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  • sanman

    May 21, 2009 11:44 a.m. sanman New Reader

    So, I'm looking at two cars this weekend as new possible project fodder. The goal is to keep is under a challenge budget. Both are advertised for $800 and are running cars with dents and minor body damage. It will likely end up as fun backroads car and see some local auto-x/dragstrip time. An appearance at some future challenge is not out of the question.

    The choices are:

    1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

    or

    1993 Mazda MX-3 v6

    Seeing as I have little experience with either car, what has the easiest suspension and power upgrades available? I can see the mx-3 being fun if you strip out the interior and put a decent suspension on. Is the V6 hard to find parts for?

    I have been wanting to fiddle with a turbo for a while now, so the Thunderbird sounds like a fun time. How much is swappable with the mustang since it is also a fox body?

  • John Brown

    May 21, 2009 11:47 a.m. John Brown MegaDork

    MX3 V6.

    Remove 1.8L V6 and replace with Probe 2.5L V6.

    Add light wheels and sticky tires.

    Watch hilarity that ensues.

  • AngryCorvair

    May 21, 2009 12:39 p.m. AngryCorvair Dork

    MX3 with Probe V6 would be a hoot, but is a bit more work than just turning up the boost on a 2.3T.

    TBird accepts many (if not all) fox parts. and it's RWD.

  • Travis_K

    May 21, 2009 1:15 p.m. Travis_K HalfDork

    MX# is worth more, its lighter and will probably handle better. T-bird is heaavy, wont handle as good, but has the potential for alot more power. Making it handle would take alot more work, but it could be done.

  • May 21, 2009 1:23 p.m. Nashco SuperDork

    This is a horrible selection. This is like choosing between stabbing myself in the arm or the leg, either way it will suck.

    I like the engine in the T-Bird, but that's about it. I think the MX3 will be boring without a lot of work...probably more fun in the twisties but less fun at the drag strip.

    Bryce

  • AutoXR

    May 21, 2009 1:40 p.m. AutoXR Reader

    I like the Big Bird best. But big cars need big expensive tires.

    I beleive the MX3- V6 is the smallest production V6 @ 1.8L.

    turbo Bird will be easier to work on, parts are more plentiful and it's alreaady boosted. No problem running 20Psi on the stock motor.

    Both will do the wheel hop hoola at the strip without some work.

    Go for the big bird

  • pres589

    May 21, 2009 2:33 p.m. pres589 New Reader

    Cut the top off the T-Bird, install a roll cage and get a bikini style top mean for a Jeep CJ. Invest as little as possible, maybe $1000 and have fun. I couldn't see sinking real time and money into either of these cars.

  • Chris_V

    May 21, 2009 3:02 p.m. Chris_V SuperDork

    AngryCorvair wrote:

    MX3 with Probe V6 would be a hoot, but is a bit more work than just turning up the boost on a 2.3T.

    IIRC, the 1.8 is the same basic block as the 2.5, just smaller displacement, so it should go in just fine.

    That being said, I'd rather have the T-bird, too.

  • sanman

    May 21, 2009 3:17 p.m. sanman New Reader

    I hadn't planned on putting serious money into either car. That is mostly because I don't have serious money. Time is sparse as well. But, I have a friend that is dying to learn stick. He is willing to give me $250 towards the car if I teach him how to drive stick and give him some seat time. As I presently have no fun vehicle in my life (live in brooklyn and borrow cars as needed), I figure this is a cheap way to get some car fun back in my life. I'm just trying to figure out which one I can have the most fun with for the cheapest dollar figure. Hmm, how do each of these take to nitrous? I'm okay with blowing up the engine after a while.

  • patgizz

    May 21, 2009 3:43 p.m. patgizz Dork

    t-bird + more boost = winner

  • Cotton

    May 21, 2009 4:28 p.m. Cotton Reader

    I'm for the T-Bird too. I've always thought they were cool, plus turbo and RWD = lots of fun.

  • P71

    May 21, 2009 4:38 p.m. P71 Dork

    If you're already low budget the TBird will nickel and dime you to death. Leave the boost stock and it may run forever though. Get the bird.

  • Raze

    May 21, 2009 6:42 p.m. Raze Reader

    TurboFord, cheap to fix, but requires very specific repairs to have it run real well, especially if it wasn't maintained, get ready to spend alot of time on TurboFord.org. You'll also realize that you can repair most things under-hood with parts from Home Depot, or used, and the mod-ability will keep you busy and it won't cost you an arm and a leg as there are plenty of free-cheap mods. We really enjoy our 2.3T for it's ruggedness and ease of maintenance. That being said, get ready for TFI problems and distributor issues right off the bat ;)

  • RossD

    May 21, 2009 7:55 p.m. RossD Reader

    ThunderChicken!

  • Opus

    May 21, 2009 7:55 p.m. Opus HalfDork

    John Brown wrote:

    MX3 V6.

    Remove 1.8L V6 and replace with Probe 2.5L V6.

    Add light wheels and sticky tires.

    Watch hilarity that ensues.

    In place of the Probe V6, use the JDM KLZE V6 for 200+ HP with out boost. Then find an AWD Protege and start playing Frankenstein.

  • 93celicaGT2

    May 22, 2009 7:24 a.m. 93celicaGT2 Dork

    Chris_V wrote:

    AngryCorvair wrote:

    MX3 with Probe V6 would be a hoot, but is a bit more work than just turning up the boost on a 2.3T.

    IIRC, the 1.8 is the same basic block as the 2.5, just smaller displacement, so it should go in just fine.

    Correct. Direct bolt in. They're both "KL" motors.

 

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