What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car? - Jalopnik Comments

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

thomasrdotorg — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:21:46 EDT

Without a shadow of doubt: An Ex Aussie Brute Ute car.

Roll cage fitted, race prepped and <$30 ex racing.

Of course 420 BHP in a ute is a handful- as it ought to be. And the crowd may not initially "get" the humour of tennis ball sized rocks being sprayed onto their kiddies.... but that's their problem.

Check them out here.

thomasrdotorg

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

944turb0 — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:29:50 EDT

I'd love to see more 944 rally cars.

944turb0

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Stoatmaster — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:23:09 EDT

Back in the day, most everything was rallied.

I've come across a Silver Shadow, there was a works Merc 500 SLC, any number of Rover SD1s, not forgetting the Hillman bloody Hunter. And the Skodas.

So, depends on the rally, really.

1000 lakes: Hillman Imp

Baja 500 (not a rally, but seems to be included here): NSU Prinz

Stoatmaster

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

rally_325I — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:51:21 EDT

The bmw e30 is a great idea. In the UK they have series that gravel rallies these things quite frequently. That has got me going to build mine.......

[i221.photobucket.com]
[i221.photobucket.com]
[i221.photobucket.com]
[i221.photobucket.com]
[i221.photobucket.com]

rally_325I

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

sciamop — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:47:52 EDT

Same criteria for choosing a Lemons car but no budget on reliability and performance parts after initial purchase...

sciamop

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

jerryb553 — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:38:30 EDT

I'm new here. A friend pointed me to this thread and I have to comment. My rally car is a '82 Chevy Citation X-11. It is our 2nd X-11 rally car. The first was built back in the late '80's and rallied on-and-off for 15 years. I'm on haitus from rallying right now for financial rasons (like a lot of people) but I have a Volvo 262c Bertone in the garage right now that's recently had a roll cage installed for a local door-to-door Euro-style rallycross series we are doing. This WOULD have made a nice rally car. The 262GT's were successful. Think of it as a 242GT with a chopped top. The only problems would be a.) the PRV V6 engine should be replaced with a B21FT (which mine is) and b.) damaged glass and roof would be next to impossible to find.

jerryb553

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SaritGurges — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:25:21 EDT

@Al Navarro:
Comment on What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car? 262c Bertone Coupe? Hell yeah. You should see what's in my garage being worked on now. I bought a fire damaged 262c a couple years ago, then lost interest in restoring it when I found that it wasn't as good of a project as I thought (proir accident damage and rust). This year some of West Michigan rallyist, because we are all short on cash and won't be rallying this year, decided to start our own door-to-door racing series on dirt, with a $500 spending limit on cars. I'm building the Bertone to to that. BTW, my rally car is a 1982 Chevy Citation X-11. Yes, anything can be a rally car. You just have to decide how competitive you want to be.

SaritGurges

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

CptSevere — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:59:56 EDT

Hot Rod Magazine reprinted an old picture of a '64 (if I remember correctly) Mercury Comet competing at Monte Carlo. Looked badass. That'd work fine.

CptSevere

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

theallpowerfulme — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:36:29 EDT

@ frankgrimes - 959 FTW!

theallpowerfulme

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

something_unique_and_descriptive — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:09:35 EDT

@Novaload: My grandmother has a Grand Marquis, she's taken it places guys in lifted jeeps get stuck without a problem.

I'd go with a first gen Eclipse TSI, a NA Miata with a 13b-REW swapped in, VW Bus with a porsche engine.

something_unique_and_descriptive

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

The Kid — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:04:24 EDT

Actually, this gem from the Honda museum would also be quite nice.

[images.hondatuningmagazine.com]

Love those wheels! All it needs is a Jägermeister decal on the hood to be perfect.

The Kid

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

The Kid — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:57:12 EDT

@boosted-lego-wagon: I was thinking along similar lines to you, but praying in the temple of VTEC instead.

Late 80's Honda Civic Wagovan, with modern Acura RDX turbo AWD driveline.

[farm1.static.flickr.com]

The Kid

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

aesthari — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:09:10 EDT

A Citroen Xantia Activa with AWD, equipped with one of those new turbo-diesel, preferably Subaru's new boxer.

aesthari

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

MadHungarian — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:03:30 EDT

'64 Corvair Spyder turbo with the John Fitch handling package.

