or into places with steep ramps.
HLS two is a lift setup that raises just the front of the car. The goal is to stop the front bumper from scraping while keeping the rear stance the same.
Coilovers are suspension parts that let you lower (or raise) the car and control how it rides. Here, they’re saying the lift system can work with existing KW coilovers.
The “no engine swaps” rule means they won’t include cars that have had their engine replaced with a different one. That makes the list focus more on cars that are closer to stock under the hood.
Turbocharging adds a device that squeezes more air into the engine, which usually makes it produce more power. The tradeoff is that it can cost a lot to do well, especially if you’re trying to keep the whole project cheap.
Term
inline five swap
An engine swap is when you replace the factory engine with a different one. An inline-five swap means using a 5-cylinder engine, usually to make the car faster and more fun for track days.
An LS swap means putting a Chevy LS V8 engine into another car. People like it because those engines are common, have lots of parts available, and can make good power without being extremely exotic.
Even if a car feels fun on the street, track days are harder on performance. The point here is that making a cheap car truly work for track use often requires upgrades, and the work can be a lot.
The Corvette C5 is a specific generation of the Chevrolet Corvette from the late 1990s to early 2000s. The hosts are saying it’s a great pick for track days because it’s enjoyable and fits the “buy it now” budget idea.
On track cars, fitting a “new seat” often means swapping to a more supportive racing seat (sometimes with different mounting points and harness compatibility). Driver fit matters for safety and performance—too much space can reduce control and increase fatigue.
That phrase means the engine is 1.6 liters and it has a turbo. The turbo helps the engine make more power than you’d expect from a small engine, so the car feels lively.
“Chuckability” is basically how easy the car is to fling around corners. If a car is “chuckable,” it feels light and responsive, so you can change direction confidently—especially on a track.
All-wheel drive helps the tires grip the road, especially in bad weather. But on a track, you can still get a pushy feeling where the car doesn’t turn in as much as you want (understeer).
An open differential is a basic type of axle setup that can struggle when one wheel has less grip than the other. That can make the car harder to control on track because it won’t transfer power to the wheel that has traction.
“Rotatable” is track slang for how easily a car can rotate into a turn—i.e., how willing it is to change direction under braking and steering. The hosts connect this to differential choice and traction: with open diffs, the car may resist turning, requiring costly modifications to improve rotation.
They’re talking about how cheap track cars usually come with compromises. You might get something fun and fast, but the cheaper ones often have more miles or have been driven hard before.
Term
EJ
EJ is the name of Subaru’s older turbo engine family used in many WRX/STI cars. The point here is that when you drive them hard, some owners worry about engine reliability.
They’re saying the gearbox in those older cars may not handle hard track driving as well as you’d hope. That means more risk of problems if the car has been abused or neglected.
For track days, wheels and tires are one of the biggest upgrades because they control how well the car sticks to the road. Better tires can help you brake harder and turn more confidently.
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full swap everything
“Full swap everything” means doing a lot more than one small upgrade. It usually involves replacing several parts so the car can handle track driving better and stay reliable lap after lap.
A “cheap track day car” is a car you can take to a track without spending supercar money. The goal is to keep costs down while still having enough grip and durability for repeated laps.
All-wheel drive powers all four tires, which can help grip—especially in wet or slippery conditions. The tradeoff is that it’s usually more complicated mechanically, so there are more parts to maintain.
Term
Hawkeye
“Hawkeye” is an enthusiast nickname for a certain Subaru Impreza styling. People use it like a shorthand when they’re trying to find that exact generation.
A “turbo car” uses a turbocharger to cram more air into the engine, which helps it make more power. The hosts are saying that turbo cars were a big, exciting step toward affordable performance.
An “arms race” is when companies keep pushing harder and harder to make their cars faster or better because competitors are doing the same. Here, it’s about performance cars improving quickly to beat rivals.
A downpipe is a piece of the exhaust system right after the turbo. It helps gases leave the engine more easily, and when you pair it with a tune, the car can use that extra airflow safely.
A tune is software changes for the car’s computer. It adjusts how much fuel and boost the engine uses, especially after you add performance parts.
Term
water sprayer
A water sprayer is a system that sprays water to help cool things down. On turbo cars, that cooling can help the engine stay happier when you’re driving hard.
Some AWD cars can send power to the front and rear in different proportions. Changing that front-to-rear split can change how the car grips and turns on a track.
Term
vortex generator
A vortex generator is a little add-on that helps shape airflow over the car. The idea is to make the air behave more predictably, which can help with stability and sometimes cooling.
Auxiliary lights are extra headlights or lamps added to help you see better. They’re usually there for extra visibility, not just looks.
Car
Mark two Volkswagen GTI 16 valve
They’re describing an older Volkswagen GTI (the Mk2 generation) with a 16-valve engine. The point is that it’s light and has lots of parts available, so it’s a good, affordable car to take to a track day.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car, and the GTI is the sportier version. The podcast mentions a specific older Golf GTI from 1989 to 1991. It’s brought up because that particular model is a recognizable choice for people who like classic performance cars.
They’re pointing out the car is very light. A lighter car usually feels quicker and handles better on track because it’s easier to slow down and change direction.
