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DustoffDave
DustoffDave Reader
5/29/12 10:57 p.m.

Very soon, I will finally be able set aside some $$ (hopefully around $2012) for a dedicated project. Here's the problem: I can't decide between a Notchback Fox-body 5.0 or a TE72 Corolla (coupe, hatch, or liftback)...

They're both easy to work on, relatively cheap, and both the 3TC and 5.0 are basically bullet-proof with abundant resources for parts. The buy-in is also pretty cheap.

I love the power of the V-8, but the light-weight nimbleness of the 4.

Anyone else have this dilemma? How did you solve it? I know, I know, V8 Miata is always the answer, but other than that....

EvanB
EvanB UberDork
5/29/12 11:00 p.m.

TE72 with 1UZ-FE. Problem solved.

m4ff3w
m4ff3w UltraDork
5/29/12 11:07 p.m.

Maserati Biturbo.... twin turbo V6.

Power of a turbo 4 with the fuel economy of a big block V8.

Strike_Zero
Strike_Zero Dork
5/29/12 11:11 p.m.

The 5.0 fits in a TE72

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2390289/1982-toyota-corolla

T.J.
T.J. PowerDork
5/29/12 11:23 p.m.

3TC in a foxbody. All the power of the 4 cylinder with the nimbleness of the Mustang. The worst of both worlds awaits.

Derick Freese
Derick Freese SuperDork
5/29/12 11:31 p.m.

Corolla. Everyone else has Mustangs.

Toyman01
Toyman01 PowerDork
5/29/12 11:38 p.m.

No comparison for me, 8>4 any way you slice it.

TE72 + V8 = win?

amg_rx7
amg_rx7 Dork
5/29/12 11:38 p.m.

Mustang. The Corolla was never cool.

novaderrik
novaderrik SuperDork
5/30/12 12:05 a.m.

Camaro? a stripped down base model mid 80's F body is fairly light and easy to work on.. get one with a V6 and swap in a 350..

EvanB
EvanB UberDork
5/30/12 12:07 a.m.
amg_rx7 wrote: Mustang. The Corolla was never cool.

Where is the dislike button when you need it?

Trans_Maro
Trans_Maro SuperDork
5/30/12 12:10 a.m.
amg_rx7 wrote: Mustang. The Corolla was never cool.

So, a sporty, fun hatchback is less cool than a car driven by middle-aged female hairdressers.

I don't buy it.

DustoffDave
DustoffDave Reader
5/30/12 12:16 a.m.
amg_rx7 wrote: Mustang. The Corolla was never cool.

Rebuttal:

Exhibit A: oldeskewltoy's AE71 Corolla Hatch. Quite possibly one of the nicest Corollas in existence.

Exhibit B:

DustoffDave
DustoffDave Reader
5/30/12 12:18 a.m.

But then this persuades me too:

Jay
Jay UltraDork
5/30/12 2:07 a.m.

The Mustang would need more mods to handle as well as the Corolla, than the Corolla would to go as fast as the Mustang.

ScottRA21
ScottRA21 Reader
5/30/12 2:27 a.m.
Jay wrote: The Mustang would need more mods to handle as well as the Corolla than the Corolla would to go as fast as the Mustang.

I think this is the answer.

Grizz
Grizz Dork
5/30/12 3:18 a.m.

It isn't hard.

A V8 will fit in damn near anything, so no matter what you pick, V8 is the answer.

tr8todd
tr8todd Reader
5/30/12 6:30 a.m.

Shall I have last nights left over spaghetti or microwave a couple of hot dogs? Your choice of cars is as boring as my options for lunch! Buy both and throw the V8 in the yota. At least then it would be interesting.

dean1484
dean1484 UltraDork
5/30/12 6:46 a.m.

One of those SVO mustangs with the turbo 4?

93EXCivic
93EXCivic UltimaDork
5/30/12 7:25 a.m.

MGB with Rover V8 or Triumph TR8. Problem solved.

slantvaliant
slantvaliant Dork
5/30/12 7:36 a.m.
DustoffDave wrote: I love the power of the V-8, but the light-weight nimbleness of the 4.

That's why some of us drive sixes.

skywalker01
skywalker01 New Reader
5/30/12 9:26 a.m.
slantvaliant wrote:
DustoffDave wrote: I love the power of the V-8, but the light-weight nimbleness of the 4.
That's why some of us drive sixes.

.....and the rest of us drive LSX's .... Just kidding

Keith
Keith MegaDork
5/30/12 9:34 a.m.
93EXCivic wrote: MGB with Rover V8 or Triumph TR8. Problem solved.

The Rover-powered MGB is the solution for people who find a stock-engined Corolla too fast.

mad_machine
mad_machine MegaDork
5/30/12 10:06 a.m.
93EXCivic wrote: MGB with Rover V8 or Triumph TR8. Problem solved.

hmmm.. TR8 with LSx

Thinkkker
Thinkkker UltraDork
5/30/12 10:09 a.m.

hmmm..... 79 Mustang with 92-93 control arms in the front SN95 would work, but give you over 4 camber at minimum.....* then just make the rear axle a 3-link.

You can have a nice quiet streetable fox that should be in the sub 2800 range without much issue.

The corrola? Who knows, but the lightness will go away if you wanted the power turbos and such can add weight fairly quickly and negate the light 4banger. A mild built 306, with aluminum heads, intake, longtubes and such should make 300+ at the wheels.

aussiesmg
aussiesmg PowerDork
5/30/12 10:18 a.m.

The answer is simple, do both.

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