Which $2k Manual FWD 90's Performance Car Would You Have?

"Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage" (Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage)
06/02/2016 at 21:56 • Filed to: Fun Beaters

Been eyeing these couple cars for a while on CL. Take a look.

First up, this sweet ass ‘91 SHO for $2k. Car looks hella solid for its age, lower miles, and of course that kick ass Yamaha 3.0. Probably the most tempting of the bunch.

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Next up, this ‘90 Celica GTS that has seen better days for $1600. Needs some work and TLC, but it’s still a killer looking Celica (Pop-ups!) that would be a sweet and reliable DD with a little patience.

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Next is this funky looking ‘92 Saturn SC2 for $1800. I dunno why, but I’ve always loved the looks of the first generation SCs with the pop-ups. Couple these cool looks with the beloved Twin Cam motor and a 5 speed, and you’ve got a pretty cool car, IMO.

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Last, and easily the most intriguing of the bunch, is this ‘93 Achieva SCX for $2200. Not many people know about these cars, but they did fantastic in SCCA Showroom Stock racing in the 90s. The Quad 4, despite its head gasket problems, was a barnstormer, making 185 HP in the early 90s, a number that still looks good today. The ad is vague, but still cool.

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So which would you have, Oppo?

DISCUSSION (86)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 21:59

I wouldn't go for the Olds but that's just because I think it's ugly.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
06/02/2016 at 22:00

I’m not sure why, but I’ve always found the Achieva to be a very attractive car in coupe form.

Your boy, BJR > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:00

Oldsmobile.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Your boy, BJR
06/02/2016 at 22:02

Glad someone else likes these things. Always wanted one.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:02

Olds.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
06/02/2016 at 22:03

Damn, I would’ve bet on you choosing that Celica. Agreed though.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:04

The rust has taken hold. Plus, I like odd ball underdog engines and the Olds has one.

Birddog > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:04

Most likely the Achieva. The SHO would be a close second.

The other two? Can of gas and a match.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:06

Oldsmoboat.

gmctavish needs more space > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:06

Man I’ve never seen a 2 door Achieva, that’s s huge improvement. I like that one, mostly because it’s a manual Quad 4, but I’d probably choose the SHO. Rev happy Yamaha V6 wins, plus I just love SHOs for some reason

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
06/02/2016 at 22:07

True that. It’s definitely the most beat of the bunch. And, yeah, the Quad 4 kicks ass when its in a light car like the Achieva.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:08

This un’:

Kinja'd!!!

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/554906…

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Birddog
06/02/2016 at 22:09

Love seeing the SCX appreciation on here! The SHO would probably be a better DD, but, agreed, that Achieva is sweet as hell.

And damn lol

S65 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:09

Celica

E90M3 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:09

SHO fo sho

OPPOsaurus WRX > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:13

a couple interesting finds:

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/560785…

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/560304…

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/557843…

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
06/02/2016 at 22:14

I am amazed by the love for the Olds. Glad to hear, couldn’t agree more.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
06/02/2016 at 22:15

Holy shit, I almost forgot that these things existed!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > E90M3
06/02/2016 at 22:16

That SHO is a freaking killer car for the price. Probably the best DD of the bunch, and the quickest as well. Not sure why no one has bought it yet.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > gmctavish needs more space
06/02/2016 at 22:18

Isn’t it though? The 4 doors look so awful, yet the coupe manages to look killer in an understated sort of way. But, yeah, that SHO is fucking killer. I’m honestly not sure why nobody has snatched it up yet.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:19

Totally biased because I own one, but this:

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/5606904729…

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > S65
06/02/2016 at 22:19

First one for the Celica! It definitely caught my eye when I came across it. A little beat down, but I guess that’s why it’s cheap.

djgreenlava > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:21

I've always loved the Sho but had assumed the Olds was a unicorn. Alas Yamaha is the winner.

djgreenlava > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
06/02/2016 at 22:22

Mass Craigslist, CT plates so I can only assume he's in RI.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > OPPOsaurus WRX
06/02/2016 at 22:25

That Seville looks like a scam. Cool cars, though. A kid I know has one exactly like that, but bright red. And it’s freaking mint. Sounds amazing too (straight pipes).

That Stealth is sweet! Always been interested in those. I always thought they looked cool as hell.

As for the Sable, I think that that one is the only one that hasn’t been crushed yet lol.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:26

Olds for sure. Only made ‘92-93. Only 500 ‘93's were made and only 20 were bright red. That is a rare care for cheap, plus it is actually a decent performer. If nothing else it needs to be saved from the junkyard.

If I was looking for cheap FWD manual “performance” cars, I’d look for a Ford Probe GT as well.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > interstate366, now In The Industry
06/02/2016 at 22:26

Ooh, Preludes are cool. I like your gen of Prelude waaaay more, though. This gen has too much of a ricer stigma attached to it.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > djgreenlava
06/02/2016 at 22:29

That 3.0 does scream in these things. I’ve always wanted to drive/own one. The best part would be screwing with guys with stock Fox or SN95 GTs lol

E90M3 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:36

It looks so clean, I'm surprised it's still for sale, I wonder if something is catastrophically wrong with it.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/02/2016 at 22:37

Damn! I knew they were rare cars, buy I had no idea only 20 were made in that color. I’d love to own it, because nobody ever seems to realize how cool they actually are.

