Noob help

[Hydroponix]

Here's the story and my question...first the story. I don't know shit about modifying cars, I don't even know shit about everyday moron friendly upkeep really. What I do know is that I like to drive fast, and I don't have the money for a performance vehicle, only soccer mom run of the mill college kid shit. Recently I traded in my old Cherokee for a 4 cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage, and had a couple grand left over. Since most of you obviously seem to know what you're doing here my question is, can you turn a 4 cylinder stock mirage into a fine tuned somewhat competitive vehicle with enough time and money without actually replacing the entire car and turning it into a different car completely. If not there's plenty more I can do with the money, but i've always been interested in learning how to do all of this so i'm hoping it can be done.

[Robs71Nova]

To answer your question, anything is possible with enough money.

Do you have the best "starting platform" for a go fast car? No.

IMO I can only see a 4 ctlinder Mirage going "so" fast before stuff starts breaking and you start running into a ton of money to get everything built right. It is all in how fast you want to go. You could probably get that car in the 13s relatively safely with some kind of turbo kit (don't quote me, I am not the most knowledgable import guy), or you could get rid of the Mirage, take the turbo money and combine them, and get a stock LS1 car and still be in the 13s with much room for improvement, while still getting 22 MPG which is decent.

Just depends on you.

Wrong forum BTW.

Rob

[Hydroponix]

Thanks for the reply, I only understood about half of it but informative none the less. Dumb question...what's an LS1 lol, like I said I have zero experience even DISCUSSING racing or modification so if you could give me an example of a car I could get instead that would be great. Oh I almost forgot...could a moderator move this to the right forum for me please.

[-The Stig-]

I wish my LS1 got 22mpg

Averages 15.7mpg... I don't do enough highway driving to bring the average up in most cases.

And with gas at $3.01 I'm not too thrilled about it.

[solaris=amazing]

Hey Hydro..Rob is pretty much dead-on..

Honestly, i'd say don't waste your time upgrading that Mirage, yeah anything can be made fast...but it doesn't mean it should be. I do believe a turbo kit would be the best bet, along with upgrading several other things like exhaust, intake, some engine components so they wouldn't fry with the turbo's increased power. I bet that transmission in that car cannot handle anything over stock power either, so even if you get a turbo, and some more power...2 months later you'd need a new tranny.

An LS1 is an engine..it's the engine in 98-02 camaro's... Take me for example, i own a 95 ford thunderbird that has a 4.6L V8 in it, and is an automatic transmission.. I can make this car do 12 second 1/4 miles if i wanted to...but in the end, it wouldn't be worth it.... PLUS, if I get a better car (lets say i get a 2000 GT Stang 5spd) it would take MUCH less time and money...to get a 12 second 1/4 mile car...AND i would already have a descent sports car, rather then a luxury cruiser (my tbird).

Here's my best advice, save up about 6 to 10 grand...hell you already have what..? 2G's..? THEN, get a descent, already fast car...

PS, i know you like to drive fast, so do all of us..but PLEASE use your discretion....

Some good cars under 10grand...

ANY V8 camaro 93-2002

Acura Integra's/Civic CRX's if you like imports

Nissan Maxima's...ESPECIALLY the 96 Manual SE edition

Mustangs..you can get 89-92's for cheap..

You just have to decide if you're a 4 cylinder guy...or a V8 kind of guy....

[solaris=amazing]

Forgot to mention another thing...

READ....READ....READ....lol..

Seriously I recomend reading as much as possible so you have some basic knowledge of things..

A sight i've learned ALOT from, is www.howstuffworks.com. They have an automotive section, you can search, and read about anything from a thermostat in the cooling system, to how a turbo works..

[Hydroponix]

LOL, save up 10 grand, you say that like it's an easy task man. Thanks for the help though and yea the Mirage pretty much sucks I bought it to get me through school. The dealership had alot of nice lancer evo's for me to think about getting in....20 years. I would love to trade my car in for a better cheap car....but i'm making payments on this thing and I just made the first one two weeks ago. The old mustang doesn't sound like a bad plan it's too bad I didn't come here first.

[mason_RsX]

www.howstuffworks.com is definately key if you want to lean without somebody actually teaching you

Ive got to agree with solaris...save up a couple grand, keep the money you have, sell your mirage and buy another car, Id recommend an Integra (GSR)...its gonna give you great fual economy, reliability, a bit of performance, and a very very nice look for a poor college kid...then as you get more money and research the hell out of your car you can buy performance parts here and there and have them installed

[Ace$nyper]

just wait till you can get somthing good to start.

[carrrnuttt]

Moving to Non-Specific.

[CassiesMan]

For five or six thousand dollars, somewhere in there...4G63 swap. That would be mad, a total sleeper.

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by CassiesMan

For five or six thousand dollars, somewhere in there...4G63 swap. That would be mad, a total sleeper.

That's what i was thinking. I'm sure if you search hte mirage forum you'll learn how much it costs and what you need.

[nissanfanatic]

I've heard of some pretty badass Mirages driving around out there.

I hate to sound...."my car is the best", but a 240 isn't very expensive to modify either. 13s are pretty easy depending on how you get there. Stock engine is capable of 11s so far. I drive mine everyday. So in any case, just look around and make sure you check out all of your options(including the mirage) before making a decision so you end up with a car you are happy with.