I need a good platform to work from.

[Knightmare]

Here's the deal. I'm getting to the end of the life on my Integra, and I need some advice on where to go from here. I'm working on a budget of roughly $30,000. I want to end up with a car that not only looks good, but will run at least a 12 on the quarter mile. I'm trying to decide between starting with a muscle car base (Mustang GT/Camaro Z28), a sport base (Supra TT/300ZX TT/RX-7/EVO/STi), or a compact base (MR2/Celica Alltrac/Integra R)? Assuming that up to $30,000 total is fair game, which of the above, or any other car, would be the best bets for looks and, more importantly, speed? (Any make/model/year)

[3000ways]

Wow this pretty tough because a lot of the cars on your list can offer you what you like. I would choose the EVO, because of it's ease to hit low 12s and high 11s. Also the handling of the EVO is better (on par with RX-7) than all the cars on your list. No car on your list can stop as fast and short, so the EVO has the greatest combination of ALL AROUND PERFORMANCE and potential in my opinion. The RX-7 is also a great choice, but it's getting up there in age. The Camaro Z28/Mustang Cobra (forget the GT, get a used Cobra) our also great drag racing platforms. The Supra is the dyno and highway queen, when properly modified (very expensive though) the Supra has the potential to make all of these cars (including the Cobra) see it's tail lights from a roll. So in the end in MY OPINION I believe the EVO offers you the greatest combination of these factors. You can pick up a brand new RS model for $26,000-$27,000 and a GSR for $29,999. You can also pick up an used 2003 EVO for $24,000 to $26,000, if you really look around you may find some for less.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by 3000ways

You can pick up a brand new RS model for $26,000-$27,000 and a GSR for $29,999.

I agree that the Evo is probably the best way to go...newer than the other big Japanese TT cars of the early mid 90's...less useage on them/ie beating...and great aftermarket already there.


What GSR (I assume you mean Integra) is 30k? As far as I know...none.

[drdisque]

evos are unreliable and break too easily undre stress

I would suggest a Cobra or a LS1 F-body (camaro/trans am), anyone who says you can't make them handle doesn't know what they're talking about.

[kman10587]

Originally Posted by drdisque

evos are unreliable and break too easily undre stress

I know I hate on the Evo because of it's clutch/tranny issues, but aside from that, it's a very solid car. Upgrade to an aftermarket clutch, Mitsu will fix the grinding 5th gear under warranty, and you're set.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by drdisque

anyone who says you can't make them handle doesn't know what they're talking about.

We arent saying you cant MAKE them handle...we are just saying (most of the time) that they dont handle well out of the box.

The other cars ie the STi, Evo or RX7 for instance all handle SO much better out of the box than the F-bodies do

If it's an IRS Cobra...then it's ok...not the best in the world...but better than what the GT's have

[matt11583]

u can basically get any car into the 12s with 30k.... it comes down to wat car u like the most.. i like camaros but you may like imports like the evo or sumthin... its really up to you

[383PhoenixAm]

I'm voting for the LS1 F-body, too. 500 hp with bolt ons isn't a small feat.

[engineer]

Originally Posted by drdisque

evos are unreliable and break too easily under stress

thats a cheap shot so u could tell him to buy sum camaro or something. even though they are not particularly reliable, i will offer a solution... go with one of the toyotas - as far as strength and reliability, toyota is the one to go for. a 3s-gte can handle more power than the other jap 2litre 4 bangers (4g63, sr20det, ej20t, etc.). if u want to argue me on this point go ahead i have way 2 much evidence backing me up. the supra TT is awesome, people say for the money you only get 320hp, but considering for US$1000 u can have 400hp, its a bargain... the engine, gearbox (especially 6 spd), diff - in fact the entire drivetrain can safely handle ~500rwhp, SAFELY. check out www.to4r.com for hardcore supras. yeah so thats my ... for now

[engineer]

Originally Posted by 383PhoenixAm

I'm voting for the LS1 F-body, too. 500 hp with bolt ons isn't a small feat.

supra RZ can definately do 450 with bolt ons, probably 500, and it has 2 less cylinders and 2700cc less displacement

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by Knightmare

Here's the deal. I'm getting to the end of the life on my Integra, and I need some advice on where to go from here. I'm working on a budget of roughly $30,000. I want to end up with a car that not only looks good, but will run at least a 12 on the quarter mile. I'm trying to decide between starting with a muscle car base (Mustang GT/Camaro Z28), a sport base (Supra TT/300ZX TT/RX-7/EVO/STi), or a compact base (MR2/Celica Alltrac/Integra R)? Assuming that up to $30,000 total is fair game, which of the above, or any other car, would be the best bets for looks and, more importantly, speed? (Any make/model/year)

Make: Buick

Model: Grand National

Year: 1987

downs. The car kinda has a handeling problem untill you put some money in the suspension.

Ups. less than 2k will get you 11's on pump gas all day long.

[kman10587]

Indeed, Turbo Buick >> Supra

[engineer]

Originally Posted by kman10587

Indeed, Turbo Buick >> Supra

u mean GN > supra for a cheap drag racer.... otherwise i think the supra wins in every other department... enough to trade off that extra second which supras can easily do anyway

[kman10587]

Well, the GN's specialty is drag racing, and I don't think even the Supra can top it in that department.

[Vettribution87]

Originally Posted by engineer

supra RZ can definately do 450 with bolt ons, probably 500, and it has 2 less cylinders and 2700cc less displacement

How is having 2 less cylinders and 2700cc less displacement an advantage?
It still chews up as much fuel as a LS1, weighs more, and takes up more space.