“16-valve” just means the engine has more valve openings than a simpler design. That can help the engine breathe better, which usually makes it feel more responsive.
They’re referencing racing events where people compete in Volkswagen GTIs. That’s a sign the car is proven for track use and that there are lots of parts and knowledge around it.
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Mark one vs Mark two chassis
They’re saying the newer GTI generation (Mk2) is a better foundation for driving hard. The chassis is what determines how stable and predictable the car feels on track.
The hosts say the Mk2 shares parts with the Mk3, which increases parts availability and reduces cost. Shared components across generations also make it easier to source upgrades or replacements from junkyards and aftermarket suppliers.
The “Lego parts that fit” metaphor describes how modular and compatible the Mk2 platform is with a wide range of parts. When a car has lots of interchangeability, it’s easier to build a track setup incrementally—engine swaps, brake upgrades, and other changes become less of a custom fabrication project.
SCCA Runoffs are a big national event for amateur/club road racing in the U.S. Saying a car did well there means it was genuinely competitive, not just a casual track toy.
They’re basically saying these older cars are simpler because they don’t rely as much on computers. That usually makes them easier to fix and maintain when you’re using the car hard on track days.
CIS injection (Continuous Injection System) is a mechanical fuel-injection setup used on some older German cars and certain Honda applications. It’s often discussed because it’s “mechanical” compared with modern electronic fuel injection, but it can be finicky to diagnose and keep perfectly tuned.
Lime Rock is a race track where people do track days. It’s known for being twisty and demanding, so it’s a good place to test whether a car setup really works. If a car feels good there, it usually means it’s balanced and grippy.
Term
triple eights
“Triple eights” is a shorthand for a specific kind of performance tire. Track tires are made to grip hard, and if they’re grippy enough, they can change how the car behaves in turns. That can make the car feel like it wants to roll or load differently than you expect.
This is a comparison concept: how German-made front-wheel-drive cars can still be competitive on track. The key idea is that with the right tires, alignment, and suspension setup, FWD cars can generate strong cornering grip and be made to rotate effectively.
They mean the fun of picking a car that isn’t the “obvious” choice, but still does well enough to be enjoyable. The best part is that you can have a great time even if you’re not the fastest.
“Connection to steering” refers to how directly the car responds to steering inputs and how clearly the driver can feel what the tires are doing. On track, better steering feel helps you place the car accurately and build confidence lap after lap.
They’re saying you could put together a track-capable car for about $15,000. The idea is to start with something cheap and then spend money on the parts that matter for track days.
Term
"E at like" (likely "EG"/"EK"/"ED" Honda chassis reference)
The speaker seems to be referencing a specific Honda model “code.” Those codes tell you which exact version of the car it is, and that changes what parts will fit and what it’s like to drive.
The Honda CRX is a small Honda from the 80s/90s that people love because it’s light and fun to drive. On a track day, that kind of car can be a great way to learn and have fun without spending a ton.
Sharing the track means other cars are driving around you at the same time. That changes how you should drive because you have to think about traffic and passing, not just your own pace.
The Supra is a sports car from Toyota that’s built to be fast and fun to drive. The podcast talks about it in the context of how quickly cars can move and how different sizes can still be exciting. It’s mentioned because it’s one of the best-known modern performance Toyotas.
“Vintage racers” are people who like racing older cars. They often prefer the classic driving experience and may find it easier to justify using an older car on track.
The Jaguar E-Type is a famous classic British sports car. Bringing it up is a way of saying they’re the kind of people who like older cars and might even take something like that to the track.
Concept
inner class
They’re talking about a “class,” which is basically a category of cars for track events. Different classes can have different rules, so the best choice can depend on what class you’re running.
Concept
with all that stuff removed
They’re talking about removing extra stuff from the car. For track days, taking out unnecessary weight or items can make the car feel sharper and help it last longer.
The Subaru WRX is a performance Subaru that uses all-wheel drive. That helps it grip the road, and with a few upgrades to suspension and brakes it can work really well for track days.
Camber is how much the wheels lean in or out. On a track, adjusting camber helps the tire stay in better contact with the road when the car leans in a turn.
A sway bar helps keep the car from leaning too much in corners. Changing it can change how the car feels when you turn—sometimes making it turn in more or feel more stable.
Concept
Neo vintage track car list
“Neo vintage” is like a modern take on an older track-car vibe. The goal is to use a car with classic appeal, but upgrade it so it’s still fast and easy to maintain for track days.
They’re talking about older cars from about 1975 to 1995. People like that range for track days because the cars are usually cheaper and there’s a lot of know-how on how to keep them running.
“Grassroots motorsports” means local racing run by regular car people, not huge professional teams. It’s usually where you see lots of affordable cars getting used and improved.
Spring rates are basically how stiff the suspension springs are. Stiffer springs can help the car feel more controlled on track, but if they’re too stiff or mismatched, the tires may not stay planted.
On a track day, drivers are grouped by skill level. An “intermediate session” is usually for people who are comfortable driving the course but aren’t in the very fastest group yet. It’s meant to keep the cars closer in speed so it’s safer and less stressful.
The Toyota Celica is a sporty car made by Toyota, usually in coupe form. The podcast mentions it in the context of older racing cars. That’s why it comes up—people connect it with classic motorsport and enthusiast history.
