Mustanng's GMC build

[mustangGT90210]

Went out today searching for a '92-'96 Ford Bronco... fell in love with something else the moment I saw it. Does anyone have any experiences with these? It's a 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo. 5 speed, targa top! With 108k on the clock

I'm driving it to work with me tomorrow to get it up on a lift and shake it all down. I'm really excited and I LOVE these Supras, but I don't want to make a quick, rash decision

 

[Sage Ages]

Did you buy it already?

 

[JrDarknes]

My friend has one. Some parts are hard to find and are expensive. The engines are known to blow a head gasket. Happened to my friends.

My dad had one exactly like this a long time ago before he upgraded to the newer one. When u take the TT top off it, for some reason it vibrate the radio really bad but that could of just been his.

I love supras to death. I love these tailights over the newer ones. I think you should get it because the potential it has.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

...Gaskets really aren't a big deal if you rebuild it yourself. I'm almost considering making a business of rebuilding Subaru motors with bad gaskets back to their former glory for profit.



As with any old cars (classic or not) which may've been sitting for a while, check the fuel lines, brake lines and frame.

 

[mustangGT90210]

It ended up being a bust. Put up on the rack and going through netted 1500 in parts it needed. And on the way back to the place from work it was only boosting half the time should. Toooo much money pit for me.

Which brings me to my best question - what are my options on rwd sports cars? Budget is 5k at the highest, prefer to stay around 3-4k. I'm mainly used to american sport cars so I'm pretty ignorant to the Japanese stuff and what not but would love to see what they offer

 

[Slash]

Fox body. As over used as it is, its a good performing car with crazy aftermarket and with a $5k budget you can get a pretty nice model. I was once offered a mint 86 with a 347 stroker in it for $4,500. That combination will wreck the majority cars of done right.

 

[-Fred-]

Which brings me to my best question - what are my options on rwd sports cars? Budget is 5k at the highest, prefer to stay around 3-4k. I'm mainly used to american sport cars so I'm pretty ignorant to the Japanese stuff and what not but would love to see what they offer

In before everyone says Miata. Which is the wrong answer.

Avoid S13 240SXs at all costs, besides there's probably 3 left in North America that haven't been modified/crashed/rusted away, or all 3 at the same time. Non-turbo FC RX7s are pretty nice, as long as you know what to expect out of them, ie burning a lot of oil and consuming a lot of gas (ask @Keef about that) Finding a nice one probably will be some sort of struggle, though. Supras as you just noticed are well known for being money pits, especially with the 7M engine. Thinking out of the box would lead me to check for Chrysler Conquest/Mitsubishi Starions, though I'm guessing these are now getting rarer and rarer. Mustangs and F-Bodies are the obvious answer, plentiful and cheap, but somewhat boring.

I'd go E30 or E36 3-Series, personnally. Fun to drive, not bad lookers, they're like Miatas but with creature comforts, and they can be used all year long. A nice E36 325i would probably set you back around 3500$ or so, anyway.

 

[Slash]

F bodies and Stangs may be boring to look at but they are a cheap thrill for anyone on a budget which is partially why they are so popular.

 

[Harry6784]

5k will get you a decent.....no..... RUNNING Z28 or SN95, if that's what your into. Loud, easy to work on and surprisingly good gas mileage if you keep your foot out of it. If you want something a little more practical look at the Eclipse GSX (AWD) or GS-T(FWD), Celica GT-S, E36 BMW's (You're not going to get a M3 for 5k), Integra GSR, Civic Si and yes, a Miata. There's a reason they're so popular

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

RWD? Lexus ISx00?


Almost got one of those, but I'm happy with the Impreza anyways.

 

[Wolfe]

So many RWD Japanese cars are either 25+ years old now or highly coveted...maybe an MR2? Most of the older ones are rust on wheels but a W20 ('90s) might fit your budget. If the mid-engined-ness concerns you, I was told by an owner that Toyota tuned the suspension on the later examples ('93+ if I recall correctly) to be friendlier. The '90s Nissan 300ZX is also worth a look, though it can be similar to a Supra in terms of cost and trouble.

I agree with -Fred- though. Other than the obvious american choices, a BMW 3-series might be your best bet. An E30 in good shape would be a solid choice in spite of its age, while an E36 in good shape would be easier to find.

Perhaps we should ask if you're looking for fast or fun? If it's the former you're after, it would be hard to beat anything from Detroit for the money.

 

[Slash]

Perhaps we should ask if you're looking for fast or fun? If it's the former you're after, it would be hard to beat anything from Detroit for the money.

You can have both with his budget.

