| Author |
Message |
Ira Schwartz (Iraschwartz)
New member
Username: Iraschwartz
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 9:27 am: | |
I'm in the market for a good 355 Challenge car to use for FCA/FOC track events, but would like to be able to drive to and from the track in order to obviate the need for a tow car and trailer (I live in MD but do all my track stuff in FL and don't want to keep another car/trailer someplace I only go monthly). I'm sure it's a bit masochistic, but . . . Dennis makes some good points, but if you don't intend to use the car primarily as a driver maybe that mitigates his cautions to some extent. '95 355 Challenge cars have titles, although getting tags in your State of choice could be tough. A 348 Challenge car would probably present fewer hassles, and if you're not planning on thrashing the car that hard even at the track, maybe that's a better alternative?? |
Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member
Username: Eilig
Post Number: 190
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 9:26 am: | |
I have a friend with a 360 Challenge who has moved on to racing other cars, and really wants to convert his car to being "streetable." He's been trying to sell it for the last 2 years, no go. Anyone know of any 360 Challenge cars that have been successfully converted to having a title, license, and able to drive on street? |
E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 06, 2003 - 9:14 am: | |
Dennis: thank you. This was one of the very things with which I was concerned. The all-out speed is not a major factor (how often can you ever *really* use it on the street) but somewhere I had picked up the perception that the Challenge cars were worth getting for someone who has any ambitions of taking to the track (hard driving or not). Since I am beginning my investigation of the different models that would fit my needs, these are some of the exact particulars that I need to know more about. Thanks again. |
Dennis (Bighead)
Junior Member
Username: Bighead
Post Number: 127
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 11:29 pm: | |
Ryan, FWIW, you'd be better served with a street version of the 355, compared to the Challenge version. First, only 1995 model year 355s came with titles and can, theoretically, be registered and driven on the street. 1996+ models were not OBD-II compliant and were not delivered with titles. The things done to make a car a Challenge car makes it fairly unsuitable for street driving, though it CAN be done (and I know a handful of people that do exactly this).
But why? If you're not going to push it on the track, there is NO benefit in driving the Challenge version, especially on the street. It's painfully stiff, you'll scrape EVERYWHERE, it's too loud, it's uncomfortable, and it's even DANGEROUS, with the roll cage, unless you drive everwhere with a helmet on.
So why bother? A non-Challenge 355 is every bit as fast on the street (if not faster, as you won't have to come to a stop for every pothole), a lot more comfortable, and is 100x more practical.
Just my $.02.
vty,
--Dennis
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Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 1456
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 9:02 pm: | |
Not sure about this, but I've heard that at least some model years of 335 Challenge cars can't be legally converted for street use. As I recall the serial # will be a gotcha when you go to license it. |
Byron (Bmyth)
Member
Username: Bmyth
Post Number: 749
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 8:44 pm: | |
I have a 348 "retired" challenge car that has been reconverted for street use. There are many aspects about it that are still "track-worthy" such as suspension, roll-bar, seatbelt harness, dropped gears, fans, oil cooler, exhaust, etc... but also lots of creature comforts that make it great to drive, like A/C, daytona CF seats, custom stereo, working gauges, etc...
The car makes a fun daily driver, but the only problem is getting in/out of steep driveways and dips. That front fiberglass spoiler is first to go! There are many 1994 factory challenge 348's for sale, but due to the limited count, they are usually sold at a premium. Some have had some luck with "converted" challenge cars (like myself). There are plenty of guys here on FChat that have worked (and raced) with these cars that can provide you much more insight... |
E. Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
New member
Username: Sherpa23
Post Number: 5
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 05, 2003 - 8:34 pm: | |
I understand that there have been fewer of the 348 and 355 challenge cars made than the regular model but is it especially difficult to find a non-race challenge car? Also, given the fact that I would like to take the car to the track from time to time (not to wring it out but just to enjoy it at 8/10 in a safe environment) would there be any particular reason to buy the regular version over a challenge version? Thanks in advance. |
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