If you had an unlimited budget to spend on your current car, what would you do?

"McChiken116 - Patrick H." (mcchiken116) 01/05/2016 at 17:07 • Filed to: None

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This is my 944. It’s lovely. The engine is smooth, the body and chassis are straight, and the the interior is pretty okay. But lately I have been thinking about what I would do with it if I had an unlimited budget. Sure, taking care of everything that’s imperfect would be right up there, and getting suspension and brakes sorted would be right there.

But, my pipe dream is to emulate the 951 race cars I’ve seen in the PCA events, and do a crazy wide body and wing setup. Hell, even if I convinced the RWB guys to take a look over my car, that would be perfect. That and I still do dream of going forced induction. The practical Porsche deserves the love it gets, but bringing it forward in time a bit with modern electrics and modern materials would be a project that I could really see myself getting behind.

So, what would you do with an unlimited budget for your current car? And no cheating, it has to be a car you own right now.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:10

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FR-S would become a race car, with a livery and styling that was a throwback to Shelby’s 2000GT race cars. Using things like the prototype TRD Tosco wheels, a custom center exit exhaust, and fender mount mirrors.

SVTyler > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:11

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Pipe dream: Strip, cage, mid-engine conversion with a 2.3L Cosworth Duratec, first-gen RS Focus body kit, WRC suspension, hoon all the things.

Realistic: send it back to Ford and have them do a full restore to factory spec, keep it on the road for another 12 years.

JustWaitingForAMate > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:15

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For shits n giggles I’d turn the Commodore from a sedan into a coupe.

Just to recreate the Monaro in the modern shape.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:15

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3.5L fully built ecoboost swap. ~500 WHP

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:16

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comptech supercharger

comptech ice box

swap in an Accord auto trans

Apexi cat back

high flow cat converter

Eibach lowering springs

Koni yellow struts

paint it black

XXR 531 wheels

J37 throttle body

fourvalleys > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:17

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The Mini would become a stripped, caged, AWD Honda-powered track car. I may have a death wish.

Tripper > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:17

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It’s not my DD, but I would have my E46 M3 gone over completely. I would replace anything that even looked old. I would have the bumper lines tightened up, replace the blown speakers with factory equipment, replace the seat belt re tractors (at $500 each) probably even the seats themselves. Finally I would buy a really expensive set of wheels.

I know that’s kind of boring, but it’s a car that I will always have and drive.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:18

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Fix my convertible top lol

Mercedes Streeter > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:18

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Contact my friend in Springfield:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqZ953…

Seriously, that Paseo engine is small enough that it doesn’t take up much more space than the OG engine. And the car is still mostly usable after the conversion. He took it on a road trip to the Midwest smart rally last summer. And I’m sure that if he built it to be a DD, he’d figure out how to get things like the A/C working again.

OR

I can contact a friend in Michigan or Florida to build a Hayabusa conversion. Both guys know how to make a DD’able Hayabusa conversion.

Autohaus Derp > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:18

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Big block chevy with a T56 and side cutouts, with the quietest mufflers I can get. Also black steelies, subtle cage to keep the chassis straight when suprising people off the line with noise and torque

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > fourvalleys 01/05/2016 at 17:21

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Well, apart from the AWD part you aren’t too far from your dream! ;)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:21

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Interesting. I’m not sure what I would do. I am well into my car’s cosmetic restoration, so the remaining work (paint correction) is already budgeted in. I suppose I could use the money to source a factory roll bar (an option never offered on US-market F355s) and have someone weld that in. OEM uprated springs and shocks (as fitted to US final edition “Fiorano” cars) would be nice.

