Vote...help pick my project..

[tangerine]

Looks like me keeping my truck isn't gonna last...I am getting bored and need something to occupy my time. The only way I have been able to releive my stress lately is just go to the track and let loose (yes you'll all be happy to know I gave up street racing) and clear my head. So now I want to build something with my uncle that can be taken to the track for true therapy and still be driven on the streets to take to shows. Below are what we have thought about looking for used for a project...I also left it open for other choices.

[kevera]

Are you able to drive a stick shift since the accident.

[AKLGT]

right, if you can't drive MT, then sti is a no go, unless you do what i did and go with an LGT 5EAT and build that. also, look for what is available for each vehicle and what kind of support you can get. tons of support for the subies (since we are in that scene), not sure on the Infiniti, but I imagine it would, Z is no problem, etc. guess it depends on what you want. *shrug* i'm hoping in the next 2 years, i'll be redoing the LGT. I want to have 350-400 whp in it, but right now isn't the time. still working on 12's. plus, make sure you find something that's comfy and perhaps not everyone in your area has (to keep the uniqueness at shows).

[tangerine]

I actually meant the Legacysince I can't drive stick. Forgot to clarify that. Even a mild build on a light AWD vehicle would be VERY fun imo and thats why I also added the G35 Sedan since it comes in AWD now and the price is excellent for what you get...and amazingly (not sure how) the sedan is lighter than the coupe+ allows me to be able to have passengers if I go out. I need to take the SUV off of there, I drove a whipple charged SS trailblazer (amazing fun) but the more I think about it I do not want to end up in the same boat as my SS Silverado and that is...even though it is possible to make a truck handle like a sportscar...buying the car that can already handle that $$ can best be spent elsewhere. Luckily where I live there isn't many modded cars, especially the ones listed. There are only two modded STIs in the area and my buddy owns one of them and I drool everytime we go cruising and he leaves me like I am setting still. (640whp), the G35 Sedan is I go AWD I'd be getting the new HR which runs 13.2 stock and there is no aftermarket support for (yet) otherwise I get a rwd used and do a mild turbo to have a sleeper and still streetable...and lastly the 350Z...I don't know what it is about this car that keeps drawing me to it...but after I heard about Hinson Supercars fabbing a mounting kit for the LS blocks I thought about that as well...beautiful car with a motor that easily makes 700whp N/A and that motor/ Th400 tranny/labor is cheaper than a turbo kit+install/tune for the VQ35...

[AKLGT]

ok, ya. however, i will again add that the G35 is in direct comp w/ the LGT. now the 08's have even more spiffy due hickies (my technical term). but most a/m support is for 05/06 models due to the new ECM. the 07 is nice because the rear seats fold flat down while mine do not. and for an auto, there are guys that have modded their 5eats to well over 400 awhp/tq. mine of course, is not that powerful, but i'm probably just under 300 whp (if only i can learn to drive it now). LOL

[tangerine]

The legacy is an awesome platform and even if it doesn't turn out to be what I build for the track it would be awesome to get as a DD if I found a killer deal on a used one. If we choose the Legacy we'll probably go with the Harman package since I'v heard great things about them from Subi and Evo owners and the stage 4 package consists of:STAGE 4 – 390WHP / 360TQ @ 20psiHarmanMotive ProtuneGarret GT30R TurbochargerStainless Uppipe and Downpipe for Garret TurboHarman Motive (3”) large MAF Cold Air Intake(3”) Catback Exhaust850cc InjectorsWalbro Fuel PumpProdrive Boost Control SolenoidK&N Panel FilterFactory Exhaust Gaskets 390awhp in that car is more than enough imo. Its a whole nother world when playing around with AWD and thats why I love what I have been able to do in my SS Silverado. I tested its limits when I had that STS Turbo then when I sold it to my brother and got the S/C put on for my birthday I set it up to just the right amount of power for the track and not too much for auto X. (auto X and a bad back doesn't mix btw..heh)

[AKLGT]

Ian, Dan and Jon (formerly TDC) are awesome. had some issues w/ Jon but he is a great tuner. not heard anything negative about HM.

