Best chassis for track car? Options

[FWD-3SGTE]

Hello everyone! Newbie here to the site and the 6th gens

I previously own a 5th gen with the 185 swap. I think I want to swap over to the 6th gen chassis because Ive always liked these more. I plan on throwing my 3SGTE in there along with some suspension, simple body kit with wheels etc. Ive been doing alot of searching, but its hard to find a discussion on this. If you guys could post your opinions on this, that would be great!

So lets say I wanted to build a full out track car, what chassis would you reccomend?

Im asking because I dont know the difference between the 94/95 chassis and the 96-99 chassis. I will be looking for a hatch back, and I do know that the 94/95's have the 2 post spoiler which I do want, but what about any other differences? Suspension wise, motor install...wise. And I know it will be cheaper for me to find a 94/95 chassis rather than a newer one Let me know what you think and sorry for all the blabble! Thanks soo much!

[95CelicaST]

Your best bet is to get a GT, since the 3SGTE would drop in to the current mounts.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Depends on what class you want to race in. If you're going for any mod type of class, the ST coupe is the best bet. It is the lightest of all. I would pick a 94/95 based on the fact that the wiring is going to be simpler, the bumper is cooler, and it's just cheaper. If you can't mod much, the GT coupe/hatch is good. The coupe is lighter, but the hatch lets you play a little more with reinforcements in my opinion. It's probibly still better to go with the coupe though. ST's don't have rear disk, and they have smaller brakes up front. The 3sgte will bolt into the 5sfe easier due to mounts. A 4age will bolt into an ST. The 4age would make a great engine for track use, unless drag. If I was going unlimitied, I would get a coupe ST and put a silvertop 4age in it and brakes from a GT.

[FWD-3SGTE]

Well, I dont intend on making this a race only car, I mainly posted that so I could look for a chassis with no limitations. I hate being held back by someting stupid. Im sure I will be tracking it, but not classed, and in no way be a "daily" driver.

I have a coupe now, but want to go to hatchback. I plan on strippin the car down and keeping the nescesities. So it looks like I will look for a GT because of the motor mounts and the brakes.

Are there any differences between the 94/95 and the 96+ other than the spoiler? Do all of the 6th gen celica suspension(s) fit all models and years? How about bumpers/parts? And what makes the motor mounts diff? Is the engine bay diff? Or just crossmembers etc?

Ha, I hate putting that many question marks, Im sorry. Thanks soo much though

[Negative]

Pre-facelift cars are OBD-I and post-facelift are OBD-II. Big deal when dealing with electronics sometimes. 98+ GT's have metal headgaskets. There are alot of differences body wise in the rear between coupes/verts and Hatches including taillights and specifying when ordering body kits etc.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

What kind of racing are you doing that has absolutely no limits? Doesn't sound like a track car to me, it sounds like a street racing car. If it is for drag, the GT with a 1mzfe swap and an auto tranny would give you the best bracket racer. I don't think you're going to race though.

[FWD-3SGTE]

I said Im looking for a "chassis" with no limitations, meaning I dont want to see "GT only" when buying something new when I have an ST. I dont plan on racing in classes, just for fun. Otherwise it will be a mean street car, very fun to drive, etc. This isnt going to be a 9 sec strip car or a stupid fast time attack car. I think you miss-understood me

I just want to switch from a 5th gen coupe to a 6th gen hatch while keeping my current 3S motor. Do all models have the same suspension? I still havnt found that out. Anywho, I hope I made my intentions a little clearer. Thanks!!

Chris

[lagos]

buy a 94-99 GT hatchback.
in 97-99 they changed the front bumper, added side skits and a different steering wheel. besides that, its all the same body, suspension, etc.

just stay away form the ST. that ones a little harder to swap, and has drum brakes in the rear.

[FWD-3SGTE]

Great! Thanks alot lagos!! And to everyone else with their input Ill keep updating when I decide to go for this! Talk to you all soon

Chris

[97lestyousay]

just stay away form the ST. that ones a little harder to swap, and has drum brakes in the rear.

You could probably buy the 3s tranny and disc conversion
for the difference in book price between the st and gt. I would
go 4a for a track car. In that case the st would be a better
choice.

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

An ST hatchback 5spd with a modified 20 Valve Blacktop with a screaming redline, gutted interior and cage, with big brakes and tons of grippy suspension bits would be the BOMB.


Somebody do it, now! We need more track-whored Celicas around here, dammit.

[FWD-3SGTE]

Haha, thats sounds sick silvercelica! Ill pretty much be doing just that but with the 3sgte and mr2 tranni Thanks again for your input guys!!

BTW - What coilover system do you guys reccomend??

Chris

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Tein SS SuperStreet coilovers.

Why? Good price, good company, GREAT handling, awesome construction and durable. Plus they're available stateside and you could send them back to Tein to be serviced.

[FWD-3SGTE]

Thanks alot silver. Figured that would be the best bet. Ill keep you guys updated. More thoughts are always welcome

Chris