Top ten easiest cars to modify. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

mystic511 · 10-26-2003, 07:17 PM

Alright guys, I'd like your opinions on the cars that you think tuners like best. I'm thinking about writing an article for my website, Virtually Infamous Magazine. I did this once before on with another article helped by the sexuality board(click), so I figure you guys would be willing to help out again.

Here are some traits to think about:

-A common car that is relatively easy to find.
-Easy to find parts.
-Nets big gains for little money.
-Cheap to buy, easy to make look good AND fast.
-For the tuning impaired, has lots of shopst to have someone else build up the car of your dreams.
-For the tuning gurus, easy to access parts, does not require unbolting everything to get at one thing.
-Reliable daily driven speed.

Ok, I'd like for you to take this seriously and list the top 3 cars you'd suggest to the average college student who wanted it all with very little money. Give a valid argument and list of reasons on why those three cars would be the best choices.

Please, BE OPEN MINDED. I tried this on another board and they kept giving me one liners like "Car X is the best, there is no need for a top ten".

I'll start it off to give you an idea:

Acura Integra GSR: Tons of aftermarket support, plenty of bolt on parts that will provide immediate satisfaction. Has the ability to push 200 whp naturally aspirated, and even a moderately tuned teg has the ability to run high 14's low 15's. Those willing to go further can upgrade to forced induction and run 13's.

Nissan 240sx: Doesn't look too bad, has rear wheel drive, like a 2gnt, you can leave the stock engine and just turbo it with decent results. In the future, if you wanted to go all out, you can always do a silvia swap.

Subaru WRX: Since the new models are out, the older bug eyed versions are being sold cheap. There is plenty of after market support and even simple bolt ons can let you run 13's. All out people can get six speed swaps and full STi engine converstions.

Looking forward to your choices! Be sophisticated and technical, I may end up quoting you! Of course, if I do, tfp will be credited along with your quote.

I look forward to your feedback and info.

stingc · 10-26-2003, 08:20 PM

Any pre-1975 V8 american car. I say pre-75 because that's when catalytic converters killed everything. Depending on the state, you can't get away with ditching them. A 350 engine is easily modified to 400+ hp NA. Big blocks can do far more. I'd recommend a Corvette because they handle well and look good, but most any car from the era will do well for straight line speed. You'll also feel like you're going fast in these cars more than in modern ones.

Last gen turbo Rx-7 or Supra

Turbo AWD Eclipse/talon

The turbos in these cars are easily tweaked. Rx-7's look great and handle well. I have a friend who put I think $4k into his Rx-7, and matches Z06's on 60-100 times (the vette would destroy it from 0-60 though).

Elitegibson · 10-26-2003, 08:46 PM

Civic/Integra is a given, they are the car to mod.
Mustangs are also super well supported by the aftermarket, you could prolly find a billet aluminum control knob for the climate control if you looked hard enough.
The new Focus is finding lots of aftermarket support. I think of them as the new Civic, cause there's a hatch version and they're cheap.

Wish it was easy to find parts for my car (Prizm/Corolla), cause my generation was skipped by TRD and the mod craze that we're in now didn't happen fast enough to include them.

Peryn · 10-26-2003, 09:53 PM

hmm.... maybe its just a cult following, but there is good reason for it

Turbo Dodges ... K cars, caravans, etc. Very strong motor, dirt cheap car and engine parts, strong motor. Up the boost and its instand wheel-burning fun.

Turbo Volvos ... I like the looks of the old ones very much. They are known to go over 300k miles when driven hard quite often. Again, an intercooler, some boost, your good for great fun, super reliability, and easy insurance costs. A tad more expensive to fix up than a dodge, but much more reliable.

SBC 350 in anything earlier than 74. At least in CA, because thats when they quit checking smogs. SBC, is good for incredible amounts of power, relatively reliable, incredible aftermarket support and very cheap and easy to maintain parts.

I think any turbo car should be on that list. Turbos are VERY easy to get lots of power out of. I love the rx-7, buts its reliability isn't all that good, but for cheap it is THE single best source of weight/power out their. Also on the list could be the 2nd Gen Toyota MR2 Turbo. Good for 300rwhp in a great handling car, with stock internals, looks dead sexy, toyota reliability, etc... but they are hard to find and very expensive to buy or have worked on.

Stare At The Sun · 10-26-2003, 10:52 PM

1st gen DSM. Same engine, no crap t-25, a better look, and no crankwalk. The 4g63 is a great engine that can be tuned very well. Its definatly where its at.

