Next Car problem

[Neon1000]

Hello all,

I need help on this one.

I am looking for a car that has got:
good performance, good handling, a reasonable price , with a range of modifying parts avaliable and low group insurance.

I want to modify the engine whilst learning the ropes of modifying cars


I was thinking a golf GTI but i need other cars to compare. Can anyone help?

[HDi fun]

Mk II Ford Escorts can be modified beyond recognition, sadly they're rare now.

How about a Mk3 Vauxhall astra?

[Prince]

What kinda budget do you have? Is an engine conversion for your Ibiza outta the question?

[Neon1000]

Im looking to spend about £4000 on a car in the near future

I thought about the conversion, but as im only limited in mechanical knowledge i though i best start small. I have changed allready on my car the manifold, the catalytic converter, the springs and some gasgets but only to stock parts due to wear and tear.I thought that the engine swap would be a little out of my depths. Although saying that, i am interested. Do you know any good car that could be a nice donar's ?

what other parts do i need to change if i do?

Thanks for the nice example cars you gave HDi fun, i seriously like the old skool escorts although they are hard to come accross. especially one thats been taken care of.

[HDi fun]

Mazda 323 2.0 V6 - these are indestructible little cars. You can get one of these for under £3000 and their indestructible.

[Neon1000]

Yep, i seen the one in the gallery. It looks nice, but the 2.0 v6 might make it a little expensive to insure

I have been looking at a Honda De sol. with a V-tec engine twin cams i think it offers all i want, just need to find out the insurance group its in.

with the weight to power ratio i think its a good 0-60 car. Not sure on the handleing

Has anyone got one on here? would be nice to hear how they drive.

[HDi fun]

The Mazda's aren't especially hard to insure as they don't attract thieves in the way a Golf GTi will, for example. Having said that, if you're under 25 most insurers get a little bit 'unenthusiastic' once you get to two litres and above.

At 38 it's something I don't worry about but I'll keep insurance in mind for your purposes.

Cheers,

Rgds,

Paul.

[pgarner]

the honda even with just the 1.6 vtec engine ( the del sol used the older Vti engine so produces around 165 bhp ) will be dearer to insure than the mazda. Most hondas are even the basic engines

i found this with my old civic in the last year i was insuring it they wanted just over £400for me and the wife. i also got a quote for the wifes rover ( both running 1.4 engines similar power and torque ) and it was a lot cheaper just over half think it was around £230 not bad for a 22 year old with only 2 NCB

[Neon1000]

After what has been said, i think the mazda is the best choice so far,Im going to look on the net as some quotes for it.


Thanks for all the comments guys, Once i get the car ill post it up and show its progress,

In the meantime im going to read what i can on here to see what sort of options i have with the mazda

[Prince]

The engine conversion for the Ibiza would probably be available from one of the larger Ibiza engines. The Honda will be expensive to insure...my 1.6 Civic cost me £1400 to insure with 1 year's no claims! What do you want the car to be? Are you modding purely for performance or styling as well?

[HDi fun]

Is it really worth swapping engines with all that entails?

[Prince]

It would depend on the condition of the currently owned Ibiza and the cost....I know it's not cheap!

[HDi fun]

I'm a very big fan of Japanese cars, even though I currently drive a French one most of the time. We've got Seat Ibiza here, it's a 1996 5 door 1.9D. And it is a true D. No turbo, so it's lifeless. Only bought it because it was well tooled up with airbags, remote locks, powered steering etc.

But not for its performance, which is, to be honest, nil.

It's the old school diesel

[Neon1000]

"It would depend on the condition of the currently owned Ibiza and the cost....I know it's not cheap!"
My current Ibiza is in a well maintained condition, although i am currently changing the rear bearings. I guess its my own fault driving down those country lanes, theres some scratches on the front from the early days but thats about it. engines in good condition although starting to rake miles on. It will need a new cambelt soon.

"Are you modding purely for performance or styling as well?"
Just performance.I want my car to have a sleeper look but with alloys, performance exhaust showing and maybe a front spoiler, not after big custom bumpers and loads of ice.

I still need to get a quote on the Mazda im hoping it wont be too much. Ill let you know.

Rich,

[Prince]

Ring Adrian Flux and make sure you tell them you part of a car club (for discount). That'll probably be your lowest quote.