[Mavrik]

right now there is an STi holding the record of 7.09 seconds on the 1/4 track at over 160MPH. Maybe you could have the first Legacy to break into the 7 second class eh? lol

[Sublimewind]

Hay man,Interesting ideas you got goin on here... Isn't a G35 and a 350z the same thing? one being Infinity and one being Nissan? Sure looks like it to me... There is a guy in the Formula Drift series running a 350z with a Titan v8 under hood, pushing a very drift worthy 400hp... all motor... something to consider... i can't remember his name, but i have the Super Street with the article, so i'll try and look it up... Found it.... http://www.superstreetonline.c....htmlThat should give you something to chew on for a few... Cheers.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »right now there is an STi holding the record of 7.09 seconds on the 1/4 track at over 160MPH. Maybe you could have the first Legacy to break into the 7 second class eh? lolI do believe your speaking of this...http://www.superstreetonline.com/featur ... index.html

[tangerine]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Hay man,Interesting ideas you got goin on here... Isn't a G35 and a 350z the same thing? one being Infinity and one being Nissan? Sure looks like it to me... Yes they are pretty much the same car, I have them both listed because there is a different route to choose between a 2 seater and a sedan. My back was killing me so I did alot of reading and talking to my friend with the STI on AIM last night and he said if I build a Legacy he's in too...so I may go that route. I saw that there is finally a solution for not being able to put the JDM bumpers on the USDM Legacy amd that is one thing that threw me off last time. The Titan powered 350Z has been around a while..it looked like that when it was sponsored by Sears, now it looks like this:

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by tangerine »Yes they are pretty much the same car, I have them both listed because there is a different route to choose between a 2 seater and a sedan. My back was killing me so I did alot of reading and talking to my friend with the STI on AIM last night and he said if I build a Legacy he's in too...so I may go that route. I saw that there is finally a solution for not being able to put the JDM bumpers on the USDM Legacy amd that is one thing that threw me off last time. they have conversion kits for the JDM -> USDM bumper so they fit. my buddy's wagon LegaSTI has the spec B bumper. I want a different bumper, but not really necessary for me. I prefer the performance over the looks. i was going to get the front V-lip for both the sti and lgt, but decided i'd rather go with a crank pulley for faster acceleration and possible downpipe than a lip that just looks cool. but i promised Mav i'd get him a lip for his STI, so that will still happen next month. i'm so close to 12's (i'm hitting 13.1-13.2 consistently now) and just need that tiny little bit to spur me on. i need a true TBE and not the gutted stockers. our tech swears to me that the DP will make the difference. so he wants me to get a used one and he'll build it for me, custom (he just wants to play with his welder more).as for GT30R, you should just go with a GT35R or FP Green/Red. MO POWAH!!! mwu haaa haaa! and Harmon can make some awesome fast cars and custom set ups! since you have would be looking at a 5EAT (like mine), you may want to consider the new 08 as they have paddle shifters and they decreased the manual shifting to .2 sec vs .6 sec like in the 05-07 models. only downside is the ECM may not be available yet.

[Sublimewind]

Toss something like this in the Legacy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l21AJDx50F0

[Whelan]

Those sound like fun projects, especially the first two, well not really. One thing that aggravated me was when the Z came out and the STI Evo's cause SCC magazine dumped all the Civics and other small compact cars and went to these $30,000+ cars that already can whip and shops just dumped money into them. I'm sure its great if you own one and have the cash, but heck, I can't even afford them as they are stock let alone tuned.One thing I found hilarious was I owned a 02 Civic EX. For some reason the 1.5L, 1.6L all got a ton of aftermarket support. It was next to impossible to find anything for my car except one kind of turbo or you swap out for a 2.0L RSX-S engine.Anyways, personally I would get something creative and work on it, eveyrone's seen STI's and Z's setup for drifting or converted or what not. Get unique and throw a crate 350 from Summit into a Plymouth Horizon. Or grab a 1989 Dodge Caravan with a 2.4L turbo and make it nasty, like the "Mean Mini" guy that lived in my area. I would watch him at the pike (www.thepike.net) on Thursday nights. It was hysterical, he would waste V8 Mustangs. He hasn't been around in awhile but it was a blast to watch him.If your gonna do a car and want to stand out go to Motorex and get a Skyline.http://www.gusmahon.org/html/Mini.htm

[tangerine]

rofl...who put the Geo Metro with LS1 swap in the list?