MadHungarian

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

v8corvairpickup — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:50:10 EDT

If them Duke Boys can hoon The General, so can I!

v8corvairpickup

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

JensL — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:28:34 EDT

The Porsche 911 Targa with Pro Rally number 38 at the beginning of this thread was my car. I bought it when I was 18, rallied it in my early and mid 20's, and sold it in my late 20's. I miss it now 25 years later. It was great fun.

I now have a 1987 RX-7 with a 5.0 liter V8 I installed, but the dumb rally rules these days won't permit such a car. Oh well....

As the advertising goes:

"Porsche - There is no substitute."

JensL

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

vr6john — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:20:49 EDT

@Froggmann: That would be a life goal to get a few runs in the desert with one of those...

vr6john

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

icantthinkofone — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:37:47 EDT

@DSLPWR:
jet powered trabant, with toilet paper and ducktape upholstery.

icantthinkofone

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

my favorite car is a motorcycle — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:33:49 EDT

Lotus Exige

my favorite car is a motorcycle

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

FrankGrimes — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:04:31 EDT

done up like this.

FrankGrimes

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

FrankGrimes — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:02:14 EDT

FrankGrimes

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Euromobile — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:48:44 EDT

@reefer: Even without all-wheel drive, it'd be a sort of modern take on the Lancia Stratos. I approve of this idea.

A BMW 1-series (either 3-door hatch or coupé) WR Car would be pretty cool. A Nissan Qashqai or the new Volkswagen Scirroco would work quite well too.

Euromobile

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Shapeshifter — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:45:40 EDT

Well, you could do a Mazdaspeed 3 with the Mazdaspeed 6 mechanicals stuffed into it for super awd potential.

Or maybe an RX-8 with sort of more suspension on it if you wanted to do some RWD class stuff.

Or maybe get the new Skyline GTR and reprogram it for offroad stuff.

Yeah, actually... that last one sounds pretty hilarious...

Shapeshifter

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tumblingwall — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:06:51 EDT

either a fiat 500 or an econoline. They make 4wd econolines, so its basically half way there.

right?

tumblingwall

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

nyoh-ohio — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:03:54 EDT

i would do a 1974 dodge monaco 440 magnum cop edition, making sure to have a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch power plant, cop tires, cop suspensions, and cop shocks. It would also be a model made before catalytic converters so it would run good on regular gas

nyoh-ohio

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:51:01 EDT

Oh, one more -

Volvo C30.

I'm done for good now. Really. I promise.
(Unless I think of another really cool one.)

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:44:39 EDT

@JUST POLAЯ: Hey that reminds me - Concept T needs to be on the list, too.

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Spasticteapot — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:36:58 EDT

My first choice for sheer rear-wheel-drive lunacy is a Toyota Starlet with Hayabusa engine.

[jalopnik.com]

But what if you gave the Starlet AWD? And made it a pick-up? And put in a loony engine?

Brat + turbocharged Hartley H1 dual-Hayabusa engine (400 hp normally aspirated!) = excellence.

Spasticteapot

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:29:43 EDT

Although I wouldn't really know what part of this I'd have to convert?!?!

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

wannabewannabe — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:26:00 EDT

If only because it's even more improbable than the Veyron: Veritas.

wannabewannabe

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

kleinlowe — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:20:26 EDT

All of them. The correct answer is "all of them".

kleinlowe

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

LuciferV8 — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:18:23 EDT

Toyota Supra Turbo!

LuciferV8

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:08:10 EDT

This looked like it might've been a fun little beater back in the day...

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:05:57 EDT

@Novaload: "That looks like a turquoise 70s Nova parked in front of the hotel or whatever that is."

That's a Duster. The sedan next to it is a Volare (maybe an Aspen)... the two-tone blue van is a '71-77 Dodge.

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

discontinuuity — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:47:35 EDT

I think anything with crazy boost and AWD would fit the bill, so how 'bout an Audi R8 TDI?

discontinuuity

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:37:51 EDT

-Vega Cosworth
-'90 or '91 Olds Cutlass Calais Quad 442 W-41
-DeLorean
-Gremlin
-Pacer
-BMW E36 hatchback
-Ford SHOgun
-Buick Regal T-Type
-Dodge Spirit R/T
-Audi A3
-any DAF
-Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
-Mazda MX-3
-Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4/Dodge Stealth R/T
-any 4WD AMC

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Skunky — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:31:35 EDT

I'd race the truck!

