$5000 car. $5000 in modifications. 

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 11/03/2016 at 18:22 • Filed to: Nissan, Sentra

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If you were given $10,000 with the only stipulation being half goes to a vehicle and half goes to mods, what would you do?

I think I’d go with a Sentra Se-r. I’ve been interested in these for a few years now. Fairly uncommon, good looks but still under the radar, and being a front driver it’s the only driven wheels I haven’t played around with yet. Add a cage, racing seat/harness, some winter tires and have a great little winter beater that doesn’t feel like a punishment.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:24

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Turbo Miata is the correct answer to this question.

yamahog > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:27

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I’d get a clean XJ and do it right.

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:27

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J swapped Miata is the correct answer to this question

deprecated account > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:28

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A nicer N130 than I already have

AestheticsInMotion > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] 11/03/2016 at 18:30

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Buy turbo miata

buy 5 hard tops

sell in the heart of winter

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:30

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Take my $4200 S10 and lower it and do a used V8/6-speed swap with a nice exhaust. Do up the interior a little too.

Wobbles the Mind > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:33

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This Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo AWD. Cut the weight, do tires, and see what we can do with the powertrain. Good enough for me.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:35

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Old BMW. E28, e30 or similar. Limited slip diff, turbocharger and big brakes.

djmt1 > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:39

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One of these:

then one of these:

then add this lot to the above:

Result: 2ZZ Swaped MK3 MR2 with high compression pistons and rods or in other words, a Lotus Exige for a tenth of the price.

interstate366, now In The Industry > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:43

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RSX Type S and supercharger.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:45

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Because I’m old, and have a long time love of Dodge Vans, I’d go for something like this, and have a newer 5.7 liter Hemi in it.

AestheticsInMotion > Wobbles the Mind 11/03/2016 at 18:45

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Mitsubishi 3000gt vr4 is on my attainable dream car list. I wholeheartedly support where you’re going with this

AestheticsInMotion > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 11/03/2016 at 18:52

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The ultimate sleeper! Get it... Sleeper... I’ll show myself out.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:52

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Complete electrical rebuild

Modern fuel injection

Make it sound like this

Slight lowering/stiffening.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 18:54

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TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:00

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Already doing it, bought my project IIa for $4900 and am spending the rest on mods/restoration.

Mods:

New Engine, 3.57 differentials in the axles, new paint colour and soft top for the summer months.

The idea is to do something similar to this

Think that roof on my IIa. Mind you I will be keeping the hard top for the winters.

finn's arm > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:00

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$3.5K 328iT Pre-LCI E46 Wagon (Gap between $3.5K and $5K towards OEM+ upgrades & maintenance (330 or E46 M3 hubs/rotors/calipers))

$2.5K S52+ZF Swap

$300 3.38 or 3.73 LSD

$800 Bilstein B8's

$1-$1.5K APEX Arc-8 + Federal tires

Amoore100 > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:03

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Manual swap.

Turbo it even though it’s a 2.4i N/A.

Install front fogs/rally lights.

Better shocks/suspension set-up.

Fix all that’s broken (refresh engine seals, etc.)

Repaint something interesting (saffron maybe?)

Get some five spokers.

?????

DD forever.

AestheticsInMotion > Amoore100 11/03/2016 at 19:07

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“fix everything that’s broken... “ aka goodbye mod budget -former s60r owner.

 I saw manual swap in my notifications and was reaaaaally hoping for a Subaru svx...

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:08

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Bang for the buck: An early C4 vette, a supercharger, and a cage.

AestheticsInMotion > finn's arm 11/03/2016 at 19:10

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Now to find a friend with a spare $10,000

AestheticsInMotion > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. 11/03/2016 at 19:12

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I think I read about this... Did you ask oppo for paint preferences?

Very cool, can’t wait to see this all buttoned up

AestheticsInMotion > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 11/03/2016 at 19:14

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C4's are that cheap? I should probably avoid Craigslist until I forget this conversation

NJAnon > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:19

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can’t think of a car for $5,000USD after taxes to put modifications on.