Weber usually means Weber carburetors—fuel systems used on many older performance cars. Swapping to Weber carbs can help the engine breathe and make more power, especially at higher RPM.
“At the crank” means the power number is measured at the engine itself, before it goes through the gearbox and drives the wheels. Wheel horsepower is usually lower because some power is lost along the way.
They’re talking about buying a Subaru BRZ that was totaled in an accident and then fixing it up. That can save money, but you have to be careful—bad repairs can make the car unsafe on track.
The Lexus IS 250 is a sporty Lexus sedan. Some versions came with a manual gearbox, but those cars are harder to find, so it can turn into a “hunt” when you’re trying to buy one.
This is a type of fuel-injection system. If you’re tracking an older car, you may need to understand how it works so you can diagnose problems and keep the engine running reliably.
Concept
B spec
“B spec” here likely means a specific rules category for the event. Those rules can limit what cars qualify and what modifications you’re allowed to make.
Concept
"Different engine" changes the whole car
They’re saying the engine isn’t just about horsepower—it affects how the car feels and how it needs to be geared to work well. Swap the engine and you often have to rethink the rest of the drivetrain setup.
Gearing is how the car’s drivetrain is “matched” to the engine. It affects how quickly the car gets up to speed and how hard the engine has to work at highway speeds.
Concept
Rotary engine reliability ("reliability of the renaissance engine")
They’re talking about how the RX-8’s rotary engine can be less forgiving than a normal engine. Whether it stays healthy usually depends a lot on maintenance and how the car was treated.
The Mustang is a sports car made by Ford. The podcast mentions a ’97 Mustang, meaning a specific older version of the model. People talk about it because it’s a classic choice for performance and style.
A roadster is an open-top two-seat sports car, typically with limited cabin space and less weather protection than a coupe. On track-day shopping lists, roadsters are often chosen for their light weight and driving feel, but fitment and practicality (getting in/out, headroom, storage) can be limiting.
The Hyundai Veloster is a small hatchback made by Hyundai. The podcast talks about the Veloster N, which is the sportier version. It’s mentioned because it’s a compact car that aims to feel more performance-oriented.
Resale value is what you can sell the car for later. If a car’s resale value is low, you might pay less upfront, but you won’t get as much money back when you sell it.
“Crown Vic” is short for the Ford Crown Victoria. It’s a big sedan that people sometimes use for track days because it’s cheap, tough, and can be surprisingly fun—even if it’s not a typical sports car.
A “clown car” here means a car that’s not what you’d expect to take to a track day, but it’s still a blast. It’s more about having fun and learning than looking like a hardcore race car.
“Taxi Derby” is a kind of racing event the hosts are talking about. They’re using it to show that these weird, everyday-style cars can still be really fun and challenging to drive.
Company
Cletus
They mention “Cletus” as the organizer or driver behind some races. The takeaway is that these events are where people test and learn with cars like the ones they’re discussing.
Ice racing is racing on frozen ground, where tires can’t grip like they do on pavement. Since traction is so low, you have to drive gently and smoothly to keep the car under control.
Autocross is a timed driving event held on a closed course marked with cones, focusing on quick handling and acceleration/braking balance rather than top speed. In the segment, the hosts use autocross as an example of how a “track car” like the WRX can be versatile beyond one type of racing.
The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car that’s generally light and fun to drive. The hosts are basically saying it’s the kind of car people forget about when making a list of track-day options.
The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight sports car that’s famous for handling. If someone says another car is “close to a stock Elise,” they mean it tries to feel like that kind of nimble sports car.
Term
Miata goal
They’re talking about the “Miata look” and how to change it. The idea is that if you want the car to feel like a Miata but not look like one, you change the body/visual cues.
“Spiritual successor” just means “the closest thing to the old car’s spirit,” even if it’s not the exact same model. It’s about the overall feel and purpose, not a literal one-to-one replacement.
They mean the car is cheap to run day-to-day and also cheap to wear out on track days. That usually comes down to things like affordable maintenance and parts, plus not eating tires and brakes as fast.
“K motor” is just Honda’s name for a certain family of engines. People like them because they’re common, tunable, and have lots of aftermarket support.
They’re talking about a common hobby approach: buy a car, then upgrade it step-by-step instead of doing everything at once. For track use, that often means changing or upgrading the engine and tuning it for performance.
“B series” means a Honda engine family that a lot of people choose for performance builds. The reason it comes up is because it’s popular to modify and there are lots of parts available.
The Focus ST is another sporty Ford hatchback, bigger than the Fiesta ST. The hosts bring it up as a contender, but then say the smaller Fiesta ST is the better track-day choice.
Concept
sympathy vote
A “sympathy vote” implies a choice made for reasons other than pure performance—like reputation, background, or perceived fairness—rather than the best objective option. In this context, the hosts suggest the Fiesta ST/Ford choice might have been picked because of how people feel about it, not because it’s clearly the top performer.
“Whippable” is slang for a car that feels quick to rotate and easy to change direction—often due to a light weight, responsive steering, and balanced suspension. On track days, that kind of agility helps you stay on line through corners and adjust your driving without fighting the car.
