Fast and cheap car for the track

[bng804]

Ok, I'm thinking I wanna buy a toy to mod out for playing around at the drag strip. No serious racing, just a fast and fun project car. Something around 4k so I have some cash to blow on parts.

On my short list is:

4th gen Fbody
4th gen Mustang
Stealth/3000GT
1st gen Eclipse/Talon AWD


What is your opinion of the best car to start with?

[boxmonkeyracing]

98+ F-body.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by bng804

Ok, I'm thinking I wanna buy a toy to mod out for playing around at the drag strip. No serious racing, just a fast and fun project car. Something around 4k so I have some cash to blow on parts.

On my short list is:

4th gen Fbody
4th gen Mustang
Stealth/3000GT
1st gen Eclipse/Talon AWD


What is your opinion of the best car to start with?

Well, if aftermarket affordability is important, it doesn't get much better than 4th gen F-bods.

[THE EVIL TW1N]

4th Gen Fbody.

[Jinx]

1st gen Eagle Talon TSi (4G63 with AWD) or any 1st gen DSM

-A Manual Boost controller
-DRs
-Downpipe (non-catted)
-Full 3'' exhaust
-Better clutch
-CAI
-Front mount conversion

Good for low 12s, maybe high 11s. Add a cheap turbo upgrade and maybe new tubular manifold and you prolly have a consistant low 11 car.

3000GT/Stealths can be done the same way as the DSM with similar results, but its not as cheap. One thing I can say is that a turbo upgrade is easy; just buy two stock DSM turbos (16g turbos) from two reliable sellers on a DSM forum; because they like to get those sold when they upgrade. On a DSM you are basically forced to buy new.

I recommend carrying an extra transfer case to the track for the DSM, too.

I think that both these cars would be fun and practical in bad weather (AWD to have in rain and snow). I cant say the same for a Mustang or Camaro in the winter or rain.

I love the looks of a 3S (3000gt/Stealth) over the DSMs, but I love the package of a DSM. Light, AWD, and great mod potential. You dont need 400hp and sacrifice streetability to break into the 11s.

As for "gen" of Mustang I need your idea of what do you think a "gen" is with a Mustang. Its simple with a F-body. A Mustang was based on first a Falcon, then a Mustang II platform, then Fox body, then SN95 (modified Fox chassis), the S189 (currrent).
Most refer the SN95 as the 4th gen, but it has the most engine variants such as :

-5.0 (94-95 GT)
-5.0 GT-40 setup (94-95 Cobra)
-2V non-PI SOHC
-2V PI SOHC (99-04 GT)
-4V DOHC B-Head (96-98 Cobra)
-4V DOHC Tumble port (99-01 Cobra)
-4V DOHC 03 Head (Mach1)
-4V DOHC S/C Terminator

So with that said I would need to have a specific model to make a educated recommendation for the Mustang.

I would go to Fox body (3rd gen), but I still like the AWD practicality of the DSM and the fact it would be a good way to expand horizons.

As for the 4thgen F-body, LS1 or LT1? I would bother with a LT1 knowing the availablity of the LS1s and its HP yield.

My last thought, is that if you want reliablity, go Mustang or F-body. If you want a fast sleeper, good drivability in any condition, and that "WTF" response when you blow someones doors off; then go DSM. If you want all the above go 3S, but I doubt you can do it on below 8k including car and mods and if you do then I would question the reliability again.

Either one, best of luck and have fun. You cant make a wrong choice on a lil cheap project if you have the fun you intended to get on that budget.

For more info on DSMs: www.dsmtalk.com

[Mindz]

Jinx made every point I would have made. The only thing I haven't driven is a fourth gen. DSM and 3S info is correct.

[bng804]

If you want a fast sleeper, good drivability in any condition, and that "WTF" response when you blow someones doors off; then go DSM.

Hehe, that's exactly what I want.

Thank you for the perfect breakdown. I think fun for the dollars spent points directly to the DSMs. I thought that was the direction I wanted to go, but you confirmed it. I've already been trolling around on dsmtalk this week - lots to learn.

[full of days]

we talking roadracing or drag strip here?

[jcamaro]

Originally Posted by bng804

Stealth/3000GT

This is what I would have sad to go with if you had a higher budget. But for only $4,000, you wouldn't get very far. For one, you can't get the fastest model, the VR-4 Twin Turbo, for anything less than $10,000 unless you're lucky. The one you could get, base or possibly SL, aren't worth the money for racing. They're semi heavy for a 2 door at about 3250-3500 lbs with a V6. Granted they are DOHC but only get about 220 HP with less torque. But you can't really beat their style:



On your budget, I'd say something with a V8 definitely. So refer to Jinx's post. I just wanted to talk about the 3000GT because its my favorite car

[bng804]

Originally Posted by full of days

we talking roadracing or drag strip here?

Drag strip. Just want something to take out to the midnight drags for fun.

[Stew]

I am going to go totally of the wall here and suggest a 94-96 Caprice or Buick Roadmaster. Yeah they are hevy but can be found cheap with a nice aftermarket and make nice sleepers (especially the Buick )