That or a LS1, they put down tons of power, and respond sooo well to bolt on mods its silly. Either way, depends what you want, sleek; or raw power.

merkerguitars · 10-27-2003, 03:59 PM

Mustang of any gen..............easy to find parts for....
Any car with a small block chevy...
Honda civic........sorry to say but so much stuff out to customize it's scary

spirol · 10-28-2003, 04:42 AM

LOOKS, Honda and Acura are both easy to modified because there is a lot of aftermarket parts that is available. Peformance, I would go for the mustangs, but Jspec engines can also be bought these days and will provide a better HP. Air intakes/ Exhaust only yield about 10-20 hp depending on the type of car.

junglistic · 10-28-2003, 05:14 AM

honda crx.

lightest of all the honda's (besides pre 1980's).
stuff a b18c5 (teg type r motor) in there i/h/e and some basic tuning and you have a mid 13 sec car for 4-6k

and i think they look sweet as hell... the original pocket rocket.

MSD · 10-28-2003, 05:36 PM

You can turn a Civic into anything you want to. Love it, hate it, I really don't think there is any car out there that is so endlessly modifiable.

Grand Am's are a common base for Lamborghini conversion kits (by which I mean body and interior mods.)

Ashton · 10-28-2003, 06:33 PM

Quote:

-A common car that is relatively easy to find.
-Easy to find parts.
-Nets big gains for little money.
-Cheap to buy, easy to make look good AND fast.
-For the tuning impaired, has lots of shopst to have someone else build up the car of your dreams.
-For the tuning gurus, easy to access parts, does not require unbolting everything to get at one thing.
-Reliable daily driven speed.

Camaro, Trans Am, Mustang

You can modify teh rice as well as long as you leave out

"Easy to access parts, does not require unbolting everything to get at one thing."

"Nets big gains for little money."

Camaro, Trans Am or Mustang's can be modified cheaply and easily....... the 350 and 302 have been used for so long that the parts are very easy to come by and because so many of the parts interchange between years they cost quite a bit less than import cars that change every year.

Also, there is plenty of room in the engine compartment VS a imports cramped engine stuffed in sideways covered in vacuum hoses compartment........

Besides, just about any Camaro, Trans Am or Mustang with a V8 can whip a modified import STOCK!

Rice-A-Roni The American V8's Favorite Treat!

Booty Man · 10-28-2003, 08:19 PM

Let's not forget the VW/Audi cars with the 1.8T engines. A $400 chip can get you 40hp and 70ft/lbs.

mystic511 · 10-28-2003, 11:33 PM

Sorry guys, I didn't mean to give the impression that I wasn't open to domestic suggestions, i'm glad you v8 guys chimed in!

I am definately considering camaros/trans ams, the LT1 block is so very nice.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about mustangs. Mind you, it's not just about power when I talk about modifying. Never heard of mustangs anywhere but in a straight line. At least camaros have a reputation for decent handling.

Looks like there's alot of nods for honda/acura cars. I may just group them into one car, since building a honda is like playing with legos: everything fits into everything else.

Anybody want to give a nod to today's domestic compact scene? focus? cavalier? the awe inspiring srt-4?

Keep the feedback/suggestions coming, every piece of info helps me make the best top ten list!

Thanks again in advance.

pocon1 · 10-29-2003, 11:16 AM

Who said camaros and mustangs forgot that he asked about reliability. Also, the ability to turn and brake is very important.

debaser · 10-29-2003, 02:38 PM

Any Mk. 1 VW

Blahman · 10-29-2003, 02:48 PM

I'd have to vote as well for any car with the 4g63 powerplant. The Eclipses and Talons of the 90's are still some of the fastest cars around, and they have a LARGE support group with the DSM community.

SLM3 · 10-29-2003, 04:11 PM

Can't forget the Supra. Couple of G's will get you 500hp. The stock internals are very strong on this car, capable of handling a bigger turbo without breaking too much of a sweat.

SLM3

Bowlcut · 10-29-2003, 04:12 PM

sentra se-r's. well 91-94 or 200sx se-r 95-98 are my current fun econo box pocket rockets. i drive a 93 sentra se-r tons of fun stock. easily modified. you name it you can do it, well no supercharging but turbos are better anyway. and plentiful stock parts for hopups. since the motor comes in various varrients in other countries, easy to get a stock turbo manifold and turbo. want "vtec" you can get a sr20ve and drop it in, uber cool and powerful. tons of mods out there for them.

4g63's are ok, i just cant get down with the dsm community, they tend to be bigger ricers than honda camps. not knocking anyone here with one. but honestly how many dsm's have you seen with wide mouth front ends or huge wings? the motor is uber as it takes mods well. drive train is pretty good as well.

mk1 gti's are super sweet. dont expect tons of power, but they are so light weight you can make them do insane things for little to nothing.

miata's are fun....drop the top. makes any car fun. but dont ask too much out of the engines. they are not known for reliablilty. but god they are fun

White Cluster · 10-29-2003, 04:35 PM

The RSX has a gigantic aftermarket....