MotorTrend is an automotive media outlet that publishes awards like “Car of the Year.” The hosts reference it to support the idea that the Civic Si and Acura RSX were recognized as standout cars in their era.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan. They’re talking about how the front design—like the hood and bumper shape—can make a car look different, even if it’s just an edited photo.
The hosts mean some cars are more complicated to use for track days. If a car needs more special attention or is harder to set up, it can be less fun when you’re trying to keep costs and hassle down.
Term
roadster with a roof
They’re describing the car as feeling like a roadster (open-air vibe) but with a roof. It’s more about the driving feel and shape than a literal convertible.
They’re saying you can have fun on a track even with a front-wheel-drive car. The key is choosing something light and easy to steer, instead of trying to make it do things it wasn’t designed for.
“STI” is Subaru’s performance version of the WRX. The big advantage is usually better grip because it’s built to put power down in tough conditions like rain.
They’re saying that in the rain, grip matters more than power. Cars with all-wheel drive can usually keep traction better, so they feel more confident and can be quicker when the track is wet.
Concept
track-day usability vs daily driving
They’re talking about cars that are fun for track days but still make sense to drive every day. That usually means they’re easy to live with and handle well in real-world conditions like rain or winter.
“Current rule set” refers to the specific constraints the hosts are using to build their list—most notably the sub-$15k budget and whatever other criteria they’re applying. It’s a reminder that rankings change when the eligibility rules change (like price thresholds or availability).
When someone says “analog,” they mean the car feels more connected and straightforward to drive, not overly computerized. “Last of a generation” means it’s probably close to being replaced, so it may be the final chance to buy that style of car.
If parts are interchangeable, it means you can often use the same replacement parts on more than one version of the car. That usually makes repairs cheaper and easier.
Concept
ranking / last place cut
They’re basically talking about a game where you rank cars, then remove the one you like least. That way, the list gets smaller until you’re left with the top pick.
“WRX” refers to the Subaru Impreza WRX, a turbocharged compact that’s known for all-wheel-drive traction—useful for track days, especially in variable grip conditions. In a “sub-$15k track car” conversation, it’s typically valued for its balance of performance and tunability.
This is describing the idea of an “entry-level track car”—a vehicle that’s approachable for beginners. The key is that it’s predictable, affordable to maintain, and forgiving enough that you can learn track driving without constantly worrying about expensive parts or complex systems.
Concept
solid beam
A “solid beam” is a type of rear suspension where the wheels are connected by a rigid beam. It’s not as fancy as independent suspension, but it can still be made to handle well with the right setup.
Concept
Romantic idea vs real-world track-day experience
They’re saying that what sounds cool in your head doesn’t always match what it’s like when you show up. If there aren’t many similar cars around, the vibe can feel different.
They’re saying you can’t judge a car in a vacuum—you have to think about your situation. For example, what’s best for one person (or one region) might not be best for someone else.
This is about how the car fits real track-day life. It’s not only about performance—it’s also about whether you can easily bring what you need, like extra wheels and tools.
This highlights track-day logistics: having usable cargo space for a toolbox and a jack makes it easier to handle tire changes, minor repairs, and quick fixes between sessions. It’s a real-world factor that affects how smoothly a track day goes.
They mean laps where you don’t feel on edge the whole time. It’s about being able to drive hard without constantly worrying something will overheat or break.
“Analog” here means the car feels more like a traditional, driver-involved machine. Instead of relying on lots of digital features, it responds in a direct, predictable way when you steer and press the gas.
A “consideration set” is the short list of vehicles a buyer actively thinks about before choosing one. Here, the hosts are explaining that the Corvette (specifically the C5) stays on their shortlist because they’ve driven it and understand its strengths.
“Track ready” means a car is prepared to drive hard on a track without feeling sketchy. They’re using it to say the Corvette feels more prepared for track driving than the 911.
Drifting is when a driver makes the car slide sideways through a turn while still controlling it. They’re saying the C5 is a popular drift car because it’s easy to set up and doesn’t require huge changes.
“Lowered” means the car sits closer to the ground. They’re saying you don’t have to lower the C5 to make it work for drifting—lowering is more about looks than necessity.
The “paddock” is where people park their cars during a track event and work on them. The point here is that if lots of people race the same car, you’ll have help nearby when something goes wrong.
“Consumables” are the parts that wear out and need replacing often, like tires and brake pads. Track driving uses them up faster, so the cost of consumables can make one car cheaper (or more expensive) to run.
They’re talking about using wider/larger tires to get more grip. More grip can help you go faster, but it also changes how the car drives and how much you’ll spend on tires.
They mean the point where the car itself can’t do any more, no matter how good the driver is. For example, the tires might run out of grip before you can go faster.
It means how well the car can accelerate without the tires slipping. If the car can’t “put power down,” you have to ease off the gas more often because the wheels lose traction.
They’re talking about what it’s like to drive a front-wheel-drive car at a track. Because the front wheels do most of the work, the car can feel different when turning and when you get back on the gas.
“Lap time” is how quickly you complete a circuit, and it’s used here as a measure of how much usable track performance you can get. The hosts connect lap time to ownership practicality—if a car is easier to run, you can spend more time driving and improving.
“Track service ability” refers to how well a car can be supported during track days—things like how easy it is to maintain, how predictable it is under repeated use, and how quickly you can get back on track after issues. In this segment, it’s part of the broader “whole package” for choosing a budget track car.
