Ok, not sure how the heck to word this, but just looking for some suggestions. I want to pick up a several year old car stock that has potential for major improvement. I want something I can beat on and thats obviously (for me) not a new car since I baby em way too much. I guess Im just looking for suggestions on what you guys would go with for under $10k. Honda? Dodge? VW? Curious about years and models as well. Thinking like Integras or something since you seem to be able to build them to death, but you can probably do anything to most cars.

I just want something I can take to the drags and then build up a bit slowly as time and cash allow. Just not knowledgeable on a base car mainly. Heck not knowledgeable on a lot of it, but want to learn and I think an older car I dont mind tearing into and actually working on would be a good way to go about it.

Thanks for any input. Going to be in San Diego for 2 weeks so TIA for all replies.

Dave

 

Foxbody 5.0 87-93. How fast do you want to go?
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12s probably...

Was leaning towards an import tho, just cuz I like em better. But I asked for all opinions. And its nice to actually start with all that power...

 

If you want an import go with a 1G AWD DSM.

I'm still partial to the Fox Body though.
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Yeah owned a couple of those, well 2gs. All I had was trouble, maybe the 1g is better. My TSi was in the shop every month and my GSX was in the shop every other month. Hah. Pretty cheap to pick up from what I have been checking into tho. Hear the motors have potential.

 

Oh, don't expect any kind of reliability with a DSM. But they're fast for cheap (until they break).

Fox Body. <-- Last mention for good measure.
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I agree with Richard. A buddy of mine at work here has been doing research on 'em and wants to build a turbo Mustang. I'm getting interested in the project and just might build one for myself as well.

If you want an import how 'bout a 240? My brother just picked up an '89 for $600 and will probably go with SR20DET.

 

Damn ! an 89 240 for 600, good deals

Oh yeah I vote fox body as well.

 

this may sound rice to some of you but get yourself a 92-95 civic hatchback(~$2000)...also get yourself a B20b(~$4000 maybe $5000) from a CRV and build that bad boy...use the remaining to buy yourself some spoon and mugen parts...drop it in the hatch and you got yourself a sleeper:banana: ...of course you'll need some slicks

 

I was thinkin' Fox body first, myself. The other option, although possibly rare out here (I don't really know) would be a turbo Buick (Grand National or Regal). Easy, easy 12s on a nearly stock setup, and the potential to go way faster in a completely streetable car.

Pat

 

This might definitely be a good way to go. Checking into it more now. Appreciate all the suggestions guys.

 

VWs can be built for close to nothing, find an old air cooled VW like a notch-back or square-back(wagons are cool).

Buy a crate-engine that already comes turbocharged for about $7k. You might even be able to do wheelies!

 

I would whole-heartedly recommend the GSX.

It sounds as if you're not looking for a daily driver in it, so the state of the interior and potential bugs that pop up should probably take on a lower criteria.

The engine is very strong and welcomes more power. Sean had a GSX for a short time about a year or so ago and it put down some crazy times with I think just a boost controller.

Sounds like you're looking for something to add some crazy go-faster parts into, so 1)the engine would reliably allow you to put a huge turbo and some nitrous oxide to it; 2)once you start going fast, you're going to have to know that it could very easily break; 3) you'd be needing a roll cage after only a few modifications, anyhow.

 

I believe that whatever you go with should have RWD or AWD.
SSSOooooo....
A 240 sounds really sweet if you want import
AWD sounds like it'd get too expensive real quick if.... er... when you break something.
And a Fox Body for Domestic.
Any old Mustang or Camaro/Firebird for Domestic.
I'm a big fan of the Long Rod 407 with twisted wedge heads and 13:1 compression.... or 8:1 compression and twin T63 turbos... Fuel injected with or without NOS.