[tangerine]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »Those sound like fun projects, especially the first two, well not really. One thing that aggravated me was when the Z came out and the STI Evo's cause SCC magazine dumped all the Civics and other small compact cars and went to these $30,000+ cars that already can whip and shops just dumped money into them. I'm sure its great if you own one and have the cash, but heck, I can't even afford them as they are stock let alone tuned.One thing I found hilarious was I owned a 02 Civic EX. For some reason the 1.5L, 1.6L all got a ton of aftermarket support. It was next to impossible to find anything for my car except one kind of turbo or you swap out for a 2.0L RSX-S engine.Anyways, personally I would get something creative and work on it, eveyrone's seen STI's and Z's setup for drifting or converted or what not. Get unique and throw a crate 350 from Summit into a Plymouth Horizon. Or grab a 1989 Dodge Caravan with a 2.4L turbo and make it nasty, like the "Mean Mini" guy that lived in my area. I would watch him at the pike (www.thepike.net) on Thursday nights. It was hysterical, he would waste V8 Mustangs. He hasn't been around in awhile but it was a blast to watch him.If your gonna do a car and want to stand out go to Motorex and get a Skyline.http://www.gusmahon.org/html/Mini.htmSkylines really don't appeal to me that much and not worth the $80-100k price tags...and sorry but I could never mod a minivan...haha

[Raivis]

i just think it would be awesome for a metro to have an LS1 can you say ultimate sleeper???

[tangerine]

lol I think a Geo would fall apart at that power level.

[Raivis]

not if you do a tube frame and stuff like thatif you lived around here i would help with what i could

[tangerine]

A geo with the Ecotech that is in the Solstice would be a nice build. That lil motor is bulletproof.

[ajflan]

STI. I love them.

[tangerine]

lol I just showed my uncle the 3 votes for a Geo and he like to killed me. rofl

[Sublimewind]

On my Chevy Astro site AstroSafariVans.com We have at least 1 member with a 502ci in a astro and another that built a chopped mid-engine astro with like a 635ci behind the front seats... He is a motor builder for boats in colorado....

[tangerine]

If I built a van I would have more tickets that I could handle. You think the Vibe holds bass good? Oh the things I'd put in the back of a van...then get pulled over as soon as I leave me house.

[ToolGuy]

I voted!

[MRCN RCE]

my friend had an astro with a souped up 92(i think that was the year) vette engine. that thing was crazy fast.my future toy is gonna be a 90-96 nissan 300ZX 2+2 with a VG30TT swap. Z32's are just beautiful machines imo. i can't wait to have one again. my idea for you is to choose a car that you loved from back in the day, and see what you can do with it. havin a newer car is nice, but it will only help you to blend in with the competition at shows

[tangerine]

I'm suprised nobody put 'Drop an LS1 in a Vibe' on the list. MRCN...I'd LOVE to build old...I with I could build a Chevelle SS but the cheapest one I found (running) was $28,000. I can't do old cars because old cars take alot of work...and it is hard enough having to set by and watch someone do my engine work, let alone a complete restore.

[kevera]

I've thought of it.I have an LT-1 from an old vette in my garage,that came out of my Chevelle.Tempted,but the s/c will do for now.Looks like it will fit.Maybe you should try that.Hint,Hint.

[tangerine]

I'v been talking to a couple shops and I think I'v decided on building a Legacy. I'm gonna be getting a lil help from a shop in Orlando who's owner does outstanding work and has proven himself to be able to push the limits. Now to find a deal on a used obsidian black...or see whats in store for 08 models.