They mean the entire ownership experience, not just how fast the car is. That includes whether it’s practical to live with and what it costs to keep it ready for track days.
They mean the first car you buy to start doing track days. It’s about choosing something you can afford, then figuring out what you’ll have to compromise on.
It means you’ll wear out your tires quickly by driving hard on the track. On track days, tires get hot and degrade fast, so you may need a fresh set sooner than you’d expect.
“Pads” usually means brake pads. On a track day, brakes get very hot, so the pads can wear out faster than on the street.
Concept
track day again
They’re talking about being able to drive the car again at the next track day. That usually means the car doesn’t beat itself up too badly—especially things like brakes and tires.
“Track community” means the group of people you’ll end up around at track days. They’re saying that for some cars, the vibe in the paddock/garage can be a big part of whether you enjoy the experience.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine so it can make more power. In the conversation it’s brought up as an example of the kinds of upgrades people do for track days.
“Entry level budget car” here means a car that fits the lowest tier of a track-day shopping budget, where affordability is the main selection criterion. The hosts suggest their list includes cars that are slightly above that strict entry-level cutoff, which affects how “fair” the comparison is.
Twin turbo refers to using two turbochargers to force more air into the engine, increasing power potential. On track builds, turbo setups are often paired with supporting upgrades (fueling, cooling, and engine management) to keep performance consistent under repeated hard pulls.
They’re discussing “interchangeability” in ranking—meaning multiple cars can be swapped in order depending on what you value (driving feel, parts availability, comfort, or how easy they are to track). This is a useful way to think about track-day car lists because different drivers prioritize different strengths.
GLTC is the name of a racing event/series they’re talking about. They’re basically saying they want to race there someday, so it helps to know what GLTC is and what the racing format is.
“Over-engineered tools” is a way of saying modern cars often require higher-precision, stronger, and better-designed tools to avoid rounding fasteners or fighting tight packaging. It’s less about needing “fancy” tools and more about durability and fit for today’s hardware.
The Zyklop Ratchet is a specific ratcheting tool model associated with high-quality, compact wrenching. The mention implies it’s useful for tight engine bays and stubborn fasteners.
“Joker Wrenches” refers to a line of wrenches known for flexibility and access in awkward angles. In a wrenching context, they’re typically used to reduce rounding and improve leverage on fasteners.
“Slammed” refers to lowering a car’s ride height significantly, usually for aesthetics and stance. The host connects it to ride/handling tradeoffs and stresses that cheap lowering springs can lead to poor results.
Lowering springs are aftermarket springs that reduce ride height. They can change ride quality and suspension geometry, and when paired with mismatched shocks or poor-quality components, they can feel harsh or cause premature wear.
Brand
KW
KW makes performance suspension parts. The host is saying their coilovers made a big difference for him over the years.
The Land Rover Discovery is a larger SUV made for both everyday driving and tougher roads. The podcast talks about it in a personal ownership context—getting it to run properly. It’s mentioned because it’s the kind of vehicle that can be involved to maintain.
LIVE
What's up everybody, welcome back.
It is another episode of Firing Order
brought to you by Viper Industrial.
This is the show where we get into extremely nuanced
arguments about random rankings of things in the car world
and we try to stay friends through the end.
Today, we've got my co-conspirator, Ron Zaris,
as well as Gridlife co-founder, Chris Stewart,
to rank the top five budget track day cars.
Let's get into it.
If you grew up reading Hot Rod and not GQ,
you're probably more of a hat and hoodie person,
which means your sunglasses likely match that look.
But this past weekend, my wife said
we had somewhere fancy to go.
So I dusted off the button down, she got me for Christmas.
When I went to go grab my laser faces,
I got that look, thankfully.
Heatwave saved my ass with their new Nimitz.
It's an elevated take on the classic aviator,
stylish and functional.
So if you need to class it up a little,
my friends at Heatwave got you covered
from track day to date night, heatwavevisual.com.
Some people are extremely organized,
super sorted workbenches, garages and lives.
I am not that person.
I'm a mess, luckily, where it can help.
When you buy their toolkits,
they offer matching foam inserts.
Maybe it's a mental condition of mine,
but there's something about an empty slot
that just screams at me to go find
that missing 10 millimeter before it vanishes forever.
Plus the inserts fit perfectly
into wearer stainless steel rolling cabinets,
which come both in regular and double XL.
For those of you like myself who hoard,
I'm sorry, I mean collect tools.
Go check them out at wearertools.com.
I like it.
You boys ready for this?
I'm ready.
Yeah, you ready?
I'm ready.
Let's do it.
You don't look as ready as the two of us.
We have.
Yeah, cause y'all got notebooks.
Every time, and they're not just notebooks,
they're gridded notebooks.
And I'm not gonna make the same joke though.
Chris is about the grid life.
Yeah.
That's what he's committed anyway.
You made it anyway.
The one dude at the table who's not a dad.
That's right.
Just ripping dad jokes he's trying to fit in.
That I know of.
That I know of.
Look, before we get into this,
Ron and I just enjoy the artistry of debate
and just argument.
So we're here for that purpose alone.
But you actually run race series.
Like this is your profession.
We're maybe spectators on it.