Ideally I would do a ground-up body-off restoration and refinish every single bit of the car, but I’m just going to drive and make it dirty again. Why bother.

fourvalleys > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/05/2016 at 17:23

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Nah, anything I actually do is going to involve keeping the interior and no track time. If money was unlimited I’d buy a cleaner model for a street car.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > fourvalleys 01/05/2016 at 17:25

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Well autox vtec Mini would still be awesome.

daender > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:25

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Mini Tec’s JV6 conversion kit using either the Odyessy’s J35A4 or the CL Type S’s J32A2. So you’re looking at anywhere between 220 to 270 whp on tap with a naturally-aspirated motor that’ll be providing more than enough go for such a light car like my ‘02 Miata.

Throw on a Simpson Design re-body utilizing their Italia 2 GTB design, which is typically a $23,900 USD expense few undertake, but heavily modify the fenders and further flare them out to accept meatier tires on wide wheels. Toss on some bronze 15x9 TE37Vs wrapped in sticky tires and Flyin’ Miata’s best suspension upgrades and it’s ready to kick some ass in style.

Master Cylinder > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:27

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I already have a long list of Things I’d Like to do to My 944, like bodywork, interior work, and engine / transaxle rebuilds, so I guess I’d start there, but instead of buying the “decent and moderately priced” options I’d go for the “insanely expensive bespoke” options.

Sneaky Pete > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:27

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Viper GTS

19x10 and 19x13 Forgeline VR3P wheels, Belanger headers with high flow cats, Corsa catback exhaust (instead of the 2 muffler Borla I have now), set of Greg Good ported heads with T&D roller rockers, 10 quart oil pan with baffles, full IPSCO aluminum pulley set, AB spark plug wires, and a 4 wheel Stoptech 6 piston front, 4 piston rear big brake kit.

Roughly 25k of upgrades.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:28

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I’d fix my vacuum pump so I can have my locks back, find my abc gremlin and fix that, do S65 5 spoke wheels, find a new steering wheel, and get a RENNtech stage 1 tune along with beefed up intercooler and oil pumps. Then a radar/laser jammer/detector. The. I’d use the rest to fix the thing.

Saracen > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:29

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Man, this would have been WAY more interesting for me if I still had my previous car (MK6 Golf R).

Current car: 2015 GSW TDI 6MT, SEL trim with Lighting Package.

What I would do:

Euro-spec MK7 R wagon seats & interior

GTI PP brakes

GTD front bumper and grille

2016 MIB II stereo retrofit (for Apple Carplay)

Full engine boltons (Malone tune, Neuspeed intake bits, custom dpf-back exhaust)

Forged HRE 19x9 wheels

KW V3 suspension

I think that’s it. I’d basically just turn it into an even better daily/long distance car than it already is.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:30

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This lowering kit and wheels + 2.5L STI engine, transmission, and brakes etc...

PS9 > daender 01/05/2016 at 17:34

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Hey that’s cheating. You’re not allowed to get away from Porsche Performance Parts prices while making your ride more reliable to boot. That’s not fair!

Ram_Riot_6 > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:39

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I’d drop in a 400-500 hp motor into my truck. If everything goes as planned, then this will be happening in the next year or two.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:39

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Strip, cage, LS swap, supercharge said LS, sequential gearbox swap, and then enter a FWD rally.

boredalways > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:40

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I would sell my POS W203 C240. I will not waste another penny on it.

Porsche was my first word > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:40

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Own a E46 wagon, 330XdA touring. Would rebuild it from scratch, new engine (latest iteration of BMWs I6 Diesel with 309hp/465 lb ft , Diesel for better range) and matching 8-speed ZF auto, fit the interior with all leather and wool carpets, install a second tank instead of the spare wheel, rebuild bodypanels from carbon fibre, use aluminum, Carbon fibre and titanium instead of steel where possible, install ventilated seats and a panoramic roof with sliding option like you had once in the A-Class Merc.. Have a bespoke leather suitcase set tailored. Also would have completly redesigned center console with state of the art infotainment. Repaint in M style Estoril blue.

Matthew Phillips > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:43

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Full Rust removal and body restoration

Roof Rack, 4.6 V8 and tranny from 2010 Mustang, suspension upgrade, tire upgrade, a new rear end. New brakes all around.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:44

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This is my Kia Soul. It’s in the body shop right now.

