Need Ideas on a 6K RWD Project

I currently have a '93 Toyota X-cab pickup as my daily driver, but I am looking at buying something used for a good weekend racer. I am looking at a 6K pricerange but could go 7 or 8 if there is something that that I must have. I have a full, 12K-$ set of snap-on's, a custom dyno system built in to my garage, eagle lift and all, so I am ready for the projects. Here are the guidelines for the car, I just need help finding a cool build-up:

1)Must have RWD, I hate torque steer and RWD is a definetly choice in a performance oriented car. Open to AWD, but RWD is more sought after in this case

2)Must be manual. Now I know this doesn't really cut the choices down much but I thought I'd just include that.

3)Must be a 2-door (can be be a hatchback but it needs to be a 3-door hatch)

4)Last, it needs power potential. I want to know what has balls and what doesn't. Something that has get up and go in stock form, and has good aftermarket, or building potential

And last, I want to make it very clear that I am open to everything: imports, american muscle, euro, less-mainstream american cars. Anything from Novas to 240 SX's to '56 Chevy's to BMW E36's to bottom end Cutlass's to Plymouth Valiant 2-dr's w/ a 440 swap. Basically I want to know what goes the fastest, for 6-8K, that meets my needs. All recomendations and ideas are greatly appreciated.

there are a ton of choices but i would go with an older supra, rx7, 5.0 mustang, or lt1 camaro just because of their afermarket supply and they're not hard to work on.

1) any of the Fox body fords. Mustang is great, but probably more expensive to buy compared to an 80's Tbird. Most performance parts will work on both cars.

2) Camaro. Starting in 1992 the manual was a T56 six speed. The 94 and later six speeds were a little better ratio and a little stronger.

3) Datsun 310 or 510. They hold rotaries very well, they're light, but unfortunately they're in high demand which tends to bump up the cost abnormally high.

4) I know its cliche, but an early Chevy 2/Nova. Small, light, easy parts, and it holds a big block nicely. You can find a two-door I-6 car for next to nothing.

My vote goes to an LT1 F-body or a Fox Body.

You can find a decent 98+ LS1 powered Camaro/Trans-AM for 7-8k. You're getting a low to mid 13 second car to start out with, that's with the 6 speed manual. They also handle better than most people would leave you to believe. But be warned, you will more likely than not be spending quite a bit of time maintaining these cars. But, It sounds as if that is right up your alley with your tool set and dyno!!! Can't really beat a used LS1 F-body for the price and performance stock.

But, if you don't want to be annoyed by so many maintenence issue's, Look into a early-mid 90's MR2. Exotic looking inline 4 cylinder turbo (as I'm sure you know) It's made by Toyota so you know it's more likely than not, reliable. They are very light and have nice power stock, and RWD of course.

I'll vote for the 1987-1993 Ford Mustang GT "Fox Body 5.0". A huge aftermarket centered around drag racing and a dirt cheap price make this an ideal car for a 6K project. The Camaro would work as well, but it costs a little more; in return, you get a better chassis and suspension. Which isn't all that important if you're just gonna drag race.

I bought Hyde, my 91 turbo MR2, for $1750. :)
I vote for the turbo MR2.

i vote 99 Mitsubishi GSX.
AWD handeling, no torque steer.
the 4g63 block is bullet proof, handeling up to 400HP on stock internals, plus a great aftermarket.

I'll vote for the 1987-1993 Ford Mustang GT "Fox Body 5.0". A huge aftermarket centered around drag racing and a dirt cheap price make this an ideal car for a 6K project. The Camaro would work as well, but it costs a little more; in return, you get a better chassis and suspension. Which isn't all that important if you're just gonna drag race.


I agree with your choices but Chassis and Suspension is VERY important in drag racing, though i imagine if this car is going to be a drag only car, he will replace the suspension and strengthen the Chassis

mr2 turbo or rx7 there lots of choices out there....