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sports car project car recommendations

19 messages,  Last post on Sep 08, 2008 at 9:37 AM

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Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 19 Whoa, forget that idea by deepdrop

Dec 07, 2005 (7:53 pm)

Jeez! I just looked up used DeLoreans and they're like $28,000!!!!!!
You used to be able to get one for a song!

#11 of 19 Joe (or anyone?) want to comment about old Mustangs? by steve_ HOST

Dec 07, 2005 (9:14 pm)

I remember reading a story like this (CBS) a few years ago about restoring older Mustangs and gas tank explosion risk.
 
I assume that there are some things that can be done to make the installation safer.
 
Any other potential time bombs out there to look out for? (VW Bug squashability comes to mind).
 
Steve, Host

#12 of 19 Re: Whoa, forget that idea [deepdrop] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 08, 2005 (10:07 am)

Replying to: deepdrop (Dec 07, 2005 7:53 pm)
Well any Delorean owner asking $28,000 is merely exercising his First Amendment rights...he'll never see that kind of money. About $18K for a show car would be plenty.
 
A Delorean really isn't much of a sports car...the engine is anemic and while Lotus did design the suspension, the car is rather ill-conceived...
 
As for rust, just avoid rusty cars altogether if you can. If you can't, you're better off going with a car that has a huge aftermarket support system---for aftermarket parts of any kind you can't beat MGB or Mustang. You can buy any part you need for either of those two cars, delivered two days to your door UPS. You can even buy an entire new body for your MGB.

#13 of 19 IMHO by empiredj

Jan 10, 2006 (4:21 am)

Honestly if your not good with working on cars or still learning, getting somethin more modern will simplfy things alot.
 
 Tuning is the one BLACK ART that computers generally eliminate as most ECU/PCM are self-adjusting.
 
 My suggestion is to go with a Miata, also.
 
 Its classic in its own right, okay so its not a small Lotus or MG, but it will sure OUT DISTANCE those cars in a hurry and parts are ALOT easier to source when you need them. Not going to find alot of spare parts at Pep Boys for an MG or TR6.
 
 You can pick up a good 1st gen Miata for under $5,000
 
 From there, skies the limit...
 
 You can build anything from a lightweight canyon carver all the way up to fire-breathing Mustang eater. Try that with an MG short of putting a small block Chevy in one first....
 
 There's Miata's cracking the 400hp barrier on a regular basis and Ric Stephen's has run low 10's on BFG drag radials in his turbocharged Miata.
 
 A good "newbie" Miata would be nice simple suspension mods, lightweight 15" wheel package and maybe a supercharger kit to add another 50-60hp. Add a nice free-breathing exhaust, get a new chip tune for the computer and you'll be very happy until the HP bug hits and your ripping that blower kit off for one of the many turbo kits available.
 
 Older Mustangs usually need so much work just to get the point where you can start modifying things. Same with MG's and again, you can build a hot MG motor with rare and limited aftermarket parts. The reason half that stuff is even around is all the die in the wool British car lovers keep racing them, when technology has clearly passed them by to the point that SCCA needs to keep making rules adjustments...
 
 My .02

#14 of 19 Sports Car Project by cfrink

Mar 04, 2007 (10:10 am)

Triumph TR8 is the way to go. I see some who snub the TR7/8 (one who says throw the 7 motor overboard-doesnt know what he is talking about). I own 2 TR8s and an early TR7. All run well with no problems. One TR8 has over 300hp and is kind of a handfull but LOTS of fun when you can show some Vettes your tail lights. They are not perfect but parts are available and are no more expensive than some and LOTS less expensive than others. I have owned a number of "sports cars" the years and have the best of them all in the TR8. Comfort, power, speed, reasonable MPH (if thats what you are looking for) and, for my nickle, decent looks.
Porsche-if you have LOTS of expendable cash.
MG-Decent but not exciting.
Mustangs-pricey and not THAT good but fun
Jags-STAY AWAY FROM ALL OF THEM-ESPECIALLY THE E TYPE
Miata-decent cars but do NOT do much for me personally
TVR-can be reasonable but not much power till you get to the V8 cars
Datsun Z cars-Really good for a beginner. Mechanically sound, can be made to perform (get an 82-83 Turbo)-no ragtops-can be rust prone so be careful.
 
