Buying a Car

I am looking to buy a car that I can drive everyday, has lots of power and tourque, and also can have fun on the weekends drifting around thoes turns, and also I would like to get something that I can tune easily while being able to find parts easily.

Yeah I know Im a noob or whatever, please help.

Lots of power and torque, eh? Well, honestly, you may not like to hear it but a 3rd Gen F-body (Pontiac Firebird or Chevrolet Camaro) or Fox Body Mustang (1979-1993) would be your best bet.

Seriously, they can be made to handle incredibly well (take a look at the NASA's American Iron class) and those big V8's have more torque than you'll know what to do with.

But, if you're one of those "purists" who demand a Japanese car, then I'll advise you to go 240SX hunting. Or, if you'd prefer and you have the cash, try and track down a Lexus SC300 with a manual transmission. They're pretty good for drifting.

Thanks alot, I am also looking for something that is cheep and easy to find, I have been told about the Silvia but thoes are too hard to find, so is there anyothers that are cheap and easy to find?

Well, first question: Where are you at?

If you're here in the states, then you shouldn't be able to swing a dead cat without hitting a Fox-body Mustang or a 3rd gen Camaro/Firebird. Generally speaking, either of those with 5speed transmissions and their V8 engine options (Mustang= 5.0L V8, Camaro/Firebird= 5.0L or 5.7L V8) can be found for less than $3000. The aftermarket is huge for these cars, and replacement stock parts are plentiful as well.

For imports, cheap and FR are sort of a sticking point. It isn't exactly common to find cars that are both, but Nissan 240SX's (that's that Silvia your friends were talking about. Silvia is the Japanese market name for the notchback 240SX coupe with a fixed headlight nose) and (not often thought of but work quite well from what I'm told) MkI and MkII Toyota Supras. Again, you should be able to find either of these cars for under $3000 and there is aftermarket support, though the older Supras are more of a cult car than mass market appeal.

Hey thanks again, your a lot of help.

To answer your question, Im in Florida, Central Florida.
Yeah I was looking more tward a import, beacause of the cheaper prices that I can find and the wider range that are for sale. Besides the Supra are there anyother imports that would be compatible, like the Integra, or anyother cheap imports? I hear that the Nissan 240sx is a good car but I cant seem to find many that are for sale, and when I do they arnt in my area.

Thanks, again

'Tegs aren't for drifting. They're front-wheel drive.

Beyond a MkII Supra, there's also the traditional AE86 Corolla (1983-86 Toyota Corolla GT-S) or a Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest. And, if you're brave, try locating an earlier model RX-7 like an SA22C (1978-1985) or FC (1986-1992). They're a little bit more expensive to maintain, but they're incredibly durable cars.

. Generally speaking, either of those with 5speed transmissions and their V8 engine options (Mustang= 5.0L V8, Camaro/Firebird= 5.0L or 5.7L V8)



Quick bit of info...

There was never a 5.7L (350ci) V8 cars equipted with a 5 speed from the factory in the 3rd Generation F-Body cars. It is possible to get a Z-28 or IROC-Z with the 305 and a 5 speed.

Manuals weren't offered with the 5.7L V8 untill '93 with the introduction of the 4th Generation F-Body and the LT1.

Other than that... Octagon is dead on in his words... :p

That’s not true, the 1992 B4C highway patrol cruzer came with a 350ci V8 and eater a 4speed auto or a 5 speed Man. but out of the 650 made only about 300 are still around and most are in Texas. I myself am about to get one. For the 3rd gen Camaro you would want to find a B4C because of the heavy duty suspension and all 4-wheel disc brakes borrowed from the Corvette. With joust a set of koni adjustable’s you got a mean racecar.

Well, I've known about the 'Cop' edition Camaros. But due to the low production numbers I don't consider it a production car. Seeing as it wasn't readily available to the public.

well now thay are.... and who says you cant drift or race an auto with a 350?

check out the "non-aligned drift cars" thread somewhere in this forum for some other ideas on top of what's already listed in here.

btw, just one correction to Octagon. SA22C was the code-name of the earlier first-gen RX-7's. i'm not sure which year this happened, but in the later years of the model run, they switched to calling it the FB. this is according to some guys i talk to on www.rx7club.com. again i'm not sure in which year they changed though...

don't waste your time with over sized domestics. Get something light and rear wheel drive. Miata's are good (might want to get the HKS turbo kit). 240SX better (find out how to mod in 240SX forum). Or how about a BMW M3?

