Oppo-pinions on Desu's RWD option once the Mini is paid off?

"Desu-San-Desu" (Desu-San-Desu) 01/17/2016 at 18:04 • Filed to: None

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So, while working on the Mini over the past few weeks, my buddies have been discussing future automotive plans for myself and my family. Essentially we’re going to try and get the Windstar back on the road and just run it till it kicks the bucket for good, at which point my fiancee and I will hopefully be in a position to find and buy her a 3rd-generation Subaru Legacy Outback with a turbo-4 or, preferably, the H6. It’s the vehicle we both have decided on, as we need a family car but neither of us want another Minivan and we’re both big Subaru supporters.

During this time, I’d like to get the Audi back on the road reliably as a backup vehicle for us as well as a good inclement-weather car and something more durable to handle rally stages when I volunteer to marshal at Sandblast and any other nearby rally events. If I can, I’d like to swap in the suspension geometry from an Audi 5000, which looks like it will bolt right in and beef up the suspension on my 80 Quattro a good bit with a slight ride height increase.

As for the Mini, I’m holding off on anything beyond upgrade-repairs (replacing repaired components with better parts), along with basic mods (camber-and-caster plates up front, rear sway bar, maybe a good intake), until it’s paid off. After it’s paid off, I may look into some other, more serious upgrades like the exhaust, a smaller pulley with a tune, and probably upgraded dampers. But the plan for the Mini is for it to always be a fun daily driver with weekend trips to the mountains and the occasional autocross.

Here’s the rub, though:

I have my AWD, I have my FWD...I feel compelled to have a RWD vehicle to complete my trifecta. By the time I’d be in a position to get a third vehicle, myself and Meredith would both have our daily drivers with the Mini and the Subaru respectively, with the Audi as a support/backup vehicle. As such, the RWD addition would be more of a toy for track use, autocrosses, and weekend-warrior duties.

As for preferences, I’m really not interested in having another European or American vehicle, so the RWD option will need to be Japanese or Korean. Even though it’s not going to be a daily for either of us, we still want it to be decently reliable, with parts availability better than that of the Audi, though not necessarily as plentiful as the Mini aftermarket.

I’m wanting something very lightweight, 2-door, probably a convertible but that’s not a requirement, and I want it to have a manual transmission mated to a responsive, small-displacement, free-revving 4 or 6 cylinder engine.

With the Mini paid off and Meredith taking care of any payments on her Subaru, my budget will probably be in the $10K-$15K range. As such, nothing brand-new. I’m thinking late 80's up until 2014 or 2015 models, which may be in my budget in a few years.

I’m not really big on Nissans for various reasons, which helps narrow the field.

Blasphemous as it sounds, I’m not super interested in a Miata. I’ve owned one before and while it was decently fun, I didn’t really fit. If I had one, I’d have to do a foam-ectomy on the seat and buy a smaller steering wheel in order to have somewhat decent visibility and be able to heel-toe downshift in some modicum of comfort. Not the end of the world and I’m not completely against a Miata, especially if an ND is in my budget by then (I fit in those quite well). But having had one, I’m leaning towards something else.

S2000 makes a strong case and checks all the boxes, but for some reason it just doesn’t resonate with me. I’ve never felt that ‘click’ when sitting in one or seeing one. I respect their engineering, but I’m just sort of...numb about them.

Toyobaru is another very very strong option, especially seeing the price of used ones in my area that are still in good condition. It’s probably my second option, but wouldn’t leave much room in the budget for modifications and such.

In the end, I keep coming back to the MR2. I’m madly in love with the styling of the AW11 1st-gen series, but the aftermarket is weak, parts availability is an bit of a hassle, the chassis’ often haven’t aged well and tend to have rust issues, and to be honest? I’d want to do a powertrain swap, as I’ve heard many many horror stories about owners trying to eek decent power out of the original power plants.

I have zero interest whatsoever in the 2nd generation MR2. I find the styling overwrought, the piggish curb weight unacceptable, the rear suspension geometry issue vexing, and I just...no. I don’t like them.

