My next project car?

I had posted this in the racing section but I thought I post it here and add a poll.

I was thinking about my next project car. I know I haven't even come close to finishing the GTC. However, I don't need to do much to the Stealth to get it where I want it. So I figure I want to pick out my next project car. Here are the cars I have rumbling around in my head so far:

Nissan 240SX Hatchback (1989-1992)
Nissan 240Z (1970-1973)
Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II (1989-1993)
Toyota Corolla AE86 or AE85 (1987)
BMW M3 E30 (1989-1991)

If you can think of any cars to add, drop them in there. What I am looking for is RWD since I already have a FWD and AWD car. It has to be a manual. I am NOT looking for a Mustang or Camaro, nothing with solid rear axles since I am not building a drag car. I want something more inclined to turn. Also, if you have any information you can give me about the cars on my list please post it, but not if it's just an unfounded opinion.

300 Zx

You've got an American car and a Japanese car, its time to go German.

The E30 M3 is a great car. There are some great vids on youtube of some rediculous E30 M3s at various rallies.

http://axisofoversteer.com/blog/pictures/pod/e30m3driftxs4.jpg

FC-RX7! best looking car in that list

Corolla AE86 with an S2000 engine.

porsche period

If you want a project car then the 944 would be perfect.
If you want a project car that you will able to drive, and not just work on, then take the 944 off your list.
Its a German bastard that is best left to die hard enthusiasts.

You don't need another big Japanese car, so take the 300z and the Supra off the list as well.
The 240zx has been done by everyone else. So cross that off. Same with the AE86.


That leaves a classic Datsun, one of the best German cars ever made, a quirky mitsi with a weight problem, and Mad Mazda.

How about a Starion with a MIVEC V6 from a Japanese Pajero or Daimonte, or the Twin Turbo V6 from the later generation VR4.

Or an E30 328 with the new 330D twin turbo Diesel motor?
If you can find an E30 M3 then even better :D

The 240Z is open to all sorts of ideas. The original 2.4L six is a straight copy of a Mercedes motor from the same time period. They also have a reasonable amount of room in the engine bay, and an RB swap is quite doable. But what about something a little different, like an SR20det, or a 20B?

As for the Mazda? Well you don't need to do a lot.
Just find a cheap, semi wrecked one, and rebuilt it :)

E30 3 Series. Put a V8 in it.

Well, I haven't made a decision yet, but based on some advice I have decided to cut some from the list.

Nissan 240SX Hatchback (1989-1992)
I'm still considering the 240. I know that they are a popular choice for project cars and I'm not one to go with the mainstream. However, if I were to go with a 240 it would not be set up for drifting, I would leave the front end alone no Silvia conversion, and I don't know if I would even swap in the SR20DET.

Nissan 300ZX (1989-1991)
I am taking this off the list despite how much I like this car. As Moppie said it is just too similar to the Stealth. I will have one though, eventually.

Nissan 240Z (1970-1973)
This has always been a nice option and I am keeping it on the list. I like the fact that it's inexpensive. If I went this route I would most likely buy it as a project car and something like a E36 M3 as a daily driver.

Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II (1989-1993)
I am in love with the looks of this car. However, I don't think it would make a good project car. I just wouldn't know what to do to it and think it would be a great car to leave alone, at least on the engine side. I am mostly ignorant to the rotory engine so I could be missing something.

Porsche 944 Turbo (1989-1990)
I have been looking into the 944 and have come to the same conclusion as Moppie. If I want to go with a Porsche I think I would rather pick another model. I wouldn't mind going with a Targa and there is one for sale in American Fork.

Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R/Chrysler Conquest TSi (1989-1990)
Here is another car I'm not sure what to do with. I hear a lot about reliability issues with the engine, so perhaps an engine swap? Then again I'm not sure I want another Mitsubishi yet. Like the 300Z and the FC I will own one no matter, but for now it's off the list.

Toyota Supra Mark III (1987-1992)
No question, this is gone. As far as looks are concerned it is the ugliest car of the group. Not to mention after looking at prices they are simply over priced. It seems that the pricing has trickled down from the Mark IV to the III thanks to the Fast and the Furious. Sorry, an 89' Mark III automatic with over 100k on the clock is not worth $12,000.

Toyota Corolla AE86 or AE85 (1987)
Yes, like the 240 another popular drift car but once again, I don't like drifting so I wouldn't go that route. Even though it's been done I like the F20C swap. I'm still considering this one.

BMW M3 E30 (1989-1991)
A few of you have said that I need a European car in my stable and I agree. However, this is another car that I'm not quite sure what to do with though Moppie and Jimster have some good ideas. The only real hurtle with this car is finding one. I'm guessing it will be as tough as finding the GTC was.