[i.treehugger.com]

Skunky

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:25:27 EDT

@clinto: I watched that with an increasing feeling of dread. I'm glad when it went wrong, it didn't do so terribly.

@marcgoldleaf: Did the Banks updates consist of adding gravel to the gearbox? That thing sounded terrible!

@Red AuerБЯд╒╒: Don't worry, GT4 has the same problem with graphics on some of their cars, too. :)

FЯeeMan is slowly cЯawling out of the new commenting system

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

guy1138 — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:22:02 EDT

Prius.

We had to destroy the environment to save the environment.

guy1138

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Froggmann — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:20:28 EDT

@vr6juan:

Been there done that 120MPH across the desert is fun though!

17" of travel front 21" in the rear a 2296CC motor:

Froggmann

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

konceptsketcher — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:20:11 EDT

Maybe smart roadster?

konceptsketcher

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Skunky — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:19:23 EDT

I'm surprised no one's mentioned the RallySol

[www.honda-tech.com]

Skunky

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

the good dr zero — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:12:18 EDT

@muhnkee_2: I was thinking about going in this direction instead:

Smaller car, so a bit more wieldly, drop tanks for the range, and with equal ability to get impounded in NSW!

the good dr zero

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Alphamazing — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:59:51 EDT

Miata.

Alphamazing

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

saltwater — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:51:46 EDT

1987 944S!

saltwater

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

boosted-lego-wagon — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:29:05 EDT

A watercannon!

Oh wait, wrong kind of rally, sorry.

boosted-lego-wagon

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

bennetpullen — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:18:33 EDT

Without a shadow of a doubt, BMW Z3 M Coupe. It's a hatch like all the great rally cars, but its so not...

Plus it would look cool as hell with mudflaps.

bennetpullen

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

subsammy — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:15:00 EDT

@theholymac: "Then swap out the 3SFE for the higher performance 3SGE out of an MR2, and you've got a bulletproof beater rally car." And you could get that combo in Japan. You may be even able to find the JDM front clip for "super rally potential"

subsammy

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

TheAstronot — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:12:10 EDT

Since Ford usually has a entry in WRC events I would have them set up either a 1994 Ford Taurus Wagon GL or a similar year Police Interceptor with all the lights and sirens intact so I could go WeeOOOWeeOOOWeeOOO through out the entire course. Those or a 1994 Cadillac Eldorado.

TheAstronot

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

eggbert67 — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:08:41 EDT

E30 325iX. Could go to Dinan Speed for a full makeover, but a stock (aside from the rally mods) is just kinda sexy.

Rowr!

eggbert67

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

NovaloadMissesPolar — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:00:32 EDT

The Grand Marquis. Ultimate sleeper. Plus, who says you can't rally in comfort?

That looks like a turquoise 70s Nova parked in front of the hotel or whatever that is.

NovaloadMissesPolar

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

DSLPWR — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:49:32 EDT

2CV (Rally LeMons candidate!)
Fiat X1/9 (disposable)
Lancia Scorpion (See above)
Porsche 914 (See above)
TVR (Power:weight ratio, pick any one)
Yenko Stinger / Corvair V8 conversion(Power! Handling! No, strike that.)
Renault R5 (Appropriate body style, mid-engine goodness)
Cayman (just to abuse it, prove its worth)
Audi A4 Quattro (because it might actually prove a strong candidate)
Any car touched by Michelle Mouton.

DSLPWR

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

finkrat — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:31:12 EDT

Subaru GL hatchback with optional Cannonball Run jet booster

finkrat

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

vr6john — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:30:39 EDT

vr6john

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:22:12 EDT

'94 Eagle Talon TSi AWD

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

jpech — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:22:09 EDT

I'm going with the Enzo, cause I equate rallying with inevitable and spectacular crashes, same as the the Enzo.

jpech

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

baldheadeddork — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:21:56 EDT

Can't believe I'm the first to mention a first-gen RX7 a' la Rod Millen...

baldheadeddork

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

osnofla — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:16:12 EDT

@leberkäs: i guess you can lose in style too.
i'd do a miata or a 944 turbo or a geo metro for shits and giggles

osnofla

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Froggmann — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:12:30 EDT

My old 88 Cougar XR-7, it actually did pretty good as a chase "truck":

Froggmann

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

p.r.o.t.o — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:08:45 EDT

how 'bout... your mom

p.r.o.t.o

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

theholymac — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:07:00 EDT

Oh man, someone beat me the the 2nd Gen Camry All-Trac. Props, subsammy.