[Raivis]

METRO METRO METRO!!!

[tangerine]

Quote, originally posted by Raivis »METRO METRO METRO!!!NASTY NASTY NASTY! I prefer not to waste our money.

[tangerine]

Now I'm in a pickle...lol. Legacy forum pplz tell me the LGT isn't a car worth building.

[drunkenmaxx]

oh god, do you realize what you just said?

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by tangerine »Now I'm in a pickle...lol. Legacy forum pplz tell me the LGT isn't a car worth building.Based on WHAT???? That is obsurd..... Personaly, you wanna do something HOT, do a Forester STi.... I see PLENTY of them on NASIOC.com... they ARE HOT... And sleepers if do it somewhat "factory"

[tangerine]

http://www.subaru.com/shop/ove...rviewthat is hot...

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Based on WHAT???? That is obsurd..... Personaly, you wanna do something HOT, do a Forester STi.... I see PLENTY of them on NASIOC.com... they ARE HOT... And sleepers if do it somewhat "factory"LOL. yes it is. just costs more and takes more to do it. there's a lot involved. and you have plenty of nay sayers on there too. trust me.... i argue with those guys as well.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by tangerine »http://www.subaru.com/shop/ove...rviewthat is hot...oh those rims will be mine! :Dbut really.... FSTI is cool. buddy ran a 13.5 his first time at the track. the only downside with the 07+ is not many options for ECM. same thing on the Leggy. nothing out yet for 08, but ecutek has a nice system for the 07's. only thing that works at the moment. and if you are looking to do this on an auto, the FXT is only 4EAT and not 5EAT like the LGT. the 08 LGT has spiffy new paddle shifters and they decreased the shift intervals in manual shift from .6 sec to .2 sec. don't let anyone tell you not to mod an LGT 5EAT. the downside is the newer models are harder due to ECM issues. otherwise, having a classic looking car that is quick as hell, is pretty darn satisfying. also, since you are in FL, you will have a few of the big boys in your neck of the woods. iamboon, wukindada are all on that side of the country and they have insane amount of power in their 5EAT LGTs.

[tangerine]

Yea, as I told them, the LGT fits everything I am looking for. As for the ECM, I was told by Harmans tuner (he's a member of my350z.com where I had been researching the 350Z) that they will have a tune for the 07 LGT in a few weeks. Also, I'm not in Florida...I just respect the shop owner there to help me with what I cannot do here in my garage. I studied shops and what they have experience with then contacted them to discuss build options and decided to have Performance Factory in Orlando give me a hand when I get to that point. My father owns a trucking company so transporting is actually pretty easy. I do have a lil more reading to do in order to make my 100% final decision but I think the LGT will be what I choose. The only way I would veer away is if a shop can mate a VQ35DE to one of the new AWD G35 sedans that use the VQ35HR. That would make for an awesome build and a platform that I'm more knowledgable about. I'd always done my own audio and bodywork in the past and never been much of a motor buff but while being layed up for the last 2 years I'v read everything there is on forums/website/magazines about the LS motorsfor when I built my Silverado and everything there is to know about the VQ in the 350Z/G35. Now I gotta focus that reading through 100's of pages on STI/Legacy forums and really make my decision on what is actually the better platform. An all out track car is the goal...but I want the opportunity to daily drive the car. My uncle and I gave ourselves a budget to build a safe/fun car and not go overkill. With research and the right tuner....tuner is the key...I expect we can go under our budget on either choice.