Yeah, I mean, I'm definitely deep in the weeds.
Yeah, I mean, I said it in the intro,
but for those who don't know,
what have you been doing for the past decade of your life?
So I am Chris Stewart and I am the founder of Gridlife.
So I've been facilitating track time in competition
and other forms in a variety of places
all over the country for the last 10 years.
I like that you use the word facilitating.
I think when you use it,
you have to follow it with like,
I've been facilitating bad decisions.
Yeah, I mean, I'm a behind the curtain kind of guy.
So I've been puppeteering, you know,
like kind of puppeteering the environment
for competition and track day culture to happen.
Yeah.
I think that's a super interesting thing too,
because your passion is in racing and track cars
and all that, and you could see that
because Gridlife didn't really have to be that, right?
Like the combo of a music festival and like a drift event
and just time attack is cool,
but you guys have much more than just time attack, right?
Oh, I have told him so many times
that he would be so much more successful
if he cared less about racing.
Oh, sure, sure.
But I love the fact that you make that happen
and the people that are there are like lifelong fans
because of that.
Yeah, I mean, it follows my own journey, right?
So like, I had a CRX,
I like got started to get into like,
you know, kind of the track inspired builds
and then turned it into like actually a track car.
And that was my journey.
So like, Gridlife's like built around
my automotive story, you know, for the most part.
That's really cool.
One of the cool things I think now is like,
you've actually offered a lot of other series
for people to build cars for and come compete, right?
You guys started with time attack,
but then you've expanded and like talk about
what are some of the series you've got going on?
Yeah.
So we've got, yeah, we've got a ton now.
So like time attack is the bread and butter,
that's the core, right?
So that's seven classes, you know,
so club SC, club TR, all that kind of moving up.
So you can build like kind of any car that you like,
any car that you love and find like a place for it.
It's the one which you brung and there's a category.
That's awesome.
And there's a category for it.
It's become like wildly competitive.
So people have like figured out like their math
and the rule book and like it's real, right?
So it's a pretty professional grassroots series
at this point, you know, but outside of that,
so we've got a GLTC, so that's a grid like touring car.
So that's a 12 and a half to one power to weight ratio
kind of math rule book and that's wheel to wheel racing.
So first to the finish line, you know,
so where time attack is like you're kind of,
you're competing for the fastest lap, right?
And then newest series like kind of in that,
you know, portfolio of things from us is GLGT.
So GLGT is eight and a half to one, so faster.
Same structure, same run, you know,
same build the car you love, but faster, right?
So and that runs in the same format as GLTC, you know,
If I'm, if I'm, you know, thinking about the like, I'm thinking about it from
the, the entry point, right?
Like I'm, I want to buy, I want to get a track car.
It's my car, you know, like what sacrifices am I making, right?
Like what, what, what am I balancing out, you know?
And again, practical, practical view, you know, I'm going to go ahead and say,
like, I'm going to move forward pretending that the SI is an RSX for me.
Okay.
Okay.
If it were, I would agree.
Yeah.
So if it was the RSX, because squint, squint, right?
Yeah.
Squint, squint your eyes, I'm putting my safety squints on.
Yeah.
Put, put, put Vaseline on the lenses.
That's right.
You know, one of the other factors is, is that like once you do start getting fast,
I didn't really think about this until now is like, if you do start getting fast and
you're fast in a vet, okay, that guy's fast.
If you're fast in a civic or an RSX, it's like, yo, this dude's a hero.
So like this guy's awesome.
That's a great conversation.
Cause if we right now went to the track and I haven't done a track day in a year
and a half, uh, of all of these cars, I would probably jump in the twins or the SI
to go out and turn laps just because it's been a bit.
Sure.
Do you know what I'm saying?
Like probably work up, back up and want to get into the C five.
Probably the E 46 is the car I'd be most excited to really, to drive there.
But I think like that group, um, yeah.
So there is, that, that, that does make a good argument of, you know, if you are
more entry level or just mid-level or, or, or just old.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Or like, um, yeah, just looking for like kind of a, a more of a balanced weekend,
you know, like a little bit, right?
Like, um,
cause in, in the C five, you will probably also smoke your set of tires in a track
day or two, whereas in the, in the pads and in the RSX SI, um, you're going to go
home and you'll be fine and then you just go do your next track day again.
But you do get to tell your friends that you race Corvettes, which is either
good or bad, depending on who you're going to care.
I think it's good.
I think it's good now, right?
Like, but like, I don't know, like coming from, you know, okay, so Corvettes
were them when I was tracking.
Let's flip the other way.
And I don't, I don't normally love to run right to the end, but like E 46 or, or
SI, like 46, so, so like, I think we all, I think we all, I think we all agree
that the 46 is number one, the 46 is the number one.
So we now have to just fill out the middle.
Wow.
We've built the sandwich.
We got to fill out the middle.
So right at E 46, um, by the way, I like broke every rule of media, which is
like, I gave away the end midway.
Right now you can just watch the fall off or no one cares about the middle.
But it wasn't, I climactic in a way, the Corvette fans are going to care
about where it falls.
Yeah.
So like we got that and the Honda fans, which is actually probably a big
part of the group here.
All right.
So we have, we have E 46 sitting there.