With an unlimited budget I’d probably figure out how to lower it, put an AWD transfer case and rear axle (maybe from a Tucson or Sportage) under it, and then swap in a 2.0 turbo with a 6-speed manual that can fit to the engine/transfer case. More Boost and a set of the wheels on this one:

wiffleballtony > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:46

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Well for my Mustang, I’d want a full suspension revamp with watts link etc. Forced induction, probably twin turbos. Massive brakes all around. Maybe a better aero set up.

My G8 would get a full Holden conversion.

Future next gen S2000 owner > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:47

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Race bred motor, bottom end with a custom flat plane crank, 10K rpm and 500 NA ponies at the wheels. Full IRS suspension build, with a gutted interior and an infinite amount of brake pads, rotors, and tires.

I may need a moment.

RallyWrench > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:53

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I’d just finish my 2002. Get stuff powdercoated, buy the wheels I want, finish building the cylinder head, and drive it.

MM54 > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:57

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Does “Replace it” count? Don’t get me wrong - I really like my beater p71, but its so rusty and worn that even with an unlimited budget it’d feel wasteful putting a lot into it.

Now my chevelle, that’s another story. Basically, I’d do in short-order what I plan to do long term in terms of building it into a daily-driver that would be as at home on the track or at autocross as bombing down the highway, all while looking pretty much stock.

stuttgartobsessed > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 17:58

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I’ve got an ‘02 E39 530i. This is what I’d do, and it would most likely require lots of money for custom fabrication, but thats where the unlimited funds part comes in...

I’d fix the remaining engine issues, remedy the oil leak, new suspension, new paint, fix front seat motors, new front bumper. I’d also think about replacing the 5MT with the 6MT out of the M5. Though if not, definitely redo the synchros and 5th gear lock out for increased smoothness. And a new clutch. And fix the dash LEDs.

Then maybe try and boost HP a bit, but not go crazy. I’ve heard that the M54B30 was pretty much maxed out. Though It may be interesting to swap in an S54 in it’s place, probably the one out of the E46 M3 CSL (S54B32HP). Plus upgraded brakes.

Oh, and upgrade the front lights/halos to be more visible but not obnoxious.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:03

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This:

fennelbreath > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:04

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I don’t have a car. I’d upgrade the exhaust on my scooter.

...or buy a car.

camaroboy68ss > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:06

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My 33 Ford Pickup would be totally restored, but to a higher lever than I am currently doing. I could afford to have to the bodywork and paint to be professionally done instead of myself doing most of it,

The original frame would be swapped for a brand new TCI frame. Replace the drum brakes on my 12 bolt rear end for discs.

Chrome plate pretty much anything I could fit into the chrome tank.

All new upholstery.

Add a gear vendors overdrive unit to my th350 trans, so I can put my 4:10 gears back in my rear end.

New exhaust with electric cutouts

OPPOsaurus WRX > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:10

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This would do

Ike > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:13

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Buy 2 Bugatti veryons put the engines in the front and rear of my v70R and have a 2000hp awd 32 cylinder station wagon!

Then I would die cause I crashed it

jkm7680 > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 18:31

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It’s a 2000 A6 2.7t Quattro 6mt.

I’d repaint it, do a C5 Rs6 full bodykit, K04 Turbos, stage 3 tuning, black alcantara Recaros, black VMR V703 wheels, Bilstein coilovers and many other things.

Ross. > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:04

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I drive... oh well, here it goes... I drive a 2001 Buick Century with a 3100. Here it is in all its glory.

It’s a W-Body, and I have found out that the 3100 mounting points are fairly identical to the mounting points of the L67 3800... which can be found for dime-a-dozen out of GTP’s and Regals. I would then have to upgrade every bit of drivetrain to be able to handle the extra power.

Because, I’d upgrade the supercharger to an M112, put a full exhaust, get better injectors, build connecting rods and valves to hopefully put out around ~350+ FWHP.