So, hear me out: 2nd gen camry. Most popular car in america at the time, so you've got parts coming out of your ears. The All-trac model, while rarer, has all-wheel drive. Then swap out the 3SFE for the higher performance 3SGE out of an MR2, and you've got a bulletproof beater rally car.

Otherwise, a Datsun 510 or 240Z would be pretty fantastic as well

theholymac

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Unevolved — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:02:16 EDT

Unevolved

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

boosted-lego-wagon — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:58:26 EDT

Here's another goodie:

boosted-lego-wagon

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

petersterncan — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:57:05 EDT

Dodge Magnum wagon with the Hemi. Shouldn't be too hard to do since AWD has already been done on that chassis... so it would just be a matter of jacking it up and modding the suspension and getting appropriate wheels and tires.

petersterncan

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

theallpowerfulme — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:54:13 EDT

Im doing an SVX as we speak, but If I had my choice of ANY car, I would say 64 Lincoln Continental (4dr)

theallpowerfulme

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

nirad — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:50:52 EDT

Murcielago LP640... Roadster

nirad

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

smalleyxb122 — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:43 EDT

Tempt fate by rallying a Brilliance. If you can complete the course, you are a GOD!

smalleyxb122

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

boosted-lego-wagon — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:14 EDT

Perfect if the bridge is out.

boosted-lego-wagon

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Mad_Science — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:37:55 EDT

@brownie: COTD

Mad_Science

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

subsammy — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:37:04 EDT

1988 Camry All-Trac. Hey, they race Camrys in NASCARP.

subsammy

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!! — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:36:59 EDT

@Scroggs!: danged inter-tube!

[www.forum-auto.com]

SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!!

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

BLS — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:36:48 EDT

Suzuki X90 with GM 2.0DI Turbo.

BLS

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

will — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:35:55 EDT

b5 a4 avant 2.8 quattro 5spd, put on a ps2 supercharger, some stiffer springs and some new tires and it's ready to go

will

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!! — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:35:53 EDT

A Ferrari 275GTB....just like the auto gods intended.

SCROGGZILLA RAIDS AGAIN!!

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Picarso — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:35:11 EDT

240Z
[www.eastafricansafarirally.com]

Picarso

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Super_Moose — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:33:12 EDT

[upload.wikimedia.org]

Oliver!

Super_Moose

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Beluga — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:30:38 EDT

Former-police issue Dodge Diplomat, or a Feather Duster with a transplanted 340 Wedge.

Beluga

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:30:01 EDT

I have the perfect vehicle...

'97 Mazda MPV with a turbo powered 929 engine

Dump the seats and let it go

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Ω ß®ªғғ — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:29:34 EDT

@brownie: or a rapper spilling Cristal all over himself...

Ω ß®ªғғ

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

cyclopticgaze — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:28:23 EDT

Isetta.

cyclopticgaze

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

The_Finn — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:22:31 EDT

KP61 Starlet (20v 4age powerplant) because as much as i want a talbot/lotus sunbeam i can't get them on this side of the pond and RWD hatchbacks are just friggen awesome

The_Finn

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

brownie — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:20:13 EDT

Maybach. I'd keep all of the heavy luxury goodies and race in a black suit with a CEO in the back having a conference call.

brownie

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

orangeroller — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:19:52 EDT

@leberkäs: total blasphemy you heretic!!

orangeroller

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:16:31 EDT

Just to be interesting, Cadillac Allante.

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mytdawg — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:12:35 EDT

I'd probably have to do something like this. I've driven a 2002 off road and they rock. Late 70's Plymouth Arrow isn't bad either.

mytdawg

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

layabout — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:12:20 EDT

Audi RS4 the true king of Rally sport

layabout

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

rev.bubba — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:11:05 EDT

I am currently in the process of converting my Fiat 500 into a rally/hillclimb car. I am just getting started on the project.

[classicautorescue.com]

rev.bubba

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Maymar is convinced M.C. Escher engineered his car — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:08:15 EDT

Just to be a smartass I was going to say a $500 Cutlass Ciera (I'm working on that being my default answer for everything). But there was the AWD Pontiac 6000, and there are a couple viable engine swaps.

