What options am I over looking (RWD, the smaller the better)

[Chad82]

So I am wanting to start my first project car. It will be a long term deal. I plan to have a total budget of $10k before paint (sure that will add up fast). My first decision has to be on the body to start off of. I will want to do some street racing, but cornering/handling is also very important (that is why you will notice a lack of mustang and camaro on this list). Most of these cars I have never ridden in, let alone driven. So, some that I am thinking of (keeping in mind there will likely be an engine swap, so I would just want a good frame and straight body).

1) Mazda Miata. Pro - very light weight. I assume excellent handling becuase of that. Con - I dislike the styling. Availability - I assume it will be easy to find one for very cheap

2) Mazda RX7 (87-92). Pro - Good handling. Like the styling. Con - Heavier than other cars here. Availability - Very easy to find cheap since no one knows how to work on the engines, seemingly.

3) Mazda RX7 (93-95). Pro - Good handling. One of my favorite looking vehicles ever. Con - Once again heavier than some other options. Availability - Hard to find really cheap. Cheapest I have ever found was around $4k with blown engine/tranny.

4) Toyota MR2 (91-95) Pro - Amazing handling. Another one of my favorite looking cars. Pretty light weight. Con - Middle road on weight, no idea if a large engine swap would work in this. I am sure there are some options out there, just haven't done enough research. Availability - Very easy to find in the $1000 range, gets harder to find below that.

5) Toyota Supra (87-92) Pro - Suprising good handling, unassuming styling, very stable. Wouldn't need to do an engine swap, could just build up current turbo engine. And engine is bullet proof. Con - Very heavy. Availability - Can find a turbo model for under $3k easily, could easily get a great car for under $10k. (note, 93+ supra isn't and option, as it is too expensive for even the body).

6) Nissan 240SX -- not interested in, too common. 90-96 300ZX seems too expensive from what I have seen.

So any other options out there I may have overlooked? Good handling, lightweight, RWD and cheap is what I need.

[TerminalVelocity]

wrong section...needs to be OT *motions for red to move it*

[TerminalVelocity]

with that said

4) Toyota MR2 (91-95) Pro - Amazing handling. Another one of my favorite looking cars. Pretty light weight. Con - Middle road on weight, no idea if a large engine swap would work in this. I am sure there are some options out there, just haven't done enough research. Availability - Very easy to find in the $1000 range, gets harder to find below that.

Sounds like you like this the most.

And there is a turbo model.....just do that.

Bty, mustangs and 'maros can handle very well with mods.

[eps]

I vote for a MkIII Supra (N/A hardtop) with a 1jz swap. Excellent powerband for the twisties and can run a solid high 12 with supporting mods on stock twins. It is also not too bad at handling with some suspension work. N/A hardtop without all the options could be pretty light also.

Of course, I am biased.

[Chad82]

The 1JZ is the 2.5TT, right? (not too familar with Japanese motors... yet).

[-The Stig-]

Yes. 280hp stock.

[clawhammer]

I'd say MR2. Better handling than Supra because it's a lot smaller, plus that 2.5tt engine is notorious for blowing head gaskets.

[Chad82]

Maintenance is not particularly an issue with me, this would just be a 500-2000 mile a year vehicle once it is complete. I already have a reliable daily driver, so if a head gasket blows at 30k miles, that really doesn't matter that much for annual driving.

[TatII]

just to correct you guys with the common misconception of a MR2 turbo.

they are not light, the lightest car in that group you listed is actually the miata ( 2300-2400 lbs ) and then the RX-7 Twin turbo ( 2700-2800 lb )

MR2 turbos weights from 2800-3000lbs depending on option, so its actually quit heavy.

if i was to get a MR2, i would get a 93+ model since they have revised rear suspension, larger front rear brakes, larger stock rims. also a 3SGTE is quit a good engine to upgrade, you can run low 13's with just a fuel cut defensor, intake, exhuast, and boost controller. however they are not good highway cruisers, they have very very short gears. at 80mph your already doing 4K on the tach and it gets very annoying and very loud.

[eps]

Just to clear it up, the 1jz does not have the same headgasket problem the 7m motor does.

[TerminalVelocity]

at 93ish im doin 4k

Yes, it is a lil loud

But if you want to do racing and handling, and you like the MR2 go for it. Not a bad car. Just dont get a 1st gen...champaign exterior...tan interior.....youll look homo...trust me....

[RACER D12]

What no love for the German car?

If you can afford those cars the you could afford an E30 gen 325i BMW (89-91). There are early years but they have the ugly bumpers. Anyways E30s are light 2500lb-2800lb have a straight 6 engine that does great with turbo. Stock they run mid to high 15s but are still a blast to bomb around in. They are pretty balanced and if anything maybe a little tail happy. The engine internals are good for about a little over 300whp...at least that’s how fair Bimmerjim (E30tech.com) got before he blew a hole in his but really something went wrong with his air fuel mixture and made the car go super lean and detonate. So he probably could have gone a little farther. Another nice thing about the E30 is being a BMW they handle great. And despite being a "BMW" they are not that expensive to own and easy to work on.


Another option would be a Porsche 944Turbo. High mileage ones can be found for around 5grand if you search and they are good for high 13s low low 14s stock. Plus they handle like....well like Porsches. They on the other hand are a little more expensive to own. But hey if you handy with a wench they aren’t the most difficult car to own.


There are many more nice German choices out their too. Just thought I would mention it being as I think people are scared a away by the high dollar older peoples car image people have. Out of the ones you said though I would go with the FC RX7. They were designed closely after the Porsche 924 and 944 you know

[TheStang00]

cant beat the handling of a miata... i say buy one and swap a 5.0 in it.

after that, i still think a fox body mustang should be on there. you wouldnt have trouble finding mods for it (suspension or engine), its aftermarket is so huge its rediculous.

i think the bimmer idea is alright to. the RX7 is a nice choice i think to, awesome handling. you have to treat it right tho, it has that rotory...

[xXxRocker5150]

Originally Posted by RACER D12

Another option would be a Porsche 944Turbo. High mileage ones can be found for around 5grand if you search and they are good for high 13s low low 14s stock. Plus they handle like....well like Porsches. They on the other hand are a little more expensive to own. But hey if you handy with a wench they aren’t the most difficult car to own.

those 951s (aka 944 turbo's) are what like 2800 or 2900lbs??? Yea, I've heard of HORRIBLE maintenance issues if the timing belt isn't absolutely perfect... that being said, the 944's were branded the best handling cars in the world (I think this was in like 92 or something).

I'm surprised that no one's said a 72' 240z with an engine/tranny, etc... swap and suspension modifications...

[clawhammer]

The S2000 is turning over 4000 rpms at 75 mph. Yet it is very quiet. I can have a normal conversation, and you can even hear the stock sound system.