Miata, Hachi Roku, 240Z/260Z or what?

Travis_K wrote: Come to Cali for FB RX7s, they dont really do too well with passing emissions here so they have mostly all been scrapped, but there are still nice ones for cheap.

Well, I did occasionally look for them via Craigslook before it got shut down but it looks like in NorCal the few decent GSL-SEs left are quite expensive these days. Maybe I was looking in the wrong places.

ScottRA21 wrote: In reply to BoxheadTim: First Gen Celica? A lot of the suspension of the AE86 is swappable with a bit of work, thus giving you a relatively affordable upgrade path. They are a bit heavier than the Corolla, but they look a hell of a lot better in my opinion.

Now why didn't I think of that? I love the looks of those and as long as the upgrade parts are still reasonably available that might be a cool option.

Dashpot wrote: I run TT's in a (turbo) Miata. Fastest guy in my class (by quite a bit) is a built E36 328 coupe. Behind him, there's a gaggle of STI's/EVO's and a very well driven 240Z, a few E36 M3's, a Boxster, and my Yata mixed in there somewhere. I have a pretty good clue on the relative capabilities of these cars and am always impressed with the track manners of the E36 BMW in all it's variants. Semi stripped for the track they're under 2800 Lbs. Most I see have over 100K miles on them, with many track days, and the motors haven't seen anything more than maintenance and maybe a head gasket at 125-150K. I'd never use "good bang for the buck" to describe any German car, but the E36 comes as close as you'll get. FWIW - The Miata's a blast, but without a full cage you're risking your neck much more than a tin top.

I guess if I really get serious about the TT side of things then I will be sensible enough to drop a full cage into anything I'd use for that. However I guess with a Miata that's pretty much the end of its streetability then...

I've driven a couple of E36 coupes and I do like them - heck, I nearly ended up buying an E36 M3 - I'm just concerned that they're a little too fast for my skill level. Well, unless I buy a 318is, but I'd rather have that engine stuck in a 2002.

I've driven a couple of E36 coupes and I do like them - heck, I nearly ended up buying an E36 M3 - I'm just concerned that they're a little too fast for my skill level. Well, unless I buy a 318is, but I'd rather have that engine stuck in a 2002.

My E36 M3 (stock suspension, running Toyo R888s) is brilliant on the track. It is as forgiving as my Miata, despite being considerably faster. In fact, it was even better than my C4 Corvette.

If you can find a decent E36 M3, you won't be disappointed. Enough power to entertain (my Miata is a bit slow on fast tracks), easy on the budget, and a great all around car.

How hard is your M3 on consumables?

Dashpot wrote: FWIW - The Miata's a blast, but without a full cage you're risking your neck much more than a tin top.

You could say that about driving them on the street as well.

Turbo brick? Unconventional as hell, and at least to a certain point, available in RWD. Should be cheap- (I've seen clean ones go as low as 1000$) fun to drive- though not in a conventional sense, since you're driving a freakin' wagon, but layin' down some hot times in a car known for safety could be rather fun.

RA64 FTW

Alfa Milano/GVT6?

Peugeot 505 Turbo?

fast_eddie_72 wrote: RA64 FTW

I should expand...

AE86 suspention bits (for the most part) interchange, but it makes more HP and big piles more torque from the factory. Heavier? Yeah, a little. But my ST Coupe with no options but power steering weighs 2400 lbs. with no modifications. My friend ran a SCCA Street Prepared AE86 hatch and we figgure I'll be right around the same weight once it's done.

Plus it's cool 'cause nobody builds them. They're cheap to get and cheaper to get parts for. And in my opinion, a coupe is cool looking. They're old enough now that their weird 80s styling stands on it's own. It doesn't look like you're trying to be cool anymore. You're just being different.

Take care,

Ed

m4ff3w wrote: Alfa Milano/GVT6? Peugeot 505 Turbo?

As pointed out earlier in the thread, no FWD cars. Been there, tried it, don't want to go back. Me and them don't speak the same language.

As to RA64s, I'm just not that keen on them - I remember when they were new and got a ride in one a couple of times but they just don't do anything for me.

BoxheadTim wrote: As to RA64s, I'm just not that keen on them - I remember when they were new and got a ride in one a couple of times but they just don't do anything for me.

Yeah, I get that. They're not for everyone.