So, even though I’m a little “meh” on the front end styling, I keep landing at the 3rd generation MR2, the Spyder. I’ve sat and ridden in a couple and I’ve always, every single time, felt that ‘click’ that says “Yes...this is right. This is me.” The aftermarket, while not on the level of Hondas, Acuras, Minis, or Miatas, is still formidable enough for what I want to do. It checks all of my boxes, and engine swap options are fairly plentiful if I want to go that route, especially considering I’ve got access to a rebuilt K20A2 in a friend’s garage the next town over.

There’s also the fact that right now, in my area, an MR2 Spyder with a manual transmission, in good condition with fairly low miles sells for $6k-$8k, meaning I’d have a good chunk of my budget left over for maintenance and upgrades. It’s the compromised between “cheap initial cost, tons of leftover budget” like an NB Miata and “My budget got the car, but there’s not much money left over”, like the Toyobaru. As I see it, the S2000 is the next nearest option to the MR2, but I just...don’t really have a desire to own an S2000... >.>

Even better, the girlfriend likes it because it looks “super fun without looking as girly as a Miata.” XD

So...what are Oppos thoughts on the MR2 Spyder? What about the other options, such as the NB or ND Miata, S2000, Toyobaru, or AW11? Any options I haven’t entertained?

Birddog > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 18:17

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What about a mid 80s Supra?

Brian Silvestro > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 18:18

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IS300

SC300

AE86

240sx

240z

260z

280z

E30 wagon

E36 M3

Miata

MR2

RX-7

dogisbadob > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 18:20

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The S2k is awesome, and of course the Miata is a great car. The Mr2 seems like your best bet since you seem to like it so much, so it should probably be your choice.

Are Elises within your budget? Basically an even lighter version of the Mr2m and you get the 2ZZ.

I know you didn’t want American, but there is the Solstice/Sky, and it’s actually a good car. The only serious American competition to the Miata.

There is also the stupid smart roadster. Rear engine (made by Mitsubishi), RWD, plenty of room for two, should be in your price range.

Another small RWD car is the Suzuki X90 and the related Vitara/Tracker/Sidekick. Light weight, under 2500 lb for the convertible versions (and they were available as a 3-door hardtop in the early 90s, which only weighed about 2200 lb). The first-gen Kia Sportage convertible was RWD, but considerably heavier than the Suzuki counterparts.

How about a Genesis coupe?

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 18:24

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Decent non-Z06 C5 corvettes are pretty reasonable right now, if you can do pre-bailout GM.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > dogisbadob 01/17/2016 at 18:25

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Elises and the Solstice/Sky are both too expensive. They still sit around $20k.

edit: Are you speaking of the non-turbo Solstices? Those can’t compete with the Miata, and the turbo ones would squash one.

BrtStlnd > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 01/17/2016 at 18:29

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The correct answer.

dogisbadob > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) 01/17/2016 at 18:37

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yes, the non-turbo, mainly for price reasons. Performance is very close to the NC until you get at the top end.

Desu-San-Desu > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 01/17/2016 at 18:39

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It’s a popular suggestion but nope. Not my tastes whatsoever. I just have zero desire for a Corvette or a muscle car.

Desu-San-Desu > dogisbadob 01/17/2016 at 18:59

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Elises are just out of my budget at the current market, but who knows where they’ll be in 3-4 years? And while I know the engine itself is from a Celica GTS, the rest of the car doesn’t have the greatest reputation for build quality or reliability. Still, if I could find a unicorn that’s been taken care of right...it might be worth a look.

The Solstice/Sky is probably the only American car I would consider, but I looked into it and the parts market is just not there, especially since Saturn went under and Opel parts are a major pain in the ass to get. Plus the performance versions, in addition to being well out of my budget, are turbocharged and if I go force-inducted, I’d like to stick with supercharging.

Smart Roadster is banned from autocrossing, at least in my region. They’re too prone to tipping up on 2 wheels...or up onto no wheels...

The Suzuki’s are an inspired option to be sure, but again, not really able to autocross or be a track-day toy. Same goes for the Kia. I’m not looking to go offroading with my 3rd vehicle- I have the Audi for that, lol.

Genesis Coupe is a fat, sloppy, turbocharged pig with apocalyptically uneven styling. I’m wanting something lighter, or at least no heavier than the Mini and preferably non-turbocharged. I could get past the styling, but that curb-weight....