Supra

Eclipses

Eagles

tfin · 10-30-2003, 03:26 AM

I would like to point the rice finger at the 2nd gen (95 and up) DSM's. THe first gen ones are more for the power. There are ricer 1st gens but there is a serous lack of rice parts for those years. As for the stangs not being able to corner, have you ever been to a SCCA event? They are packed with mid 80's stangs.

I am not a ford fan but ai would have to say that for availability of parts Ford and Honda are the top 2.

My votes for top ten in no specific order:

Dodge Neon
1st Gen Eagle talon
Camaro
Stang
Dodge turbo K car
any other sbc or bbc chevy muscle fills in the rest.

WarWagon · 10-30-2003, 10:03 AM

G Bodies, i.e 78-87 Malibu, Regal, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, El Camino, or Cutlass. TONS of aftermarket support, lightest full frame cars every produced by GM, factory 4 link rear suspension, and you'll be hard pressed to find something that wont fit in the engine bay; sbc's, bbc's, caddy 472 and 500's, rocket olds, LT1, you name it. IMO, 80-81 were the best looking years, and also got rid of some of the first 2 years problems (front suspension) and still no computer. Also, every suspension component is interchangable, including the frame from any 2 door, 4 door, landau, etc. Only the el camino was different as its wheelbase was slightly longer.

bad30th · 10-30-2003, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pocon1
Who said camaros and mustangs forgot that he asked about reliability.

Thats the most ignorant statement I've ever heard.

Reliability of a car is only as good as its owner. I have worked on thousands of cars, all types....if you want reliability stories, let me know....

As for the original poster's request, heres what I'd say....

1.) ANY LT1 F-body: easy to find, and a decent one can be had for $5k and you've got near 300 HP STOCK, not to mention decent handling, both of which can be made much better for relatively cheap. For daily driving, far MORE reliable than a tuned import of similar (shit even somewhat lower) power levels.

2.) MK3 Supra: RWD, turbo fun, and again, decent HP out of the box.

3.) Nissan 240sx: RWD, good handler, CHEAP and VERY easy to find, somewhat lacking in power, but with excellent aftermarket support thats easy to overcome

telekinetic2 · 10-30-2003, 11:05 AM

I'll go with...

MR2 Turbo
Pros: Rare, looks awesome stock, cheap and easy to get 250hp+ in a light midengine rear drive platform with simple parts like boost controller
Cons: Rare, tuner car, need to do the work yourself, parts are more expensive then Honda, Mitsu, etc...not locally available and must be internet ordered. Shops charge more for mid-engine labor.
Fiero
Pros: Engine Swaps Galore...Caddy Northstar, Lt1, LS1...any SBC etc...lots of aftermarket support
Cons: Looks dated pre-modding, stock power is lacking
1st and 2nd gen Turbo DSMs
Pros: Superb aftermarket part support, very clearly delineated upgrade paths, easy power, many import shops comfortable with them.
Cons: Engine not as strong as some turbo cars, Mitsubishi build quailty, crankwalk in the 2nd gens.
Turbo MkIII supras with the 2jz or 7m
Pros: Inexpensive initially, easy and relatively inexpensive to make crazy fast and make it look good
Cons: Not as much aftermarket appearance support as current imports
Any LT1 F-body (camaro/firebird)
Pros: V8 Power out of the box, cheaper initial investment then LS1, and if you are modifying, the difference between LT1 and LS1 is almost lost
Cons: More expensive than some of the older imports, not as easy to get quick cheap power as a turbo (but, in most cases, already has more power than the turbo after the turbo's been upgraded)
All Things Honda (Prelude, CRX, Civic, Teg)
Pros: The best part and labor support, many options for customization and engine swaps.
Cons: "just another honda"--Very common, FWD
240SX
Pros: Nearly cheapest initial investment to get into easily tuneable rear-drive import, rapidally developing aftermarket support, easily turbo'd
Cons: Stock power can be considered anemic, newer models can be expensive for what they are and need aggressive appearance modification to not look like Camry's.
J-body's (Cavalier, sunfires)
Pros: Very decent aftermarket support, and a competitive amount of factory horsepower.
Cons: FWD, not as many appearance mods and tuning shops available as Hondas.

tfin · 10-30-2003, 01:26 PM

I am really slipping. I forgot the turbo buick (gn, gnx, and turbo regal).

pocon1 · 10-30-2003, 07:10 PM

Bad30th, of course you have worked on thousands of those cars. Just walk down the street, you'll see them scattered all over the place. Just use your nose and sniff for the oil leaks and burned up engines. Sometimes I spend all day driving around their decrepit bodies, dodging bits of rust that they have strewn across the roadway like autumn leaves. Junkyard parts abound, because thats what they are; junkyards.