We had at the top, we have the, uh, was it the WRX is at the bottom, right?
And then we have the twins above the WRX.
And then it's, it's a race for second place, boys.
It's like competing against Sebastian Loeb.
You're never going to win with this.
Oh, cause it's top five, right?
Yes, the SI is in second.
So you think the SI is in second.
I'm, so that's clearly your vote.
I, I right now, where the Corvette lies right now for me, the Corvette is in
second, but I am, I, I'm not, um, against being convinced there's one more
factor, there's one more factor that I just thought of.
If the SI looked like a Volkswagen golf, it'd be in second place.
I just, the RSX SI on track, the community of people you're going to be hanging out
with, I would way rather be hanging out still, that is true with the Honda kids.
Because while the drift community in Corvettes has become cool, I don't know
if anybody else track community has caught up because you show up and in the
garage, the other Corvette guys are going to be dudes that take it super serious.
Right.
And we're like, I'm faster than everybody.
I got the most expensive tires.
I got this kit.
I got the supercharger, blah, blah, blah.
Damn, yours is stock.
Whereas you show up in a Honda and you're on cool wheels, nothing else matters.
Like, damn, that shit's danced out in good color.
It's a different, it's a different tribe, right?
So that's why I think that the C five goes further on the list because it hasn't,
the Corvettes have been in track days for forever, but that's a different track.
You know, I just, I was just going to say that.
I think the Corvette's biggest problem here is that it's the giant amongst
David's big time because, because it's not expensive, because you should be
having the conversation of, do you want a nine 11 or a C, you know, or a C six.
Right.
But because Corvettes didn't keep their resale value, you're not comparing
them to like cars.
So like it is the beast amongst all of these cars, which is like, we're the
only reason it's in this group is because it's affordable.
And I think at the end of the day, if we would have said entry level budget car,
we wouldn't have included in the group because it's like just outside of entry
level.
That's actually I think a lot more than just outside.
Yeah.
I mean, I've been thinking about this is like first time, you know, like I'm
getting a track car.
I don't have one.
I'm not getting another one.
You know, I'm not doing a budget one because I'm selling this other one.
It used to be in it.
I have a little expendable start to get a track car to start.
Let me run the contrary.
Let me run the contrary to that, but though real quick, there is something
to be said about the lifespan the Corvette could have for me, meaning you
can really grow in progress.
Oh, you could keep it forever.
You could drive that car for 15 years and keep getting more and more into it
and do more and more to it.
And when you could literally drive it to the point that you win time attack,
like it is a car, it is a chassis that you could build to the highest.
It is very complete.
Twin turbo, like LS seven swapping that thing, full aero package, full like,
you know, plywood aero package that bad boy.
And then it's, it's a killer.
So, but then at the end of the day, you're still hanging out with the
Corvette guys.
I mean, it is, it is, it is rear wheel drive, you know?
So, I mean, I think where did, where, where are the twins chilling right now?
Twins are in fourth.
So we've got right now, it's E 46 rear wheel drive at the top, potentially
civic SI front wheel drive in second, and then third place C five vet, fourth
place, the twins, rear wheel drive.
And then last place, all wheel drive WS here's, here's a weird thing for me,
right?
So like, I think that, um, this, the, if the civic goes second, then the
Corvette can go next and the twins can go after, but if the Corvette goes
above the civic, then like, I think the twins could like interchange with that
too, right?
Because if I think about E 46, um, you think the twins could interchange with
what?
I think that the C five.
Yeah.
Like, I think it could be E 46.
I cannot stand for that.
Absolutely.
I get your argument, but again, we go back to this, the bang for the buck.
Like, man, C five on tracks a good time.
And we're not, and we're not saying this is a great daily.
Well, we're not, these obviously aren't, you know, people who have a ton
of track day experience, but there's also, we're not saying this is completely
entry level either.
Cause I think if it was, we would steer everybody probably into a front
wheel drive to get up and go, get going.
Right.
So this is like, then, then it's just fit, fit, fit, fit.
Yeah.
Fit cup.
So I think we got our answer.
What was the answer?
Uh, E 46.
S I C five twins.
I'll accept that.
Of course you will.
You fought that.
Well, you still think C, you still think the SI should be number one.
I think there's interchangeability in like the order of the list.
Right.
So like you've got, you've got like some choices based off of your preference.
Depends on person.
Right.
So like, you're like, I can get a rear wheel drive German.
Did I mention to you?
This is entirely subjective by three edits.
You're one of them.
But I'm thinking for the people.
He's reading the comments right now.
Like, oh, I can't believe this dude.
But yeah, but like that's, I mean, that's been my position for the last 10 years
is to think about, I get to step away from this and go on the gravel.
You have to go meet your people.
Yeah.
So the last interchangeability that we'll bring up is, is there any world
where the twins is above the C five that do you think?
No, not if the civic is second.
I don't know what that is.
Like he won one.
Yeah.
He won one.
Yeah.
He's playing a leverage game.
No, it's, it's, it's just, it's just like kind of like order of, of like choice.
Right.
I'm thinking about like, I'm looking at it like kind of in pairs and then an
outlier, right?
Because like, if we look at that, it's like, you have two great choices at one
and two, right?
You know, and then you've got two great choices in, in three and four.