Keep the comments and ideas coming guys. If you have a car to add go ahead and post it up.

Ok in the poll I voted E30 M3. Obviously I love my 951 but Moppie is right they are definitely a labor of love. They are not a car you can just "fix things when they break" you need to do lots of preventative maintenance. And even then you will still find your self hunting down gremlins. But done right it is a fast car and a joy to drive.
Now that I said that. E30's are a BLAST! I had a E30 325i and LOVED! it. The M20 motor isn't hard to turbo and you dont need to make huge hp numbers to get in the 12s. Or you could swap in a S50 (E36 M3) motor or even an LSx motor and run 10s. Handling wise the 951 will always be on top but the E30 is damn good and I'll say maybe has better turn in feel. Now if you find a E30 M3 then great but their big $$$ and hard to find. Also they are like the Porsche in that they need regular maintenance and the S14 is not a cheap motor to get parts for. Also to make big hp with the S14 expect to spend 10grand+ just on the motor and probably more. Probably better just to do a engine swap. But if your going to just leave the car alone then E30 M3 all the way. If not why not just get a 318 or 325 and save yourself the money.
You got a lot of good choices up there though, cant go wrong with any of them.

FC-RX7! best looking car in that list

:1: yeah that's the sharpest looking car in the list imo,, and you don't see too many around, so the rarity makes it a little cooler too. stock, that's probably the fastest car on there as well.

:1: yeah that's the sharpest looking car in the list imo,, and you don't see too many around, so the rarity makes it a little cooler too. stock, that's probably the fastest car on there as well.


Eh idk I like the FC's looks on the outside but the interior is pretty fuggly. Plus dont forget the FC was modeled after the 944. And as good of a job as they did you cant beat the hips on the 951.

And the 951 is the fastest car on that list by a lot.



http://www.chooseyouritem.com/exotics/photos/137000/137286.jpg



PS- There is an old school video from back in the day on youtube of the 86 951 (slower) going up against the FC-T and Starion from back in the day if you want to see. For reference the 88 type S and 89-90 951 are even faster running a high 13 in the 1/4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NoDd7DGnU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJxFyYJ8edI

And the 951 is the fastest car on that list by a lot

i was just looking at the poll list with the initial 5 cars in it,, didn't realize he added more cars to it

Nissan 300ZX (1989-1991)
Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II (1989-1993)
Porsche 944 Turbo (1989-1990)
Toyota Supra Mark III (1987-1992)
Toyota Corolla AE86 or AE85 (1987)
those are my favs but i think you should add these also
1995-98 or newer subaru impreza wrx
2nd gen toyota mr2
1996-1999 audi a4
1999-02 jetta or golf maybe even a r32
i hope you make the right choice ..... too bad you dont like drifting

Ok in the poll I voted E30 M3. Obviously I love my 951 but Moppie is right they are definitely a labor of love. They are not a car you can just "fix things when they break" you need to do lots of preventative maintenance. And even then you will still find your self hunting down gremlins. But done right it is a fast car and a joy to drive.
Now that I said that. E30's are a BLAST! I had a E30 325i and LOVED! it. The M20 motor isn't hard to turbo and you dont need to make huge hp numbers to get in the 12s. Or you could swap in a S50 (E36 M3) motor or even an LSx motor and run 10s. Handling wise the 951 will always be on top but the E30 is damn good and I'll say maybe has better turn in feel. Now if you find a E30 M3 then great but their big $$$ and hard to find. Also they are like the Porsche in that they need regular maintenance and the S14 is not a cheap motor to get parts for. Also to make big hp with the S14 expect to spend 10grand+ just on the motor and probably more. Probably better just to do a engine swap. But if your going to just leave the car alone then E30 M3 all the way. If not why not just get a 318 or 325 and save yourself the money.
You got a lot of good choices up there though, cant go wrong with any of them.

Wow, that's a lot of good information! I guess my only question would be, does the 318 or 325 have the same body panels and suspension as the M3?

i was just looking at the poll list with the initial 5 cars in it,, didn't realize he added more cars to it

Actually, I removed them from the poll but I didn't remove them from the original post. I fixed that.

The Audi may not be a bad idea but its FWD/AWD so forget that. The MR2 isn't a bad choice though. Mid engine RWD so it handles good. Plus they are already built to handle more power if you want. People have done V6 swaps in them too. You should be able to find more info from this MR2 Owners Club.

http://www.mr2oc.com/

You'll have to become a member though.

Wow, that's a lot of good information! I guess my only question would be, does the 318 or 325 have the same body panels and suspension as the M3?


No they dont but they look pretty close. They both look awesome but the M3 has wider fenders and a little different trunk. And the suspension is different too on the regular E30s, but it is still a good set up. Plus you would be upgrading all that anyways.