Ashton · 10-31-2003, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pocon1
Bad30th, of course you have worked on thousands of those cars. Just walk down the street, you'll see them scattered all over the place. Just use your nose and sniff for the oil leaks and burned up engines. Sometimes I spend all day driving around their decrepit bodies, dodging bits of rust that they have strewn across the roadway like autumn leaves. Junkyard parts abound, because thats what they are; junkyards.

LOL! You Ricers talk a long line of shit for people that only see the color of Camaro tailights as we smoke your little cars off the road

That really cuts to the quick dosen't it? When a stock Camaro rips your "pumped up" ricer....... Racing rice is so boring I only tear them a new one when their girlfriend is in the car, then they taste the bitter truth of a warmed over LS1....

Scorps · 10-31-2003, 07:14 AM

What about the new Caviler(sp)?

Spyder_Venom · 10-31-2003, 02:46 PM

I prefer to think of this in terms of motors not cars...

1. 2GZ-GTE (Supra) any motor that can do 800+ RWHP on a STOCK motor you have to give mad props to
2. LS1/LS6 (Camaro/Corvette) by far the most efficent small block chevy
3. 4G63 (DSM) Very stout motor, can handle a TON of boost stock.

mystic511 · 10-31-2003, 03:23 PM

For those who said that eclipse people are ricers... it's really not fair. Ever since The Fast and the Furious came out, eclipse/talon people have really broken up into two groups: The racers and the ricers.

You only think all eclipse people are ricers because the real racers--the real dsmers--their cars look like stock.. but push 400+ hp and run 12's all night. Don't forget, more then 80% of the eclipses on the road aren't 4g63 turbo engines. They're 140 horsepower naturally aspirated engines borrowed from chrysler's neon. (which by the way isn't a bad engine at all, since neon's have been known to run 9's and 10's)

For the GM people, which engine is the one that's in the high end camaro and corvette? LS1 or LT1? I always get them confused.

Thank you telekinetic for layin down your choices so clearly. I hope others do the same!

stingc · 10-31-2003, 03:40 PM

LS1's are the current base engine in vettes. LT1's used to be the base engine.

hahaha · 10-31-2003, 03:48 PM

1st gen dsms with AWD have a crazy amount of modding potential. They are cheap and the AWD makes for awesome launches. 5.0 Mustangs can be made fast cheap too, but I would take a DSM over one any day.

WarWagon · 10-31-2003, 05:04 PM

The LS1 and LS6 are by no means smallblock chevies. They are a true corporate motor with NOTHING in common with the SBC.

bad30th · 11-01-2003, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pocon1
Bad30th, of course you have worked on thousands of those cars. Just walk down the street, you'll see them scattered all over the place. Just use your nose and sniff for the oil leaks and burned up engines. Sometimes I spend all day driving around their decrepit bodies, dodging bits of rust that they have strewn across the roadway like autumn leaves. Junkyard parts abound, because thats what they are; junkyards.

Quote:

Originally posted by bad30th
Reliability of a car is only as good as its owner. I have worked on thousands of cars, all types...

Helps when you read and comprehend posts before you respond, but.....

That's pretty clever. How's that workin' out for you.....being clever......

Quote:

For the GM people, which engine is the one that's in the high end camaro and corvette? LS1 or LT1? I always get them confused.

The LT1 is the older of the two, and the LS1 does have more power out of the box.

The only reason I said LT1 and not LS1 is because with the LS1, you are going to pay more for the car initially, and insurance on the newer LS1 cars is quite a bit more from what I've found.

And when you are talking about modding the two, the difference is almost negligable.

In other words, yes, LS1>LT1 in terms of power, but also in terms of cost, LS1>>>LT1.

Just my experiences...

herekittykitty · 11-01-2003, 05:41 PM

I've worked on lots of vw's and civic/integra's, but for my money any older chevy is worth it's weight. The ease of the engine bay, the availabliity of parts and basic tools needed are where it's at.

MSD · 11-01-2003, 09:26 PM

Guys, let's make sure we keep it polite and civil. You don't have to agree, but you're not allowed to fight. I don't think I have to give names, you know who you are. Make sure it doesn't get out of hand.

No wthat I think about it, and read the part about not wanting to have to unbolt everything to out one piece in, I would have to stay away from any recent import, or domestic car built within the pat 10 years. I'd rather put a blower on an old Chevy than shred my knuckles trying to cram a turbo into a Honda's engine bay. I'm not saying that this is the only way to go, I'm just saying I have big hands.

BooRadley · 11-01-2003, 10:15 PM

Top 10 easiest cars to modify? Pick anything with a Chevrolet 350 or a Ford 5.0 liter in it. Don't believe me? Go to jegs (www.jegs.com) and summit ( www.summitperformance.com ) and if you can't build a 400 horsepower block from parts there, you don't need to be around car engines. Any car that came with that block also has a full list of suspension , handling and braking, and transmission upgrades availiable from those companies too. Join the masses. Become a sheep.

tfin · 11-02-2003, 08:25 AM

I am a definate anti-sheep person, but in all reality you are almost always going to be a sheep.

