How to Build a Toyota Camry Race Car

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular cars sold in the United States. North Auto Sport Association (NASA)conducts a racing series that allow the Toyota Camry in 4- and 6-cylinder versions. The Camry is a an ideal candidate to race based on the reliability and cost of older models. A model produced in the late nineties with a 6-cylinder engine and manual transmission is a good race car candidate. The 1997 and newer Camry models with a 6 cylinder are classified in class "TTF".

Things You'll Need

  • Rules for NASA time trials
  • Toyota Camry
  • Corner balance scales
  • Horsepower dynamometer
  • Hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers
  • Performance brake pads
  • Synthetic brake fluid
  • Competition tires
  • Vinyl numbers and lettering
  • Fire extinguisher
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the rules for Times Trial racing by NASA. Note the specific information for class "TTF". This includes the ratio of weight to horsepower at 19.5.

    • 2

      Place the car on the weight scales and determine the total weight with a quarter tank of gas.

    • 3

      Run the car on a dynamometer to determine the peak or maximum horsepower.

    • 4

      Remove interior components, such as carpet, passenger seat, rear seat, spare tire and side windows. Weigh the car again and continue removing vehicle weight until the 19.5 ratio for weigh to horsepower exists. If the ratio drops under 19.5 you may be able to adjust it by adding fuel on race day.

    • 5

      Replace the brake pads with high performance pads such as Hawk or Performance friction pads.

    • 6

      Bleed the current brake fluid out of the car and replace it with Synthetic brake fluid. A fluid such as Valvoline or Castrol synthetic will provide he most efficient braking under race conditions.

    • 7

      Install four competition tires from a maker, such as Kumho or Hoosier.

    • 8

      Attach vinyl lettering to the car stating "TTF" class. On both sides and hood of the car place the car numbers that are 10 inches or greater in height.

    • 9

      Verify the factory battery mount is intact and sturdy. Confirm the car does not leak any fluids such as oil or water on the ground. A fire extinguisher, securely mounted in easy reach of the driver, is highly recommended.

    • 10

      Enter the vehicle in a NASA time trials event.