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Best "Beginner Car" for Modifying/Tuning

58 messages,  Last post on Dec 10, 2012 at 8:44 AM

You are in the Speed Shop Tuning and Modification Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Performance Mods

Messages Page 2 of 6

#9 of 58 Re: Hmmm [driftracer] by spinzero

May 08, 2005 (10:43 am)

Replying to: driftracer (Mar 31, 2005 2:57 pm)
You can weld your axles to the body and pull crazy G on the skid pad. To many, that is certainly NOT the definition of good handling.
 
Even with cars that have independent rear suspension, once you slap on bigger anti-roll bar, you'll notice two things right away. One, you get more grip and oversteer, and two, your car will feel more nervous on bumps and during transitions.

#10 of 58 Re: Hmmm [spinzero] by fastsvo

May 09, 2005 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: spinzero (May 08, 2005 10:43 am)
Guys,
 
There are a lot of good potential cars out there. I honestly would look towards the Grassroots Motorsports Magazine GRM challenge cars as proof that you don't need a lot of money to get above average performance from a broad range of vehicles.
 
But, if you asked for my vote, it would be the Merkur XR4Ti, Mustang GT, and the Mazda Miata.
 
Eric Atoian

#11 of 58 Re: Hmmm [fastsvo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 09, 2005 (4:51 pm)

Replying to: fastsvo (May 09, 2005 3:34 pm)
Interesting that you chose the Merkur. That's kind of a devil to get parts for isn't it?

#12 of 58 Re: Hmmm [Mr_Shiftright] by fastsvo

May 10, 2005 (1:45 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 09, 2005 4:51 pm)
It's not as bad as it seems, but there are definitely some parts that are no longer in production from Ford or are only available in Europe. But on the flip side there are many US vendors that have either imported or remanufactured parts for this car.
Basically the internet will be your best friend for getting repair information and parts for the XR4Ti.
 
Eric Atoian

#13 of 58 Re: Hmmm [fastsvo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 10, 2005 (8:32 am)

Replying to: fastsvo (May 10, 2005 1:45 am)
Thanks Eric for that info.
 
I had a Merkur and really liked it except for I'd say that the engine felt pretty rough and noisy. But it was a lot of car for very little money, and once I squared away a few things, it ran and handled very well indeed. I'm wondering if that engine can be smoothed out somehow or if aftermarket mods have been made to do this---better mounts or an engine brace or something.

#14 of 58 Beginner Car for Mods by ateixeira

May 10, 2005 (1:15 pm)

The Miata is easy to work on, they're abundant (half a million on the road), and even small gains in power are noticed. Strong aftermarket support, too. It's definitely up there on the list.
 
Any SBC and Ford V8, too.
 
Lately, Subaru WRX is a popular choice. Turbos are easy/cheap to tune.
 
-juice

#15 of 58 Bg Series by hondafriek

May 10, 2005 (5:16 pm)

Buy a BG series Mazda 323, slap a mazda GTX motor in (easy swap apparently)
 
Intall ford ZX2SR struts with mild lowering springs, for not a lot of money you will have a little car that is so much fun and reliable you will smile every time you turn the key.
 
  Cheers Pat.

#16 of 58 Re: Bg Series [hondafriek] by fastsvo

May 11, 2005 (1:47 am)

Replying to: hondafriek (May 10, 2005 5:16 pm)
Yup those 2.3li Turbo Ford engines can sound and even run like a tractor at times. Balancing the rotating assembly during a rebuild helps greatly and even stepping up to a 2.5li crankshaft will really smooth things out.
 
Btw, I am really into the idea of owning an STi or even an EVO sooner than later. I believe the STi will be a great replacement for my SVO. Though the new Audi A3 and the new Charger SRT8 has my attention as well. As you can see I am all over the map for my next vehicle, but one thing is for sure, performance will be the major purchase motivator here.

#17 of 58 323 GTX by ateixeira

May 11, 2005 (6:43 am)

I don't think the engine was quite that big (2.3l). Wasn't it more like 1.6-1.8l or so?
 
I do recall it was DOHC and turbocharged, but output was not all that high. But in a light car it would be a hoot.
 
-juice

#18 of 58 Re: Bg Series [fastsvo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 11, 2005 (10:18 am)

Replying to: fastsvo (May 11, 2005 1:47 am)
I like the EVO better than the STi....both have some advantages over the other, but overall I preferred the EVO as a car I would drive everyday. I really romped on the STi and I got torque steer although other folks have said they didn't feel it on test drives. I think the STi is a tad faster but the EVO handles like a dream.

Messages Page 2 of 6

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