That, or an AWD Cadillac CTS. Or that BMW mule from yesterday.

Maymar is convinced M.C. Escher engineered his car

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:07:34 EDT

@harumph: The Delta is in my wet fantasy garage.

I would like to see how an RS4 works as a rally car.

Where is Mad_Science with the Subaru Brat?

Dr.Danger, I run the Death Star

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

vwminispeedster is actively searching for a $500 Citroen — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:07:23 EDT

Dad used his 1972 Citroen DS when it was new in the 70's. He kept the AC too. Man wouldn't drive in the heat of Palmdale without AC. He drove it to the race, raced it and drove it home. No trailer queen there. He even beat Ivan Stewart in a rally (Ivan Stewart did not finish the rally, thus Dad beat him. To fnish first you must first finish.)

vwminispeedster is actively searching for a $500 Citroen

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

nadmonk — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:07:22 EDT

Nissan 240SX, don't know why, just feels right.

Although truely, I second the AMC Eagle.

nadmonk

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Drew draws fire from Ben Wojd...wodjyj...woldj...Ben. — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:04:08 EDT

I think my '72 Alfa GTV 1750 would make a rockin' rally car.

If I only I could get the damn thing started...

Drew draws fire from Ben Wojd...wodjyj...woldj...Ben.

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

P161911 — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:03:08 EDT

I remember one of the earlier versions of Gran Turismo 2 or 3. would let you rally the Ford GT40.

P161911

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SundaySunday — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:01:44 EDT

@tenbeers: Ack! I was skimming the comments, I swear I didn't see yours until now.

SundaySunday

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

zweirad — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:31 EDT

@Preferredcustomer: +1 for the Unimog. When the going gets rough... [www.truckstardakar.nl]

zweirad

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

boosted-lego-wagon — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:59:13 EDT

My buddy had a rally Justy; that was pretty fun.

However, if I'm CONVERTING a car for rallying, I'd want something completely ridiculous and/or more of a beater than an industrial pancake batter machine.

How about an early Tercel Wagon with a full custom GT-4 drivetrain?

boosted-lego-wagon

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

clank-o-tron — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:58:36 EDT

I've said it before, I'll say it again: DeLorean.

Roads? Where we're going, we don't need... roads."

clank-o-tron

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SundaySunday — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:58:33 EDT

A Mazda 323 GTX would totally rock as a rally car. In fact, they often do.

SundaySunday

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Mazda Eric has his own radio show — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:57:46 EDT

this already has enough front lights:
[autonomoussource.com]

Mazda Eric has his own radio show

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

leberkäs — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:56:59 EDT

Bentley Brooklands. Rally in style.

leberkäs

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mytdawg — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:56:50 EDT

I've got to throw my two cents in for the ION...

mytdawg

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Andrewpetty — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:54:09 EDT

The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.

It would be a chance to:

1. Do some rally driving
2. Drive a $10,000,000 car
3. Destroy something beautiful

Andrewpetty

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:53:35 EDT

@mr.chöppèrs: I would have never thought of it, but a rally Cappu is inspired!

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Picarso — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:53:26 EDT

[image.automobilemag.com]

Picarso

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:52:14 EDT

Ariel Atom
S2000
3rd gen F-body Firebird/Camaro
'busa-engined Suzuki X-90
G8-amino.

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mechimike — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:49:37 EDT

Rallied my '68 Volvo 122S for a number of years. It starte off stock - b18 engine, et al. By the time I "retired it" (read: "moved far away from where I was racing") It had an entire fiberglass front clip, rear suspension from an 1800E, rear disc brakes, B20 engine, etc.

And I used to run against WRX's and Evo's, too. Beat some, lost to some. But I _always_ had the oldest car there. One guy used to joke, "Hey, bringing out the museum piece again?"

mechimike

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Ω ß®ªғғ — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:46:59 EDT

@skyln95: Sweet... I drive a 2001 Altima AND live (fairly) close to LA...
I will have to test out your theory on my lunch break, see you on the news at 11!

Ω ß®ªғғ

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Ω ß®ªғғ — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:44:43 EDT

Ω ß®ªғғ

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

skyln95 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:41:33 EDT

2001 altima. always wanted to after i saw a police chase on tv in l.a. a while back. this thing took a nasty shot to the front end, numerous spin arounds by the cops, finally flattened all four tires, and it still kept going(although not fast when the tires went). it was a very long chase. the only reason this thing stopped was because the driver tried to drive across a dirt median and realized bare rims can't make it through dirt, and there the car sat. i say half of what you need in a rally car is toughness since rally cars usually remain close to stock.

skyln95

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Bee1 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:38:23 EDT

The Hemi Charger from Down Under is the top choice.

