Stupid Hypotheticals - Your Current Car + $15K

"Lets Just Drive" (lets-just-drive) 12/30/2013 at 21:04 • Filed to: None

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You get your current car (or cars) and fifteen grand to spend on it (them). What do you do?

Do you spend every dime on parts and labor? Or just parts? Do you pour some of it into what you may still owe? Is it fifteen grand worth of race days for you, or maybe it's your car plus the fifteen grand into a new car? There aren't any rules. Spend accordingly.

Authors Edit:

It took me a while to puzzle it over in my mind, how I'd answer this question. What I came up with is that for any of the money to go to my car, other financial issues would have to be addressed first and so the only way I'd have $15k to play with would mean I'd taken care of the rest - so a portion of a win fall or something.

That being the case, I'd spend about three grand on incidentals. Some of that would go towards the small debt I owe on the Mustang and the rest to a couple expensive tickets I may, or may not, have incurred this year (and the associated points). That'd leave me with about twelve thousand dollars to play with.

I'd toss around the idea of putting a crate motor in, a Coyote 5.0, but I don't think that's the way I'd go. Instead, I'd have the 4.0 fully rebuilt, built and tuned. I'd put about five thousand into the motor and transmission including exhaust and an 8.8 rear end. After spending another three grand or so on suspension and wheels, I'd spend another two on aesthetics; seats, dash, etc. Erring on the side of caution, that's what? A two thousand dollar buffer which I think is smart if only because I'd be getting it done by shop and paying labor.

So, basically, I'd take it to the right shop(s) with a budget of $12K and be like, "Let's do this."

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:07

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I'd buy an early Lancer Evo, and stuff the drivetrain into my Lancer Wagon.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:07

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I have this.

And I already really love it, and with that $15k, I'd probably just change all the parts including the engine and transmission to make it into one of these.

Which is the exact same car except it's 3 years newer, lights, wheels, body kit etc. Type-S back when they even changed the engine output to make it more sporty.

My TL is a 13 year old car now and it's 10 year old Type-S cousin is still on the list of cars I would get if I could get a cheap car right at this moment.

JustWaitingForAMate > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:08

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SSV-Redline + Supercharger kit and bits. I'll then be putting out more KW then a HSV GTS and look like a boring old sedan.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:09

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Put a V8 and IRS into my pinto and finish it.

Nibbles > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:09

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That's about what I've set my budget for on my 900 SPG. So I would have a nicely restomodded SPG putting about 280 to the front wheels

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:09

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I buy another 15 of it and do a one-make racing series. MK3 JETTAS GALORE! THINK OF THE MADNESS! THINK OF THE LACK OF SPEED!

feather-throttle-not-hair > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:10

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Mmmmmm.... that sound...

I'd like to take my 350Z from:

smallish chassis + biggish engine

to

smallish chassis + big ass engine

midnightautoparts > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:11

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http://greenbay.craigslist.org/pts/4235116114…

Because winter.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:13

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I have two cars, a 2001 Jeep Chrokee which I would do nothing to, it's 2WD so it's not worth jacking up or anything like that.

My other car is a 1978 Volvo 242 with a 16V DOHC motor swapped in. I would repaint it, swap our the interior for a leather one, turbo it and swap out the 4-speed Manual for a 5 speed T-5 out of a foxbody.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 12/30/2013 at 21:15

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I drive the coupe Type S version of that, 2001 Acura CL Type S. Definitely worth the upgrade.

The Real Dacia Sandero > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:16

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Sell my current Miata. Buy a '91 BRG one.

V8 Roadsters tubular subframe and control arms- -15-25 lbs unsprung weight

Full Flyin Miata stiffening braces

Fat cat motorsports coil over setup

FM Turbo setup

Dunlop z2s

FM Big Brake kit under the super light oem 15" BBS wheels or Wats.