My 2 cents worth.

#15 of 19 Re: Sports Car Project [cfrink] by paisan

Mar 04, 2007 (11:22 am)

Replying to: cfrink (Mar 04, 2007 10:10 am)
What will you be doing with the sports car?
 
Road Racing?
 
I'd look at Hondas (Honda Challenge is a good series), E30 BMWs (Spec E30 series) Also Miatas (Spec Miata) is another great road race class.
 
-mike

#16 of 19 Re: Sports Car Project [cfrink] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 04, 2007 (2:13 pm)

Replying to: cfrink (Mar 04, 2007 10:10 am)
How'd you get 300 HP out of that small V8?
 
If your TR7 runs well you are one lucky dude. Someone must have re-machined the block studs for the head or maybe put in Racewear studs or something like that. TR7 cylinder heads are like rubber.

#17 of 19 Re: Sports Car Project [Mr_Shiftright] by cfrink

Mar 04, 2007 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 04, 2007 2:13 pm)
Easy--stroker motor (5.0)--12.5/1 comp-good cam with ENOUGH carb-and all the usual hot rod mods. I know of a few 5.0L cars with over 300hp (12.5 sec 1/4 mile cars-118+mph traps).
 
My TR7 has 70k original-uses no oil (drips a minute amount-British after all)-has good stock compression AND has NEVER been allowed to overheat (BIG NO-NO). I have seen many of these cars go way over 100k with no work at all, just good routine maintainence. If you abuse a TR7 it WILL bite you HARD. Drive it as hard as you like but keep the engine clean and you have a reliable, if slow, car. 90hp these days does not have much of a "fun" factor but it IS quicker than a TR6 and a LOTS more comfortable car to be in. I have done 750 miles a day with no fatigue at 70+ mph and 30mpg.
My 2nd TR8 has 190/200 hp and is a nice car to drive with adequate power. NOT a tire shredder, just a good cruiser.
 
Try a TR7 again. Get a good one and you will have a rewarding car without all the associated gremlins some folks have come to know with an abused car. You can always dump a 4.0/4.6 in and get an easy 275 dead reliable hp. It does not take too much to get lower than 1hp/10 lbs and that friends, "ain't bad".

#18 of 19 Re: Sports Car Project [cfrink] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 05, 2007 (8:57 am)

Replying to: cfrink (Mar 04, 2007 9:29 pm)
I haven't got the guts to own a TR7 again...besides, it's a matter of taste, and I don't like the styling. When I think that they killed MG to make the TR7.....grrrrrr
 
You know, the TR7 was on paper a pretty okay car, but as happens with all under-capitalized companies going broke, the R&D fell into the hands of the consumer. You gotta really love a car like a TR7 to tolerate its faults, like I did with my 928 Porsche...also a nuisance if you aren't very vigilant, but a good car if you're on top of it.

#19 of 19 Re: sports car project car recommendations [deepdrop] by fadetoblackii

Sep 08, 2008 (9:37 am)

Replying to: deepdrop (Dec 04, 2005 9:00 pm)
You can probably find a 4th gen Camaro/Firebird in that range. You won't want it if you're a diehard mustang guy, but you mentioned the Vette so I thought I'd throw it out there. You buy a 98-02 model and you get 305-325 (Z28-SS)hp out of the box (the 01-02 models had the LS6 intake manifold which boosted it even further). Look up a couple websites (LS2.com is a good place to start) to see what kind of performance mods are available. 12 second car with bolt ons isn't bad for what you'll pay. The mustang will require much more modifications, but if you just like the 5.0 body then I can't blame you one bit. Happy tuning!

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