Now for something completely different, a what car thread!

Yeah you're looking at 1,700-1,900 degree exhaust temps under race conditions.

Holy crap, $1k for an exhaust doesn't sound very wallet friendly.

That's why you find somebody like myself and buy the system used.

DaveEstey wrote: That's why you find somebody like myself and buy the system used.

If a car comes my way I will be PMing you

Eh, rotaries on the street? I'd rather the Volvo. Much more 'classic' and much less idiosyncrasies.

OK Chaps and chapets. After a 48 hour daliance with the prospect of a Probe, it just didn't excite me that much so let's get this back on track.

Todays side Q, speak to me of FB's Vs FC's?

An FB is a classic looker. The GSL-SE seems to be a magnitude better than a carb'd 12A, for some reason carbs on a rotary scare me, possibly due to Tom Spangler's experience with a carb'ed 13B. But the agricultural steering disapoints too.

The FC has a shape I like a lot and seems a 'safer' bet than a 944. We've already established that an exhaust can make these things fly. They are currently hitting my buttons, although it will take more saving to get there.

OK, I may need to re-think things. Let’s look at the current leaders.

The latest according to Gallup, Rasmussen etc there is currently a statistical tie in polling between the E30 and Rx7 as a toy. The SAAB is making a strong showing as an independent with a Miata as a long shot outsider needing massive economic influx to pull level. Primary contenders such as the Fiat and 944 are falling away through lack of a coherent strategy.

Based on that, let’s move on from ‘what car’ to ‘how much needed to get a car’. I stated when I started this that I was looking at a total budget of around $2k, with $1k as the purchase price with the rest to work on it. That isn’t looking overly feasible as everything I’ve seen in that price range on this list is frankly a rust pile. The only decent car for around $1k so far has been Pat’s (Angry ‘Vair) Probe, which in terms of condition was exactly what I’m looking for, but the car itself left me cold. So, how much do I need to spend on each of the front runners (E30, Rx7, SAAB with Miata an outsider) to get a decent starting point.

By a decent starting point I mean:
- No rust. OK, there may be some stone chips and surface rust that needs tidying up, but no rotten arches, rockers structural.
- 10 footer on the paint, I can rub down and hit with a rattle can to keep it looking good enough to keep the neighbors happy.
- Running and driving with no major engine/trans issues, yeas it can have high miles, but it still has good miles let. I’d expect to do service work and I imagine an exhaust (maybe header), intake etc is in its future.
- Suspension and brakes are operable and safe, but I would expect to overhaul and upgrade as I play
- Wheels and tires hold air and can be driven home, I’m sure these are on the future upgrade list.
- Interior. Serviceable, not ripped to shreds and smelling like a tramp has lived in it for a couple of months. Most 80’s cars have cracked dash, worn seat bolsters etc. I can live with that, I’d plan on ripping it apart, cleaning, painting and re-dying as needed.

Is this an unreasonable goal? I don’t’ think so, but I might have to keep saving to get my buy in price from $1k -$2k.

Thoughts?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-Volvo-122s-Amazon-Coupe-4sp-/150932897401?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item23244d3e79

http://eastky.craigslist.org/cto/3296067691.html

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

With that kind of budget you really are looking at base SA/FB RX-7 with the 12A.

Not necessarily. You can find "sorted" sub $2k FC's. They'll all be N/A, but they're still fun. Your biggest issue is going to be the market in your area. Up here in Alberta I can buy running FC's for under $2k all day long. To clarify though, an decent FC will be above $1000. Unless you get really really lucky.

Javelin, do you mean my original $1k budget or my possible $2k budget I'm thinking of saving for?

I think I need to start an FC specific thread (I still hate 'learn me' ugh). I've read so much on E30's and Miata's I think I could rebuild either in my sleep without refering to anything, as well as specifyoing costs and vendors for any part you could consider. I've got lot's of good info on SAAB's from Saabrally.com, but FC's I still don't know about.

The $1000 one. $2K might buy you a beater FC. I think you'd be better off with a great FB, maybe even a GSL-SE, at that price point.

For $2k (FIRM) you can take my rotary powered Spit and everything associated. It's in pieces but it really is all there. Needs engine/trans mounts because I was in the midst of prepping for TII trans with FD motor, but I have a good used 13B 6 port and FB 5 speed that can go back in if desired. I can do the motor mounts/welding as part of the deal or teach you how to do it yourself if you want to use my equipment. Selling due to other priorities, I will not get back to this anytime soon.

You know me through the hosts of the Guy Fawkes party, my V8 Fiero used to be stored in their barn. Email: bmepsi at gee male.

http://www.motorsport-studio.com/spitfire_pt1.html

http://www.motorsport-studio.com/spitfire_pt2.html

grpb wrote: For $2k (FIRM) you can take my rotary powered Spit and everything associated. It's in pieces but it really is all there. Needs engine/trans mounts because I was in the midst of prepping for TII trans with FD motor, but I have a good used 13B 6 port and FB 5 speed that can go back in if desired. I can do the motor mounts/welding as part of the deal or teach you how to do it yourself if you want to use my equipment. Selling due to other priorities, I will not get back to this anytime soon. You know me through the hosts of the Guy Fawkes party, my V8 Fiero used to be stored in their barn. Email: bmepsi at gee male. http://www.motorsport-studio.com/spitfire_pt1.html http://www.motorsport-studio.com/spitfire_pt2.html

Hi Charles, yes I remember you and the Fiero, but I wasn’t aware of this car.

The car is completely, ludicrously, totally, insanely, stupidly awesome. Therefor yes I’d love it. Unfortunately I’m only at 50% of the price right now. The agreement with SWMBO is that this doesn’t impact family finances, it’s funded from selling crap left over from previous toys and projects. I’ll e-mail you at work, we still have the same little blue oval on our paycheck from memory. Also it’s a little more extreme than I was considering, but I can’t claim I’m not interesting.

Peanut gallery, please impart your thought on SAAB 900 Turbo’s given the context of the rest of the thread. I’m >< close to pulling the trigger on one. Autocross would be fun only and I care slightly less about SCCA classing than I do weather conditions on alpha centauri so don’t’ worry there. Open track days are fun not timed. TSD’s is about accuracy. Rallycross is about speed and clocks. Assume PF class keeping it streetable. As you can see I’m more concerned with fun than meaningless trophy’s.

OK, have I tired you guys out with my Incessant questions? No one has any Views, observations or comments on Classic SAAB 900’s?