I have a S2000 but I want a Cheap project car to Modify. I was thinking about a Civic or a Eclipse. Any suggestions from all you wrench heads? I was thinking about Suspension, Turbo, Exterior, and exhaust systems. The most bang for the Buck! How much am I look at to do all that to a stock car? Is it better to go with the base model "DX" for the Civic or go with "EX"? Is there any other car I should think about? and Which year's make/model?

Boy that's a lot of question! Looking forward to the responses!

 

If you are thinking about straight line, a turbo eclipse would be good .

However since you aren't, I would definately say CRX, they weigh about 1800-2200 pounds in stock form, depending on year, there is a huge aftermarket for them and engine swaps cost almost nothing.

You can build a CRX race car with a supercharged or All motor GSR engine and completely modified suspension for under $10k, and it would RIP the crap out of any s2k on any track.

If you are interested, I can tell you more, our friend UL though knows alot about this setup as he has done it although with the stock engine.

 

As far a civics go i don't think the trim level maters. The differences between the trim levels are things like AC, Sunroof, power windows/lock, etc. Unless it's an SI - VTEC makes a whole lot of difference. New ones should be out soon!

 

yes, talk to UL as he was going to help me with a secret CRX build before i lost my job

 

enzyme - the cheapest and easiest Honda to modify is 92-95 Civic EG hatchback. It weighs between 2000-2300 depending on the model (cx, dx, si). If you want a road-course or autoX car, go w/ Si or cx. Si's come stock with rear disc brakes. This is probably a generic formular for most hybrids out there...

1. EG hatch shell
2. B16A or B18C engine/tranny swap (170hp/180hp-195hp)
3. DC2 GS-R or ITR brake swap
4. Racing seat + roll-bar.
5. Suspension braces, etc.

A good running motor should put you in the 14.3-14.8 1/4 mile drag.

Let me know if you want to build a civic hatch project... I know several people who can help you out with the swap in ATL. (2 people with B18C5 motor in EG.)

-Sean

p.s. CRX can be hybridized, but it's not plug and play as in EG hatch. I mean, anything can be transplanted... but the question is how easily it can be done.

 

You said cheapest.. did you mean ET for the dollar? If it is straight line it would be a Mustang. It is not all that hard to get 11 second ET or better for less than $5K (car and all).. and replacement parts are dirt cheap compared to import parts.

 

How about a cheap car for Rally-X or stage based rallies? I know in europe there are kit cars available just for rallying, but I've never seen any in the states.

A lot of people run Subaru's but I wouldn't want to dedicate a brand new WRX to the dirt.

 

I hate to contribute to an OT discussion, but this is what you want:

http://www.hotrod.com/editorial/article.jsp?id=22838

I've been in it, the thing absolutely SMOKES.

 

I'd go for CRX, lightest one weighs about 1800 lbs. You can swap motors into it pretty easily and cheap. I'd in a LS/Vtec swap but that might be a bitch if it's built wrong. Like, not taken care of or just a bad build.

Most people I know with CRXs have b16 motors. My friend runs high 13s, low 14s with a B16 2nd gen CRX, fully gutted with all bolt ons.

I've seen a lot with also b18C1 (GSR) and some with ZC motors (90-93 LS) as well.

My other friend has a full race modified all show CRX with a b16 swap, not sure if it's 1st or 2nd gen. He wants to sell it.

Lexan windows
Aluminum Dash
Roll cage
Full Gutted
Recaro seats (I think)
Race harness seat belts
Bone Stock B16 motor
Bronze TE-37, 9 lbs each, 15''s

Has 200 miles on it, only. I think he's also sponsored by K&N and also got hooked up by some brake company. Here's his car...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by integrate
[B]I'd go for CRX, lightest one weighs about 1800 lbs.