Desu-San-Desu > Brian Silvestro 01/17/2016 at 19:12

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IS300 - Heavy
SC300 - Heavy and automatic-only
-AE86 - Maaaaayyybe, if I can find one that’s not been beat all to hell, and then it would be overpriced as hell.
-240SX - Meh. For some reason I just have no desire for one and don’t see myself being happy in one.
-240Z - Too old, plus rust-prone with a floppy chassis. Gorgeous styling though.
-260Z - Still too old, plus risk of rust. I adore the styling and it’d be an immediate option if I had the budget to do a full resto-mod build.
-280Z - Jumped the shark on styling. Would rather have a 260Z.

-E30 Wagon - Ohhhh, I’d love one, Euro problems and all, but doesn’t really fit what I want to use my RWD option for.
-E36 M3 - a little heavy, but I respect the performance capabilities. Mainly I just don’t want another Euro vehicle after the Audi and the Mini.
-Miata -NB or ND (used) are an option. Probably 3rd in line, after the MR-S and S2K. But when I owned one, it was fun, but never really felt like home.
-MR2 - So far top of my list.
-RX-7 - Nope. Nope nope nope. Not gonna deal with rotary problems and I don’t want to LS-swap because...reasons. Plus, and I’ll put on my flame suit for this, I don’t like the 50/50 weight distribution. The few times I’ve driven an RX-7 with gusto, I’ve found them twitchy, nervous, and inconsistent.

Good list, though. I’m just unreasonably picky, haha.

Desu-San-Desu > Birddog 01/17/2016 at 19:13

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Nah. I don’t like the styling, parts aren’t easy to come by, and I just...meh. Just meh. Cool for the retro-appeal, but that’s it. I’ve never really been a Supra person.

Now a 77' Celica GT RA29....THAT’S something I’d like to own before I die.

Brian Silvestro > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:16

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All of your reasoning is fair but lol you think the SC300 is auto-only

Also, if your budget is that high, why not just import a fucking sweet car, like a Skyline, Cappuccino, or Crown???

All 3 of those can be had for well under 15k after all the paperwork is done, and you don’t even have to do any of it if you go through a dealer like japanese classics

Desu-San-Desu > Brian Silvestro 01/17/2016 at 19:27

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Every SC300 I have ever seen for sale in my area has been automatic. I’ve never, in my life, seen one, with my own eyes, equipped with a factory manual transmission. Hence the ‘auto-only’ comment. :-P

And I’m not interested, at least at this point in my life, in importing something that I’d be afraid to take to the track. Those cars are awesome, yes, but parts availability is the issue with them. I’d rather not have to wait for parts from Japan every time I want to repair or upgrade something. Out of the 3 of those, the Capuccino is the only one I’d want to use for the purposes I listed in my original post and I honestly don’t know if I’d fit inside one, lol.

Brian Silvestro > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:30

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Yes that’s the same problem I’d have with importing one, because I track very often. The Skyline is popular enough where I don’t think parts would be a problem (the brakes, for example, are from a 300zx).

HOWEVER, I again agree that the only one of those three I’d actually import is the Cappuccino because omg it’s so awesome.

But in the later variation of the cappucino starting in 1995, it was chain instead of belt in the engine, which means less maintenance/worry

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:40

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Miata.

Or rx7. I now own both and love me some mazda.

(rx7 doesnt run tho so i cant comment on how it drives)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:43

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Interested in a classic at all? Why not find an old Alfa Spider or FIAT 124 Spider in good shape that was well-kept....they can be had for peanuts, and are actually more reliable than most people give them credit for (a friend of mine’s dad has an old Alfa Spider). The 124 especially - it’s mechanically simple, the engine is revvy and willing and, as mentioned, they can be had for quite cheap, even in good nick? :)

Frenchlicker > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:44

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Throw everything you want out the window besides convertible and rear wheel drive and 6 cylinder. We arrive at a brilliant conclusion with that and it is...

Desu-San-Desu > Frenchlicker 01/17/2016 at 19:50

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My friend, you might want to seek out the help of a mental health professional.

Desu-San-Desu > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/17/2016 at 19:52

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If I was going that route, I’d get an X-19. But despite it being a nice idea, parts availability becomes a real problem with anything along those lines.