Ian Duer (320b) > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:16

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Buy a second 900 in black (current one is white) and then randomly drive one or the other without acknowledging that I actually have two just to confuse people. Use the leftover to resurrect my e36

PowderHound > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:17

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OOOOOO YES!
I don't even know if I could cover all of this with 15k.
Full STi Drivetrain.
Fix up the dings and maybe get a respray?
Suspension/wheel/tire mods.

OR.

Spend a little on some suspension goodies for my car now and put the remaining 13k or so towards an Alfa.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:18

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I would give my car a manual swap, install a Comptech or some other supercharger kit, and install some good fully adjustable coilovers. I'd also get lightweight 18 inch wheels with some great summer high performance tires. I'd get a set of decent wheels for winter tires. I'd lower the car about an inch to an inch and a half. I'd also install a subframe x-brace. The most important mods are the MT swap, and supercharger, and better wheels+tires, since I've already got some slightly upgraded struts.

I drive a 2001 white Acura CL Type S, btw.

Big Bubba Ray > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:22

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With my 05 Outback I would really love to transplant an STI engine and 6 speed into it. That could probably be done for under 7 grand and I would spend the rest on new suspension, wheels/tires, etc. With the remaining money I would do some body work to get rid of the hail damage on my hood.

davedave1111 > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:22

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Easy. Sell it and buy an original Lotus Elan while they're still cheap. It's what I'd have bought in the first place if I was spending that much :)

Arben72 > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:29

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On my m3, ess 650 kit. On my sf5 built sti + 6speed swap. Either way I win with over 600hp :).

KamikazePigeon > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:38

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Chevy Venture + 15k? Hoonivan?

Hoonivan.

BKRM3 > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:39

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I like this question! Car is an E90 M3. Unfortunately, I'd want to do several different and mutually exclusive things. I'd never be able to decide what to do, so I'd probably talk myself into the practical option eventually.

Practical me : pay it off, then spend the leftover cash on a used set of stoptechs for the front. If any remains after that, put it toward track time (or consumables).

Crazy me : supercharger (VF, ESS, Active - doesn't matter!)...hello 650hp, goodbye 10 grand. Spend the rest on triple adjustable JRZ suspension. Brakes? Who cares.

Track rat me : Sell E90, buy E36 M3 track car, trailer and used F250. Live happily ever after...until I realize that I'm still stuck doing HPDEs because the running costs for entering a real racing series are still astronomical. 15 grand...yeah, good luck with that.

lucky's pepper > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:43

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If I had to spend it all on cars... first I'd pay the last few grand I owe on my pickup. Then I'd get the STI turbo & intercooler, exhaust and downpipe I've been contemplating for my '04 Forester XT. A set of lowering springs too and leather seats. I'd probably still have enough left for a respray even though the Sub doesn't need it.

Dusty Ventures > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:43

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Replace the shredded ring and pinion gear. Swap in the new seats. Get new belts. Replace the batteries. Switch the tie rods to heim joints. Fix the spare control arms. Add an LED light bar to the front bumper. Rearrange the switch panel. Fix the cracked header. Replace the extinguisher mounts (and add an extinguisher). Get the suspension re-tuned. Use whatever's left over to go race again.

Skif6996 > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:45

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Stratus R/T coupe. RWD conversion. Add turbo. Mazda 3. Suspension upgrades. Turbo. Happy.

Aaron James > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:47

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Knowing me as well as I do, I'd buy new tires for my Accord, then spend the rest on hookers and blow. You only live once.

Jayhawk Jake > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:51

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I'd pick up a Miata of some variety and spend the rest on both the Miata and Sonic.

There wouldn't be much spent on the Sonic, and I'd probably go for a ~$6-$8,000 Miata, so there would be plenty of money to update the Miata

sammyjay > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:52

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Hmm my 2004 Cavalier is a Cavalier, so I guess I'll renew the registration on that...

My 98 Cherokee...well, shit. I'll make a list of what she needs and go from there.