M3s are still too much. For the last body style they are running around 10-18 grand still. But I’v found turbots for them to make mad power.

Well, I'm glad everyone passed the test and caught the thoughtfully placed errors in my suggestions. Good for you. :cwm27:

But seriously, I believe FB was the factory codename for the facelifted 1985 model year RX-7's. If I'm not mistaken, a small number of these cars were also outfitted with the new 13B rotary in place of the old 12A as this was the first year of turbocharging.

As for NSX's comment about turbocharging the Miata, believe it or not, it's cheaper and easier to drop a Mustang 5.0L V8 into one of those. The kit is sold by Panache (web site www.v8miata.com ) . They'll also perform the swap for you for $16,900 including sourcing all the components and rebuilding the suspension to deal with the boost in power.

I am in the same boat as FOdrifter. I am looking to buy a car in the next 6 months to a year. Two reasons. First money, :iceslolan and second to take time to find the right car.

My question would be what is a good drift car out of the box (think used and cost effective $2500 to $4000) and that has good performance support. I don't want it to be perfect as I am looking to learn drifting.
I am looking for jap car as most american cars seem to be to heavy. I love the first gen mr2 83-87 but I think that the short wheelbase would be a problem?

Any and all sugestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Ben

Actually, the short wheelbase is one of the things that makes the first-gen MR2 so tossable. They've really got an incredible autocross record. Their big problem, as far as drifting is concerned, is that there's a ton of grip inherent to the chassis. They'll oversteer a little coming out of the corners, but it's hard to wrench them loose going in.

But, luckily,the power tuning tricks you use on a 'Roku will work on a first-gen Mister Two. The 4AG, as I understand, is shared by these two machines.

Though, if you're looking to spend that amount of money, you might want to look into MkI or MkII Supras. They're quite responsive as far as Supras go and dead-nuts reliable. Also, Z31 Nissan 300ZX's are cheap and easy to break loose, as speaking from a recent personal experience.

I have been looking at first mk1 supras 83 to 86. Mostly 86. There are quiet a few listed on line for that price range. What year and engine is the z31 300zx? I don't know all of the engine and body numbers unless it is a triumph.

I am looking for a drift car. I have driven a 85 mr2 but it felt like it would have to much grip. Alot of fun to drive thou(I love the shifter). I am also looking for legal places to learn. The only "track days" that I know of are for drag.

Thanks,
Ben

The 240sx is the best car for you , they run about $3,000 and there is a ton of aftermarket parts for it. but if you dont want to follow the crowd you can always buy a cheap Pontiac Firebird and build on that.
I am also looking for a new car, my 1995 ford probe was crushed by a school bus sept.5 I had just put about $2000 into it now Im waiting on the insurance company to pay me.

You NEED to go to my 240sx survey and my drift car poll!

What do you guys think of the Nissan s12? shares some parts withe the s13, can get a torquey V6 or a turbo four and can swap in sr20, ca18, fj20. Costs heaps less than the s13 too.

The best car for you would be a Nissan 240sx, most run for about $4,000 and there are a lot of after market parts for it.But if you dont want to follow the crowd you could also get a 3RD GEN Pontiac Firebird.
Im also looking for a new car because I crashed my 1995 Ford probe
at a stop light, school bus hit me from behind now ,Im looking for a Firebird.
YOU need to go to the 240sx survey!!

the best car you can get is a 240sx for about $4,000 and dont let Ben over here discourage you from getting an american car.The american cars are too heavy like the japanese motors are too weak.....it can be worked around.Pontiac Firebird, get one!

Go to thread-240sx survey!!

The Z31 is the 1984 through 1989 model of the 300ZX, sold with either a turbo or non-turbo version of the VG30 3.0L Nissan V6. The model made 170bhp non-turbo, 228bhp turbo, and weighed 3,055lbs stock. They're commonly overlooked, even though they shared the engine of the later Z32 and were lighter (Z32's, the 1990 through 1996 model, weighed in at 3,480lbs).