Factory Six, three Webs,4-speed

Why? It was outlawed from the road courses for a while because it out ran the V-8s of the day.

Bee1

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

TurboBrick — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:38:22 EDT

The idea of an Fox body Mustang SVO rally car has been burning in my mind now for 10 years, ever since I saw an article about the Freaks Peak hillclimb race organized by the Ford Freaks of Finland.

TurboBrick

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Sketch242 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:37:09 EDT

Ooops, apparently you can't inline an image without adding text... This car is mostly stock, but I believe was modified for extra suspension travel:

[fiero.cc]

Sketch242

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Steel_ETC — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:36:49 EDT

Tatra 700. I bet that big air-cooled V8 would make for some interesting dirt-driving dynamics. You might not win any races, but your horrific snap-oversteer-off-of-a-cliff death would be a rally legend for years to come.

@Kelly: The Jag found success already as a circuit racer, it has nothing more to prove. And my 1986 XJ-S has gone two carefully-maintained years without any mechanical or electrical failures, thank you very much. I should get one of those 'X days since last accident' counters for my garage.

Steel_ETC

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

P161911 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:34:06 EDT

Here's the one I was thinking of: [cgi.ebay.com] The Oldsmobile Banshee. And it it is FOR SALE on ebay right now!

P161911

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Sketch242 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:33:56 EDT

[fiero.cc]

Sketch242

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tenbeers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:33:04 EDT

on a slightly more realistic note, and it probably doesn't count for much since it actually did rally back in the day, but my old '88 Mazda 323 was great offroad and cost almost nothing. Just needed about double the power.

tenbeers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mr.chophoppers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:33:04 EDT

I have alawys wanted to see a rally-prepped Suzuki Cappuccino. Would look so good with a battery of extra headlights, and with turbo, perfect weight distribution and RWD everything is all set from the beginning.

mr.chophoppers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tanshanomi — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:31:54 EDT

@Meat Farley: Rally Fiero? Been done, and I actually like it.

Tanshanomi

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

P161911 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:30:41 EDT

I've always thought a big 1970's or 80's American SUV would work pretty good. Just add big block power. I'm thinking either K-5 Blazer, 1979+ Bronco, or Ramcharger. Just go through anything. Something along the lines of Big Oly.

Where BMW E30s ever rallied? I've thought my little 325 would work good too.

P161911

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

combat chuck — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:29:05 EDT

@JUST POLAЯ: Woops. I kinda skimmed that post. Great minds, etc.

combat chuck

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mofoturbo — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:28:37 EDT

Dodge Caliber SRT4.

As much as I hate Calibers, it's got that rally look/feel to it.

mofoturbo

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

bluecoupe — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:28:13 EDT

1G talon - Mine. Everytime I'm on a dirt road I have this thought. I know it's kind of conventional because guys have been rallying these for awhile now but it just feels right on dirt.

bluecoupe

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tenbeers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:24:39 EDT

popemobile

tenbeers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Meat Farley — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:22:34 EDT

A Buick turbo V6 conversion Pontiac Fiero kitted to look like a Lancia Stratos, because I am a sick, sad man.

Meat Farley

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Kelly — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:21:03 EDT

1986 Jaguar XJS HE.

The seats would be comfy while you wait for rescue after the Lucas smoke escapes...

Kelly

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:20:29 EDT

I always had a lot of fun beating on my '89 Plymouth Horizon, too, but a skidplate for the low-hanging oilpan and welded-shut doors would definitely be necessary.

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Yurikaze — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:19:29 EDT

Tarmac: 1998 Jaguar XKR coupe with SMG or manual conversion.
Dirt: 1970 Plymouth Superbird. You know a light pod on that beak would look awesome.
Same goes for a BMW 850i 6-speed.

Yurikaze

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Ω ß®ªғғ — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:19:23 EDT

I would turn the late 90's Elantra into a Rally-Car... seriously!!

I remember driving my (then) girlfriends Elantra in college and really enjoying the simplicity of the gearbox and interior... I hooned that thing on the backroads of Kingston, Rhode Island on a regular basis.

shit... I think I have to photoshop a Rally Elantra now, thanks for wasting my day Matt...

