Which Car In Thailand Is Easiest To Tune To Like 250Hp Or More?

[TramsRepus]

Hi Guys,

I need to buy a car. I should buy a pickup or SUV but they are so boring. I want something more fun to drive without blowing my bank account. Is there any “cheap” small car around 500-900kbaht that is fairly inexpensive to modify and tune for more power and handling. Back home I bought a brand new Subaru WRX STI which had 280hp. 200,000baht later it had almost 400hp. But it does not have to be so extreme.

So which car in Thailand in the 500-700,000 baht range is easiest to tune to like 250-300hp or even more?

/T

Edited October 6, 2012 by TramsRepus

[IMHO]

New - zero - all cars in this price range would require a complete engine + gearbox replacement and then heavy (expensive) mods on top to get 250+ HP.

Used - how old do you want to go? Options that pop to mind include anything from old (and now very ratty) Celica GT4's and MR2 Turbos, to Accord V6's.. The former are hard to find, the latter hard to get excited about...

I'm sure someone will tip-in with a used option or two I've overlooked though (one of those old Aussie Holdens with an LS1 conversion maybe? 555)

[culicine]

Subaru wrx should not be a problem here....but I doubt they are genuine wrx's. Or there there are some older nissan cefiro's with toyota supra turbo engines in them. They would be good for 800-1000 HP, but 300-400 is no problem. Plenty of tuners here. You can check www.one2car.com and you will find some examples. If you like hondas then there are earlier civics with b16/b18 engines; while some have k20's dropped in them, There are a few late model civics kitted out to type r specs for about 1.3M. Good luck, wish I could do the same thing!

[arthurwait]

The other posters have said it all really.

Nothing I can think of new at that money except ( I can't remember what they cost ) a focus with an engine swap or a 2.0l and a lot of money. The ST has nearly 250bhp and caterham get 263 bhp out of a 2.0l ford.

Or would the turbo engine that Volvo use fit in a focus ?

The must be Hondas and Toyotas you can tune to about that, but again non-turbos are going to require a lot of money as you probably know.

Would a type-R engine fit in a brio or city. I guess it will fit in a civic.

If you are not too worried about what the car is you could get an 96-02 city for about 200-300K , 950kg and spend the rest of the money on the engine and handling. Type R engine, decent brakes, dampers and tyres.

All I can think of with a turbo for that money are diesel pick ups. Errr.

Other than that as has been said a ciefiro would probably be the best thing for that power at that money.

The nearest new to that money, petrolled and turboed I can think of would be a 1.6 Turbo Volvo S60 at 1.9 MB

[jbrain]

I have noticed quite a lot skylines around here, which for sure would be no problem to tune to that level and higher.Someone knows if those skylines go high prices here?

[Murf]

Skylines are a fortune.

Go for a Cefiro 2JZ... 400bhp is easily acheived.

[Tywais]

For used you could consider a Nissan Bluebird SSS 2.0 Turbo which has the SR20DET engine. That can fitted to get around 400WHP for US DET or 600WHP for JDM. Of course at those peaks, lifetime may be an issue but at 250 - 300 should be able to go a long time. My previous car here in Thailand was the car I mentioned above but just un-modded.

Yep, Skylines are quite expensive.

[noob7]

Get yourself a series 3 BMW from the 90's. (E36)

Many of them have already a Nissan or Toyota engine in.

They are around 300k (Plus/minus)

Get yourself a Toyota 2JZ-GTE with gearbox. 300Hp-xxxHp possible

(50-100k, IN the car, if I got told the right numbers)

Maybe change from turbo to compressor (~100k, Australian brand)

Depending the model of the series 3, upgrade brakes and suspension, tires, rims.

(can be a bit expensive, if you want original parts. That's why most Turbo Toyota engines in 318 base are still on back drum breaks)

Change seat belts, have fun!

Edited October 6, 2012 by noob7

[mjj]

OP, I feel your pain every day. :-(

[noob7]

I have noticed quite a lot skylines around here, which for sure would be no problem to tune to that level and higher.Someone knows if those skylines go high prices here?

U want a skyline? Many Cefiro drivers, too!

The A31 is the closest, you can get, to a skyline (R32 uses same 2.0 in6 engine, p.ex. )

Also it is looking closest to a R32/33. Only 4 doors. no AWD, but, you know, it looks like.

And you would be able, to transfer the powertrain, in case you can find one

Almost as easy, as to put a 3S GT (up to 700HP) in almost all other Toyota sedans. Bit much power on front wheel drive, me thinks. So older models needed. A old Supra (Mark II/III) would do! About 500-600k, many of them have already a 2JZ-GTE implanted.