(1992 Saturn SC2? Why?)

(Toyota MR-2? I would like a car I can modify but at least still put a few items in as well)

(1986 Toyota Corolla? eh thats been attempted)

(Nissan 240SX? Motortrend already tried)

The World of Vee > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:33

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Haters be gone, front drives are fun

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/683173377/overview/

Amoore100 > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:38

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Well, maybe not everything ...besides, it currently runs fine, so maybe avoiding a turbo is the better option. Stick V50s are rare but apparently a quick reflashing of the ECU lets you keep your current car if you swap in a manual so it’s not massively difficult.

SVX? Nah, IS Sportcross is where it’s at for auto-only, slightly ugly Japanese cars.

Saracen > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:39

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Well, I bought my beater F-250 for under $5k.

I guess I’d spend the rest on replacing all the bushings, seats and tow mirrors from an ‘08 F-250, and some engine and transmission upgrades (5" exhaust, tuner, injectors, gauges, valve body upgrade)

shop-teacher > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:45

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They are that cheap. I’ve been seeing some under $4k even.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:50

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I did indeed ask oppo for paint references.

AestheticsInMotion > Amoore100 11/03/2016 at 19:51

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I miss the days when “Auto only slightly ugly Japanese cars” was a small segment. IS sportcross... That looks fun

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:53

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Early C4's are 5-6k cars. The early ones handle well, but only have 205-245hp and usually have either a 4sp. auto or that 4+3 disaster of a manual gear box. For 5k, there would be a lot of handling and braking capability just waiting for some horsepower. 91 brought the ZF 6 speed box, and 92 brought the LT1. Clean LT1 cars are 7-10k. LT4 cars can be 10-12k if they’re clean enough.

Die-Trying > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 19:58

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Model T 1927 ford pick up - $4500

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

okay, we buy the 27 truck for the body AND frame. THEN take the blazer and use ITS ENTIRE driveline : 400 small block Muncie granny 4 speed transmission, and turn the ‘27 into an ALL WHEEL DRIVE manual trans v8 t bucket. tastefully lowered. will need to use the leftover $1000 to buy some WIDE short tires for the blazer wheels, and a few welding rods. would absolutely hack up the blazer frame for bracket materials.............

shop-teacher > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:01

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Rust free Roadmaster wagon with tow package and working AC. Upgrade the suspension to improve handling a bit, while still riding like a Buick. Coil near plug conversion, tow hitch, better exhaust, and a bit of tuning and tweaking. The drive many many miles.

Amoore100 > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:03

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Well they’ve all disappeared now.

Today we have auto only very ugly Japanese cars.

Ugh. Makes me long for the days when they were all simplistic (if boring) white soap-bars.

Or better yet, origami-esque metal sculptures.

Nerd-Vol > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:07

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NA Miata and a turbo. Improve the suspension, brakes and put a roll bar in.

AestheticsInMotion > Nerd-Vol 11/03/2016 at 20:20

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Did you steal my build list?!

CalzoneGolem > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:40

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I’d probably get a full sized truck and spend the other 5k on mending it.

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:49

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Do what i did

Classic VIP Luxo-barge, then buy wheels/tires and air-suspension and done!

bhtooefr > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:50

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Sell the hard tops in the heart of winter? No, that’s when you buy them.

You sell them in spring, when everyone’s getting their race cars ready, and their sanctioning body requires a OEM hardtop.

AestheticsInMotion > shop-teacher 11/03/2016 at 20:53

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I feel like “drive many miles” won’t work with a lot of these beater+turbo ideas haha. Roadmaster sounds nice. Currently dreaming of a second car with luxury-esque ride. No longer having to live in fear of potholes... Someday.

shop-teacher > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 20:55

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I love my Roadmaster, but it has too much rust for me to keep it. It just wants to drive though. Such a perfect road trip car.

AestheticsInMotion > Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud 11/03/2016 at 20:57

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9/10. So much style. Subtracting a point for getting the Kars-for-kids jingle in my head...

bhtooefr > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 21:01

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Take used Transit Connect, they’re just starting to hit $5k for beater-grade ones.