And then you have the WRX.
Damn.
Which is, which is a, I'm not taking any more of this slander.
I'm not saying it's not a good choice.
You give a man an inch, you give a man an SI in second place, which is actually an
RSX and he takes a mod.
Let's just, let's just cut to some beautiful time attacks done in GD.
Yes.
Thank you.
Yeah.
Let him remember how good that was in 2005.
The June hyper lemon is exactly what I'm going to list.
The fit is not.
Yeah.
You know what?
No one has on their wall is a photo of a fit.
Post here on their wall.
Maybe Scotty bands, bands, bands got only as a joke.
Okay.
So we're locking it in.
I'm good with it.
Here it is already from the bottom in fifth place.
We have the Subaru WRX GD in fourth place.
We have the twins, AKA the BRZ FRS combo in third place.
We have the heartbeat of America, the Corvette C five second place.
The eighth gen, eighth gen civic SI.
And in first place, the BMW E 46 330.
That's it.
That is the list.
It's strong.
Everyone's like somewhat happy with it.
I know you prefer like it just to be all Honda's, but I mean, like the fit, I think
the fit, like stayed on the list in the same way that it stays on the track and
the same way that it like, you know, that it like rose to that, everybody wants it
there, but at the end of the day, it's not supposed to be there.
It's never going to finish first.
Everybody wants it there, but it's not supposed to be there.
Right.
And it's cool because it's not supposed to be there, but, you know, like this is a
good squad.
Bunch of great honorable mentions.
If we missed anything, drop it in the comments.
We know you have opinions, throw your list in.
If you want to get involved in the list earlier, you know, and maybe have a
little bit more sway, join the Patreon.
We have a way bigger fight and arguing about that.
And also, if you want to listen to our goblin list, which is just like just
real degenerate where this was like one in the morning and I'm just being evil.
You don't recommend this to anybody, but it's the things we would, but I would.
Yeah.
Like this is the wood list.
Yeah.
So, and, uh, and I said it again, I'll say it 10 times more.
Chris, not only thank you for coming, but thanks for everything that you've done
with good life.
It is a huge, amazing part of the community.
You guys put on an awesome event and, uh, maybe one day I'll have enough time
to like actually race a car in it one day.
I'd love that.
I would love, I would love to race in GLTC too.
Dude, thank you.
Huge, huge for the culture.
I got to pitch you an idea too.
It involves old Volkswagen's, but we'll get that.
Here we go.
As it should.
Yeah.
Anyway, thank you very much.
Big thanks to all the partners and later.
Of all the sunglass companies out there, you might ask, why heatwave?
Aside from them being friends of mine, they just make great shades.
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They even have extra large sizes for big heads like me.
And for those of you wearing this on the job, they make ANSI Z87 spec safety glasses too.
But what really attracts me to heatwave is that they are physically a part of our culture.
You will find them everywhere from King of the Hammers to Formula Drift.
You'll see everyone wearing heatwaves at your local track day event.
Damn, you might even turn laps with the co-founder Justin because they're one of us.
So one more reason to choose heatwave visual to fix your face.
I'm a tooldork.
My obsession might even dwarf my addiction to cars.
I love collecting unique and specialty tools, which is how I initially fell in love with
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I wish I could say the same about my other tools.
But the thing I like the most about wearer is that they create clever solutions for
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So if you're ready to step up your tool game, whether it's the Zyklop Ratchet or
the Joker Wrenches, find them at wearertools.com.
All anyone wants to talk about nowadays is how great 90s car culture was.
But what everyone forgets is how bad our slammed cars wrote on crappy lowering
springs. At the time, that's all my wallet could muster.
But when I finally did step up and get some proper coilovers, I went for
KWs and never looked back.
I've been running their stuff for over two decades now in everything from my
9-11 to my RS2.
I even have a custom set in my Land Rover Discovery.
And yes, that bloody thing does finally run.
Anyway, because of my long history with them, I am very excited to announce KW
as the newest partner in this whole podcast syndicate thing I'm building.
Anyway, check them out, kwsuspensions.com.
About this episode
Budget track-day shopping gets turned into a full-on debate as hosts Ron Zaris and Chris Stewart (Gridlife co-founder) set strict rules for a sub-$15k, US-available, drive-to-the-track car with “reasonable” mods and a post-session “ice cream test.” They argue through lists heavy on Honda practicality and rear-wheel-drive fun, plus a few wildcard picks. The final top five lands on BMW E46 330i, Corvette C5, BRZ/FRS twins, Subaru WRX (GD), and the 8th-gen Civic Si—while the Honda Fit, Fiesta ST, and others get cut in the final rounds.
Firing Order is BACK for its first outing in season 3 and this week we’ve got Chris Stewart, co-founder of GRIDLIFE and all-round track sensei RonCar, aka Ron Zaras, founder of AntiLag here to join Scotto in debating the Top Five Budget Track Day Cars! Don’t worry, as you’ve come to love and expect: there are tangents-a-plenty and while an objective ranking (clearly, not the work of “three idiots”) may eventually be reached, they take their sweet time battling it out on their way there. Meanwhile, Scotto… well, I think Scotto just wants to found a neo-vintage racing class? Grab your helmets and spare tires, we’re off to the track, baby!
