[quote=TeCKis300]
So back to that grown up track toy. The mentality should be if you’re willing to put a car on the track, you’re willing to wad it up and throw it away. Your regular insurance won’t cover you, but there are optional track day specific insurance you can buy. And because there’s always a chance you could wad it up (either of your own doing or someone else), or some unforeseen situation (i.e. fluid spillage), safety should be a paramount concern. Which means a cage.
[/quote]

This is what I was getting at earlier. I’ve seen the “track car/DD” get balled up on course. It’s not pretty to see a grown man cry.

Also, having been in this situation myself and seeing friends go down this path, you don’t need pimpy mods to track your car. Just make sure it’s solidly road worthy and go have fun. Spend the initial budget on a good seat, roll protection and a helmet.

My first time on track, I cooked the brakes in about 5 laps on the infield at Auto Club. I learned from that experience and did much better during the second session. I wouldn’t have realized I had a problem with my technique if I had been running a BBK.

I suggest spending the time and money on the driver first. The go-fast goodies can mask driver deficiencies. I guess I’m making the assumption that your goal is to become a better driver.

I have witnessed and also myself run down what should be a much faster car due to differences in driver skill levels.

As for selecting a car, have you considered an E36 BMW? They are actually pretty reliable, have a low price of entry, RWD, have a huge aftermarket that rivals the Civc and whatever you’d think about doing has already been done. A Google search can provide a solution to just about any problem you could face.