Right front steering knuckle, drums and shoes, brake pads, front seat reinforcement, hatch struts, and a power steering box. Total...$300-400?

Now, on to the funny money:

6" long arm lift kit with transfer case drop + Grand Cherokee rear disc swap: $2000

Air or Electric Lockers: ??

Ford Taurus electric aux fan upgrade: $150

Slotted brakes and high performance pads all around: $500?

Cragar soft 8's + 35" mud tires: $1500

Brush guard and winch: $2000

PIAA or Hella driving lights with switchgear: $500

Satellite radio, speaker upgrades, CB radio. $1300

Snowboard holder: $150

Roof cargo rack: $150

All new plugs, wires, filters, fluids, and a snorkel: $200

Not $150000, but it's a shitbox. Ideally, I'd love to swap a 350 and a built 4 speed into it, but the 4.0 in it right now is pretty stout (knock on wood.) If I had the 15k in cash...I'd probably just get a really nice notchback Mustang and make it pretty and drive my J-body in the winter.

Tom McParland > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:52

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I'm adding a turbo and whatever engine components needed to support it, some lighter wheels, sticky rubber, and rally lights (just because)

Birddog > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:56

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One thing you should always remember.
There are no stupid questions.
There are only stupid people..

My current car and 15k?
I'd wind up with 22 cars nobody wants.
It'd be like a No Kill shelter for cars.

BJ > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 21:58

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Stage 1 ECU tune, upgraded intake and exhaust, new lightweight wheels, new paint ('cause the previous owner obviously washed the car with sandpaper...), Euro spec tail lights, factory HID headlamp conversion, poly bushings, stainless brake lines.

No idea what I'd do with the leftovers. Maybe a subtle front splitter and a rear diffuser? Nah, useless unless I lower, which won't happen. Roof rack?

Ok, so I still have money left over... Gas money for a big road trip.

Dakotacowboy > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 22:14

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On the Neon I would do the necessary repairs to get it back on the road after being parked for the last two years. I would also sand it down to bare metal, repair the rust, do a completely fresh paint job, fix my sunroof, and repair or remove my aftermarket security system. On the Dakota I would get caught up on maintenance and repairs including getting new front springs, a new headliner, and fixing the current paint job. Any money left over I would save for the eventual rebuild of the Neon's engine or the 5.2L Magnum V8 swap for the Dakota.

EdWunclerJr > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 22:34

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Duramax conversion for my k2500 burban.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 22:43

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Unfortunately, there's not much I'd want to do to my E39 M5. Long ago I learned to keep my race cars and street cars separate so I don't want to turn this car into an un-drivable monster.

Coil-overs and wheels/tires? There goes ride quality.
Supercharger? I'm already using the traction control on a regular basis.

So if I had to spend money on this car, I'd have the engine pulled and rebuilt with new/upgraded internals with a slant on longevity over increased performance (though a little wouldn't be horrible). I'd also overhaul the entertainment/satnav system. Boring, I know.

If I could spend it elsewhere, I'd buy a S13, drop in a LS2 with a few upgrades (LS7 cam, maybe head work), a solid transmission and diff, suspension, cage, wheels and tires. It would be built as a drift/grip car just for track days.

revrseat70 > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 22:52

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There's not much left to do to mine.... If I have to spend it on my car I'd do a FM II Turbo kit, BBK, Hard Top Roll Bar, 6-speed swap, whatever else is left, I'd slowly dole out to make sure I have the dough to maintain my NA without having to penny pinch.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Lets Just Drive 12/30/2013 at 22:59

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I'd add front and rear ARB air lockers, winch, rebuild the 4.6 Rover V8 with forged internals so it's putting down 300-350bhp. Ashcroft differential upgrades so I can run on 40's if I wanted to. I'd then spend the rest on a Sankey off road trailer.