You can have both for any budget really. Most cars have no problem hitting 100, and that's plenty fast. Toss in a V8 pony car or turbocharged import, and you've got a winner. For the money, I'd say the Detroit iron would be cheaper overall, but that's obvious.

 

[-Fred-]

The '90s Nissan 300ZX is also worth a look, though it can be similar to a Supra in terms of cost and trouble.

That's another great car I hadn't thought about. They were available in many configurations, too, though the 2+2 cars are generally less loved by the enthusiasts.

As long as you avoid the twin-turbo models, they should be fine, 4 wheel steering bits aside. The non-turbo Z is basically a RWD Maxima. My brother picked up a TT model about 6 years ago on the cheap, and regretted the decision nearly immediately. They're an absolute hell to work on, be it for general maintenance or Defcon 5 emergency repairs. It's not that it'll break down a lot, but if it does break down, you're almost better off leaving it on the side of the road and call a cab back home.

 

[Keef]

Avoid S13 240SXs at all costs, besides there's probably 3 left in North America that haven't been modified/crashed/rusted away, or all 3 at the same time. Non-turbo FC RX7s are pretty nice, as long as you know what to expect out of them, ie burning a lot of oil and consuming a lot of gas (ask @Keef about that) Finding a nice one probably will be some sort of struggle, though.

...

I'd go E30 or E36 3-Series, personnally. Fun to drive, not bad lookers, they're like Miatas but with creature comforts, and they can be used all year long. A nice E36 325i would probably set you back around 3500$ or so, anyway.

I think these three cars are your best options. Some of them are easier to get into than others - 240s are plentiful but almost always fiddled with, FC (post-89 S5 is the best version) can be hard to find in good shape but stellar when you get into one, and E30s are hit or miss on both fronts.

As for the non-turbo rotary, they're pretty simple. Check and change the oil often. Expect crappy mileage, maybe 25 on the highway, and to burn at least a quart of oil during a 3000 mile oil change interval. As for what you get in terms of sports caryness, they're excellent. The steering works, the shifter works, the pedals are in the right spot. The factory driving position wasn't perfect but was way better than any Mustang you've ever sat in. The only modification my driving position needed was a steering wheel extension and it resulted in a car I don't wanna get out of. Every other car is miserably uncomfortable and the pedals and wheel and seat are just wonky as hell. One day I'm going to be disappointed when I sit in my new FRS and realize the steering wheel won't extend close enough to me.

Depending on the person, E30s either have a good or bad rep. I have friends with nice ones, lovely sport packaged leather interiors, original paint that shines for days, and I have friends with cars that have rust everywhere, smell like oil and exhaust fumes, and only start half the time. When they're nice they're nice, when they're not they're not. As for the driving position, I'm not a fan. The steering wheel has a school bus-like angle to it, more like a go kart than a car. In comparison to my FC, it's something that constantly nags me while I'm driving one but I'm picky so you might not have that problem.

Okay, so let's say you plan to modify this car and make it a sports car to your own liking, then take it down some windy roads. What's going to give you the best, sportiest experience? I vote FC. Holy crap Mazda made a great sports platform in that one.

 

[YSSMAN]

Which brings me to my best question - what are my options on rwd sports cars? Budget is 5k at the highest, prefer to stay around 3-4k. I'm mainly used to american sport cars so I'm pretty ignorant to the Japanese stuff and what not but would love to see what they offer

Rear drive Japanese sports cars are difficult to find at best. Most of the major ones have been covered in here, the only ones you can really add to list are the 300ZX and the various early Lexuses. I'm fairly certain that most of the good Zs have either been bought up or, like the 240SX, have completely rusted away. That being said, they're cool little cars, and I have literally no idea how reliable they are.

On money, I'd probably stick with the Americans. Cheaper to buy, and in some cases, cheaper to insure. Sure as hell cheaper to fix, too. Otherwise, Miata, Miata, Miata, Miata. Or an SW20. If you're cool.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I mentioned Lexus. You can't really go wrong with a rear-drive Toyota with a luxury badge. Apparently Lexus gets girls, too.

 

[Wolfe]

@Keef -- The angle of the E30's wheel may be beneficial considering there's four full turns from lock to lock. Makes you feel like a rally hero when the roads are covered in snow. I never really thought anything of it and the remaining aspects of the driving position were just about perfect for me.

The FC is my favorite Mazda. One of those '80s cars I must drive someday, down a twisty road like you said.

 

[McLaren]

I mentioned Lexus. You can't really go wrong with a rear-drive Toyota with a luxury badge. Apparently Lexus gets girls, too.

