Project Car....

[robertsmb]

Im lookign for advice for a fixer upper project racing car.

Ive posted similar posts on DSM Forums, SRTforums, Superhonda, and a few other websites trying to get opinions. So far, everyone seems to think the best car for my needs would be a 95-99 Eclipse GSX/Talon TSi. Lets see what you guys can come up with.

My background:

In the past 4 years Ive owned the SRT-4, A Turbocharged Integra GS-R, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, and the Corolla S and XRS. Im not looking to build or buy any of these.

My Project:

Im looking for a cheap, salvage, or otherwise abused car that I can build on a budget and get moderate results out of on the track/street. I already have a daily driver with my XRS, so this will be a purely toy car. I love to run the 1/4 mile and even though most of the car community frowns on it, i mess around with stop light to stop light type activity all the time. Running 12's on the track and eating v8's on the street would be a nice addition.

I love small engines and compact cars.

Goals:
would like to aquire the car for under 4 grand.
would like to build it for 5-6g... (negotiable, it will be an over time project)
would like to run at least 12's in the 1/4 and be streatable (i dont have to worry about emissions in my area or any other bullshit calls like that)
would like the car to look and feel very nice... almost show car quality.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Ive heard the MR2 Spyder is a good builder, but since its a newer car I dont know if I could get it in the price range I want.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[albertmdh]

Grab yourself a mk3 supra, and let the good times roll.

[Team High Rev]

gsx sounds good,97 celica,mazda mx6 ls,mx3,jetta glx those are some good ones i guess

[freakinbox]

Sounds like you are used to small front wheel drive veichles. I would suggest a corolla, ae92, ae101, ae111. Even stock they have decent suspension, they are light. Many engine options for the cars. One of the many 4age versions, such as the 4age 20 valve, or the 4agze. The 4age is a cheap engine, even after being imported. Usually under 1000. Which is good since you don't want to spend much. The 20 valves will run you a little more, or alot more depending if it;s the silver top or black top.

Like team high rev said, Jetta's. The old 90's are pretty good. Problem with jetta's is they are HEAVY! but you can put a vr6 into the car, of course that adds to the weight lol. BUt the car's are fun to drive. I have a 1990 vw jetta, diesel engine. IT has 68 hp WITH THE TURBO! so not alot, and it was ALOT of fun to drive. I still prefer the corolla, more aerodynamic, lower to the ground, very little body roll in the car. And they will take a pounding

[REN69]

ae86 you mean.. the ae85 was only made in Japan.

I would also suggest an AE86, AE92 OR a Civic EF or EG hatchbacks, lightweight and easy to find performance parts for, an S13 would also make the list.

[freakinbox]

ooo Civic ek9's are nice you can get them for about 5 k, if you look at the ae86 you better do some research on the engines, of you end up with the sohc engine you'll be sorry lol, even with the ae92's you'll want the 4age not the 4af, not that the 4af is a shitty engine. I have one and think it's great, but they aren't as fast.
If you are looking for a cheap car the ae86 isn't really right, I have seen them go for insane prices, even all rusted and stuff. For a car thats more than 20 years old paying 4 - 5 k is alot of money. If you don't love the cars it's hard to even think of paying that. ae92's aren't to expensive. I paid 1800 for mine and it's in amazing condtion.

[90prizmGSI]

id suggest the 90-94 eclipse gsx/talon tsi awd. that is if you can find one in your price range. recently they have been selling like hot cakes. and for more than they are worth but if you come across one that is in great shape for cheap then pick it up cause they are the best bang for your buck project cars.

[lex_addict]

go for an aw11 mr2, and swap in a 3sgte