It's cool that you know Triumphs, too. Though we of the Octagon persuasion (I own and drift a 1970 MGB GT) have a long standing rivalry with you Triumph folks, I've often considered how good a Stag or Spitfire GT-6 would look in my driveway.

The Z31 is the 1984 through 1989 model of the 300ZX, sold with either a turbo or non-turbo version of the VG30 3.0L Nissan V6. The model made 170bhp non-turbo, 228bhp turbo, and weighed 3,055lbs stock. They're commonly overlooked, even though they shared the engine of the later Z32 and were lighter (Z32's, the 1990 through 1996 model, weighed in at 3,480lbs).

It's cool that you know Triumphs, too. Though we of the Octagon persuasion (I own and drift a 1970 MGB GT) have a long standing rivalry with you Triumph folks, I've often considered how good a Stag or Spitfire GT-6 would look in my driveway.

i love Stag's. my dad has an obsession with TR-6's. ever since my uncle owned one in the '80s and my dad drove it a couple of times, he says he has at least one dream a month about them. i'm trying my best to persuade him to buy the pristine '76 example for sale near my house, painted in yellow and black bumble-bee livery...

we'll see. :icon16:

the best car you can get is a 240sx for about $4,000 and dont let Ben over here discourage you from getting an american car.The american cars are too heavy like the japanese motors are too weak.....it can be worked around.Pontiac Firebird, get one!

Go to thread-240sx survey!!

To reply I have no problem with american cars at all and the firebird is a good choice as I am a huge chevy fan. I just would like something more nimble to suit my personal taste.

I have read many posts with complaints about posers in 240s. Where I am at in Indy I would love to see a poser. Most of the imports around here are in primer and a badly fitting body kit or only have a cheep muffler poorly stuck on the back. The trend here is all camaro/firebird and mustangs all going in a straight line. You can't spit without hitting one. Only when the import show comes in do I get to see nice rides. Variety is good. Whatever you drive build it to suit you and enjoy it!

A 70 b gt huh. I had a 74 b gt. If you drift yours you must have more of a floor than mine did. :lol: The stag is great too but my 66 spitfire has 63 horsepower!!!!!!!!!!!!! Long live the lbc!

Thanks to all for the info I have alot to think about. It will be a while until I will have dollarage to buy a car to drift. The more I know before hand the happier I will be. Until then I am not even a poser I am a wanabe. :dunno:

Well, if Layla has more of a floor than your 74 B than you must've been sitting on the subframe. She's a little ratty too.

My secret was bald tires, a Kent cam, and skinny Dunlops on wire wheels. More torque than contact patch coupled with manual steering and Girling disc brakes = Supah Baritish Doriftu!

However, she lunched a starter so she's sitting for now.

As for your Spitfire power woes, I have just the solution, and it dwells between the fenderwells of an RX-7. :D :D

Long live the sub 1600cc engines! OHV fours OWN!

Ignore everyone else.

Get a Toyots Carolla GT-S. Its a small car but great for drifting. Y do you want tourque? For what purpose?

Cause you cant rilly have all the things you are looking for. With teh toyota you get reliability, avialability of mods, availibility of cars, its a proven drift car, fun to drive,

May not have the most tourque or hp but you can mod it:)

As for 1st and 2nd gen RX7's
STAY AWAY unless you have alot of money to spend. The cheap ones you find will most likley be in need of an engine rebuild. And thats not cheap. Rotary engine is a wonder untill it brakes, then the only thing you are wondering is y you bought it.:)

Yo, Porsche, who told you that Rokus are readily available? I've got a news flash for you, they're as scarce as hen's teeth.

The SR-5/GTS Corolla pair that we all know and love was phased out by 1984, with (as far as anyone knows) under 30,000 examples shipped to the states. That's the whole lifespan of the car.

By comparison, the Fox body Mustang (1979-1993) sold 241,064 units in 1980 alone.