Eh. I like how the Probe looks, but it’s performance and reliability isn’t stellar. And I’m not exactly looking either lol, just browsing for some quirky cars.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:40

I have one of these, too.

Kinja'd!!!

But you’re right, lots of riced ones out there. Mine had some mods when I bought it, but they were mostly things I wanted to do anyway. Carbon hood, short shifter, OEM aero kit, not-totally-terrible-sounding catback exhaust.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > E90M3
06/02/2016 at 22:42

There’s gotta be something up with it. No other reason a car that clean that is SO cheap should remain unsold. Kinda wanna go check it out.

Your boy, BJR > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:43

If I had the money I’d be buying a plane ticket. Loved both my Oldsmobiles (both gens of Aurora), and I always liked the Achieva. My favorite of the N Bodies

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:44

Nobody suspects the SCX! Yeah I think it was like 1700 total SCX made. There were more red ‘92's but total still has to be under 300. The reason it doesn’t seem that rare is because the normal non-SCX Achieva also came in that color.

I love them just because a 2-door manual Olds is so weird. Both the Achieva and Alero could be had in a manual but I’m guessing it was a very low percentage. We’ll probably be having a similar conversation about the 2013 Regal GS in 20 years.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > interstate366, now In The Industry
06/02/2016 at 22:44

Ah, cool! Yours actually looks pretty damn clean. It’s not overdone like most of the modded ones out there.

E90M3 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:46

It honestly might be worth it

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > djgreenlava
06/02/2016 at 22:50

No, he’s just gone and posted it on every NE Craigslist.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 22:51

I’ve never actually seen one in person.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Your boy, BJR
06/02/2016 at 22:53

It’s only like an hour away from my house. I kinda wanna go check it out if it stays up for sale.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/02/2016 at 22:56

I guess that’s why I’m so attracted to them as well. They’re just so quirky, but also happen to look and perform good as well. Yeah, I definitely see the GS ending up in the same book. Though, they have sold a pretty decent amount of those.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > E90M3
06/02/2016 at 22:58

I’m honestly really intrigued by both the SHO and the Achieva. The Achieva is only an hou away, and the SHO is only 30 mins!

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:00

Good point the GS is fairly common. I doubt there are more than a few thousand with manuals out there though.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
06/02/2016 at 23:01

Me neither. I’ve barely even seen them on the internet.

E90M3 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:02

Go for it!

jovimon7 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:03

I vote for the SHO but no you won’t be screwing with guys with stock Fox or SN95 GTs except maybe from 100mph up. I’ve owned all three, the 3.0 can’t match the V8 torque.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > jovimon7
06/02/2016 at 23:09

I dunno, maybe not the Fox, but I think the SHO could match an stock SN95 GT. With a few mods it would take one fairly easily.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:09

Thanks. It was a junkyard rescue, had two accidents and a blown engine. Most of the work I’ve done to it in the 2 1/2 years I’ve had it has been restoration. Engine swap, new brakes, working on upgrading the suspension. Once it’s done I want to start autocrossing it.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > E90M3
06/02/2016 at 23:10

Maybe if I can get some free time. Because both of those are pretty awesome for the price.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/02/2016 at 23:15

Oh, yeah. They’re definitely not a common sight. I just feel like they will still be more attainable compared to stuff like the SCX, though, simply from people taking better care of them.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > interstate366, now In The Industry
06/02/2016 at 23:17

Wow. That’s some serious commitment right there, man. Props. Sure looks like it’s paid off.

Birddog > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:45

Olds was doing good things with the Quad 4. It deserved more respect than it got.

The other two? That Toyota just looks like a pile and all Saturns need to die a horrible firey death. I only wish Roger Smith lived long enough to see his pet project get dismantled and flushed.

MUSASHI66 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:50

Had the SHO, 1991 model, same color as pictured.

I love the SHO.

I would never, ever buy another SHO. If consider recommending it to my worst enemy. When we talk of Audi all road being a maintenance nightmare, I am sure SHO would be spoken of in the same terms had it been produced at the same decade.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:50

SHO for me because I’ve just always wanted one and the history / period was interesting.

I didn't know that Olds was so unicorny!

shop-teacher > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/02/2016 at 23:55

SHO, hands down. Those bastards are QUICK!

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 00:04

Peugeot 405 mi16

Kinja'd!!!

PorkchoPlissken > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 00:30

Normally I would say Celica, but that SHO is awesome. If the SHO wasn’t there the Olds would make it equally difficult. What a cool sleeper.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 00:41

SHO that Yamaha engine sounds amazing

DiExMachina > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 00:44

There is only one answer.... 4DSC

gmctavish needs more space > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 01:10

It definitely looks like it was designed to be a coupe, the strange flat sections towards the back with the narrowing greenhouse make a lot more sense. I never understood what they were going for just from seeing the 4 doors. It can be a red flag if something that looks excellent hasn’t sold, but there’s a solid chance that not enough people are even looking for them. Whenever a SHO shows up around here, it hangs out a while

VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 05:48

I’d recommend a BG Mazda 323 or Protege with a 200hp KLZE V6/5MT swap.