Get a hold of a totalled Escape or older Fusion Hybrid, and swap its powertrain in. Battery goes under the front seats.

Sell the stock powertrain to get a few bucks for phase 2 of the project (and launder purchase price money into mod budget money)... convert it to a microcamper, powered from the hybrid system. No need to carry a generator, or use propane appliances. (Potentially have extra battery, so it can also run as a plug-in hybrid, when hookups are available. And, solar panels, to run house systems without needing the engine to recharge the batteries, or hookups.)

Justino6969 > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 21:10

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Miata for around $5k

LS engine plus hardware for conversion for around $2500

Turbo kit and tuning for around $2500

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 21:36

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WRX wagon with STI swap maybe? EG Civic HB with a K24 and six speed. You could find a way decent shell for 5K. Low mile engine and transmission for 3k and 2k in swap parts. Keep the motor stock, believe me that 200hp will move that 2100 lb car quite well. You could still squeak out almost 40mpg if you keep your foot out of it.

AestheticsInMotion > Justino6969 11/03/2016 at 21:50

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With the stock 14x5.5's for maximum fun

AestheticsInMotion > Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition 11/03/2016 at 21:54

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Oh man. The parts for the wrx/Sti would be double the budget around here.

I’d daily the hell out of that civic

Speed > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 21:58

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I’ve done well with my ‘98 Z28, but for this challenge I’m going with a 6spd LT1 car like the one above.

Full exhaust, clutch, shifter, Strano springs and swaybars, Koni 4/3's, braided brake lines, good pads and fluid, Dick Miller Racing (family discount) tubular rear lower control arms, panhard with poly bushings, a tubular torque arm, diff cooler, wheels, tires, seats and a roll bar.

A lot lof this stuff I can get used or heavily discounted, then sell off the old parts to compensate. If you search the forums and craigslist you can score.

When I got my Z28, I only spent $800ish in mods including: a full exhaust, 3.73 gear swap, subframe connectors, Z06 wheels (with tires) and a 3,500 billet stall. My Yank stall by itself would hav cost about $900 new. No discounts at that time, just wheeling and dealing.

With $5,000 I could do some damage.

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 22:00

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I should have been more clear. By STI swap I mean not engine just transmission, rear axle, brakes, maybe suspension. It would be close. The stock engine livens up with the better gearing.

AestheticsInMotion > Speed 11/03/2016 at 22:36

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It’s crazy seeing the difference between “x amount of money” on new parts, and “X amount of money” on used parts off Craigslist/forums etc.

Remind me to go to you the next time I start building a car from stock haha

Speed > AestheticsInMotion 11/03/2016 at 23:23

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I’ll give it a shot!

The forums and craigslist are a goldmine. From a logical investment state of mind, modding a car is a waste of money. The only investment aspect of it is in making the driver happy and that’s perfectly fine. We all need our vices.

That said, why not pick up parts for a fraction of what they’d cost new? People are always changing their combinations, parting out their cars or ditching projects. Buying whole projects or cars already modded is also a killer way to save. People yell built not bought, but I could care less it it saves some money (aka leaves more to blow on parts). Doing your own labor is also a MASSIVE way to save.

I need to write an article on this.

Here’s examples from my Z28:

Full exhaust (new): $370 (after selling stock catalytic converters)

Stall: $200 (used off LS1tech)

3.73 geared rear: $125 after selling stock rear

Subframe connectors: $200 (new)

Z06 Wheels: $200 (used off craigslist and after selling factory wheels

Total: $1,095

I forgot to ad welding and my muffler to the $800 estimate. We weld stuff at home now. Even at that cost, it’s a fraction of what it should cost. My stall (a Yank 3,500) retails for around $850-900 new.

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > AestheticsInMotion 11/04/2016 at 12:53

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fair and just

HammerheadFistpunch > AestheticsInMotion 12/01/2016 at 16:03

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Just saw this. Sad story? $5000 in mods sadly doesn’t even get me where I want to get with my $5000 car. here is a short list

http://overland.kinja.com/its-a-list-1788705088