Horespower Deficit Disorder

Frankly, I'm tired of 'momentum' cars. I drove a customer's Porsche Turbo the other day, and it put into perspective just how freaking slow all of my own cars are.

Here's what's in the garage at present:

• 72 VW Super Beetle (about as fast as a lawn tractor)

• 91 VW Jetta 8V (fun to drive, but my wife's Corolla will leave it for dead)

• 97 Porsche Boxster 2.5 (sounds fast. looks fast. but, in reality, not all that fast)

• 86 Porsche 944 (no motor. slowest car here)

So, the question is, what is the cheapest car that, when floored, will pin me to the seat and scare the hell out of anyone stupid enough to ride with me?

I'll sell you a 2000lb 250hp E30 for $10k. It will not only push you back in the seat but blow your ear drums, burn your feet, cut you in numerous places and detach your retinas under braking. It is in a whole league of it's own when it comes to visceral experiences

Now with huge wing and giant spoiler!

Cheapest... Can you build one out of something you've got? How about a Subaru 3.3L in that Boxster with a turbo? Should be able to put you up to about 350 ponies. I've got the motor, if you've got the skill.

A 16V hybrid ABA in the Jetta? With a turbo, could close on 300 hp.

Drop a V8 in the 944? 350 hp is a (cheap) starting point, with lots of room for more:

How to convert a 944 to LSX power

Next step up the cost ladder would be a retired (but thrashed) drag or street racer. You can pick up old Mustangs, etc for $5K in complete running condition.

Chrysler? How about a Dodge Spirit RT? I've got one that I'd sell uber cheap that will probably run 13's if you put it back together. Excellent sleeper.

You said cheap, but you didn't say whether you wanted a project or not.

Think about the V8 944. There are guys on this board who find $100 V-8's all day. One of them can run deep 10 second 1/4 miles for under $2K.

944 plus LSx should give you the kick in the butt you're looking for for reasonably cheap. It would probably run with the P turbo to the first turn. 944 plus SBC if you can stand a little more weight in the front end. HP/$, a GM V8 can't be beat.

Less weight, but almost as much HP would be SBF.

Make sure you do a build thread.

A project is not out of the question, and I must admit, the 944 V8 swap has crossed my mind...

I want to be in the $5000 range, all-in. I own the 944 for almost nothing, so it would make the perfect starting point...

All that being said, how much are 97/98 Corvettes going for these days? I would take a salvage one, as all I'm going to do with it is hammer it at Time Attack / time trial events.

I like the idea of a sleeper turbo Dodge, too. About the only cars that really don't appeal to me are Subarus.

How about selling the 944, then buying a 3.6 from a wrecked 996 and putting it in the Boxster? That or there are supercharger kits out there for the Boxster.

Adrian_Thompson wrote: How about selling the 944, then buying a 3.6 from a wrecked 996 and putting it in the Boxster? That or there are supercharger kits out there for the Boxster.

You'd be faster for "cheaper" doing the LSX swap. See, 350hp is just a starting point for the 944. Really, if you do all of the common bolt ons plus a cam, we're talking close to 400whp in a 944. Not much will realistically touch it! And after driving a 1994 LT1 6 speed camaro, having "only" 275hp and 350tq's in a car under 3500 pounds will make you smile EVERY. SINGLE. TIME you drive it. Especially when you kick the ass end out around corners because you can.

Mustang or Camaro

/thread

Just bite the bullet and get a muscle car.

I agree with the V8 in the 944. You could probably even find an LSx in your project price range

Supra MKII. For $5k, you should have a hell of a fast one. And you won't have to drive a Mustang or Camaro.

In reply to 93EXCivic: Meh, I'd rather have the Camaro.

For turnkey power, I agree with the Mustang or Camaro. But since you already have a motorless 944, I think that's just begging to have a V8 dropped into it. I'd love a V8 Miata someday.

93EXCivic wrote: Supra MKII. For $5k, you should have a hell of a fast one. And you won't have to drive a Mustang or Camaro.

This, it's like a muscle car that turns and stops

I'd sell you my MX6 with all the spares...

http://www.copart.com/c2/homeSearch.html?_eventId=getLot&execution=e21s3&lotId=17090921&returnPage=SEARCH_RESULTS

Wonder what "normal wear" entails...

I'm not usually a V8 944 kinda guy... but based on your criteria... and what you got, and your budget...

I'd run the SBF and push it up against the firewall to get the balance as good as you can get it

You can get a decent, non cobbled 5.0 Mustang for around $5k, but you will need a few more dollars for the upgrades to the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and engine to really knock you back. Plus they suck.

You can buy nice turbo DSMs for $5k that will out-everything a Mustang.

How about a 400 hp pick'em up that eats Hondas for breakfast?

Here's your answer for every car on you list:

I like you, Lesley.

I also vote Mustang or Camaro. Best bang for the buck for pushing you back in the seat. All of the nay-sayers can bitch and moan about them not being able to handle, but it doesn't take much to make them handle better. I have ridden in a couple of Fox Bodies that a friend of mine drives at different tracks and turned me into a believer.

However, I still enjoy the hell out of momentum cars, it really makes you have to get every turn perfect to get a run on someone and get a point by in DEs. I kinda like it. But I wouldn't mind an extra 20whp now that I am moving up and the drivers are obviously better with every "graduation" to a new level.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I'll sell you a 2000lb 250hp E30 for $10k. It will not only push you back in the seat but blow your ear drums, burn your feet, cut you in numerous places and detach your retinas under braking. It is in a whole league of it's own when it comes to visceral experiences Now with huge wing and giant spoiler!

Oh and this thing looks the part. What is going on under the hood of that thing?

enough said:

GameboyRMH wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: Supra MKII. For $5k, you should have a hell of a fast one. And you won't have to drive a Mustang or Camaro.

This, it's like a muscle car that turns and stops

what are you guys talking about. every mark II i've ever driven was as slow or slower than the cars he's complaining about already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rhl6ZUaDVs