whats the easiest car to go fast in under $3,000?

[BeZerK2112]

I liked the post for $30,000 so I wanted to do something more in my budget. Whats the easiest car to go fast in under $3,000. I've got some ideas but want to know what you guys have to say first.

[drunken monkey]

First things that come into my head are E30, AW11, maybe SW20/22.
I'd be very tempted by the former two because they are lighter to begin with even if not as powerful.

[BeZerK2112]

Thoes SW20/22's are sexy cars. I like.

[CivRacer95]

1st Gen DSM Turbo. (Talon/Laser/Eclipse)

[BeZerK2112]

I rather fancy the 89 daytona Turbo II and 89 Labaron coupe GTC Turbo II. What do you guys think of those?

I know I'll get something from Polygon from that one.

[RACER D12]

what are you going to do with the car? I like the E30 idea but cant go wrong with a 1st gen clips

[BeZerK2112]

Second daily driver but want a project car at the same time. Definely a sleeper.

[drunken monkey]

The sw22 is fast out of the box but you'll need a newer model to get the fixed rear geometry and that will be very close to the $3000 limit (at least in UK prices).
On the other hand, if you get the older E30 or AW11, you will get a lighter car with just as good chassis (or even better depending on who you ask) and money left over to spend on the car.
With the E30, you also get the added bonus of it being virtually bomb proof even after 100,000 miles and 20 odd years and it will always be more discreet than an MR2 of any generation.

[-The Stig-]

If you search hard enough, you can probably find a LT1 F-body for $3000, although as I'm searching through the local stuff, the 'decent' ones are going for $4000. It might be different where you are... out here they're still a bit 'popular'.

275-285hp (dependin on year), 325ft-lbs and a 6-speed transmission. Upwards of 25-26mpg highway if it's in good tune and you're real gentle with the throttle.



There's always 5.0 Mustangs as well.



Hey, you said fast, you didn't specify which direction.

[CassiesMan]

One of my neighbor's is selling his R6 for $3500. Just a bit over the budget, but only by five hundred bucks. I'd like to see any car you pick up for $3000 match that.

[-The Stig-]

True. But he did ask specifically for a car.


Bikes are still the supreme holder of the Bang for the Buck category, a car that can match that of a new $9000(+/-) Sport Bike costs many many times that.

[AMGalltheway]

Buy an engine for your current car do a swap.

[Polygon]

Originally Posted by BeZerK2112

I rather fancy the 89 daytona Turbo II and 89 Labaron coupe GTC Turbo II. What do you guys think of those?

I know I'll get something from Polygon from that one.

DUHHHH!

Don't you remember, I found you an 86' TI GLH here in Utah for $1,500? It is low mileage and in good shape. Or would you rather have an 89' TII with a common block?

You can get these turbo Mopars in good running condition for $500-$1000. Upgrades and bolt-ons are cheap. You can have one in the high 11s for a couple of thousand. Also, if you break something parts are dirt cheap and these cars are so damn easy to work on. Not to mention that they have one of the most rock sold four bangers ever made and the Getrags they used will take anything you can throw at them. Hell, even the A-413 automatic is VERY strong. That 10 second K-car was sproting the stock A-413 auto.

I could go on all day. There is NO better bang for your buck than a turbo Mopar, but they aren't for everyone.

[Gotian]

Drifting - Turbo FC
Autocrossing - Miata
Drag - 5.0 stang or the LT F-Body
Street - up to you

[BeZerK2112]

Originally Posted by Polygon

I could go on all day. There is NO better bang for your buck than a turbo Mopar, but they aren't for everyone.

Ya I remember the good old days when I had one. She had a nice body but she was all out of tune.