What to buy? 12A too slow, 13B too $$$
09-08-06, 09:29 AM
#1
What to buy? 12A too slow, 13B too $$$
Been looking at getting a new seven. Seems like everything that's clean and nice has a 12A in it, which it just too pokey for me. And every clean (heck, even half clean) SE is going for way too many bucks.
Do I suck it up and buy the SE? Or... I'm half thinking about buying a mint 12A and with the money I'd save, put a blow through turbo on it.
Any ideas? Words of wisdom? Donations? ;-)
thx!
Do I suck it up and buy the SE? Or... I'm half thinking about buying a mint 12A and with the money I'd save, put a blow through turbo on it.
Any ideas? Words of wisdom? Donations? ;-)
thx!
09-08-06, 10:09 AM
#3
To be honest, I think the SE would be the wisest Idea for a few reasons:
1) An Se will always hold up its value more than the rest of models.
2) It is alot easier and I think cheaper to get 13b Parts so less custom work
3) Upgraded vented both front and rear brake
4) Easy bolt pattern to deal with, save money on rims
1) An Se will always hold up its value more than the rest of models.
2) It is alot easier and I think cheaper to get 13b Parts so less custom work
3) Upgraded vented both front and rear brake
4) Easy bolt pattern to deal with, save money on rims
09-08-06, 10:10 AM
#4
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100hp was adequate 25 years ago for a sportscar. If you can not afford a SE, I suggest go along with a 12A with bolt on modifications such as upgraded carb, improved header and exhaust system, delete the rat's nest. The result will be the same power output as a 13B SE but at a cheaper price.
Going turbo will get you more power, but the final cost will be way above purchasing a good SE.
Long term you can learn to rebuild the engine and take the opportunity to port. The result should be a reliable 180hp engine giving you great performance in a light car.
Going turbo will get you more power, but the final cost will be way above purchasing a good SE.
Long term you can learn to rebuild the engine and take the opportunity to port. The result should be a reliable 180hp engine giving you great performance in a light car.
09-08-06, 01:08 PM
#6
I did.... and (stupidly) accepted an offer to sell it in early July. I purchased a 82 turbo SE.... before I even got to use it, the fuel pump went out. And they day before I was to pick it up from the shop doing the install work and Haltech retune, it was stolen. That was two weeks ago... now I'm deciding how to proceed.
09-08-06, 04:13 PM
#7
Well, I have a direction. Bought an SE today, almost exact as the one I sold (same color inside and out, same year, almost the same miles). Only difference is cloth anstead of leather. Just need to add wheels and tires. Thanks for the feedback folks!!!
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09-08-06, 05:17 PM
#8
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12a too slow? I beg your pardon!!! I don't know where Northville is offhand, but bring your new 13b down to GR and we'll line up. I'll even give you a free set of doors to replace the ones I blow off your new car... 
Of course, if I had a 13b then you would be needing new doors and a new hatch. Point is, 12a's can be modified to really rip, without even doing anything to the engine itself. It's all about exhaust, carb, and ignition. Enjoy your new ride, I'm sure you'll love it.
Of course, if I had a 13b then you would be needing new doors and a new hatch. Point is, 12a's can be modified to really rip, without even doing anything to the engine itself. It's all about exhaust, carb, and ignition. Enjoy your new ride, I'm sure you'll love it.
09-08-06, 09:26 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by pjr
Yep, I know the 12A can be enhanced... but stock is WAY too slow for my tastes. So, what did you do to your car (carb, exhaust, ignition)?
09-09-06, 02:50 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by pjr
Northville is next to Plymouth and Livonia.... bring 'er dwon and let's run! LOL! 
Yep, I know the 12A can be enhanced... but stock is WAY too slow for my tastes. So, what did you do to your car (carb, exhaust, ignition)?
Yep, I know the 12A can be enhanced... but stock is WAY too slow for my tastes. So, what did you do to your car (carb, exhaust, ignition)?
09-09-06, 08:52 AM
#13
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Originally Posted by 1stGenerationGap
so about how much would my 12a have hp wise. i have a full RB exhaust with header and i think new ignition, rats nest removed. any aprox hp?
09-09-06, 12:29 PM
#14
gonna do a budget turbo on my 12a. I purchased a T3 for $100 with a rebuilt center section, runs .48 on compressor side and .6 up front. Should be able to spool pretty quick. This is a stock turbo off a Tbird Turbocoupe 2.3l. Capable of 15 lbs boost. I have a buddy who'll fabricate the exhaust for me. The whole thing should come in under $700.
09-09-06, 12:39 PM
#15
Originally Posted by PaulFitzwarryne
Yes the stock US model is underpowered, but else where the 12A came stock as 115hp carby and 147hp turbo-efi. On the latter a little bit of work with boost and an intercooler gets you 200hp in a fuel efficient daily driver.
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