Desu-San-Desu > Brian Silvestro 01/17/2016 at 19:54

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At 5'10 and 230lbs, I have doubts about my ability to comfortably drive one. XD

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 19:59

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True, not always something you can just get from the local Auto Parts shop.....is this intended to be a DD...?

Desu-San-Desu > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/17/2016 at 20:01

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No, it’s intended to be a weekend warrior that I can drive to the track and then (if all goes well) drive back home.

Desu don’t want no trailer queen. :-P

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 20:04

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....hmmm....Porsche 944, or even a 924...?

Yes, the 124 has a VW engine, but I imagine there would be many aftermarket parts for that engine, plus the cars have a loyal following. Good handling as well?

I should also mention that I agree on the MR2 Spyder if you go that route, cool little car! :)

Brian Silvestro > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 20:17

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related: this video

BRZ4Science > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 20:47

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If you are waiting for a couple of more years, one of the twins might just be perfect for you. They can be currently be found for $17-18k in great condition and a couple of more years of depreciation should put them in the sub $15k bracket. s2000's are only going to go up in price from here, but the miata’s should keep getting more and more affordable.

The hondas are a little more of a handful at the limit (spin happy), and the mazdas require rollbars (parts are plentiful and cheap though), and the twins lack power for any course with longish straights (technical twisties are another story entirely).

If I were looking to replace my BRZ (I do 30+ autocross events,5-10 trackdays a year, and daily drive it) in a couple of years, I’d be looking at a Porsche (Cayman, 996, or Boxter), Corvette (c6, c6 zo6, or c7's might be cheap enough by then), or a supercharger and a new daily driver/autocross car.

Of course, my budget would be above your $10-$15k budget. I’d lean towards the miata before the mr2 because of the greater availability. I just don’t see many mr2's on the track or at events, whereas you cant swing a high-flow cat without hitting a miata. I’ve also heard tale that the early Boxters have become increadibly cheap due to the fears of IMS bearings and the stigma they still carry with the Porsche crowd.

Desu-San-Desu > BRZ4Science 01/17/2016 at 21:40

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A BRZ or FRS is a strong contender, depending on how their pre-owned value fair in the next couple of years.

The thing is, so many of my friends have Miatas. I used to have one. EVERYONE has one. I’m honestly bored of them. Just....bored. MR2 Spyder’s are decently available in the southeast, so procuring one isn’t going to be especially difficult.

As for the S2000, it’s one I’m very unsure about. I honestly don’t know how I feel about it- plus it’s ever-so-slightly heavier than I would like. Porsche’s are out of the question due to maintenance and the cost of parts and Corvette’s and muscle cars just aren’t my thing.

Let’s make the equation a little simpler, with the understanding that this will be minimum of 3 years away unless I pay the Mini off early: ~2,800lbs or less (the lighter the better) + manual transmission + 4 or 6 cylinder engine under 3 liters in displacement + Rear wheel drive (LSD a plus) + 2 door (convertible a plus) + fairly reliable with decent parts availability + 1985 - 2015 pre-owned + affordable parts + non-turbocharged a plus + Budget of $10k-$15k (the less the car, the more money that can be put into maintenance and upgrades) + Asian manufacturer + Desu can fit comfortably with minimal modifications to seat or steering wheel = X

Desu wants X, lol.

By that math, I feel like it’s down to Toyota MR2 AW11, Toyota MR2 Spyder, NB or NC Mazda Miata, maybe ND Miata depending on used market in the future, Honda S2000, Scion FR-S, or Subaru BRZ.

It’s a small list of cars so good that trying to pick one is maddening.

Desu-San-Desu > Brian Silvestro 01/17/2016 at 21:43

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Thanks for that.

It’s now off the list. XD

Desu-San-Desu > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/17/2016 at 21:45

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My father has a 924. It has been a very....dissuading experience for me. To the point that if he gave it to me as a GIFT, I’d probably just sell it to someone wanting to build a LeMons car.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 21:46

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Elise if you can find one in the budget. Or MR2. because swapping a 2zz causes bliss

Desu-San-Desu > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/17/2016 at 21:54

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2ZZ is a popular options. I’m also having evil thoughts involving a K20A2...

Frenchlicker > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 21:54

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So I've been told. I love the odd cars that everybody hates. I'm kind of an automotive hipster, which I'm fine with.