Ω ß®ªғғ

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:15:10 EDT

I'd be Ethel's "navigator"...

[jalopnik.com]

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tenbeers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:55 EDT

ok I'm done

tenbeers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

crankcase — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:00 EDT

@reefer:
Exactly what I was thinking!
Hope that doesn't frighten you (it would me!!)

crankcase

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:13:28 EDT

Toyota MR2 Mk. 2. Turbo, of course.

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Mad_Science — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:13:24 EDT

A couple of my favorites, from last summer's Gorman Ridge Rally

Mad_Science

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Goety — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:49 EDT

A morgan. those lowcut doors would give you an up close & personal feeling with the road going by. .

Goety

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

diskreet — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:11:35 EDT

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

diskreet

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Saaj — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:11:25 EDT

The Toyota pickup they tried to destroy on Top Gear.

Saaj

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Preferredcustomer — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:10:43 EDT

@muhnkee_2: You forgot "impoundment" in your parade of horribles.

I'd say Porsche Cayenne GTS, just for the hell of it. Or Unimog...

Preferredcustomer

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tenbeers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:09:33 EDT

Kenworth T660

tenbeers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Vintage Racer is out taking pictures — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:07:52 EDT

A 1969 Rambler American S/C - Hell, it's already run the Baja

[en.wikipedia.org]

"Off-road
Mexico hosted a grueling mostly off-road race, the Baja 500. In July 1967, a Rambler American in the passenger-car category was driven by Spencer Murray and Ralph Poole and finished the run in a record 31 hours.[9]
American Motors then got serious in this type of racing and signed up James Garner's "American International Racers" (AIR) team to a three-year contract. Garner's shops prepared ten 1969 SC/Ramblers provided by AMC. The cars were modified for the punishing Baja 500 race [1]. Raising the suspension and using Goodyear 10x15-inch tires increased ground clearance. All window glass was removed and roll cages were installed. The cars had 44-gallon (167 L) fuel tanks. Two cars were further modified with four-wheel drive. The AIR team built AMC's 390 CID (6.4 L) V8 engines to blueprint tolerances, thus increasing horsepower to 410 hp (306 kW) at the flywheel. The cars were capable of 140-mile (225 km) runs along smooth straights at about 7,000 rpm in fourth gear.
On June 11, 1969, eight of the Ramblers were entered into the passenger-car category and the two 4WD versions were in the Experimental class. Garner did not drive in the race because of a film commitment in Spain. Seven of the Ramblers finished the grueling race, taking three of the top five places in the passenger-car class. One of the four-wheel-drive cars came in fourth in its class. The AIR team included a car with Bob Bondurant and Tony Murphy that took first place. For one of the winning Rambler drivers, this was his first ever race and the experience launched the career of Walker Evans.
[edit]Rally racing
Rambler Americans raced with good results in the Shell 4000 Rally that was held in Canada. In 1968, for example, the grueling 4,000-mile (6,437 km) rally over the often-tortuous muddy road from Calgary to Halifax, the AMC team finished 2nd, 3rd, and 5th winning the Manufacturers Team Award.[10]

Vintage Racer is out taking pictures

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Picarso — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:07:44 EDT

Jeep SRT8

Picarso

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

reefer — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:06:51 EDT

Lotus Exige... with some sort of mystical AWD system.

reefer

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

muhnkee_2 — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:06:33 EDT

it would have to be my step mothers priceless australian built ford falcon phase 3 GTHO:
[www.themotorreport.com.au]
burning rubber, slipping clutch, sideways, frontways, backways, handbrake, crash, disaster, suicide
but hell what a day.

muhnkee_2

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:06:23 EDT

1981 Ford Mustang, 200 straight-6.

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Ben Simons — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:05:11 EDT

1965 Plymouth Barracuda.

[cache.jalopnik.com]

Ben Simons

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tenbeers — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:04:34 EDT

tenbeers

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

tsr_exec — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:04:29 EDT

Citroen XM ... even though it's quite heavy ;D

tsr_exec

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

abgwin — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:03:50 EDT

i'm sure the International Scout II I had in high school would be perfect.. so maybe it doesn't handle so well, but it could just drive right through any bends it couldn't go around... plus it was "flame red" which is really orange, which all rally cars should be. right?

abgwin

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

dasko — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:03:47 EDT

An AWD Volvo C30

dasko

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

SeanKHotay — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:03:43 EDT

[cache.jalopnik.com]

Instead of its current ornamental status, the one sitting in my driveway.

