Beginner Rallycross Car? (+Daily Driver)

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

I have a multiple sided question regarding beginner rallycross cars. To start, I currently daily drive a 1990 Mazda Miata, which is currently setup for street/track driving. I've been considering getting a new daily on the account that the Miata probably isn't the safest daily (front airbag needs to be replaced and everything driving around me is a lifted F150 or large SUV). Most of the time people just don't see me on the road.

I'm also taking this opportunity to get an entry level rallycross car. I've wanted to get into rallycross for a while now, but didn't have a reason to get a whole new car. I know I can rallycross the Miata, but it's purpose built now for the HPDE track days, which I do a couple times a year. All in all, my goal is to find an entry level rallycross car that has modern safety features (front, rear, and side airbags, etc.).

So far, my choices are as follows:

• 2008-13 Subaru Impreza Hatchback
  • I like the extra room in the back on the Hatchback for day to day use
• 2008-13 Subaru Impreza WRX Hatchback
• 2013-2020 Subaru BR-Z / Scion FR-S

I'm currently leaning towards the 2008-13 base Impreza as I've heard a non-WRX model is a good place to start in the sport. I also feel like the 265hp of the WRX is a bit overwhelming for me considering I'm use to about 100hp haha. I haven't seen many people use this 3rd generation Impreza in the first place, so I'm not sure if it's the best choice. If daily driving safety wasn't a concern I'd get a 2007 Impreza (Hawkeye), but it's kind of the whole reason behind the purchase (07 lacks in safety features). The rallycross aspect is a fun bonus.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input on this topic! I know it's probably not a typical topic for rallycross, but I wasn't finding much online to help make my decision.

[u/TheBeesSteeze]

I went through this journey myself. Ended up going big and got a 2016 STI. Super fun, but man does Subaru make questionable engines. People were constantly blowing motors, myself included.

I would definitely get AWD or RWD. It's just going to be more fun.

I wouldn't worry about a stock WRX having too much power. On dirt you aren't really getting the power down like you are on pavement.

I'd probably just buy an older cheap AWD Subaru that's completely expendable in case you kill the motor.

Generally speaking rallycross is about as hard as you can get on a car, so having it as a daily driver may not be the best idea. I've seen airblags blown, radiators crushed, and cars occasionally rolled.

Also stick with the stock suspension and winter tires, get a spacer lift if you need more clearance. Going with rally tires and a rally-x suspension made my car undriveable on the street, especially having to trailer it or change tires at the event.

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/TheBeesSteeze]

Thanks for the input! You're probably right about not using as much power during rallycross. If I get a WRX it's at least a car that will grow with my skills over time. However, that's saying the engine stays in one piece too.

Regarding suspension, you mentioned a spacer lift, but would using lift springs be an option too? Regardless, whatever car I get I was considering raising it 1-1.5 inches, adding a skid plate, and getting a good set of tires for rallycross. I just want to do the bare minimum to the car to help protect it during the event, all other upgrades can probably wait.

[u/TheBeesSteeze → u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

Stock suspension works very well for rallycross and keeps it driveable on the street.

Lift springs are fine but a waste of money. I actually bought some expensive but still "lower" end gravel rally coilovers for my STI. I could never get them dialed in exactly right and hated how it drove on the street.

I ended up selling them and swapping back in the stock springs with some used WRX struts I found on marketplace and 2" spacers. That was a sweet spot for me.

I run spacers on my 4Runner and do a decent amount off road driving with it as well. I truly don't get the hate, you get the performance of an OE suspension, several inches of ground clearance, and a very cheap price.

Skid plate is a must even before your first event.

You don't need good tires, find a cheap set of wheels and some cheap used winter tires on marketplace.

I cannot stress enough how much your car will get beat up doing this.

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/TheBeesSteeze]

Sweet, good to know the barrier to entry seems lower than I originally thought! I'll keep the winter tires in mind. For cheap wheels, you're referring to cheaper used alloy wheels right? I've heard to avoid steel wheels.

[u/TheBeesSteeze → u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

Whatever you can find on facebook marketplace. I found some used Sparco Terras that worked well. Look up the rules for your local club ahead of time before making any modificaitons.

Rallycross is much more technique heavy than little things like wheel weight etc. A dirtfish instructor use to run laps around highly modified subarus in a stock jeep cherokee.

Have fun!

[u/TheBeesSteeze → u/Ordinary-Ad5146]

Also make sure to get a car with a manual trans and a working e-brake lever :)

[u/Ordinary-Ad5146 → u/TheBeesSteeze]

Ah yes, a manual is a must! I'm surprised how many going for sale are automatic. I can't see how anyone would want to drive a WRX or BRZ with automatic, but that's just me.