Cheapest car with a reliable 350+bhp potential?

[Kieran]

Purely hypothetical, but something I've always wondered. The VR4 requires a relatively high amount investment if one wants to make it quicker and this increases exponentially as you get closer to 400bhp.

So - starting with a standard car, what would be the cheapest car to buy and the cheapest to modify to a reliable 350~400bhp without the use of NOS? As this is hypothecial, don't factor in brakes, suspension etc.

These are my thoughts....

Toyota Soarer 2.5 Turbo
Nissan Skyline GTS-T
Supra Mk4 TT
Toyota Aristo Vertex

Any comment on those or any other suggestions?

[pitslayer]

I would go with a Supra TT or a Skyline, but even that wouldnt be cheap, supra would be easiest though

[Wodjno]

I take it your sticking with Jap Crap K ??

Toyota Soarer 2.5 Turbo

Mk1 Toyota Aristo Vertex

Manual boost controller, decent flowing panel filter and decat.. This would see in excess of 350bhp with the Aristo.

So that could be had for close to 100gbp + car /Yes Plus the initail cost of the vehicle. So all in for under 2k

[Ryan]

What would a Mk IV Supra make with those mods WODJ?

[Kieran]

Yes, sticking with Japanese motors if you please

Thought of another potential one - Mk3 Supra (7M-GTE).... Perhaps not as easy to tune(??) but you can pick them up for sod all.

[Atik]

Keeping to the estates, I would expect high bhp returns from a well tuned Stagea and it wont break the bank. Same as a Skyline GTS-T I would think?

[Wodjno]

What would a Mk IV Supra make with those mods WODJ?

The same

But it would be more expensive!

As you would be paying a Premium for the Supa over the Aristo ...

Quick question K !

Why BHP ? And not Acceleration or Speed ?

[pitslayer]

Might have to agree with Glenn here,
The big capacity JZ engine – the 3-litre 2JZ – was introduced to the Japanese market in 1991. The naturally aspirated version was first seen in the Crown Royal, Crown Majesta and Aristo saloons while the twin-turbo variant appeared in the top-of-the-range Aristo.


With its square bore dimensions (86 x 86mm), the naturally aspirated 1991 2JZ-GE uses a 10:1 compression ratio and a dual-stage manifold to produce 169kW at 6000 rpm and 284Nm at 4800 rpm. It mightn’t have forced induction but this is a very strong engine for its capacity.

Curiously, the 2JZ-GE was spread into the Chaser, Cresta and Mark II range during 1992 but the quoted outputs are down 7kW and 4Nm – we can only assume there are differences in the exhaust, air intake and perhaps ECU tune. These early atmo 2JZs are typically fitted with an auto transmission.

The last car to receive the 2JZ-GE was the Toyota Soarer coupe of 1994. In Soarer spec, the 2JZ generates a full 169kW/284Nm (the same as the Crown range and Aristo).

And, despite popular opinion, the awesome twin-turbo version of the 2JZ was not first released in the Supra.


The first application of the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE was in the nose of the top-line 1991 Aristo. And, as you’ve probably heard, this is an absolute humdinger of an engine. With a static compression ratio of 8.5:1 and a sophisticated sequential twin-turbo arrangement (using a pair of CT12B turbochargers), you’re looking at a conservatively claimed 206kW at 5600 rpm. Peak torque is a huge 432Nm at 3600 rpm with 380Nm from just 1300 rpm... In Aristo spec, the 2JZ-GTE comes fitted with a 4-speed automatic trans.

When the same engine was later installed to the JZA80-series Supra (from 1993), buyers had the option of a 6-speed manual. Engine output is identical in the Aristo and Supra.

Perhaps something with

Metallic Grey/Blue paint which I am sure you could detail to get looking lovely

In immaculate condition with a HKS SSQV Dumpvalve fitted and a set of 18" 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels in superb condition... Shod with 245/40/18 tyres all round.
with
12 months MOT and 6 months TAX.


The Aristo would be a good choice, and a very nice barge by that manner aswell

[Kieran]

Quick question K !

Why BHP ? And not Acceleration or Speed ?

Umm, no real reason, I just picked BHP!

[AlanDITD]

Glad the soarer 2.5T was mentioned, my friends with a full 3" system turbo back and a boost controller running around 1bar just made 376hp

You can get the cars for under 2k it seems theres one on piston heads now.

[wantavr4]

Why not a chaser / mark 11. seen alot of them with big bhp even though you woudnt see many around, expensive car to buy though but such a head turner like the good old VR-4. Personaly i would buy a silvia the Sr20 is very tuneable, reliable and parts are cheapish and pleanty of spares and mods avabile plus shes still jap.

[bradc]

VR-4 + Autronic ECU + piping/intercooler/fuel pump = 350hp plus

[fluffnik]

Ignoring the Japanese angle for a moment...

E39 M5, 400bhp, <£5k

[stuey]

Ignoring the Japanese angle for a moment...

E39 M5, 400bhp, <£5k

or......

Volvo T5 with a bleed valve can reach 350bhp... under £2k now
90's Camaro/Trans-Am LT1 with exhaust and chip 350BHP easy... about£3-5k
BMW 750i pushes 325 ish bhp, early 90's ones are a steal..
Jaguar XJR is 375bhp.... saw one for £2.2k today !

[Paul C]

E46 M3 with remap = 350bhp

[fluffnik]

E46 M3 with remap = 350bhp

Dubious.

Keeping all 321 factory horses on side is tricky, not many more will show up without proper oldskool tuning - bigger valves, lumpy cams; the head is already flowing well...

Strapping a supercharger on is the only cheap way to seriously boost bhp...

[Ryan]

E46 M3 makes 343BHP standard so only 7 shy of 350 It is my favourite M3 - apart from the 4 door E36's that were available back in SA. The last I6 M3 :~(

Don't know how much they go for in the UK but doubt they're cheap!

[Subaru ETA]

skyline would be my pick..you can get a R32 GTS-T over here for under $3000 for a std one. those toymotas are closer to $10000

[Paul C]

Dubious.

Keeping all 321 factory horses on side is tricky, not many more will show up without proper oldskool tuning - bigger valves, lumpy cams; the head is already flowing well...

Strapping a supercharger on is the only cheap way to seriously boost bhp...

I half agree- Factory 343 bhp + race cats + remap = 360 ish + Cams = 370 ish. Even these mods arn't cheap.
Supercharger is the way forward- 420bhp around £8000.

There isn't much that can be done on the cheap to modify this engine as its already tuned to a high spec. I was going to blue print mine but was advised that it would be more cost effective to bolt ont the supercharger.

[Eric]

Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, Trans Am, Corvette, etc

Most american muscle cars can push around 300 factory and with a few modifications can easily hit 400.

They are a little more expensive over here but can handle the power with little chance of anything braking and a high reliability.