Sky Higa > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 22:46

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I think it would be a cool and different choice. I’ve seen how awesome the MRS’s can be on hot version, especially with a 2zz or k20 swap.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Desu-San-Desu 01/17/2016 at 22:57

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but don’t forget, 2zz VVTL-is like having a turbo spool up at 6000 rpm and starting to boost. And if you’re going MR2, find a supercharged one from a elise. BUDGET LOTUS ELISE

Desu-San-Desu > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/17/2016 at 23:15

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I’ll have to look into the whole 2ZZ vs K20A2 debate. Both can be supercharged to great effect, so it may come down to which is more reliable and budget-friendly as well as what the powerbands look like.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Desu-San-Desu 01/18/2016 at 08:51

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Speaking strictly from aftermarket support point of view, the Spyder isn’t much better than the AW11 in terms of availability.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Desu-San-Desu 01/18/2016 at 10:08

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Oh, not good, sorry to hear! If I think of any other options, I’ll let you know, haha! :)

EDIT - I’m not a huge fan of them, personally, but what about a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky...? Or an older Merc SLK?

Desu-San-Desu > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/18/2016 at 13:39

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Weird. I wonder why that is...

Desu-San-Desu > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/18/2016 at 13:40

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Would rather stick with an asian nameplate, to be honest.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Desu-San-Desu 01/18/2016 at 16:44

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Not sure on your feelings towards the Koreans, but what about a 1st-gen Hyundai Genesis Coupe...?

Friend of mine just bought one exactly like this. 2.0T with 6-spd stick and RWD. I’ve not seen it in person yet, or driven in/driven it, but they’ve received reviews as decent cars. He got his for about $12K CDN (sticker price) with ~80,000kms on it.

Desu-San-Desu > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 01/18/2016 at 17:38

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I thought about those, but they’re a good bit heavier than I’m wanting.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Desu-San-Desu 01/18/2016 at 22:18

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Supply and demand. Most people that have AW11's want to modify them. Statistically speaking, most Spyders were bought (and are still owned by) middle aged women

Desu-San-Desu > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2016 at 01:41

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I’ve been doing some shopping, and the ZZW30 appears to have everything that I want to do readily available enough. :-)

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Desu-San-Desu 01/19/2016 at 12:49

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Does an engine swap fall on your to-do list? The 2ZZ is a great engine, but the 1ZZ that the Spyder came with is a bit of a dog. Oil burning, pre-cat deterioration, oil sloshing leading to starvation with sticky tires at autocross to start. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the Spyders, but the 1ZZ is just not a good engine.

Desu-San-Desu > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2016 at 13:19

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Yeah. The plan, whether I got an AW11 or a ZZW30, was to always do an engine swap. I know a 2ZZ is the easier and more popular option, but if I can get a good roller chassis for cheap enough, I might go with something much more difficult, but ultimately much more rewarding: A K20A2 drivetrain. I know that MWR sells the mounts, exhaust, and shift linkage needed, so it can be done, but will require a bit more sweat, blood, and swearing, along with a bit more money.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Desu-San-Desu 01/19/2016 at 13:31

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As a Toyota fanboy, even I think the Honda motor swap in a Spyder is a good option. 2ZZ’s are just too rare and expensive with less aftermarket support by comparison.

As for swapping an AW, the 4A-GE may not make the horsepower numbers, but put an intake on it for some extra sound, and throw some motor mount inserts on it for more noise, the numbers just don’t matter. The combination of the tight chassis and INCREDIBLE steering don’t need power for fun, I promise.

Desu-San-Desu > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2016 at 13:40

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K20A2 has been done in an AW11 already as well. The groundwork has been laid. ;-)

Still, when roller AW11's and roller Spyder’s sell for less than $500 difference in my area, it’s hard to justify the AW11, even if I love the way it looks.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Desu-San-Desu 01/19/2016 at 13:47

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Spyders are lighter and definitely handle a little better, but (in my opinion) don’t look anywhere near as good, can’t get a hard top for reasonable money in this country, and the 1ZZ. AW11 though, 4AGE is a great engine, handles almost as good as a spyder, has better steering feel than the spyder due to manual rack, better looking, way way more storage space for every day practicality, and are usually way cheaper too. Get an early model hard top AW with some fender rust, get some patch panels online to fix said rust, and enjoy, for less than half the price of a spyder (assuming prices near you are similar to near me, where AW’s are around $1-2k, and spyders are $8-10k)

