what project is right for me? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

VirFighter · 03-26-2006, 04:50 PM

All,

Spring is here and I've got that itch to begin anew on another project car. I've got my own ideas but I find its always nice to here what others have to think.

Here are the things that I like:

-small
-lightweight
-simple
-fun to drive
-good style inside and out
-parts not too difficult to find/expensive
-ability to be worked on by a backyard mechanic (one that is always learning from his various mistakes)

Car by no means needs to be fast, just a pleasure to drive (although the potential to go fast is always appreciated). I prefer the handling characteristics of RWD but like I said above, am open to damn near anything.

Lastly price, the cheaper the better but think 4 grand as an upper limit.

Look forward to reading what people think!

-Zach

Lockjaw · 03-26-2006, 05:17 PM

Old Miata?

BadNick · 03-27-2006, 07:54 AM

another vote for a Miata

If old school British is your bag, a Triumph TR4a (I think I'd search one out w/IRS) or maybe even TR6 strikes me as something I'd enjoy driving if the restoration was not too involved; TR3's look cool too but with somewhat more dated hardware than the 4 & 6. For some reason, I like these better than the MGB's which are also not bad really ...IMO

JStrider · 03-27-2006, 02:12 PM

an old convertible bug?

i've always thought that would be neet to restore...

Willravel · 03-27-2006, 02:22 PM

Are you afraid of being called a ricer? If not the Honda route could be fun: TONS of parts available, everyone knows how to work on them, very inexpensive, small and light, can keep decent gas mileage, simple....

MSD · 03-27-2006, 07:33 PM

Miata

edit: I see it's been said already.

Borla · 03-28-2006, 01:28 PM

I guess I would ask how small and lightweight you are needing it to be to qualify. One of the best "bang for the buck" project type cars out there would be Foxbody Mustang. The 5.0s have plenty of cheap go-fast parts, are fairly easy to work on, have a wealth of knowledge and research available online, and can be had for fairly cheap.

Martian · 04-01-2006, 03:50 PM

I am a GM guy at heart, but a Miata still seems to be what fits your criteria best. My anti-Ford sentiments aside, they're an absolute blast to drive and if you want a fun summer car, convertibles are definitely cool. You've got a decent aftermarket and the car is the very definition of small and lightweight. And it's rear wheel drive. Seems to be exactly what you're looking for.

So count me in as another vote for them.

ncgti · 04-05-2006, 01:55 PM

MK 2 Volkswagen GTI (1986-1992) - I know its FWD - but it handles great, lots of aftermarket and go-fast parts, a bunch of web boards loaded with good advice and you won't "see yourself" everywhere as you would if you had a Honduh, Rustang or a Miata.

Plaid13 · 04-07-2006, 03:25 AM

be diffrent get a chevette and stick a V6 in it. maybe one of those spiffy turbo v6 motors that were used in the grand nationals. sleepers are fun and chevettes handle like go carts. and you could get a decent one rust free for a few hundred bucks if you look around enough.

03-26-2006, 04:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
VirFighter Insane Location: Raleigh, NC / Atlanta, GA	what project is right for me? All, Spring is here and I've got that itch to begin anew on another project car. I've got my own ideas but I find its always nice to here what others have to think. Here are the things that I like: -small -lightweight -simple -fun to drive -good style inside and out -parts not too difficult to find/expensive -ability to be worked on by a backyard mechanic (one that is always learning from his various mistakes) Car by no means needs to be fast, just a pleasure to drive (although the potential to go fast is always appreciated). I prefer the handling characteristics of RWD but like I said above, am open to damn near anything. Lastly price, the cheaper the better but think 4 grand as an upper limit. Look forward to reading what people think! -Zach __________________ "The South is gonna boogie again" - Disco Stu

03-27-2006, 02:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	an old convertible bug? i've always thought that would be neet to restore... __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

03-28-2006, 01:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
Borla Junkie	I guess I would ask how small and lightweight you are needing it to be to qualify. One of the best "bang for the buck" project type cars out there would be Foxbody Mustang. The 5.0s have plenty of cheap go-fast parts, are fairly easy to work on, have a wealth of knowledge and research available online, and can be had for fairly cheap. __________________ Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!

04-01-2006, 03:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	I am a GM guy at heart, but a Miata still seems to be what fits your criteria best. My anti-Ford sentiments aside, they're an absolute blast to drive and if you want a fun summer car, convertibles are definitely cool. You've got a decent aftermarket and the car is the very definition of small and lightweight. And it's rear wheel drive. Seems to be exactly what you're looking for. So count me in as another vote for them. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

03-26-2006, 05:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	Old Miata?

03-27-2006, 07:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	another vote for a Miata If old school British is your bag, a Triumph TR4a (I think I'd search one out w/IRS) or maybe even TR6 strikes me as something I'd enjoy driving if the restoration was not too involved; TR3's look cool too but with somewhat more dated hardware than the 4 & 6. For some reason, I like these better than the MGB's which are also not bad really ...IMO

03-27-2006, 02:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Are you afraid of being called a ricer? If not the Honda route could be fun: TONS of parts available, everyone knows how to work on them, very inexpensive, small and light, can keep decent gas mileage, simple....

03-27-2006, 07:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Miata edit: I see it's been said already.

04-05-2006, 01:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
ncgti Tilted Location: the great north state	MK 2 Volkswagen GTI (1986-1992) - I know its FWD - but it handles great, lots of aftermarket and go-fast parts, a bunch of web boards loaded with good advice and you won't "see yourself" everywhere as you would if you had a Honduh, Rustang or a Miata.

04-07-2006, 03:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
Plaid13 I want a Plaid crayon	be diffrent get a chevette and stick a V6 in it. maybe one of those spiffy turbo v6 motors that were used in the grand nationals. sleepers are fun and chevettes handle like go carts. and you could get a decent one rust free for a few hundred bucks if you look around enough.