If you mod any chevy v-8 there are 1.5 billion already ahead of you.

If you mod a stang or 5.0, again 1.5 billion have been there first.

Honda, yeah, same thing.

No matter what you choose there are usualy a bunch of people ahead of you by now. Yeah there might some really rare moding projects, but then they would not make the top ten because they are so rare.

BooRadley · 11-02-2003, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tfin

No matter what you choose there are usualy a bunch of people ahead of you by now. Yeah there might some really rare moding projects, but then they would not make the top ten because they are so rare.

Thats what I was trying to imply, if you go for the top 10 cars you are sheeping

If you want to be a non-sheep, run with obscure cars that are hard and expensive to modify. I'm ok with being a sheep though. Just depends on you.

Heres a guy definitely not a sheep, creating a 48 cylinder bike ( that is not a typo]
48 cylinder bike?!?!

It runs. I have a video of it.

tfin · 11-02-2003, 07:34 PM

To be hones I want to see that vid. It looks a little fake.

BooRadley · 11-02-2003, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tfin
To be hones I want to see that vid. It looks a little fake.

Sure.

http://www.home.zonnet.nl/ruiter2432/48.wmv
Load time is pretty slow, crappy server.

The bike you are seeing has 24 two-stroke 3 cylinder KH250 engines in it. The middle cylinder is not used. Custom crankshafts, custom everything. Absolutely ridiculous.
This bike was made by Allan Millyard, from the UK.

This guy is the best bike engine modifier in the world, IMO. He put 24 KH250 blocks into that bike. He runs a machine shop that builds custom bike engines and does all the regular engine work. , such as a custom 7 cylinder, a V8 , and a V12 for classic bikes.

tfin · 11-02-2003, 07:48 PM

Ok, well now I am officialy impressed. I have to give that guy major props for that. It is every thing I love in a project. There is no reason for anything like that but he did it cause he could. THAT IS SO FREAKIN COOL!

10-26-2003, 07:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
mystic511 Tilted	Top ten easiest cars to modify. Alright guys, I'd like your opinions on the cars that you think tuners like best. I'm thinking about writing an article for my website, Virtually Infamous Magazine. I did this once before on with another article helped by the sexuality board(click), so I figure you guys would be willing to help out again. Here are some traits to think about: -A common car that is relatively easy to find. -Easy to find parts. -Nets big gains for little money. -Cheap to buy, easy to make look good AND fast. -For the tuning impaired, has lots of shopst to have someone else build up the car of your dreams. -For the tuning gurus, easy to access parts, does not require unbolting everything to get at one thing. -Reliable daily driven speed. Ok, I'd like for you to take this seriously and list the top 3 cars you'd suggest to the average college student who wanted it all with very little money. Give a valid argument and list of reasons on why those three cars would be the best choices. Please, BE OPEN MINDED. I tried this on another board and they kept giving me one liners like "Car X is the best, there is no need for a top ten". I'll start it off to give you an idea: Acura Integra GSR: Tons of aftermarket support, plenty of bolt on parts that will provide immediate satisfaction. Has the ability to push 200 whp naturally aspirated, and even a moderately tuned teg has the ability to run high 14's low 15's. Those willing to go further can upgrade to forced induction and run 13's. Nissan 240sx: Doesn't look too bad, has rear wheel drive, like a 2gnt, you can leave the stock engine and just turbo it with decent results. In the future, if you wanted to go all out, you can always do a silvia swap. Subaru WRX: Since the new models are out, the older bug eyed versions are being sold cheap. There is plenty of after market support and even simple bolt ons can let you run 13's. All out people can get six speed swaps and full STi engine converstions. Looking forward to your choices! Be sophisticated and technical, I may end up quoting you! Of course, if I do, tfp will be credited along with your quote. I look forward to your feedback and info. __________________ One day, I will become Virtually Infamous.

10-26-2003, 08:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Elitegibson More Freedom, Less Bullshit Location: Tulsa, OK	Civic/Integra is a given, they are the car to mod. Mustangs are also super well supported by the aftermarket, you could prolly find a billet aluminum control knob for the climate control if you looked hard enough. The new Focus is finding lots of aftermarket support. I think of them as the new Civic, cause there's a hatch version and they're cheap. Wish it was easy to find parts for my car (Prizm/Corolla), cause my generation was skipped by TRD and the mod craze that we're in now didn't happen fast enough to include them. __________________ -Erik Stupid people shouldn't breed.