Team6.1 > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 00:22

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Have this

Want this. Plus some axle/driveshaft work leaves me 5k for trackdays, maybe a longarm conversion for my TJ

Lets Just Drive > Team6.1 12/31/2013 at 00:27

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How have we not met before? Or have we?

I thought I knew most of the Oppostangs. Here's mine:

D > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 02:20

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If I had to use it on my existing car (NA Miata)?

-roll bar
-15x7 Panasports
-the grippiest road-legal 205/50R15's I can find
-aggressive suspension setup (IDK the details)
-new hardtop (mine is cracked and faded)
-remove the soft top (squeaky and heavy)
-replace hardtop latches with brackets
-new front bumper (mine is... in sad shape)
-some sort of racing intake (dat sound)
-full length exhaust overhaul (from header to tip)
-give the whole car a fresh coat of Classic Red paint
-get the engine rebuilt (because leftover budget)

If I can use it on another car?

-get another NA Miata (white this time)
-13B swap + most of the mods from the first list

JohnPlayerSpecial > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 03:27

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I'll splurge it on my tow/long drive vehicle - MB GL Bluetec because my E46 track car is taken care of as well as my Honda Fit DD.

ADV.1 Wheels because I've been lusting over a set of ADV05s (approx. $8k, ridiculous I know)

Pirelli Scorpions (approx $1k)

Brabus Diesel chip, Professional ECU remap (approx. $1k)

Rigid Industries 40" Light Bar and mounting equipment for dark country roads (approx $1k)

Brembo BBK (approx $2k)

GL550 cosmetic bits and pieces (approx $1.5k)

$500 4 teh deisels

Dsscats > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 03:28

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This is an epic question, especially because I drive a Forester. Full STI swap, little lift and off road wheels/tired. I'm thinking some OZ pair or turbo fans....

William Byrd > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 08:09

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My current car, which already has good suspension upgrades and exhaust:

+ Coyote 5.0 crate engine ($6K-$8K)

+ Cobra R Brembos ($3K)

Plus install monies and maybe some tires (the rest) = hoontime.

BarryDanger > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 11:29

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I'd pay off this plus install air bag suspension and 18s:

And get me a winter beater like this:

Team6.1 > Lets Just Drive 12/31/2013 at 14:29

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Nice. I dont believe we have. Although I don't think I've posted about my own cars too terribly much.

Lets Just Drive > Team6.1 12/31/2013 at 15:35

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Forgestars?

What's all done on it?

Team6.1 > Lets Just Drive 01/01/2014 at 09:48

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Vaugh Gitten RTR edition wheels. 19×9.5 275 on all 4 corners. Wouldn't have minded more rubber in the back but I'm in love with them. Also have the RTR metal spoiler. Steeda CAI and matching flash tune. Tower brace. Flowmaster outlaw axlebacks. No major mods so far. Next step is probably gonna be shocks/struts/springs/panhard. Also been toying with the idea of FI but just don't have the $$$

911e46z06 > Lets Just Drive 01/02/2014 at 02:28

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LS1 SWAPS ON EVERYTHING. Except the Z06, because that already has an LS7.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Lets Just Drive 01/07/2014 at 13:28

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oh this is fun! I'm late to the game, but I still wanna play!

2010 SHO

Non-parts:
$4000 for track time, drag time and Michigan's standing mile
$1800 to fix up general wear and tear to some of my chrome and to my wheels
$500 to have all fluids replaced

$800 for a Tune
$1200 for high flow downpipes
$500 for Meth injection
$200 for boost gauge install
~$4000 for upgraded turbo's
~$2000 for 2nd set of track wheels + tires
$1500 for upgraded brakes, suspension and trans cooler

Maxima Speed > Lets Just Drive 01/07/2014 at 20:09

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If possible to legally import it and drive it, i would use that 15,000 to by a Nissan Stagea 350RX and bring it the the U.S. My Maxima would be sold to my brother, or used for really bad winter weather.