Desu-San-Desu > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2016 at 14:38

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In my area, AW11's in “okay” condition are $1-2k, rust-free ones in great condition are $3-4k. Non-running Spyders with no rust are in the $3-4k range, while running ones are in the $7-11k range. Considering I want a roller, I’ll pay the extra $1-2k to avoid any risk of rust, have a lighter stock curb weight, wider stock track, and ultimately not have to worry about electricals as much. Fabrication and wiring are my two biggest shortcomings when working with something as old as an AW11, both of those would come into play.

Storage space isn’t a concern, as we’d have 3 other cars for ‘practical’ purposes. I actually would rather have a convertible, to be honest (hence why S2000 and Miata were so high on my original list).

As for the steering feel? That falls under ‘mods’, haha. The seat time I’ve had in a Spyder have told me the stock steering feel is fine (about on par with the Mini) for me.

I will agree on the styling front, though. That’s my biggest concession with the Spyder: I don’t like the front-end styling. The AW11 looks amazing, but the more and more I do research on them, the more it makes sense to get a Spyder for what I want to use it for. I basically want a Miata that’s more...’different’ than a Miata but weights less than the Mini and fits me more comfortably than a Miata or AW11.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Desu-San-Desu 01/19/2016 at 15:59

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If reliability and easy access to parts, plus cheap modding are all priorities, a Miata definitely becomes a really great choice. I would agree though that if you already had one, to try something different because life is short. But if you do go with a Miata, a solid and clean NB can be had for under $4k. And of course you could still be under $10k with a full suspension, supercharger, and light wheels with sticky tires!

Desu-San-Desu > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/19/2016 at 16:21

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Yeah, I know the Miata is the sensible choice but I’m just...bored by them. All my autocross buddies drive them and I drive theirs all the time. I want something that is a little bit different.

Here’s what I’m pretty much planning on so far:

-A good-condition MR2 Spyder roller (as in doesn’t run) is around $3-4k in my area. Procure, get into the garage, and begin stripping down.
-Use that time to find a K20A2-equipped Civic/Integra Type R or RSX Type S at a local LKQ yard
-Approximately $600 to pull the K20A2 engine and trans from the Honda/Acura
-Approximately another $600 to rebuild it with uprated rings, bearings, gaskets, etc.
-$1,000 for swap kit (mounts, shift linkage, etc)
-$1,000-$1,500 for custom exhaust
-Estimating $3,000 for shocks, springs, brakes, chassis reinforcements, alignment bits, uprated bushings and such
-$1,500 or so for some good lightweight 15"wheels and some super-sticky tires.
-$1,500 for bolt-on go-fast parts for the engine in naturally-aspirated guise
-$600 or less for some lightly used racing seats and an approved helmet
-$400 or so for a roll bar

-Budget permitting, maybe some cosmetic stuff like headlight kits, aero-bits, etc.

If given the chance windfall of extra funds, toss in $3k for a supercharger kit for the K20A2.

So anywhere from $12,000 to $14,000 for a K20-swapped, track ready MR2 Spyder. Between buying the initial roller chassis and having it on the track, anticipating 18 to 24 months. I could save a couple grand by using a Miata instead, but I feel like I’d still feel ultimately unfulfilled.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Desu-San-Desu 01/19/2016 at 17:05

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Wouldn't you be better off getting a clean and running MR2 rather than a roller though? I mean you certainly have had your share of heinous projects already, might as well have a reliable Japanese car, not an unreliable Japanese car lol. I definitely like the sound of an MR2 but I think avoiding the convertible option may be a better choice. I know I just suggested a Miata but if it is gonna be primarily for track use, I would think having a roof would be more useful.

Desu-San-Desu > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/19/2016 at 17:18

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If I ever get into real non-autocross track use, I can go to a local shop I know and they can fab me up a hardtop for about $400.

And getting a roller makes more sense if want to do a motor swap anyway, lol.

The MR2 is going to be the autocross and track-day toy. By this time we’ll have 3 other cars to use as reliable D.D.’s.