RaisPark

Hey guys. I've had my eyes out for a 3rd gen shell to do a complete overhaul on the car. Custom body, interior, and major engine-work; which seems to be a better way to go since I won't need much of the parts on a 7 anyway when I get my hands on one. People are telling me that it might be a dangerous and expensive idea since I have to pay for so many parts. My estimated project budget is around $14,000, not including the cost of the shell (of course, I am looking for a shell in good condition with some basic parts I can use and will need; ie. front sub-frame, gear box, etc). This will be a 10-18 month project for me since I plan on struggling, learning, crying, and enjoying my time building it to my personal taste, knowledge of physics/engineering, and imagination.

You guys think that 14,000 is a bit too unrealistic? I'm hoping to find a shell anywhere between 2 - 5 thousand, depending on the condition and parts; and about 5 - 6 thousand on an LS1 engine. So, with the shell and engine, it will be 7,000 in the best case scenario and I'll be planning on spending 5,000 - 7,000 on the rest of the parts and the professional equipment-requiring work. After that, I'll probably plan out a turbo set up and new paint-job. <- which will kill my wallet right around then.

Rx7_Nut13B

iTrader: (1)

Well it really depends on how bare the Shell is, if it is a TOTAL Shell (No inside, or Outside lights) then it could be alot more than you think.

But I say if you are really wanting to do this project, then if you run over a little 2-3K then you will fine the money.

Just search around for the cost of common items and then get a list together, then just total it up to see what it could become.

ADN3

I built my first one from a junkyard shell.....took forever and more money than the car was worth in the end.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

If you're going to do it, I think it's best if you find a rear-end wreck that you can use as a donor for parts.

If you buy parts from Mazda you'll literally spend a mint getting things together. If you rely on the classfieds it will be a small fortune. If you buy a wreck it will be a few grand and you won't spend days/weeks/months trying to collect all of the parts.

Dave

RaisPark

I've been agonizing over the costs, labor, and the space it will require to get a 7 built and customized. I've even been considering 4 other cars which I would probably not consider if it wasn't for the time and money it takes to drive a 7.
1) 2010 Chevy Camaro (V8 LS3) *My dream car as a teenager in the late 90s; and yea yea... I doubt anyone here would even want to be near it.
2) S2000: Incredible stock performance (hard top please)
3) Nissan 350Z: Can't go wrong with performance, availability of aftermarket parts, and style. The cons: You see one every block, which might be the same when the 2010 Camaro comes out... and they are talking of the new Z that'll be lighter, smaller, and more powerful.
4) RX-8: Good reliable car that is appealing to many people. I won't have to worry about the stresses that come with a 7. The several cons: Horrible performance, ugly 3rd (suicide) door, 4 seater, will have a bad resale value since I would only get an 8 to not drive my SUV until I get a car I really want and can afford. I've been paying attention to these talks of the RX-9.

I think I found the car that I might end up buying. It's a stock '93 with slightly under 100k on the chassis and a rebuilt engine with low miles and low TT miles as well. What price do you guys think would be reasonable for the purchase? The car seems to be in good running order. I'm hoping to drive it stock for about a year or 2 until I have the funds to have a small garage and the parts to tune it. I'm just dreading the maintenance and the possible lemon of mechanical nightmare I might be getting myself into.