[AKLGT]

right. there is a lot you can do with the LGT base. also, Harmon has Jon now from TDC (long story.... as i mentioned earlier). Jon can tune the snot out of LGTs. also, you can get a FULLY build race tranny for the 5EAT from IPT in NJ. Hybrid22L did this. I believe he's running about 350 whp on his LGT. there are a few of us 5EAT modders, not near as many compared to 5MT modders, but that is why i like and plan to continue my modding on my LGT. i like having something different that not everyone has modded or done. I also suggest you PM iamboon, wukindada, wavewagon, hybrid22L and a few others (i forget off the top of my head) on legacygt.com. these are the big boys i speak of. and you can have a fast track car in the LGT and use as a daily driver.Jarrad from PDXtuning.com (my tuner) has 442 awhp in his LGT and he drives it for his daily driver. iamboon has 408 awhp in his 5EAT and also uses it as a daily driver. still don't know what mine is, but the last subiesport mag claims that the LGT Jon tuned to 260 awhp with a pro driver ran 13.43 in the 1320 and i'm running 13.19 in the 1320, plus it's a 5MT and we consistently report 20 awhp lower than our 5MT counterparts. if that is true, then i should be just under 300 awhp. once i add the downpipe for a true turbo back exhaust, it should give me that extra oomph that i need to get me to 12's. after that, maybe in a year or two, i'll go all out and do the whole kit and caboodle with an STI twin turbo hybrid set up. VF36 JDM for a good 400 awhp as my DD. woot!!! or you could do something similar, get it tuned and all, and then i can get a list of what you did! ha ha ha! because i don't have a tuner readily available (which is why we have to fly one up for road tuning, or i have to drive 2500 miles to get on a dyno).

[tangerine]

Thank you for the names...that was one question I asked and was ignored. Thats one way to avoid making stupid posts and the search feature that brings up answers unrelated to your question. PMing ppl who have done what I am after and getting straight answers always makes things easier. I wish someone local had a modded LGT...hell even lighly so I can see how it does on a track. HP is nice to have, but with this setup I'm going from ground up...suspension is gonna be the big key. I'm tired of just doing drag races and my friends are wanting me to get into road courses/time attacks. I asked Harmon to Email me their pricing on the Suspension/brake setups and I'll start from there. I figure $10k for suspension, brakes and tires/wheels should make for a solid car. $4600 for Volks is down right nuts but they are indeed the best track wheels I'v had the pleasure of using. Also...on posts I see people talking about their whp but not torque...torque is a big concern too. Is the torque on these motors on par with the HP or is it quite lower? I think a 400 low boost and 450-500whp high boost setup would make for a perfect streetable track car. 500whp with AWD would be like a slingshot out of the corners. Thats one thing I love about my buddies built STI...he took me out to the twists at the lake and man...that thing leaving curves=

[AKLGT]

you will get mass torque from the 5EAT, however, to properly build it, you'll need a race built tranny. $4300 from IPT but you have to send in yours to do it. where are you located? may be able to locate one of the LGT members nearby. also, check the motorsports section as there are several vids from people. as for tracking the car for road course/solo, xenonk is THE ultimate person to talk to, he's given me some great advice and knows an enormous amount about these cars.do a search on lgt.com for IPT and you'll find the thread. read it all.... it's good... you'll see my ordeal and a few others.

[AKLGT]

oh yes, let me add, there are several very good outfits for tuning our cars. PDXtuning is who i use, Jarrad is one of the most seasoned veterans when it comes to tuning subies. also, sean at Rallitek (also portland), world one racing in Seattle, Harmon Motive in CA, Scott Siegel is said to be one of the greatest 5EAT tuners and he is on the east coast (i think Atlanta??). there are so many parts and pieces and with the new WRX being based on the LGT platform, expect to see more bolt on mods and turbos available.

[ZubenElGenubi]

You definitely have some interesting suggestions here, but allow me to offer another possibility.How about installing a high-efficiency electric motor in a regular platform vehicle? Think Tesla. This would be strictly for track, so you could focus strictly on power and drivetrain. While I think a Vibe would be cool to try this with, you should look into a small coupe with the aerodynamics and suspension capabilities. Forget the Metro and sub-compacts; I'm thinking Fiero or Prelude or Integra.

[tangerine]

lol ignore the stupid Geo suggestion. Someone was smoking crack obviously. (or 6 people rather according to votes) The electric motors are nice...but wont work in my needed setup. I need to build a car that I can also DD

[tangerine]

Mods, lock this please. No need for a poll anymore.