But for a project, like this: I would stick with a Series 3 BMW, like I mentioned first

[Rdrokit]

You are not going to find anything in that price range. Best bet would be to find an older rear wheel drive car in good condition like a Nissan Cerfiro or BMW series 5. Then drop in a Nissian 1UZ or 2UZ V-8 (40-60,000 baht). That's what I did. A 1UZ gets 280HP stock and they sound great. Good luck on whatever you decide.

[thailoht]

You are not going to find anything in that price range. Best bet would be to find an older rear wheel drive car in good condition like a Nissan Cerfiro or BMW series 5. Then drop in a Nissan 1UZ or 2UZ V-8 (40-60,000 baht). That's what I did. A 1UZ gets 280HP stock and they sound great. Good luck on whatever you decide.

That is one nice looking engine - 4 cams! It's enough to make me homesick!

Did you install this engine in a BMW 5 series?

Are these common engines? Not having a personal mechanic, where would an owner have these newly installed engines serviced .... at Nissan dealerships?

What kind of things can you do to increase the power of this engine?

How is the road tax and insurance accessed?

I personally would dig having this one or even the 2UZ if it would fit in an Isuzu Mu-7 SUV. If I was lucky enough for it to fit, how would I go about matching it to a transmission that I could install in this SUV?

[thailoht]

An inner snapshot:

Edited October 7, 2012 by thailoht

[SoCalChris]

Seen some great ideas here from posters already, and I agree an engine swap in an older car is in order. I personally would keep it RWD as the Thai roads can get very slick in the rain, and high powered FWD cars are generally a b!t@h to drive until in 3rd gear. Anyhow, my favorites would be:

-A31 Cefiro but with a Nissan RB25DET or RB26DET to keep it all NIssan and possibly have the stock gauges, etc. working.

-BMW E30 with an SR20DET or a 1UZ/2UZ if it can fit (I read about a BMW V8 install in the US once). BTW, nice V8 install Rdrokit!

-For FWD; a Nissan Pulsar (as suggested by Tywais) or even an NV with an SR20DET. The NV would be the fastest of this whole bunch at speed with 250hp because it weighs only about 1000Kgs.

Good luck and let us know what you do......

Edited October 8, 2012 by SoCalChris

[anon210]

Seen some great ideas here from posters already, and I agree an engine swap in an older car is in order. I personally would keep it RWD as the Thai roads can get very slick in the rain, and high powered FWD cars are generally a b!t@h to drive until in 3rd gear. Anyhow, my favorites would be:

RWD or not, when there is enough water on the road and your car is too light, you get into aquaplanning, so no way that you may compensate otherwise than by slowing down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaplaning

The very idea of reducing speed, in itself seems to run counter to the idea of the OP which is basically of speeding, if I read correctly between the lines. I guess an increase in HP is not made just to provide better acceleration from 0-100 kms and to stick around that zone, right?

Obviously, a SUV (heavy big thing!) is less prone to this type of issue than a lighter vehicle. it is also less like to accelerate faster, except with a turbo.

[SoCalChris]

Seen some great ideas here from posters already, and I agree an engine swap in an older car is in order. I personally would keep it RWD as the Thai roads can get very slick in the rain, and high powered FWD cars are generally a b!t@h to drive until in 3rd gear. Anyhow, my favorites would be:

RWD or not, when there is enough water on the road and your car is too light, you get into aquaplanning, so no way that you may compensate otherwise than by slowing down.

http://en.wikipedia....iki/Aquaplaning

The very idea of reducing speed, in itself seems to run counter to the idea of the OP which is basically of speeding, if I read correctly between the lines. I guess an increase in HP is not made just to provide better acceleration from 0-100 kms and to stick around that zone, right?

Obviously, a SUV (heavy big thing!) is less prone to this type of issue than a lighter vehicle. it is also less like to accelerate faster, except with a turbo.

I agree, hydroplaning is a problem at a higher speed. Although, this could happen with any car, whether is has some cajones under the hood or not. Additionally, lighter cars are more prone too, but it also depends on the tread design, tread depth, tread width and rubber composition of the tires.

Actually I was referring to lower speeds where the water makes Thai roads slippery. RWD cars will get squirrelly with too much power, which IMO is not too hard to correct while FWD cars could loose complete steering control. Also on dry roads, RWD cars are generally better stoplight warriors because of weight transfer.

[VocalNeal]

Older Volvo 850 Wagon or similar. Maybe even able to find a T-5R. With a turbo tweak you could get very close to 250hp

[hakku]

Or get an E30 BMW 3 series and drop in a 4.0 V8, we race them in retro, good fun. You buy the E30 for 300k, get a BMW V8 and manual box for say 100k, throw in some ground control suspension for 60K and of you go.

