I Need a Bulletproof, But Out of Left Field 4-Banger

"CodyVella" (codyvella) 03/09/2016 at 03:34 • Filed to: None

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So, every fall my buddies/family and I participate in the local demolition derby for shits and giggles. The last two years I’ve run base model Civics of the ‘96-’00 vintage with moderate success. This year though, I have the option of running a ‘99 Civic Si if I swap out the currently blown clutch (It’s like $80, a case of beer and an afternoon to change the clutch). Or, I could look around for something cheap (Less than $500) instead of fixing the Civic that’s already here. But if I don’t run the Civic who’s VTEC will be pinned through four straight square tubed exhausts pointed directly upwards out the hood, I want something that’s both bulletproof and a little out of the ordinary. So I’m turning to oppo for suggestions. What’s a fairly reliable, odd, 4 cylinder car that I can obtain for next to nothing?

I’m leaning towards the Dodge Spirit/Plymout Acclaim. The Chrysler 2.5L I4 was/is bullet proof, and they’re pretty robust cars, and you NEVER see them around anymore. Accompanying pic is of my ‘00 Civic Hatch from last year. The clutch blew apart into a million pieces, robbing me of a win.

slipperysallylikespenguins > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 04:19

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Why do you want to demo something rare/ uncommon?

Berang > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 04:31

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Get a subaru or a saab. Cheap as hell on CL.

Stapleface > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 06:47

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Not sure I’d want to run a little 4 banger in a Demo Derby. Now a Dodge Dart with a Slant 6, that you just can’t kill.

If you're insistent on a 4 cyl, how about a Chevy Citation with the Iron Duke?

Slant6 > Stapleface 03/09/2016 at 07:46

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#dartlivesmatter

#savethedarts

Slant6 > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 07:48

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Saab. The 2.3 (pre 2011) or 2.0 (pre 2003) are bulletproof. Can even find non turbo older ones if thats what your race requires.

Old-Busted-Hotness > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 08:00

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Spirit/Acclaim both have a decent size trunk for ramming. That’s a good plan, and you’d be doing the world a favor besides.

Also, demo derby is about the most fun you can have, full stop. I beat the hell out of a $100 Steve McGarrett edition Mercury 25 years ago:

camaroboy68ss > Slant6 03/09/2016 at 09:42

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save the darts but dump the slant 6 for a 383 or 426 Wedge or Hemi depending on the year.

Slant6 > camaroboy68ss 03/09/2016 at 10:10

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Nah. Turbo Slant 6 is best slant 6.

MonkeePuzzle > CodyVella 03/09/2016 at 12:22

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why the hell would I suggest something other than the Si when you temp me with the possibility of multiple minutes pegged at redline with straight pipes through the hood!?

CodyVella > Stapleface 03/09/2016 at 12:43

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I should have specified it’s for the small car category. Big car involves too much prep. I enjoy just stripping a car, welding in a few bars and then seeing what weird exhaust combinations I can stick out the hood.

CodyVella > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/09/2016 at 12:46

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Because something like a Hyundai Scoupe isn’t exactly common, or worth saving.

CodyVella > MonkeePuzzle 03/09/2016 at 12:51

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Our 4-square header is obscenely loud. I love it.

CodyVella > Old-Busted-Hotness 03/09/2016 at 13:01

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It’s definitely the most fun you can have without a whole lot of effort. I also feel it’s the most fitting way for an old car to die. That said, my friends and I are looking at trying our hand in the chain car races at our local short track.. It’s like a high speed demolition derby. I’m just not sure I’m ready to see my life flash before my eyes yet.