So this is a mental game I like to play and I figured I would invite the group to play along. The idea here is you take a modern car and figure out how to make a as-good or even better car of a similar type as cheaply as possible. Bonus points for being cheaper, bonus points for being better (also the points are made up and don't really matter).
Here's your first (easy) target:
- 2+2 GT style
- ~$60,000
- 405 HP
- 0-60 in 4 seconds
- 3600lbs
For example, my response would be:
- 1999-2002 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
- Modifications: SC pulley and CAI, subframe connectors and tower braces, long tube headers and exhaust upgrades, coilover suspension, updated front seats
- Cost: $11,000 (car) + $500 (intake) + $600 (braces) + $1,000 (exhaust) + $1,000 (suspension) + $800 (seats) = $14,900
So, for less than $15,000 you can have a car that competes with a modern performance car. That's the game, now it's up to you to get creative on your bench racing build. Feel free to get a lot more detailed than my example. Who knows, maybe someone will take your idea and build it... or maybe a grassroots style car magazine will try and do a side-by-side comparison. 
Whatcha got?
Miata with an LS6 and a rumble seat?
Easy. Buy a 135i. Jb4 tune. Intercoolers. MCS coilovers. Done.
Car: 15k
Intercoolers/tune: 2k?
Suspension: 3.5k
Total: 20.5k and faster in every metric.
Olemiss540 said:
Easy. Buy a 135i. Jb4 tune. Intercoolers. MCS coilovers. Done.
Car: 15k
Intercoolers/tune: 2k?
Suspension: 3.5k
Total: 20.5k and faster in every metric.
Gonna need to add a BIG oil cooler and more rubber.
Even stock on Pilot Super Sports, unless the tires were HOT, with the DCT. Pulling away from idle and floor it wouldn't start really hooking up until into 2nd get in my '13 135i. The stock calipers are also going to cook the seals with road course work. Going to need a full exhaust to get the most of the engine (N54 or N55) and depending on how much more power you want, possibly upgraded turbo(s) and fuel system.
Fairmont or Ltd in any variety. Throw someone's catalog of suspension parts to it. LS with turbo, 4l80....
Well under 5k.
2.3L Ecoboost Mustang + Tune/bolt ons, and a better wheel setup? I have not researched this, I don't know what it would cost, but I suspect <$60k.
Another option would be a G35 + some mods, but I think its a weird spot where bolt ons wouldn't quite get you there, but boost would be mega overkill.
dps214
Reader
7/1/20 3:54 p.m.
This probably isn't what you meant but...
997.2 911 Turbo
2+2 GT
480hp with both flat six AND turbo noises
0-60 under 4s
3400ish lbs
Initial buy in is a bit over $60k unless you want a super high mileage example, but unlike the M2 it won't lose a third of it's value in the first two years of ownership so long term cost is less. Totally unmodified so it's just as reliable and comfortable as the M2, if not more so. Probably not as fast around an autocross course, but Lightning Lap has it at essentially the same time as the M2C, almost certainly done on worse tires.
Lexus RC-F, used. The floor on these looks to be around $35k.
It should be somewhat close to the BMW in terms of performance and be reliable enough that I wouldn't mind rolling on the miles.
And here was me thinking you were looking into building the "M2" variant that combines a 2002 with an S14.
z31maniac said:
Olemiss540 said:
Easy. Buy a 135i. Jb4 tune. Intercoolers. MCS coilovers. Done.
Car: 15k
Intercoolers/tune: 2k?
Suspension: 3.5k
Total: 20.5k and faster in every metric.
Gonna need to add a BIG oil cooler and more rubber.
Even stock on Pilot Super Sports, unless the tires were HOT, with the DCT. Pulling away from idle and floor it wouldn't start really hooking up until into 2nd get in my '13 135i. The stock calipers are also going to cook the seals with road course work. Going to need a full exhaust to get the most of the engine (N54 or N55) and depending on how much more power you want, possibly upgraded turbo(s) and fuel system.
Damn. Thought I had this one nailed.
OP,
Please deduct my imaginary points and possibly add penalty points for overlooking the massive 20mm rear tire width difference and oil cooler sizing.
BradLTL said:
So this is a mental game I like to play and I figured I would invite the group to play along. The idea here is you take a modern car and figure out how to make a as-good or even better car of a
- 1999-2002 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
- Modifications: SC pulley and CAI, subframe connectors and tower braces, long tube headers and exhaust upgrades, coilover suspension, updated front seats
- Cost: $11,000 (car) + $500 (intake) + $600 (braces) + $1,000 (exhaust) + $1,000 (suspension) + $800 (seats) = $14,900
So, for less than $15,000 you can have a car that competes with a modern performance car. That's the game, now it's up to you to get creative on your bench racing build. Feel free to get a lot more detailed than my example. Who knows, maybe someone will take your idea and build it... or maybe a grassroots style car magazine will try and do a side-by-side comparison.
Whatcha got?
Where in your budget is the money for actually adding a supercharger? You are adding pulleys on to nothing with a 1999-2002 SVT Cobra.
In reply to BradLTL :
I don't understand. Here's my entry:
Buy a used M2 for $43k.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/813611834/overview/
Spend the price difference on go fast parts.
Shouldn't we be comparing used to used or new to new?
In reply to crankwalk (Forum Supporter) :
I stand corrected... The Eaton didn't come on until 2003. So, add another $2k to my previous entry.
