Rally Pilot. Ya or na?

"Nymphicus Hollandicus" (nymhicus-hollandicus)
10/10/2015 at 08:57 • Filed to: Rally car, Rally Pilot, Pilot

I had an idea while I was watching the Top Gear episode where the three idiots do rally cross. What I could do (this would be at least 2 years away though) is turn my trusty Pilot into a rally car when I get a new car. Even though it would be the last car anyone would use (besides the Prius) I think it would be cool and actually good. Plus my car is in good shape so it would be a good base, the Honda J35 is a really good motor and the Pilot is mostly based on the accord.

First thing to do would be to get rid of all the luxury stuff, so seats, DVD player, stereo, sunroof, running boards and carpeting will go. Next, I would have to find a wrecked Acura with SH-AWD that has a good transmission, maybe even swap a dual clutch in it. The stock AWD is good but it isn’t suitable for racing, and unless the weight goes down considerably, I’m not too sure about having a FWD racer, let alone one that is big. After that I’d need to do the usual crap (roll cage, fire extinguisher, idiot proofing) and I’d have a racecar!

So would this be a decent idea? It would be more for shits and giggles than actually winning. I know with tuning anythings possible, but I wouldn’t want to spend a whole lot of money. Any other suggestions that I could do to make this Pilot a racecar?

Rally Benz for your time

DISCUSSION (13)

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:02

Too top-heavy, even with being stripped out.

Tohru > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:05

Sell Pilot, get a CR-V. The CR-V is a lifted Honda Civic.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:09

You wouldn’t necessarily need a new AWD system. You also don’t need to make any engine mods as long as you lighten it and it’s got over ~200 hp. That said:

1: Strip out Pilot.

2: Add lightweight wheels and good rally tires.

3. Possible a brake upgrade?

4. Roll cage.

5. Stickers.

6. Rally.

I honestly don’t think you’ll need any driveline upgrades.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
10/10/2015 at 09:09

Isn’t there a way to lower the center of gravity? It’s not terribly top heavy though.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Tohru
10/10/2015 at 09:11

Even though a CR-V would be a better rallycar, I’d rather not sell the Pilot, prices for CR-Vs are high in my area unless you want a beat up one which is something I don’t really want to do.

MultiplaOrgasms > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:12

I approve of this.

Dusty Ventures > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:13

Team O’Neil used to rally a Ford Escape. With a little suspension work you can slide the Pilot around all day long without worrying about it tipping. I say do it. Also, don't worry about FWD. FWD dominates the two wheel drive classes

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:14

You cannot lower the CoG without lowering the whole car. Then you would lose all the suspension travel and it would bottom out when racing.

You really need to just get a beater car for Rally-X.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
10/10/2015 at 09:21

My only concerns are the transmission and the AWD system won’t be durable enough.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 09:42

If you are willing to take the risk, 110% Ya.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/10/2015 at 10:52

Given the amount of powertrain changes you need to make - possibly stripping AWD and changing the gearbox - I think the best choice is to get a cheap car which is much more ready for this application. Whether it’s a FR or FF there are a lot better cars to serve as the base for what you want.

If the Pilot's going to serve as your beater anyway, just strip it, keep the AWD/gearbox stock for now, make sure brakes are up to par, you have the proper rollcage/seats/restraints and get good tires. If the AWD or gearbox explodes, then you can replace it.

Niquemarshall > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/11/2015 at 00:08

this is HIGHLY approved

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Nymphicus Hollandicus
10/14/2015 at 13:52

Yes, put heavier components on the vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain and remove as much from the interior as you can. Lightweight windows, no headliner, lighter seats, no dashboard, and that all adds up. Meanwhile beefier driveshafts, beefier suspension, and more will add weight down low.