A sub $5K IS is going to be a bit hard to find & pushing 200,000+ miles, meaning something's likely to go wrong sometime soon & Lexus maintenance isn't any cheaper than German maintenance these days. If he wants an IS, he needs to up his budget to $7-8K. But at that price, he's also getting into even more potential for nicer examples of the cars listed by others.

 

[Tornado]

He could probably swing a nicely maintained early SC at that price, though.

 

[McLaren]

He could probably swing a nicely maintained early SC at that price, though.

I'd be inclined to agree just by briefly searching; appear to be a few gems. The SC market appears to be really all over the place though. The first gen. spans, I think a decade, & the mileage for all those years goes from 80k to 200,000k+ in between it all. Car by car basis, I think.

 

[phillgt2002]

The BMW E30 is the answer default.

Other mentions

2001 Subaru Legacy

Infinity G20 (hard to find in manual)

Toyota Celica 1997 (I'd avoid the turbo version)

Integra (I know you're looking for RWD but these are nice

Lexus GS300 (Extremely capable hooning sedan comes with a J inspired engine?)

 

[Tornado]

It seems to be completely random. First gen SC is one of my fallbacks if the Seville I'm looking at gets sold before I can get it, and I've seen everything from a loaded 1996 SC400 with 100k for $5500 from a guy who owns two already, to some guy who thinks that because he put 20 inch wheels on his 1993 SC300 that it is worth 7.

Toyota Celica 1997 (I'd avoid the turbo version)

He might as well cut out the middleman and just get a Camry coupe.

 

[McLaren]

I'm going to stand behind the GS nomination. Probably not for $5K, but they are the workhorse of Lexus; 200,000 miles on a well maintained example doesn't bother them at all. The 1st & 2nd gen. model have amazing longevity.

 

[YSSMAN]

Toyota Celica 1997 (I'd avoid the turbo version)

We didn't get the ST205 in the US, so he's in the clear on that. As @Tornado pointed out, you're basically getting a Camry coupe. Engine, transmission, brakes, yadda yadda yadda are all the same. Bonus on the Camry is seating for five with actual space in the back. Not that there isn't in the Celica, but, headroom is a problem if... You know... You have a head on your shoulders.

*Source: I own a Celica

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

The BMW E30 is the answer default.

Other mentions

2001 Subaru Legacy

Infinity G20 (hard to find in manual)

Toyota Celica 1997 (I'd avoid the turbo version)

Integra (I know you're looking for RWD but these are nice

Lexus GS300 (Extremely capable hooning sedan comes with a J inspired engine?)

Legacy - awesome car, but I'd like to point out that it's AWD, not RWD. Also very heavy.

Primera/G20 - FF

Celica non-turbo - FF

Integra - FF, as you mentioned

Lexus - a bit heavy... But it is RWD.

 

[phillgt2002]

Legacy - awesome car, but I'd like to point out that it's AWD, not RWD. Also very heavy.

Primera/G20 - FF

Celica non-turbo - FF

Integra - FF, as you mentioned

Lexus - a bit heavy... But it is RWD.

Forgot the G20 was FF.

I know they're FF and AWD mainly but they're still decent cars and are good for some AutoX
.

 

[-Fred-]

The biggest problem with the G20 is actually finding one. And then finding one that's manual, and not made out of rust.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Forgot the G20 was FF.

I know they're FF and AWD mainly but they're still decent cars and are good for some AutoX
.

OP hasn't stated any desired usage for the cars. However, I will admit that the Impreza I have will be an excellent autoX car this year, with nothing more than good tires, a roll bar and mounts and an exhaust.


You don't need to have an AWD or RWD car to have fun. But, RWD and AWD is way more fun.

The biggest problem with the G20 is actually finding one. And then finding one that's manual, and not made out of rust.

But, it's one of the best looking cars ever made. Also, yes, I'm already aware of my peculiar tastes in cars, but...

 

[Wolfe]

Legacy - awesome car, but I'd like to point out that it's AWD, not RWD. Also very heavy.

An '01 GT is barely 200lbs. heavier than an '02 WRX STI, and lighter than the current WRX STI. An Impreza with a college buddy in the passenger seat is as heavy as a comparable Legacy. Your wagon is as heavy as mine. Today, the average Legacy is still lighter than a two-door BMW. You call this "very heavy"?

And thank you for clarifying that most of the cars @phillkillv2 listed aren't actually RWD, while the GS is. We wouldn't want anyone in here who knows next to nothing about cars to be confused!

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

We're comparing Miatas, MR2s and Legacies. Legacy is heavy when compared to the other cars listed in the thread.