I would bag it, put it on some dished wheels, and get it repainted in the same “Grandpa Gold” but with more flake in the paint.

It would be a wild highway monster and sleeper!

Stef Schrader > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:05

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I dunno if I’d do it with my chassis, but three words:

Lancer

Race

Car

Matthew Keyser > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:23

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Unlimited budget to fix up my current car? Alrighty then. Good game.

My Merkur XR4Ti would get a complete restoration. Take it all the way down to metal and repair the rust. Replace and repair broken/missing things. Ford racing head and cam with an upgraded Garrett T3/T4, LSD some suspension work, a decent Red paint job. Spruce up the interior it has. The transmission out of the SVO Mustang with a short throw shifter, maybe some better wheels and Michelin Pilot Supersports tires.

I’m also going to do my 2000 Chevy Blazer because why not. I’d do something to remedy the rust problem it has, replace the suspension with just stock parts. Basically fix all the problems with it while adding on a turbo and the other kit associated with it to make a sort of more modern Typhoon. Some fog lights on the front and a few more touches to make it a killer daily driver.

My bird IS the word > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:25

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For my 79 trans am a full restoration, a tremec tko swap, pro touring f body suspension and a couple grand for the good old olds 403. Mmmmm

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:26

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The cobalt would get gravel tires, racing suspension, a full cage and lightbars, lots of lightbars

My bird IS the word > fourvalleys 01/05/2016 at 19:26

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It's a damn shame z cars UK went out of business

John_Harbinson > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 19:34

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LBZ/Allison 1000 swap out of a 2006-07 silverado/sierra, 8-lug axles & 2500hd suspension, fix my drivers side heated seat, fix the seat heater button on the rear drivers side seat, have the one ding removed from the front left fender, get it repainted a medium-dark blue like one of the darker blues that range rover offers, and mayyyybe install a train horn. (I drive a 2000 Cadillac Escalade)

Speed > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 20:17

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My beater ZJ would get a long arm kit, a built small block Dodge, manual swap, big Danas, a winch, fabbed bumpers, rack, spotlights and a whole bunch of trail damage.

My current goals for my trusty old ‘98 Z28 are an iron 6.0, single turbo truck manifold kit, 4L80 and a 9”. That’s actually a budget build using many stock parts, but I wouldn’t change it because the point is to show what can be done with OEM stuff.

MrFurzzy > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 20:48

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Twin turbo 3.0L v6 mazda 6.

“Punisher 6” build thread

Frenchlicker > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:00

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Well I currently own one beater so this overjoyed me to say what I would do if I had fuckyou money.2001 Ford Taurus SEL

First of: A ton of body work and painting it back to a nice gloss black, the finest gloss black available.

Second: strip apart a modern Taurus and put all of the interior buts in mine. Send the engine off to a tuner to get an amazing boost.

Third: slap a ridiculous body kit on there along with a hood with a small scoop

Fourth: Rims, not sure what but it needs nice new rims( and some ridiculous tires

Last: I would like to black the windows out alone with most things on the car

I'm missing something but that's what comes to mind.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 01/05/2016 at 21:03

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I have always wanted to use a 355 engine for something silly. Or get an engineless 355 and get a motor from a manual 430.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:11

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All of it is pretty reasonable over the next few years. 02 540i wagon. I need to do suspension refresh this year, going to put something a little more aggressive on it (still want it comfortable for the family hauler though). Supercharger at some point, and when the transmission has issues, manual swap. I am currently looking for sport seats (base seats suck), and have all the stuff to upgrade the radio (going to keep OEM up front, put a pair of small amps and a sub in). I want it painted/wrapped blue, and that is about it...

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Tripper 01/05/2016 at 21:13

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The seatbelts suck in my fathers E46 M3 too. Is that a common thing?

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Sneaky Pete 01/05/2016 at 21:14

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You’ve thought about this. I like it. I still hope to drive a viper this year.