Or just get yourself an older subaru wrx

Edited October 11, 2012 by hakku

[noob7]

Or get an E30 BMW 3 series and drop in a 4.0 V8, we race them in retro, good fun. You buy the E30 for 300k, get a BMW V8 and manual box for say 100k, throw in some ground control suspension for 60K and of you go.

Or just get yourself an older subaru wrx

A BMW V8 plus gearbox for 100k? Please advice the shop for a offer like this!

I know only, that nice Toyota V8 (~300 hp) with gearbox are available, around this cheap offers.

But never heard about a Merc or BMW engine, in this price range.

Some 'have Nissan/Toyota-engine' people would love, to change to BMW V8!

[Vale Tudo]

The other posters have said it all really.

Nothing I can think of new at that money except ( I can't remember what they cost ) a focus with an engine swap or a 2.0l and a lot of money. The ST has nearly 250bhp and caterham get 263 bhp out of a 2.0l ford.

Or would the turbo engine that Volvo use fit in a focus ?

The must be Hondas and Toyotas you can tune to about that, but again non-turbos are going to require a lot of money as you probably know.

Would a type-R engine fit in a brio or city. I guess it will fit in a civic.

If you are not too worried about what the car is you could get an 96-02 city for about 200-300K , 950kg and spend the rest of the money on the engine and handling. Type R engine, decent brakes, dampers and tyres.

All I can think of with a turbo for that money are diesel pick ups. Errr.

Other than that as has been said a ciefiro would probably be the best thing for that power at that money.

The nearest new to that money, petrolled and turboed I can think of would be a 1.6 Turbo Volvo S60 at 1.9 MB

Why not just look for a turbo kit for an old 2.0 focus?All of Ford's Cosworth models,from the Sierra to Escort have used the good old bulletproof 2.0L Pinto engine and they're good for up to 500bhp,like the RS500!

I think Garret is the name of the company that supplies the turbos,obviously you'll have to upgrade the pistons,rings & valves,gas flow the head,update cams etc. to raise compression but not too much anyway with a turbo.Then just drop a huge turbo in there,turn the wastgate up to max. and away you go in a cloud of tyre-spinning heaven!

[Vale Tudo]

Get yourself a series 3 BMW from the 90's. (E36)

Many of them have already a Nissan or Toyota engine in.

They are around 300k (Plus/minus)

Get yourself a Toyota 2JZ-GTE with gearbox. 300Hp-xxxHp possible

(50-100k, IN the car, if I got told the right numbers)

Maybe change from turbo to compressor (~100k, Australian brand)

Depending the model of the series 3, upgrade brakes and suspension, tires, rims.

(can be a bit expensive, if you want original parts. That's why most Turbo Toyota engines in 318 base are still on back drum breaks)

Change seat belts, have fun!

I think you mean supercharger,not compressor(kompressor)!

[DrTuner]

Why not split it in two, get a boring civic for transportation and join a racing club with a basic souped up beater for kicks. Brings up your life expectancy by 40years.

And if I dare say, it's not about the hp, it's about how well they are used. 300hp with 318 bimmer drum brakes is a death trap, I used to own a M3 and it had brakes barely adequate for the equation.

Anyway, the toyota engines do a good job, a variable gate turbo or a supercharger/turbo combo will eliminate some of the lag.

[SoCalChris]

-BMW E30 with an SR20DET or a 1UZ/2UZ if it can fit (I read about a BMW V8 install in the US once).

Or get an E30 BMW 3 series and drop in a 4.0 V8, we race them in retro, good fun. You buy the E30 for 300k, get a BMW V8 and manual box for say 100k, throw in some ground control suspension for 60K and of you go.

I hear an echo!

I've seen a couple E30/SR20DET cars advertised so they are already out there. Even though the Toyota V8 is compact, the Nissan turbo 4 banger would be lighter giving the car better handling characteristics. Also, you could easily make more hp.

Edited October 12, 2012 by SoCalChris

[noob7]

Get yourself a series 3 BMW from the 90's. (E36)

Many of them have already a Nissan or Toyota engine in.

They are around 300k (Plus/minus)

Get yourself a Toyota 2JZ-GTE with gearbox. 300Hp-xxxHp possible

(50-100k, IN the car, if I got told the right numbers)

Maybe change from turbo to compressor (~100k, Australian brand)

Depending the model of the series 3, upgrade brakes and suspension, tires, rims.

(can be a bit expensive, if you want original parts. That's why most Turbo Toyota engines in 318 base are still on back drum breaks)

Change seat belts, have fun!

I think you mean supercharger,not compressor(kompressor)!

