Toyota Corolla (1984-1987)
Toyota has built some of the longest-lasting vehicles to ever roll off an assembly line, and while the Corolla may appear to be a cut and dry commuter car to most, it is still a great car to wrench on. The 1984 and 1987 offer the best chassis build options, back then Corollas were rear-wheel drive, and engine rebuilds are relatively straightforward, as this vehicle was naturally aspirated. Just beware of gearbox issues and be forewarned that their fuel pumps are prone to rust, so removing them can be a pain in the ass.
Toyota has built some of the longest-lasting vehicles to ever roll off an assembly line, and while the Corolla may appear to be a cut and dry commuter car to most, it is still a great car to wrench on. The 1984 and 1987 offer the best chassis build options, back then Corollas were rear-wheel drive, and engine rebuilds are relatively straightforward, as this vehicle was naturally aspirated. Just beware of gearbox issues and be forewarned that their fuel pumps are prone to rust, so removing them can be a pain in the ass.
Nissan 240SX (1989-1998)
An older Nissan model, the 240SX is a sports coupe that came with a manual gearbox and a rear-wheel drive configuration, thus making it a great example of an ideal project car for anyone looking for high performance at a low cost. There are plenty of these things floating around too, and prices can range from extremely cheap to expensive depending on what shape they are in and what has already been done to them. RB26 engine swaps from Japanese-spec Skylines are a popular upgrade, and one of the biggest trends over last few years revolves around swapping in an LS engine from a Chevy. Just make sure that older models receive a 5-lug conversion that will increase your options of wheel choices.
An older Nissan model, the 240SX is a sports coupe that came with a manual gearbox and a rear-wheel drive configuration, thus making it a great example of an ideal project car for anyone looking for high performance at a low cost. There are plenty of these things floating around too, and prices can range from extremely cheap to expensive depending on what shape they are in and what has already been done to them. RB26 engine swaps from Japanese-spec Skylines are a popular upgrade, and one of the biggest trends over last few years revolves around swapping in an LS engine from a Chevy. Just make sure that older models receive a 5-lug conversion that will increase your options of wheel choices.
Honda Civic (any generation)
The Civic is one of the greatest and most popular commuter vehicles of all time, with its lightweight chassis and bottomless engine swap options, it really is an adult-sized Lego kit. Customization options are endless, as are the amount of aftermarket parts being made available to us, and popular swaps include the high-revving K series engine found in recent generations of the Si and the J-series V6 which can easily become supercharged. Unfortunately knock-off parts have over-saturated the market, so be sure to go with parts from companies like Hybrid Racing, Heel Toe Automotive, and J's Racing as they are Honda exclusive companies and offer a array of quality aftermarket parts for virtually every Honda on the planet.
The Civic is one of the greatest and most popular commuter vehicles of all time, with its lightweight chassis and bottomless engine swap options, it really is an adult-sized Lego kit. Customization options are endless, as are the amount of aftermarket parts being made available to us, and popular swaps include the high-revving K series engine found in recent generations of the Si and the J-series V6 which can easily become supercharged. Unfortunately knock-off parts have over-saturated the market, so be sure to go with parts from companies like Hybrid Racing, Heel Toe Automotive, and J's Racing as they are Honda exclusive companies and offer a array of quality aftermarket parts for virtually every Honda on the planet.
Lexus SC 300/400 (1992-1996)
As Toyota’s luxury line of vehicles, Lexus’ typically don’t make good project cars, but as certain models age, that could change. Case in point, the SC 300 and 400, which were very sleek and attractive in their heyday. These cars can be found for prices ranging from a few grand all the way up to about $7,000, and offers us an engine bay that is ideal for a V8 or a turbocharged Supra powertrain. Look for model years between 1992 and 1996 for the most bang for your buck, and since most common issues with this chassis are superficial in nature, it is a great car to consider.
As Toyota’s luxury line of vehicles, Lexus’ typically don’t make good project cars, but as certain models age, that could change. Case in point, the SC 300 and 400, which were very sleek and attractive in their heyday. These cars can be found for prices ranging from a few grand all the way up to about $7,000, and offers us an engine bay that is ideal for a V8 or a turbocharged Supra powertrain. Look for model years between 1992 and 1996 for the most bang for your buck, and since most common issues with this chassis are superficial in nature, it is a great car to consider.
Nissan 300ZX (1990-1996)
If you want a great street racer, the Nissan 300ZX is a superb choice. Turbo versions came outfitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, making up to 300 horsepower, and it wasn’t too bad on the eyes either. Just be forewarned that their engine bays are cramped at best, that they suffer from turbo oil cooler line issues, and that electrical issues are a royal bitch to deal with. But if you want to go the path less traveled, and are looking to rebuild a speedster, the 300ZX may be exactly what you’re looking for and companies like Stillen are a great go-to resource for parts and advice for this platform.
If you want a great street racer, the Nissan 300ZX is a superb choice. Turbo versions came outfitted with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, making up to 300 horsepower, and it wasn’t too bad on the eyes either. Just be forewarned that their engine bays are cramped at best, that they suffer from turbo oil cooler line issues, and that electrical issues are a royal bitch to deal with. But if you want to go the path less traveled, and are looking to rebuild a speedster, the 300ZX may be exactly what you’re looking for and companies like Stillen are a great go-to resource for parts and advice for this platform.
Ford Mustang (any generation)
As a classic project car, the Ford Mustang has seen a ton of aftermarket parts and tech support over the years. Simply speaking, since the Mustang has been in production for so many decades, finding one for a reasonable price shouldn’t be incredibly difficult, and practically any DIY project revolving around the vehicle can be found online. Due to its extensive history, there are an infinite number of parts and accessories that can be used to build the ideal custom and unloved body styles from the 1980s and 1990s can be picked-up on the cheap, making this car a prime example of a worthy project car that can be done with a relatively slim budget.
As a classic project car, the Ford Mustang has seen a ton of aftermarket parts and tech support over the years. Simply speaking, since the Mustang has been in production for so many decades, finding one for a reasonable price shouldn’t be incredibly difficult, and practically any DIY project revolving around the vehicle can be found online. Due to its extensive history, there are an infinite number of parts and accessories that can be used to build the ideal custom and unloved body styles from the 1980s and 1990s can be picked-up on the cheap, making this car a prime example of a worthy project car that can be done with a relatively slim budget.