In my 40s married with children and I currently have a 2013 GTI w/DSG so wife can drive it, a 2013 Odyssey, and a 2002 S2000. I want to get back to doing HPDE w/NASA. Using FWD does not appeal to me, and I would rather not install a Hard Dog 4 point bar. I've done approx 10 weekends of HPDEs (Mid-Ohio) in the following cars: A3, GTI, RX8, and 996. The RX8 was probably the most fun, with the 996 being a close second. I imagine the S2000 would be a blast!

The cheapest route would be to bite the bullet and install the Hard Dog bar and have a blast with the S. But I would rather not do the chopping and cutting, plus I don't care for the look of the bar installed. So ideally the S would be a street car only.

Options:
1. sell S2000 and buy a RWD car with a $12k budget, keep GTI. I've regretted selling previous cars and the S is one that I would probably seriously regret.

2. keep S2000 and sell GTI. But, I would need a 4 seat RWD or AWD with a twin clutch tranny - no torque converters! If new, then $25k budget. If used, then I would to stay under $17k. If only the new WRX had a twin clutch tranny.

3. sell S2000 and GTI for the upcoming Golf R due Q1 2015. But again I would probably regret selling the S.

4. keep both S2000 and GTI. Get wheels, tires, pads, and fluid for the GTI and run a FWD car at HPDE. It's not the end of the world for a couple of years, but not ideal.

5. Ideas????

Thanks for your opinions on this topic.

 

If the s2000 is too nice to chop up, sell it at a fair price then buy a cheap beat up one and use the difference to pay for the roll bar and new tires etc.

 

Meh the s2000 is a pleasure car if you like hpde put in roll cage and enjoy.

Its a 2002. Would I be correct in assuming it's not a super low mile s2k?

You probably what get it's value in your eyes anyway. I'm on my third s2000. I buy, sell, regret, repeat. Now I have a 2005 20k miles. I was previously bored with power, so I'm biting the bullet and slapping on a SC kit.

 

I've run NASA a HPDE in a stock S2000 without a roll bar. Hard dog makes a bar with a fixed or removable diagonal that allows you to get factory roll bars. Check out GR Motoring and Science of Speed.

 

It makes more financial sense to keep the s2000 and use that for the HPDE events. You also will probably have more fun with it than a GTI or Golf R. Like you mentioned, you'll regret selling the S so don't!!

 

If you were in love with s2000 and couldn't part with it you wouldn't have post this.

 

Last time I checked with my PCA chapter ( used to HDPE my old 911 with them) and they didn't require a roll bar for the S2000.

PCA is unique in that they allow unmodded Boxsters to run top up. BMWCCA who also allow other brands still does not allow z3s etc.

I'd check w your PCA chapter.

 

Yes, there are certain clubs that don't require a roll bar. Also, have you considered a hardtop? This satisfies some clubs for convertible rollover protection, and if you're concerned about safety it would also obscure the roll bar.

At any rate, I'd make my track car the S2k over anything FWD or even a hot AWD VW. I would think it would be a lot more fun, and it's kind of weird to have your more fun, more focused sports car NOT be your track car.

 

Sell golf
Keep S2000
Buy salvage title S2000
???
Profit.


I offer that option because you've said repeatedly that you'd regret selling the S. So if you wanna keep it nice and not chop it up (depending upon your governing body's regs) I'd go with what i posted above. That way you can get a salvage title S on the cheap, and go nuts with it.

 

Get a track prepped Miata and keep the S.