I meant Kompressor. But you can tell the difference, I think

Edited October 12, 2012 by noob7

[arthurwait]

The other posters have said it all really.

Nothing I can think of new at that money except ( I can't remember what they cost ) a focus with an engine swap or a 2.0l and a lot of money. The ST has nearly 250bhp and caterham get 263 bhp out of a 2.0l ford.

Or would the turbo engine that Volvo use fit in a focus ?

The must be Hondas and Toyotas you can tune to about that, but again non-turbos are going to require a lot of money as you probably know.

Would a type-R engine fit in a brio or city. I guess it will fit in a civic.

If you are not too worried about what the car is you could get an 96-02 city for about 200-300K , 950kg and spend the rest of the money on the engine and handling. Type R engine, decent brakes, dampers and tyres.

All I can think of with a turbo for that money are diesel pick ups. Errr.

Other than that as has been said a ciefiro would probably be the best thing for that power at that money.

The nearest new to that money, petrolled and turboed I can think of would be a 1.6 Turbo Volvo S60 at 1.9 MB

Why not just look for a turbo kit for an old 2.0 focus?All of Ford's Cosworth models,from the Sierra to Escort have used the good old bulletproof 2.0L Pinto engine and they're good for up to 500bhp,like the RS500!

I think Garret is the name of the company that supplies the turbos,obviously you'll have to upgrade the pistons,rings & valves,gas flow the head,update cams etc. to raise compression but not too much anyway with a turbo.Then just drop a huge turbo in there,turn the wastgate up to max. and away you go in a cloud of tyre-spinning heaven!

Maybe look for a turbo kit, but you'd probably have to spend a lot of money on strenghtening the engine and lowering the compression ration that it would probably be better just to try and fit an existing turbo engine in. You'd probably have to import everything as well.

I'm not sure if I'm understanding your post correctly, but I'm not sure if the pinto was used in FWD cars. It's a quite tall engine, too tall for fwd, even if you dry sumped it you'd somehow have to lower the gearbox as well somehow and not to mention very heavy. The money spent on getting any sort of power out of them is high even if you can build the engine yourself. Again try to fit an existing volvo turbo engine if FWD Focus. There must be some around.

If RWD then a whole host of engines; turbo and V8's probably all listed on the thread would be cheaper than turboing a pinto probably even importing a LS engine if you still can. Maybe even use a Scooby engine , there must be a RWD box you can use maybe adapted.

Edited October 12, 2012 by arthurwait

[steelepulse]

I've got an e39 with a 2jzgte in it with upgraded brakes, tires etc. and it's a lot of fun to drive, although it uses a lot of petrol. It'll be slightly over your budget, but it's safe, stable and fun in the twisties as well as the straights. It's a heavy car, so won't be as fast as the 3 series or the rice burners though.

[EvilDrSomkid]

The 3 or 5 series BMW with japanese turbo motor is a tried and true method here. Plenty on the market. However, beware there are many which have real hack jobs. Especially when it comes to the wiring.

The A31 Cefiro 4 or 6 cyl turbo is another tried and true way. I would recommend that. Here is a selection of Skylines:

http://www.one2car.com/search/search_result.aspx?Brand=B0035&Model=S0449&

Nearly 3 million for a R34. Cripes!

There is a 3rd way.

Find a decent Audi S6, stock 230hp, 5 cylinder turbo. Just a chip set away from 250-260hp crank. And its Quattro!

A decent one goes from 250k upto 350k. Anything higher is not worth it. Very comfortable and steady as a rock on the road.

However, parts are tricky to get and can get expensive. A bit thirsty, too.

[TramsRepus]

Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I think i have to forget the 250hp for now it seems though, as an 15 years old car is not an option as commuter car. I think i will buy a new standard boring car or a pickup for now.

But i have seen some nice Cefiro projects around 400-500k. I might buy one later and have it as a hobby car.

/T

Edited October 14, 2012 by TramsRepus

[Fgis]

Sorry a bit off topic but what car would you buy for 2-3 millions THB ?

At this price the cheapest BMW or BENZ do not seem so good, right ?

But I can't stand these Japanese cars anymore...

How to do ?

Thanks for ideas !

[TramsRepus]

Sorry a bit off topic but what car would you buy for 2-3 millions THB ?

At this price the cheapest BMW or BENZ do not seem so good, right ?

But I can't stand these Japanese cars anymore...

How to do ?

Thanks for ideas !

If i would spend 2-3Mbaht i would look at a Nissan Skyline V36 350GT (315hp) or 370GT (330hp)

http://www.one2car.com/search/search_result.aspx?Brand=B0035&Model=S0449&Body=D1621&

/T