New or used....
I think it's safe to say that late model 300z TT, RX7, and Supra are all worthy. What does everyone think ? Impreza WRX.....

 

supra goes for 30k with 60k miles these days, turbo is little more. not worth it unless u got the money.

wrx - cheap and fast, also s/c

300zx, i think its weird looking, the headlight looks like old saturn.
its cheap, fast, part of nissan =P

rx7- i would go with this or supra, if u want speed and if u got money.
rx7 are expensive too.

 

Used Supra Turbo
Used C5 Corvette
New or Used Ls1 Fbody

 

CRX with an engine swap

 

Used e36 ///M3 with an AA Turbo Kit

 

dude, are you actually going to do it? I mean, not that I mind answering your question, but do you have 30K????

 

I agree, as big a nissan fan as I am, the old z's are starting to look outdated.

How about some of the German cars? S4, used M3. I don't think you can do a whole lot to those cars as far as modifying them can you?

 

A clean Datsun 240z, w/ the inline 6 Supra engine + single turbo. Over 550hp easy on a chassis that weighs 2300lbs. R200 3.9 ratio lsd 300z rear, coilovers, roll bar etc...

 

Are we talking performance or "fast". As far as I'm concerned, once you modify a turbo car to make big hp (400hp+), the car's ability to truely perform (handle) is compromised because of the "on/off" nature of pushing heavy hp with a turbo. I think most guys are talking about "fast". If that's the case then I say 87 Buick Grand National.

The Buick GN and it's turbo pushrod V6 3.8 makes some serious power. In their day they were the fastest production cars with 0-60s in 4.9 and 1/4s in the upper 13s....stock. You can pick up a immaculate 87 with 50-60K miles for ~$13000-16000. Put on a upgraded quality turbo, larger downpipe, 43lb injectors, chip, new head/intake gaskets for good measure, exhaust, slightly beefed up tranny, higher stall converter, slicks, drag shocks, and some 100+ octane and you'll be looking at 11s. For about a $20K total investment, you'll have completely streetable, docile, quiet, and subtle sleeper that will pretty much destroy any current street car in production.


Dave

 

I think a 240sx with the sr20det engine would be pretty cool and fast

 

Yeah, I just got a position with a company that supplied me with a company car, sucks I have to replace my 97SE with a boring *** Ford Taurus, but I've got some serious extra money for a project car.

 

By s/c you mean turbo, right?

 

I live in Cleveland and I would like to have something to take out to route 42 or Norwalk every once in a while, but I would rather not compromise driveability for that.

All your suggestions are much appreciated. thanks!

 

in that case, look around, go to the forums of the cars that you like and see what those guys are doing, go to your local performance shops and ask what they think, it all depends what you want? you want a 10 second car or do you want a racing big track car or autoX car, all of 'em will have to be setup differently

 

IMO a truly fast car is one which strikes a balance between all out power and cornering ability. I'd much rather have a 350hp car that handles like its on rails than a 500hp car that cannot handle.
My ideal project car would be a bpu'd Supra Turbo, with a race-oriented suspensino.

 

Those are my exact thoughts on the whole issue.

 

97 M3...27,000

 

s/c corbra.. can't beat that.. but of course i'm talking about a replica..

 

How about a GMC Syclone? The thing looks just like a GMC Jimmy but with tons of power! Twin turbo 4.3 V6 and 4 wheel drive. 0-60= 4.9 and 1/4= 13.6 stock. I don't know if there is any mods for one but you don't need any. Good luck finding one though . I think this thing is the ultimate sleeper production car.

 

30g's get a lotus esprit and be fast already, class, exotic, what else could you want.

 

A 3000GT VR4 with upgraded turbos, etc. My friend has an immaculate 91 VR4 w/ 55k that he got for $13k and for 17k, he can pump it up to 400HP easy. Add that to its AWD and 4-wheel steering, and it seems to me that car could be a great balance of handling and power for $30k.

 

Don't let your friend bust that fragile VR4 tranny. It's a sealed unit. Try $5000 for a replacement unless you're lucky enough to find a good used one (nearly impossible).

 

They're also 2 ton bricks

 

It wouldn't cost 30k but a 92-96ish MR2 with a Jap-spec turbo engine.
You'd be starting with 220ish HP and with some upgrades, a car that will autox, run the drag strip, and the road course with the best of them! but that's only my 2 big pennies!