Start planning for next year, Soccer moms invade the 2016 challenge...

oldopelguy wrote: ...a van is probably the easiest vehicle to do it in.

failboat wrote:

Maniac0301 wrote: And dont forget about a the 1st generation Mazda MPV which has available AWD and a 3.0l V6 making 200hp. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZidEs8V2iKg

I have a last year 1st gen MPV...the v6 is rated more like 160 hp I believe. Wow I better get a for sale ad together. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of it...definitely challenge priced. Starts, runs, drives, needs work, looks decent. The trans is the same as the pathfinder. And 300zx. Hence why there's a 300zxtt swapped one running around. Google mpvtt

I'm interested in said van. Let me know what you want for it.

Mitsubishi Expo/Colt Vista with a 4g63t could be quite nice.

This sounds interesting but I'm seeing lots of rollover potential too. Hope GRM has paid up their insurance.

EDIT: Athens GA Safari - $495, V6, needs a fuel pump to run. http://athensga.craigslist.org/cto/5259434065.html

I really wish I had kept better records for the van now. I'm sure I could bring it in under budget if I had built it with the challenge in mind.

1 quest 1 merc/quest 1 mits expo in stable

So is this class a go for sure? The higher ups have ok'd it'?

06HHR wrote: How about an AWD 1997-2005 Pontiac Montana (GM U body, successor to the old "dustbuster" minivans) with a Series II 3800SC swapped in. Pretty sure I could find the van and the engine for about 500 each. Everything should bolt together like legos, just have to figure out the ECM and wiring. Or just turbo the 3.4.. Hopefully the transmission will hold up long enough for a few neutral drops at the drags.. EDIT: Just did a wiki search and the second gen came with the 3.9, which is a 240 horse variant of the 3.4, wonder if they have any cams available?

Why would you neutral drop a turbocharged automatic????

In reply to Mazdax605:

Thanks, Sent you a pm

It takes serious effort and want to flip a safari/Astro. I can't speak to the others but those take desire to flip.

It is official and approved by the staff.

In reply to pimpm3:

Thanks appreciate the info, off to CL.....

I spent an hour last night looking at sub $1500 vans on CL. Thanks guys.

Failboat - add me to the interested party list. I would love to hear more. My Wife's first real car was a first gen MPV. That things was a tank!

singleslammer wrote: I spent an hour last night looking at sub $1500 vans on CL. Thanks guys. Failboat - add me to the interested party list. I would love to hear more. My Wife's first real car was a first gen MPV. That things was a tank!

hey! get in line!

Junkyard_Dog wrote: Does this count? Just acquired for $200 and drove it home!

I think so, it's like a chey dajiban.

While it is from a different magazine, this video is relevant. 1029 hp Honda Odyssey! Van content starts at the 6:40 mark.

Crazy van build

NMNA (thanfully)

http://raydennisonchevy.com/details/1996-Chevrolet-ChevyVan-Pekin-IL/7107080?cid=0

Price is down to $490.

In reply to bluej:

You are WAY closer than me

Time for a rally Expo. :)

Here is a little inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQROELotLjk

Grm adds a minivan category and all of a sudden my old van is on its way to being sold it would seem. Sold into becoming a RACEVAN even! Thanks GRM!

My favorite minivan. maybe you could lease it for 3 days under the cap?

I want to see at least one first gen gm dustbuster van there. I mean there has to be.

I was in the junkyard today and I must say the first gen mpv is a good bit smaller then the other minivans parked near it. Just saying...

I'm going to guess a 4g63 awd caravan will take it all. So cheap to build if you can find one.

And here I was thinking front sumped Ford with an auto and exploder 8.8 with a truck, or would it be a van?, load of minitruck parts in a shorty Caravan be a winner/hoot?