I bought a 95 Protege for $500, a donor MX3 V6 (for harness, trans, crossmember, rad and cluster) for $500 and a fresh High Comp KLZE from an importer for $800. Put it together over a weekend. Drove it on a 3000mile road trip just two weeks later with no problem.

It felt a LOT faster than any 200hp car I’ve ever been in. It pulled like my GS430 Lexus.

I’d build another one for laughs, I sold it for $3K, which MADE me a profit lolol. regret selling it pretty often.

RT > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 07:31

Meanwhile in Euroland: I found a MR2, Audi Coupé, E46 328i, CLK and Mitsu GTO. All manual.

But they were all slightly above budget and not FWD, so I think this is the best bet for your challenge…

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/us…

Fiat Coupé.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > MUSASHI66
06/03/2016 at 07:42

Really? You are the first person I’ve ever heard say that. I’ve seen some on CL with like 200k+ miles on the clock, and they still look pretty decent. What happened to yours?

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
06/03/2016 at 07:53

Definitely agreed there. Such a cool and original cat that Ford came up with. DOHC and a 7k redline in a 4 door sedan was pretty badass in 1989.

And yeah! Nobody ever remembers them. Lots of them were trashed, so there’s not many left.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > shop-teacher
06/03/2016 at 08:00

They are quick as hell. High 6s or 7 flat is pretty killer for a 25 year old sedan!! It would be a killer car for the money.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > RT
06/03/2016 at 08:02

Oooooh, those Fiat Coupés are cool. Kinda funky looking. Those are some cool cars for $2k!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
06/03/2016 at 08:04

I don’t really know if any of those are in running condition for $2k lol

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > PorkchoPlissken
06/03/2016 at 08:06

Yeah, both of them are definitely cool rides for the money. I think the SHO would be the best DD, but I think the Achieva may take it, just for obscurity.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
06/03/2016 at 08:08

True story. That 3.0 does scream.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > DiExMachina
06/03/2016 at 08:10

The SHO and the Achieva are definitely getting the most praise. The 4 door does give the SHO that sleeper vibe and added practicality.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > gmctavish needs more space
06/03/2016 at 08:29

Yeah, I definitely feel like it was designed to be a coupe. Every single 4 door Achieva i see just looks like an afterthought on the designer’s part. Considering that SHO has been around for a while, and it is that clean, I just think that nobody is looking for any.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated.
06/03/2016 at 08:31

Damn, that sounds like a freaking riot! Got any pictures?

jovimon7 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 08:56

Kinja'd!!!

VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated. > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 09:57

Kinja'd!!!

Was an easy swap. Really could be done by most anyone with some tools and some work. Would break traction in second, and power through 80-120mph like nothing. Whole car was less than $2k complete.

MUSASHI66 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 10:45

Clutch, clutch cable, stalling, various little electrical bugs... Keep on mind - that engine is amazing, but it was used in nothing but in that generation of SHO. Car is 25 years old. While awesome back in 1991, it is large, heavy, FWD sedan with only 220hp. I see more Ferraris and McLarens on the road than this generation SHOs. I loved having mine 16 years ago, while still reasonably current and new-ish. I paid $4000 for a 1991 in 1999 or 2000, it had 80k+ miles, it more or less died by 90k miles.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 10:47

Dude! You’d be nuts not to buy that Taurus SHO. At that price in that condition I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated.
06/03/2016 at 10:48

This would of been good information to know 18 months ago when I had a 100% rust free BG 323

Kinja'd!!!

shop-teacher > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 11:35

The first “fast” car I ever got a ride in was a family friend’s green ‘93 SHO. That sumbitch threw me back in my seat and made some really fabulous noises as he was rowing through the gears!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated.
06/03/2016 at 11:52

That looks like a really clean swap. Killer job. Pretty sure that was more fun than anything else for $2k.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
06/03/2016 at 12:27

I know! Really not sure why nobody has snatched it up yet.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 13:12

There was one in nj for $1500 a while back.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 13:13

Thanks. It’s been fun, as well as a valuable learning experience as it’s my first real project car.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
06/03/2016 at 18:12

Huh. I don’t even remember the last time I even remember seeing a Peugeot on CL, period.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/03/2016 at 20:09

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/557164…

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
06/03/2016 at 20:18

That’s pretty hot actually

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
06/04/2016 at 00:43

Yeah I like them. 505s are rwd if only 505Turbeaux was still posting here.

cberg > VonBootWilly - Likes Toyota, but it's still complicated.
07/02/2016 at 00:20

Having hooned the wheels off a friend’s 12v MkIV Jetta, that looks like a MEAN sleeper. Any idea if it would work on the later model Protege in the ‘90s bodystyle?