10-26-2003, 09:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	hmm.... maybe its just a cult following, but there is good reason for it Turbo Dodges ... K cars, caravans, etc. Very strong motor, dirt cheap car and engine parts, strong motor. Up the boost and its instand wheel-burning fun. Turbo Volvos ... I like the looks of the old ones very much. They are known to go over 300k miles when driven hard quite often. Again, an intercooler, some boost, your good for great fun, super reliability, and easy insurance costs. A tad more expensive to fix up than a dodge, but much more reliable. SBC 350 in anything earlier than 74. At least in CA, because thats when they quit checking smogs. SBC, is good for incredible amounts of power, relatively reliable, incredible aftermarket support and very cheap and easy to maintain parts. I think any turbo car should be on that list. Turbos are VERY easy to get lots of power out of. I love the rx-7, buts its reliability isn't all that good, but for cheap it is THE single best source of weight/power out their. Also on the list could be the 2nd Gen Toyota MR2 Turbo. Good for 300rwhp in a great handling car, with stock internals, looks dead sexy, toyota reliability, etc... but they are hard to find and very expensive to buy or have worked on. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

10-27-2003, 03:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	Mustang of any gen..............easy to find parts for.... Any car with a small block chevy... Honda civic........sorry to say but so much stuff out to customize it's scary __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

10-28-2003, 11:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
mystic511 Tilted	Sorry guys, I didn't mean to give the impression that I wasn't open to domestic suggestions, i'm glad you v8 guys chimed in! I am definately considering camaros/trans ams, the LT1 block is so very nice. I'm not quite sure how I feel about mustangs. Mind you, it's not just about power when I talk about modifying. Never heard of mustangs anywhere but in a straight line. At least camaros have a reputation for decent handling. Looks like there's alot of nods for honda/acura cars. I may just group them into one car, since building a honda is like playing with legos: everything fits into everything else. Anybody want to give a nod to today's domestic compact scene? focus? cavalier? the awe inspiring srt-4? Keep the feedback/suggestions coming, every piece of info helps me make the best top ten list! Thanks again in advance. __________________ One day, I will become Virtually Infamous.

10-26-2003, 08:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
stingc Psycho Location: PA	Any pre-1975 V8 american car. I say pre-75 because that's when catalytic converters killed everything. Depending on the state, you can't get away with ditching them. A 350 engine is easily modified to 400+ hp NA. Big blocks can do far more. I'd recommend a Corvette because they handle well and look good, but most any car from the era will do well for straight line speed. You'll also feel like you're going fast in these cars more than in modern ones. Last gen turbo Rx-7 or Supra Turbo AWD Eclipse/talon The turbos in these cars are easily tweaked. Rx-7's look great and handle well. I have a friend who put I think $4k into his Rx-7, and matches Z06's on 60-100 times (the vette would destroy it from 0-60 though).

10-26-2003, 10:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stare At The Sun Eh? Location: Somewhere over the rainbow	1st gen DSM. Same engine, no crap t-25, a better look, and no crankwalk. The 4g63 is a great engine that can be tuned very well. Its definatly where its at. That or a LS1, they put down tons of power, and respond sooo well to bolt on mods its silly. Either way, depends what you want, sleek; or raw power.

10-28-2003, 04:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
spirol Upright Location: toronto	LOOKS, Honda and Acura are both easy to modified because there is a lot of aftermarket parts that is available. Peformance, I would go for the mustangs, but Jspec engines can also be bought these days and will provide a better HP. Air intakes/ Exhaust only yield about 10-20 hp depending on the type of car.

10-28-2003, 05:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
junglistic Insane	honda crx. lightest of all the honda's (besides pre 1980's). stuff a b18c5 (teg type r motor) in there i/h/e and some basic tuning and you have a mid 13 sec car for 4-6k and i think they look sweet as hell... the original pocket rocket.

10-28-2003, 05:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	You can turn a Civic into anything you want to. Love it, hate it, I really don't think there is any car out there that is so endlessly modifiable. Grand Am's are a common base for Lamborghini conversion kits (by which I mean body and interior mods.)

10-28-2003, 08:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
Booty Man Junkie	Let's not forget the VW/Audi cars with the 1.8T engines. A $400 chip can get you 40hp and 70ft/lbs.

10-29-2003, 11:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	Who said camaros and mustangs forgot that he asked about reliability. Also, the ability to turn and brake is very important.

10-29-2003, 02:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
debaser Sir, I have a plan... Location: 38S NC20943324	Any Mk. 1 VW __________________ Fortunato became immured to the sound of the trowel after a while.

10-29-2003, 02:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
Blahman Upright	I'd have to vote as well for any car with the 4g63 powerplant. The Eclipses and Talons of the 90's are still some of the fastest cars around, and they have a LARGE support group with the DSM community.

