Hi guys

I've got a TJ AWD which I was trying to sell recently but have had little interest or just lowball offers from people who think its just a normal fwd.

So i'm tossing up the idea of using it as a cheap entry level track and hillclimb car, but still want to keep it street legal. Yes, I know its auto and not going to be as fun as a manual one, and they have the weight issue with the awd system, but i would rather have some fun with it and drive it into the ground then part it out.

So what options would you look at for mods?

I was thinking coilovers, lighter weight alloys with some grippy tyres and upgraded swaybars as a start. Also thinking of stripping things out for events like seats and anything non essential to help save on weight and even some light weight racing buckets.

Anyways, just tossing the idea around at the moment but would appreciate some advice or even a steer in the right direction

Mike

I like the idea, but don't really know enough about hill climb events to give any sound advice. But... I'm going to just suggest a few things anyway :P

Cooling; that transmission is going to need it.
Power; 6G75, some headers and a suitable exhaust.... also, cooling, engine oil cooler?
Handling; Start with good tyres. Which tyres are good? I have no experience sorry. Coilovers have that adjustability which might be what you're after. Plus custom spring rates are handy. Bigger rear sway bar depending on spring rates/track conditions.
Weight; Headers, coilovers and lighter wheels. What weight you cant strip out try to relocate; battery and washer bottle to the boot, try to get it all in between the front and rear axles.

From there a proper setup will go a long way to tying it all together. Corner weight scales, an ECU tune, suspension geometry adjustments etc.

There's got to be affordable ways to pull all of this for sure, but you're going to out of pocket for a fair amount.

Have you been out to Fairbairn Park for a look? See the SDMA website (http://www.sdmahillclimb.com/Start.html) for more info.

If you haven't already fitted one, a transmission fluid cooler would be a very good idea.

If I were in your position I'd keep the car mods to a minimum until I've run it a few times, other than making sure you've got good tyres and suspension. Once you've run it a few times, then would be the time to look at improving the handling and power.

I seem to remember Skapper did some modelling of the suspension which suggests that you don't want lower the car too much anyway (handling actually deteriorates if you go too far).

Thanks for the input guys.

Will be heading out to fairbairn for a look in the new year to look at the hill climb track and even see a few runs to give me an idea how people are setting up their cars.

Will keep you guys posted as to how i progress with something like this. But yeah i think it could be a cheaper entry level thing for me and a couple of mates to have a bit of fun with.

If you want some serious power, see: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAGNA-6G74-TWIN-TURBO-KIT-6G72-6G75-/171187614975?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27db93b4ff