And here's the funny part. The humble Hachi-Roku, because of the revitalized interest in the car (everyone who saw the D1 Grand Prix at Irwindale or has watched Initial D wants a Hachi) has started to appreciate in value. What was once a bargain at sub $1,000 prices, is now a 20+ year old economy car commanding 2-4,000 dollars. Because of the limited supply of cars, and the flash frenzy surrounding them, I would not be surprised to see good examples of that little Corolla breaking into the $5,000 range in the near future.

Sorry, but that's ridiculous money for a 20+ year old economy car, no matter how well it drifts.

Well let me see now. Todays local paper. there are 5 RWD carollas in the classifids. The most being asked is 2500obo. All say they are in good condition. seems like a good deal to me. And in Vancouver there are alot more than that. I live in canada not the US.

As for drifting a Mustang. You know y you never see anyone do it? Suspension set up is poor even with aftermarket stuff, high center of gravity because of the poorly place V8. Shur it has wack loads of tourque and is chaep to buy. But not a good drift car unless you spend 10000+ to lower the engine into the frame and have a custome suspension set up mad for the car. Not worth it for a Mustang:)

Nope, wrong, and still wrong.

For starters, I had a teammate who was a Fox Body nutcase. His ride, a 1987 LX notchback 5spd, was one of the better drifters in our group thanks to a few well thought out changes.

1: new rear control arms with polyurethane bushings from Steeda. Most expensive bit on his car, about $350. Helped get rid of the slop and bind in the rear end, and gave the car a much smoother range of travel.

2: Eibach springs, used. $150 for all four. Only a 1" drop all around, but much firmer springs.

3: Mustang GT fastback rear sway bar. $25 from local boneyard. A neat little fact is that the fastbacks used a larger rear sway bar than the notchbacks because there was more weight and movement at the fastback's tail. Thus, it helped tighten up his LX even more. And, at least with us live axle guys, a tight rear end = a loose car.

4: SN95 Mustang GT disc brakes and calipers. $200 from local boneyard. This is how we could always tell his Mustang apart from all the others, his was wearing five-lug wheels because of this bolt-on brake swap. The SN95 brakes were not only larger, but also lighter than the Fox body's brakes. It really got that LX to stand on its nose when he stepped on the brakes.

So, for 725, he had a good handling and good drifting Fox body thanks to careful research and creative parts sourcing. Eventually, he wanted to go to a new K member to relocate the front lower control arms and Penske shocks, plus use a 93' Cobra R Quadrashock setup for the rear end, but that was on down the line to really step things up. And, when all was said and done, it was still only another $1,600 in modifications.

And here's the real reason you don't see drifting Mustangs: drifting, for the moment, is a Japanese import playground. Most guys who're pouring money into making Mustangs and Camaro/Firebirds handle are going into American Sedan classes in SCCA/NASA competition. The "Yank Tanks" aren't going to get ink in Super Street or Import Tuner magazine when they show up at "import" events.

Given time, it'll become apparent that the Fox body and the 3rd gen GM F-bodies are incredibly competent drifters and you'll start to see more of them. But for now, it's S chassis and everything else.

And, you did catch that I said "states", didn't you? I never said that my remarks were world spanning, simply the case in the US in general. Go ahead and try and find a GT-S Corolla in Northeast Ohio or southern Indiana. You'll see what it's like.

how about a porsche 944, there incredably cheap, have great handleing and can be tuned to sick horsepower, plus if you have some cash around theres a conversion kit to mount a chevy Lt1 in it!

You could always go to an auto auction and get a used cop car for super cheap.

Well, I'm glad everyone passed the test and caught the thoughtfully placed errors in my suggestions. Good for you. :cwm27:

But seriously, I believe FB was the factory codename for the facelifted 1985 model year RX-7's. If I'm not mistaken, a small number of these cars were also outfitted with the new 13B rotary in place of the old 12A as this was the first year of turbocharging.

As for NSX's comment about turbocharging the Miata, believe it or not, it's cheaper and easier to drop a Mustang 5.0L V8 into one of those. The kit is sold by Panache (web site www.v8miata.com ) . They'll also perform the swap for you for $16,900 including sourcing all the components and rebuilding the suspension to deal with the boost in power.

The first year of turbos in the United States was 1987, the year after the debut of the FC RX-7 with the 13b engine.