Sam > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:19

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Simple. Carrera GT Le Mans replica.

Sneaky Pete > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:20

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I have because I’m sssllllllooooowwwwwlllllllyyyyy doing it. Fixed most of the little things that were wrong with the car, threw coilovers on it, poly bushings etc.

XJDano > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:20

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1 of 4 or all 4?

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:51

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426 Hemi Crate Motor

Zoomers 3” Catback

Kooks LT Headers/HF Cats

Airaid CAI

MB 20” Old-school wheels

Shaker hood

Repaint HEMI Orange w/ black stripes

Clown Shoe Pilot > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 21:58

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dunno if it’s common, but the driver’s side belt retractor in my M Coupe is pretty crap these days

yitznewton > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 22:05

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S2000 AP1... restore paint, reupholster, new Robbins cloth soft top, Mugen hard top, Hard Dog roll bar, maybe replace OEM rear bumper and JDM headlamps & markers, Amuse front bumper and OEM duckbill rear spoiler... need to research best suspension, prolly a K&N intake kit, Potenza RE71R’s to try, on lightweight wheels TBD. Racing school! HPDEs!

No FI for me. There’s more room for tweaks, but those are the first round of normal mods I’m aware of, and I like the more or less stock look.

Clown Shoe Pilot > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 22:12

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On the M Coupe, I would:

Subframe reinforcement mod w/ “2-eared” diff mount

AP Racing or Performance Friction brakes on all 4 corners

rebuild the engine w/ go-faster parts, but I wouldn’t do a tune for outrageous power. I just want factory power with bulletproof reliability

Fancy exhaust, starting at the headers

Forgeline wheels, several sets with different rubber

really high quality re-paint in Laguna Seca Blue

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 22:36

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Which car? lol.
The one I think about the most lately is my Fiero. And so beyond what I plan on doing soon (this year?) which would be suspension and wheels/tires... Then after that I want: Engine swap, if we’re talking unlimited budget it would be a 3900 with head work and an aftermarket camshaft (7000rpm shift points would be good with me). Unlimited budget might make me want to do a 6 speed swap, although I still like the hybrid 4 speed idea (mixture of a V6 4 speed and a 84 fuel economy 4 speed, which would give good acceleration and spacing in 1-3 and 2000rpm at 60mph in 4th). From there... I would need to research more, but some 4 piston brakes on all four corners would make me happy over 13” or so vented rotors.

Over 300hp from a high revving n/a pushrod V6, 2700lb, amazing 80’s styling... I think I would be happy.

Tripper > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 23:31

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Mine aren’t stuck, they just have to be “spoon fed” in order to get the belt to retract all the way. I think that it’s fairly common, I remember reading more than a few forum posts about it when I was trying to source new ones.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/05/2016 at 23:34

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If money no problem.

supercar beigemobile Koenigsegg

Also crazy camless engine

fourvalleys > My bird IS the word 01/06/2016 at 07:58

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Absolutely. I had zero interest in pretty much anything they made, but they were huge in the fast mini game. Mid-engine rear-drive just doesn’t do it for me in a car with a six inch wheelbase.

My bird IS the word > fourvalleys 01/06/2016 at 13:54

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Yea you would honestly would have been a special kind of stupid to build a mid engine mini. That engine noise! Unfortunately for me I am that kind of stupid. Would have been a very cost effective “super car”. Not enough quotation marks in the world for that one. Just claim it is the “stradale” or something.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > yitznewton 01/06/2016 at 17:39

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I miss my S2000 quite a bit.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 01/09/2016 at 14:55

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Hey man, just reminding you that today at 4:30 PM EST we’re racing at Daytona. If you’re planning to race, try and get on a bit early so we can get the lobby properly set up. I’m posting a reminder a bit later, but I’m messaging everyone who signed up for the series just to make sure no one misses it.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS 01/09/2016 at 18:37

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Ahh whoops, I had an article I was finishing up. I’ll jump in late for the season.