In reply to BoxheadTim: Thunderbird Super Coupe. Don't laugh. There's one in NY for $700 with warped heads, otherwise complete. But that's across the country from you. But I bet there are others out there for cheap money--or upgrade a base one for HP and handling. RWD, inexpensive parts, a bit unique these days, and the wheelbase will help on the faster sections of the Silver State Classic, regardless of what class you run in. (We're not talking Big Red Speed here.) BTW, the Alfa is RWD with a unique rear suspension, and a motor that loves to make HP and rev. There are some non-rusted to pieces models around...

Oops, I somehow read GTV6/Milano as '164'. I should've known they're RWD, given that I used own a Milano V6 about 10 years back.

Thunderbird SC is an interesting idea, didn't even know they existed. Problem might be finding a manual one out here, but hey, in case one crosses my path it would be worth looking at.

Another thought that keeps popping up in the back of my head would be a Triumph GT6 - I've always liked the shape but somehow never got around to owning one.

I rebuilt a '72 GT6+. I towed it home behind the parents car. It's an easy car to work on, just lift up the front hood, sit on a tire, and there you are. Yes, it's a bit on the crude side, compared to today's cars and engines, but that's part of its appeal. You feel everything, the steering is quick and direct, as is the transmission. There are literally TONS of upgrades available for them. Triple webers, headers, a cam, free-flowing exhaust, and they sound great.

The rear suspension--depending on the year, has rubber o-rings (they're really big, that act as a quasi-CV joint, and can be replaced with U-joints if you pump up the hp a lot.

I got my first 4-wheel drift in one. Lots of fun to drive. And they're inexpensive. I strongly recommending putting down dynamat heat shielding atop the floor pan and around the trans tunnel. It can get a bit warm from the engine heat.

And there's the practical aspect of it being a hatchback. Throw the auto-cross tires in the back and on the passenger seat.

If you want to go the stock route, you can practially build one from all the parts available for it. Obviously I'm biased, but, why not go look at one and check it out?

Of cousre, the MkI Ford Capri is always cool.

In reply to fast_eddie_72: That's what I used to tow home the abovementioned Triumph....yeah, cool car. Especially with the V-6.

5K will get a damn nice Supra. Either a MkII ready for a TON of mods, or a pretty minty MkIII turbo.

BoxheadTim wrote:

m4ff3w wrote: Alfa Milano/GVT6? Peugeot 505 Turbo?

As pointed out earlier in the thread, no FWD cars. Been there, tried it, don't want to go back. Me and them don't speak the same language.

Me and FWD don't speak the same language either, which is why I made RWD suggestions.

Edit: Oops, didn't see your post below that.

Gack, it's been so long since I saw a 505 that I didn't remember that it was the last of the RWD mid-size Peugeots...

Dooooood...

It's like an AE86 on steroids, creatine, and protine shakes. 2.6 turbo, 16x7/8 wheels (or 16x8/9 if you get lucky and score an "SHP" model), beefy clutch LSD standard, can make gobs of power, and sexy looks. Go for the '89 if you can to get the stronger gearbox. Also Jackie Chan drove one so you know it's gotta be good.

The only drawbacks are recirculating ball steering (WTF Mitsu?) and about a million miles of vacuum lines to go wrong, but you can fix that second one with a junkyard MPI setup or an SBC.

A few years ago when I got mine they were rediculously undervalued and you could get the cream of the crop for five grand. (Of course I was a dumbass and bought a $900 one with issues anyway, but it had a completely straight and rust free body and almost perfect interior which was what I wanted.)

I'm building a TE72 right now.

It's the chassis that came before the AE86. All the AE86 stuff swaps in, including the front crossmember (r&p steering) and engine.

I'm keeping the 3T-C though, I prefer them to the 4A-GE.

The cars are cheap and finding a wrecked, donor AE86 is cheap and easy thanks to the dorifto boys.

Shawn

http://jalopnik.com/5682540/ten-reliable-desirable-classic-cars/gallery

ONLY the AE86 is in Jalopnik's 10 most reliable......

Trans_Maro wrote: I'm building a TE72 right now.

hehehehe.... I'm about 75% complete with mine... http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/2130/

oldeskewltoy wrote: http://jalopnik.com/5682540/ten-reliable-desirable-classic-cars/gallery ONLY the AE86 is in Jalopnik's 10 most reliable......

Sorry, but Jalopnik isn't exactly a trusted, credible source. Half of those aren't even "classic" and the whole list (like 90% of the content on there) was just made up by the commentators. There's no actual, original work that emanates from that site.

Javelin wrote: Sorry, but Jalopnik isn't exactly a trusted, credible source.

hahahahahaha... and you, and I and all the other opinions on here are "credible"?

Give me a break dude.... it is ALL opinion...