10-29-2003, 04:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
SLM3 Insane	Can't forget the Supra. Couple of G's will get you 500hp. The stock internals are very strong on this car, capable of handling a bigger turbo without breaking too much of a sweat. SLM3

10-31-2003, 07:14 AM	#26 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	What about the new Caviler(sp)?

10-29-2003, 04:12 PM	#17 (permalink)
Bowlcut Tilted Location: Nashville, TN USA	sentra se-r's. well 91-94 or 200sx se-r 95-98 are my current fun econo box pocket rockets. i drive a 93 sentra se-r tons of fun stock. easily modified. you name it you can do it, well no supercharging but turbos are better anyway. and plentiful stock parts for hopups. since the motor comes in various varrients in other countries, easy to get a stock turbo manifold and turbo. want "vtec" you can get a sr20ve and drop it in, uber cool and powerful. tons of mods out there for them. 4g63's are ok, i just cant get down with the dsm community, they tend to be bigger ricers than honda camps. not knocking anyone here with one. but honestly how many dsm's have you seen with wide mouth front ends or huge wings? the motor is uber as it takes mods well. drive train is pretty good as well. mk1 gti's are super sweet. dont expect tons of power, but they are so light weight you can make them do insane things for little to nothing. miata's are fun....drop the top. makes any car fun. but dont ask too much out of the engines. they are not known for reliablilty. but god they are fun __________________ Remember, my opinion is as irrelevant as yours.....

10-29-2003, 04:35 PM	#18 (permalink)
White Cluster Addict	The RSX has a gigantic aftermarket.... Supra Eclipses Eagles

10-30-2003, 03:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	I would like to point the rice finger at the 2nd gen (95 and up) DSM's. THe first gen ones are more for the power. There are ricer 1st gens but there is a serous lack of rice parts for those years. As for the stangs not being able to corner, have you ever been to a SCCA event? They are packed with mid 80's stangs. I am not a ford fan but ai would have to say that for availability of parts Ford and Honda are the top 2. My votes for top ten in no specific order: Dodge Neon 1st Gen Eagle talon Camaro Stang Dodge turbo K car any other sbc or bbc chevy muscle fills in the rest. __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916

10-30-2003, 10:03 AM	#20 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	G Bodies, i.e 78-87 Malibu, Regal, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, El Camino, or Cutlass. TONS of aftermarket support, lightest full frame cars every produced by GM, factory 4 link rear suspension, and you'll be hard pressed to find something that wont fit in the engine bay; sbc's, bbc's, caddy 472 and 500's, rocket olds, LT1, you name it. IMO, 80-81 were the best looking years, and also got rid of some of the first 2 years problems (front suspension) and still no computer. Also, every suspension component is interchangable, including the frame from any 2 door, 4 door, landau, etc. Only the el camino was different as its wheelbase was slightly longer.

10-30-2003, 11:05 AM	#22 (permalink)
telekinetic2 Loser	I'll go with... MR2 Turbo Pros: Rare, looks awesome stock, cheap and easy to get 250hp+ in a light midengine rear drive platform with simple parts like boost controller Cons: Rare, tuner car, need to do the work yourself, parts are more expensive then Honda, Mitsu, etc...not locally available and must be internet ordered. Shops charge more for mid-engine labor. Fiero Pros: Engine Swaps Galore...Caddy Northstar, Lt1, LS1...any SBC etc...lots of aftermarket support Cons: Looks dated pre-modding, stock power is lacking 1st and 2nd gen Turbo DSMs Pros: Superb aftermarket part support, very clearly delineated upgrade paths, easy power, many import shops comfortable with them. Cons: Engine not as strong as some turbo cars, Mitsubishi build quailty, crankwalk in the 2nd gens. Turbo MkIII supras with the 2jz or 7m Pros: Inexpensive initially, easy and relatively inexpensive to make crazy fast and make it look good Cons: Not as much aftermarket appearance support as current imports Any LT1 F-body (camaro/firebird) Pros: V8 Power out of the box, cheaper initial investment then LS1, and if you are modifying, the difference between LT1 and LS1 is almost lost Cons: More expensive than some of the older imports, not as easy to get quick cheap power as a turbo (but, in most cases, already has more power than the turbo after the turbo's been upgraded) All Things Honda (Prelude, CRX, Civic, Teg) Pros: The best part and labor support, many options for customization and engine swaps. Cons: "just another honda"--Very common, FWD 240SX Pros: Nearly cheapest initial investment to get into easily tuneable rear-drive import, rapidally developing aftermarket support, easily turbo'd Cons: Stock power can be considered anemic, newer models can be expensive for what they are and need aggressive appearance modification to not look like Camry's. J-body's (Cavalier, sunfires) Pros: Very decent aftermarket support, and a competitive amount of factory horsepower. Cons: FWD, not as many appearance mods and tuning shops available as Hondas.

