Choosing a project car.

[Sweep]

Hi guys im getting closer to making a desision in regards to my next car which is going to be a project I have a few options just wondering what you thought.
Im still going to be keeping my current Fto.
I have been tempted to pick up another Fto as a runabout and use mine as a turbo project because im getting to know it a little better now.
Problem with that is mines a tip box and I know im going to be loosing some power and the extra stress on the tip might give me problems, does this sound about right?
I know I could have mine converted to a manual but thats going to be a huge extra cost?
So if I pick up another Fto with the intended purpose of installing 6A13 does it really matter wether its a mivec or GR?
Also what would be easier dropping in a 6A13 or picking up a GR and installing a turbo kit?
Out here in the middle of nowhere their isant a great deal of support as far as the fto is concerned so its going to be a huge project for me.
I did also consider two other options which were picking up a car which is already a turbo maybe somthing that needs some tlc and work on that, or getting myself a old school MK1 / MK2 Escort and pulling that apart and making it into a rally/road legal track car.
Im thinking the Escort Idea maybe good as it will have no computer or fuel injection might be a bit more basic & easier for a novice to work on.
This is whats been rolling around in my head for the last couple of months so I hope it makes some sence

[Sweep]

Ps does anyone know the expected bhp of a V6 GPX mivec with a tip box?
Thanks

[AJ]

My turbo tip GPX is pushing out 173atwkw at 10psi. With a new computer I've been told that I can expect around the 210-220 mark. Gear box seems to be doing fine just now.

Simon (I8AFRE) turbo'd his tip GR so can give you heaps of info there.

In the argument over GR v GPX I'm not very technical (I bought my car already turbo'd) but the GR has smaller brakes than the GPX so you'd have to consider upgrading them. GR is meant to be easier to turbo yourself.

[Lawso]

83 PRELUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(see signature below)

[MH999]

Also consider a ta22/ra28 celica if you want an old school project car,as these things are starting to go up in value now, although the ra28 (fastback) are really hard to find these days the ta22 look just as good imo and the 2tg ,18rg motors are dead simple to fix up and give decent performance as well.If your a hard c**t then you could even consider swapping in a 1jz (2.5 twin turbo 6)into these things.I have seen decent restorable examples with minimal rust go for 1.5-2k. Just my two cents.

[Sweep]

Thanks for your input guys after reading through the turbo threads again and paying a little more attention I dont really think that I have anywhere near the mechanical knowledge or resourses to build a turbo. I would be lucky to find a mechanic or engineer up this way to help me out with some of the things that need to be modified or fabricated.
It makes sense to me to stay on track with a fto project of some kind, because I do lik my fto and the more experience I have with the fto the easier it will be to own one meaning I can do more work myself and have to rely on other less.
So im thinking about a non turbo fto project, maybe pick up somthing cheap and spend some time on handeling and looks.
Pull the motor out service it and do some performance upgrades nothing too crazy just maybe somthing that might give the turbos a run for their money on the tack, through a combination of performance and handeling.

[koolio1234]

If you go down the gr route, check out Simon's turbo thread. Alternatively you can go 6A13 but either way, it's gonna cost ya and at some points will have you ripping your hair out if you're not already bald. But it's worth it if you have the will and patience.

[rock_it]

Foe the price you pay to turbo a non turbo car, you could have bought an R32 GTR..

Coming from someone who Evo'd a FWD Hyundai, and I am sure Ben will back me up here.. But it is more cost effective to take a platform built around a turbo.. Forcing one to be turbs is a lot of trial and error + headache.. Well that is if u want serious power..

I had 316hp at the wheels in the Hyundai, and had to custom the driveshaft so it could take that much.. Life is so much easier now the engine is back in an Evo platform..

Even get an S13 or above and you van work it's tits off for the same amount as an FTO project.. Unfortunately, there is just not enough after market support for the FTO..

[Shane001]

What about a GTO?

And don't go GTR, if you're gonna get that serious go Supra

[bduffman]

i know a guy i work with ( sorta he works at a static site i visit ) anyway he owns a gto and used to own a evo and he was saying the gto was more fun and felt more powerfull then his evo

[Shane001]

Yeah I've always liked the look of the GTO. Would love to build one for the race track but I think they'd be too heavy.

[rock_it]

Electronics in a GTO ate terrible.. If u add something aftermarket prepare for problems.. Have had mates with em.. One just put in an alarm and had massive dramas..

The other put in some aftermarket gauges.. And u would not believe the amount of things it screwed up..

[aza013]

The GTO's are a good looking car but they are well into the 1600+kg area.
Also if you thing the FTO is a bitch to work on then forget working on a GTO.

[MH999]

Thanks for your input guys after reading through the turbo threads again and paying a little more attention I dont really think that I have anywhere near the mechanical knowledge or resourses to build a turbo. I would be lucky to find a mechanic or engineer up this way to help me out with some of the things that need to be modified or fabricated.
It makes sense to me to stay on track with a fto project of some kind, because I do lik my fto and the more experience I have with the fto the easier it will be to own one meaning I can do more work myself and have to rely on other less.
So im thinking about a non turbo fto project, maybe pick up somthing cheap and spend some time on handeling and looks.
Pull the motor out service it and do some performance upgrades nothing too crazy just maybe somthing that might give the turbos a run for their money on the tack, through a combination of performance and handeling.

Look at this then
http://ftoaustralia.com/v3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23009

If you want a project then i dont think an fto is suitable mainly because its a fairly complex car with all the electrical and wiring and the fact that its a fwd v6 some things are hard to get too.I would just get something simple,like you said mk1 2 escort and work from there.

[Kustom]

Dude just buy mitches FTO.

Its a steal.

[SG]

There are a few old mk1 escorts who rally and do motorkhanas in my area. Really easy to work on and everything is cheap esp semi slicks. But not that fast and less aftermarket support than a fto, but really fun. Ftos have great support compared to some cars but some are way out there. Integras and civics u can do just about everything to for a light fwd car.

Also old porsches are great.

[Sweep]

What are your guys thought on the toyota GT4 Turbo any good as a track/street car?

[Kustom]

Id go for a EG or EK civic if it was me probably.

[Sweep]

Yea im not sold on the Honda's they have never really interested me, but I know they are very popular so aftermarket support would be good.
I have three cars which im contemplating on.
Fto Latly thier seems to be some nice examples that are also well priced.
Old ford ie escort / 220 cortina
Toyota GT4 Turbo.
Only way to solve this is to buy all four

[silverGPX]

my mate owns a absolutely psycho gt4 celica, a very good platform, not much engine bay space, but its making around 400hp atw and he isnt even a mechanic!!