The egg-crate-grilled stroker SAAB as pic'd in Hardigee's lead pic would come in a close second...

SeanKHotay

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

slackinfux — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:02:35 EDT

@smalleyxb122: Seriously, Mega Track FTW!

slackinfux

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

snep — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:01:19 EDT

If it had to be realistic mine would be an '85 VW GTI. The hatch is where my heart lies.

snep

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:00:23 EDT

@combat chuck: Sorry dude, I already submitted my request for a rally-prepped Veyronamino this morning.

[jalopnik.com]

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

voodoojoo — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:00:05 EDT

My friend's blue 81 Accord 3 door has been begging for it for years. At every street corner it's been hurled around at 40 miles an hour, its tires didn't squeal in pain, they begged to be taken out on a balls out, take me on one last drive before I die run. Flying around in the dirt, clutch slipping and sounding like it is trying to shush away all the commotion, that weedy little engine screaming to more revs than it has ever come close to reaching, pistons flying through the hood, wheels coming off, every warning light that still works flashing to foretell its oblivion - that's how a car should reach its demise - not for me, not for the car, but maybe, just maybe, for that P1800 sitting on blocks at the junkyard, or the 2000CS missing half of a headlight that hasn't moved an inch on its driveway in the eighteen years I've known it. That Honda is going to die an hero if I have anything to god damn say about it.

voodoojoo

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

KevinKernaghan — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:59:52 EDT

I used to dream of a rally-course comparo between, say, a 1986 Caprice Classic (or Ford LTD (351 equipped)) and a slew of new "SUVs" like a Ford Escape, Jeep Compass, RAV4, Highlander, Element, etc. and see which one could make it furthest. And I mean grueling rally conditions, like Baja California-style. I think, deep down inside, we all know the victor.

KevinKernaghan

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

marcgoldleaf — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:57:28 EDT

a Lotus Europa, of course updated by Banks:

[marcgoldleaf.com]

marcgoldleaf

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

smalleyxb122 — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:57:14 EDT

Where is the love for the Mega Track? Hell, a couple more lights on the front, and you're done.

[jalopnik.com]

smalleyxb122

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

roberttr6 — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:56:50 EDT

how bout a datsun 510 or a TR8 or a ur quatro or a MGB GT or a early RX-7 or, oh poop I would do all of them

Saw a TR8 run the special stage rally they set-up at Goodwood last year and it was awesome!

roberttr6

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Al Navarro — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:55:48 EDT

@joshman:
Not as crazy as it sounds...some of the predecessors to the Seven were used as trials cars by Colin Chapman and others, IIRC.

Al Navarro

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Corvette_Thunder — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:55:27 EDT

[www.fahrcar.com]

Corvette_Thunder

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

JSmith53 — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:53:31 EDT

Z4 M-Coupe

JSmith53

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

joshman — chasing that star — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:51:10 EDT

I think an old two-stroke Saab would be cool but the sensible choice for me would be a Mk II GTI. Neither of these choices is especially new to the rally scene. For fun, anyone want to try a Se7ven?

joshman — chasing that star

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

RalphieDC — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:50:46 EDT

AMC Eagle

RalphieDC

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

harumph — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:50:18 EDT

One of the Lancia Deltas in my fantasy garage.

harumph

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

mathlabs — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:49:31 EDT

well for shits and giggles, id like to turn a S2000 into a rally car.

but lets say i owned a Lancia Stratos, I would turn that into a rally car. haha but i dont know if id have the heart to do it.

mathlabs

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

dolo54 — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:49:17 EDT

McLaren F1

dolo54

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Elderly Douche — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:49:17 EDT

A smart. Pretty smart, huh?

Elderly Douche

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

combat chuck — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:48:46 EDT

I'll get this out of the way: Bugatti Veyron.

combat chuck

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

clinto — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:47:39 EDT

After watching this waaay too many times with the volume turned up really loud, I think a 930 is the only choice I could make.

Hopefully my efforts would end better than it did for these gents.

clinto

What Would You Convert Into A Rally Car?

Al Navarro — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:45:33 EDT

Volvo 262 Bertone coupe?

Al Navarro