looking for a project car

idk if this is the place to ask but im looking for a project car. I bought a 1993 civic with a d-series engine thinking it would be my project. The thing is super rusty but that isn't the problem. I did some searching and i found out that the amount of money i'd need to pour into this beautiful little egg to get a tiny bit of power out of it is much more than i thought. i was just wondering if there was a car out there that isn't expensive and wouldn't be too hard to milk some power out of. i live in a very rural area and have a very tight budget so i can't just go to craigslist and pick up a miata for $5 and some pocket lint.

Do you have any more specifics on what you are looking for? Budget, HP goal, what you want to do with it, etc?

You should come visit my driveway.  Define project first though.

Where are you?

In reply to Stampie (FS) :

a car that a guy can buy cheap and then just build it up to be be an all around nifty car

I need a car. What should I buy?

In reply to Justjim75 :centeral nd

In reply to Mr_Asa :

i really dont have any specifics, my budget is really low and i just want to find a 2d rwd non domestic car that i can make kinda cool

Sounds like you.need a small truck.

S10/ranger you make them handle, brake and look good a bit at a time, then LS swap 

If you're stuck on import you could get a Tacoma or Nissan then upgrade anything in those bodies too

Older Hondas are literally the cheapest way to make power. D- series with a mild turbo kit would be plenty of power for most people, especially in  a very light and nimble chassis like an EG Civic, and if its a hatchback even better. The best thing to remember is that even 200hp is a lot when talking about a small car like that and its easily attainable. If you're hell bent on RWD, then might I suggest a 240sx or MKiii Supra, both of which come with their own issues. Ive been in the Honda scene since the 90's and believe me, if you want a great budget project, you cant go wrong with a cheap old Civic. 

Small import trucks are automatically cool!

Besides Toyotas and the Nissan minitrucks search for the Mitsubishi Mighty Max and it's "domestic" badged brothers the Dodge D50/ Ram 50 and Plymouth Arrow.  There's a couple really good facebook groups for those trucks.  I've seen some pop up for sale in the Dakotas but most of the rust free ones are either in the Carolinas, PNW or SoCal so you might have to travel a bit.  I was looking for a first gen S10 when I found my 91 Ram 50.

Wow, what non-domestic even makes 2DR RWD cars?

Triumph TR-7?

Datsun?  I had a Datsun roadster that was a lot of fun.

Don't write off domestics just yet.

Before plunking down cash, define your skill set and expectations (in your head only).

Miata?

Cheap
Fast
Good Looking


You can only pick two.*

















(*May also apply to the opposite sex)