10-30-2003, 01:26 PM	#23 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	I am really slipping. I forgot the turbo buick (gn, gnx, and turbo regal). __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916

10-30-2003, 07:10 PM	#24 (permalink)
pocon1 Banned	Bad30th, of course you have worked on thousands of those cars. Just walk down the street, you'll see them scattered all over the place. Just use your nose and sniff for the oil leaks and burned up engines. Sometimes I spend all day driving around their decrepit bodies, dodging bits of rust that they have strewn across the roadway like autumn leaves. Junkyard parts abound, because thats what they are; junkyards.

10-31-2003, 02:46 PM	#27 (permalink)
Spyder_Venom Psycho Location: MN	I prefer to think of this in terms of motors not cars... 1. 2GZ-GTE (Supra) any motor that can do 800+ RWHP on a STOCK motor you have to give mad props to 2. LS1/LS6 (Camaro/Corvette) by far the most efficent small block chevy 3. 4G63 (DSM) Very stout motor, can handle a TON of boost stock. __________________ The local track whore

10-31-2003, 03:23 PM	#28 (permalink)
mystic511 Tilted	For those who said that eclipse people are ricers... it's really not fair. Ever since The Fast and the Furious came out, eclipse/talon people have really broken up into two groups: The racers and the ricers. You only think all eclipse people are ricers because the real racers--the real dsmers--their cars look like stock.. but push 400+ hp and run 12's all night. Don't forget, more then 80% of the eclipses on the road aren't 4g63 turbo engines. They're 140 horsepower naturally aspirated engines borrowed from chrysler's neon. (which by the way isn't a bad engine at all, since neon's have been known to run 9's and 10's) For the GM people, which engine is the one that's in the high end camaro and corvette? LS1 or LT1? I always get them confused. Thank you telekinetic for layin down your choices so clearly. I hope others do the same! __________________ One day, I will become Virtually Infamous.

10-31-2003, 03:40 PM	#29 (permalink)
stingc Psycho Location: PA	LS1's are the current base engine in vettes. LT1's used to be the base engine.

10-31-2003, 03:48 PM	#30 (permalink)
hahaha Insane	1st gen dsms with AWD have a crazy amount of modding potential. They are cheap and the AWD makes for awesome launches. 5.0 Mustangs can be made fast cheap too, but I would take a DSM over one any day. __________________ "find what's good and make it last" -Bouncing Souls Last edited by hahaha; 10-31-2003 at 03:53 PM..

10-31-2003, 05:04 PM	#31 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	The LS1 and LS6 are by no means smallblock chevies. They are a true corporate motor with NOTHING in common with the SBC.

11-01-2003, 05:41 PM	#33 (permalink)
herekittykitty Upright	I've worked on lots of vw's and civic/integra's, but for my money any older chevy is worth it's weight. The ease of the engine bay, the availabliity of parts and basic tools needed are where it's at.

11-01-2003, 09:26 PM	#34 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Guys, let's make sure we keep it polite and civil. You don't have to agree, but you're not allowed to fight. I don't think I have to give names, you know who you are. Make sure it doesn't get out of hand. No wthat I think about it, and read the part about not wanting to have to unbolt everything to out one piece in, I would have to stay away from any recent import, or domestic car built within the pat 10 years. I'd rather put a blower on an old Chevy than shred my knuckles trying to cram a turbo into a Honda's engine bay. I'm not saying that this is the only way to go, I'm just saying I have big hands.

11-01-2003, 10:15 PM	#35 (permalink)
BooRadley Insane Location: Kentucky	Top 10 easiest cars to modify? Pick anything with a Chevrolet 350 or a Ford 5.0 liter in it. Don't believe me? Go to jegs (www.jegs.com) and summit ( www.summitperformance.com ) and if you can't build a 400 horsepower block from parts there, you don't need to be around car engines. Any car that came with that block also has a full list of suspension , handling and braking, and transmission upgrades availiable from those companies too. Join the masses. Become a sheep.

11-02-2003, 08:25 AM	#36 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	I am a definate anti-sheep person, but in all reality you are almost always going to be a sheep. If you mod any chevy v-8 there are 1.5 billion already ahead of you. If you mod a stang or 5.0, again 1.5 billion have been there first. Honda, yeah, same thing. No matter what you choose there are usualy a bunch of people ahead of you by now. Yeah there might some really rare moding projects, but then they would not make the top ten because they are so rare. __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916

11-02-2003, 07:34 PM	#38 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	To be hones I want to see that vid. It looks a little fake. __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916

11-02-2003, 07:48 PM	#40 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	Ok, well now I am officialy impressed. I have to give that guy major props for that. It is every thing I love in a project. There is no reason for anything like that but he did it cause he could. THAT IS SO FREAKIN COOL! __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916