My choice would be a nice TR6 convertible.
Trying to decide on a first car project. Been a petrol head for a while now and have been lurking here and other forums for a few years now and
finally feel competent enough to start a project. Ultimately I want to do a locost, but I feel that there are a lot of skills I need to perfect
before I try something of that level. With that said I would like to find a "fun" car to work on. Preferably working when I buy it and
slowly/methodically upgrade and replace parts to continue my education. Here are my choices.....
None of the above but voted "79-85 Datsun 240z" so I can see how others are voting.
My choice would be a nice TR6 convertible.
I voted for the Datsun, but it really depends on what you want it for. I was going to get an MX5 before I decided tyo go down the 7-type and latterly
on buying an old westfeild rather than building something like a mk indy or mnr.
Daniel
MX5, its a very simple well thought out car under the skin, get a MK1, much nicer IMHO
Go for the locost, it will teach you loads.
Enough said
Apart from the fact a 240z is 69-73 so 40 years old
[Edited on 28/2/12 by franky]
quote:
Originally posted by franky
quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
Go for the locost, it will teach you loads.
All you people voting for the Datsun......
This is what I'm contemplating.
so you're looking at a 280z/zx not a 240z?
quote:
Originally posted by franky
so you're looking at a 280z/zx not a 240z?
Buy an unfinished kit like I did that's practically complete parts wise and with fiddly bits done. I picked mine up for a song! You will need to
be careful what you buy if you intend to iva but if you buy a kit still being made that won't be an issue.
To give you an idea on costs my car will be purchased and completed for under £2k without an iva. Would need another £500ish spending to get through
iva plus test fee.
mx5 will be a popular choice.
A 240z is the same weight with more power, awesome residuals(going up in value) and IMO about 1000000 times better looking. Plenty of scope for
tinkering too.
Just voted for the RX7. Had an FC TurboII. Great car, would still have it now if it wasn't so rotten 
The 280z is nothing like a 240z, and imho the 280z is an ugly americanised monster, the 240, as i voted, is still a beutifull piece of artwork
Although you haven't got it in your poll, if you ultimate goal is to scratch build a locost, I would strongly favor buying a complete 7 to tidy
up, rebuild or modify.
Why learn on something that is different to what you want to do?. Also, and no disrespect, if your project goes wrong or never gets finished you will
have reduced the value of one of the "classics" you mention, while a 7 will always be worth at least the sum of its parts.
Cheers
Fred W B
Wot Steve said
But I'd go for the MX5, for the simple reason that you won't need to find a donor when you finally come to build the Locost.
Use the Haynes plans and fit all the MX5 bits in it. In the meantime learn about rear wheel drive with the 5.
lots of volvos over there too.....
That need crushing !
quote:
Originally posted by Snuggs
None of the above but voted "79-85 Datsun 240z" so I can see how others are voting.
I voted MX5 because it'll be easiest to do logistically, I mean no scouring for parts or the car itself.
However if you're just using it to learn I'd pick up anything at a reasonable price. I still have an eye on a early 70's Morris round
the corner from me.
quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
I voted MX5 because it'll be easiest to do logistically, I mean no scouring for parts or the car itself.
However if you're just using it to learn I'd pick up anything at a reasonable price. I still have an eye on a early 70's Morris round the corner from me.
I'm about to Vote RX7, because I've always adored them - there's also a race workshop 1 mile away from where I live too!
However, my 2nd choice would be very close to the RX7 and that's to get an MX5 and then turbo it... (search for my recent post 
)
ETA - PS - I def would NOT do the Datsun, I had to work on one for virtually of the summer of 1992 as an apprentice, and it was a piece of turd, and
then we had to look at two other "good examples" to source bits from and they were absolute dog's too!
[Edited on 28/2/12 by Steve Hignett]
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Hignett
I'm about to Vote RX7, because I've always adored them - there's also a race workshop 1 mile away from where I live too!
However, my 2nd choice would be very close to the RX7 and that's to get an MX5 and then turbo it...
ETA - PS - I def would NOT do the Datsun, I had to work on one for virtually of the summer of 1992 as an apprentice, and it was a piece of turd, and then we had to look at two other "good examples" to source bits from and they were absolute dog's too!
[Edited on 28/2/12 by Steve Hignett]
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Hignett
I'm about to Vote RX7, because I've always adored them - there's also a race workshop 1 mile away from where I live too!
However, my 2nd choice would be very close to the RX7 and that's to get an MX5 and then turbo it...
ETA - PS - I def would NOT do the Datsun, I had to work on one for virtually of the summer of 1992 as an apprentice, and it was a piece of turd, and then we had to look at two other "good examples" to source bits from and they were absolute dog's too!
[Edited on 28/2/12 by Steve Hignett]
I'd also go for the MX5, for the reasons already quoted. With more and more scope for MX5 transplants into a 7 chassis, it makes sense to get your MX5 knowledge to its maximum, then just move it into the new car. And you can go all out with turbo's, superchargers, nitrous etc, and keep it for the new car!
quote:
Originally posted by franky
You forget that he lives in the states, plenty of dry state/rust free cars there
Just like rusty mx5's here!
well thats the only issue with them
It was a bit 'flakey' round the edges but I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue in Florida (compared to a car from Blackpool!!)
Oh, and it went like stink with nothing more than a home made induction kit, decent exhaust and 1bar of boost
[Edited on 29/2/12 by Nickp]
quote:
Originally posted by Nickp
It was a bit 'flakey' round the edges but I'm sure this wouldn't be an issue in Florida (compared to a car from Blackpool!!)
Oh, and it went like stink with nothing more than a home made induction kit, decent exhaust and 1bar of boost
[Edited on 29/2/12 by Nickp]
quote:
That looks
Better than looking like a hair dresser too
I lapped the Ring back to back in this and a track prepped MX5 a few years back. To say there was no comparison would be an
understatement!! BTW- the ReX stood me at about £1K
Dive in. You will learn all sorts of stuff. Anything other than an MX5 brings a lot of problems you won't have fun solving. The engine can always be changed to anything you want later when you find it doesn't have enough power for you. Plenty of people here (this site, I mean) do that.