Background
The Hyundai Excel stretches back to the 1980’s when the first examples started out on Australian roads. Back then, the cars were not brilliant and it took some years for the Korean manufacturer to improve production. It was the mid 90’s when fortunes really changed for Hyundai in the form of the X3 model Excel. Well engineered, reliable and cheap pricing sent the car into the record books with more than 200,000 being sold on our shores. Popular as they were, Hyundai never saw the value in rallying the Excel. Initially the factory dabbled with the Coupe before building the later model Accent into a world rally car. The factory works team disbanded in 2003 and haven’t rallied since. In Australia around the mid 00’s, the potential was seen to build the Excel into a brilliant entry level rally car for series like the Clubman Cup. Solid, cheap and reliable were good starts as well as a myriad of readily available spare parts. Powered by Hyundai’s own 1.5L EFI twin cam in the later models, the Excel is also pretty nippy with good torque from its all alloy mill.
Our Cars
We have no fewer than eight Hyundai Excels in our team. So far one has been built into a full rally car, all the others have been built to Khanacross specification where they regularly race and win. Khanacross cars do not need roll cages or race seats so preparation involves stripping most of the interior and a few other minor modifications before they are ready to compete. The rally car build involved a strip out, seam welding, strengthening the shell, the fitment of a full roll cage and under body protection. Other rally equipment such as race seats and harnesses, a map reading light and a Monit rally computer were fitted to the interior. Externally, compulsory mud flaps were fitted as well as a quick release light pod with four HID lights for the night stages. To keep inline with an entry level rally car, the engine, transmission and brakes are all standard, however uprated brake linings and a heavier duty clutch have been fitted. Also a simple modification to raise the gear shift mechanism was added to make it easier to change gears whilst strapped in during competition. Brake upgrade options including; rear disc brake conversion, hydraulic handbrake and larger front units are all
possible without major problems. Several Australian manufacturers produce gravel suspension for the Excel, we have used Drummond Motorsport (DMS). Unlike the larger cars, the Excel runs on 14” wheels, a size not as common today as it was ten years ago. We use off the shelf alloy wheels and find that two sets (8 wheels) are plenty enough for all rallies. There are several brands of rally tyre available in 14”, we have had good success with the both Khumo and Dmack.
5 Comments
Pampos
28/04/2019Hi my name pampos from cyprus. I have one hyundai accent year 2000 with engine 1500 16v. I need parts specialy about gearbox or information. Or someone i can contact with him pleash. Thanks regarts pampos
Scott Matthew
28/06/2020I have a 2007/2008 module hyundai accent. I love the way it drives. As a hobby for me, it would be a fantastic news if i could tips on what a beginner car should cost in south australia rally club and handles and safety equipment.
Many Thanks
Scott Matthew
Rally Action
06/07/2020Hi Scott, Great you’ve found our website. It really depends on what level you want to compete in as to how much it will cost to build your Accent. We recently posted a Youtube video and blog post on the costs of building a rally car. Check out this link for more info: https://rallyaction.com.au/rally-car-build-budge/
andrew best
21/08/2023hey guys just blew my clutch in Rally. whats the best clutch from standard to gravel..need to change and want best for price.
Rally Action
05/09/2023Hi Andrew,
Best bet is to get in touch via our contact us page and we can help you out.
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