Broski

I'm thinking about selling/trading my CTS-V to free up a bit of cash.

Looking to stay around the 18k range. I got the V because it is a chunk of change cheaper on insurance than a C5 would be for me (Early 20's and not the best record).

I want to stay above 400rwhp. My V's putting down mid 400's to the rear wheels now. I didn't know how cheap 05+ Mustang GT's were getting (I know, Vette forum so that's taboo) but there a few in the 600rwhp range for like 15-18k with less than 90k miles. Anyone had any experience with a GT? Never been a big mustang guy, but 600 to the wheels sounds fun.

Also Thinking maybe M3 e46 and slap a turbo on it?

Suggestions? Not really a fan of 4 bangers. STI's and Evos don't really appeal to me. Although I kinda dig 350's, they just don't have that mean feel or class factor. It always reminds me of fast and furious.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

golfinz

If you are looking to stay in the 18k range, can you afford to maintain a 600rwhp car? Do you have a V1 or V2 CTS-V?

Broski

V1. And good question. I know with mods come problems in most cases, is it one thing after another when you top like 500?

McGirk94LT1

I dunno what prices are around you but near me, you're nowhere in the realm of realistic for a car that'll last a couple years. Like, about $10k off if you use some sense and build the whole car right.

The cheapest, reliable option, is going to be 03/04 cobra. Hands down, no contest. It has all the goods front to back to survive 100,000 miles with 100+hp more then stock. I dunno what they go for near you, but you can get sub 100,000 mile ones for under 18k all day. That being said, ones with that many miles are hard to find as they are most peoples' toy and can't say I've personally seen one that's been over 150,000 miles.

Only thing cheaper then that that I can think of, is a cammed LS1/LT1 F body. Motor and trans are good, but the rear will need beefed up absolutely.

I'd say a smarter goal would be a target power/weight. 3850lb CTSV with 400whp is 9.63lbs/whp. That's the same as 350whp and 3369lbs. Your current power to weight is fairly easy to achieve by multiple cars. Sounds like LS1 F body is your best bet. Besides that for cars that don't need much done to them, EVO and STI both have fully forged motors and well respected trans at least. Maybe turbo SKY/Solstice?

95rtturbo

Agreed. Given the requirements, this probably fits the bill the best. Check this one out:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/othe...record-tx.html

Or, an LS2 GTO could be had for around that price.

BluegrassMotorsport

If you trade your four-door for any less doors, your insurance will increase regardless of horsepower levels.

tjschraf

I think I remember reading a post from you a couple of months ago wondering what to get? Seems you chose the CTS-V, why do you want to get rid of it so soon?

I definitely would urge you to consider an 05-06 GTO.

Broski

Good memory! Haha I wouldn't say I "want to get ride of it" I guess. I love it really. But I've been considering a starter home for about a year now. So I kinda want cash for that. And I also really want another bike.

I'll probably end up keeping it really. It's the right power/fun/insurance cost for me at the moment.

Although some guy wants to trade me a bike and cash at the moment..

Being responsible is hard. Hahaha

tjschraf

very true, it is very difficult. I agree then maybe on the f-bodies as well.

Can you tell me a bit more about your v? In the event you did want to sell it, I may have someone interested in one.

IMXCITD

in the big picture....unless you are going back to a C5Z....all are lateral or lower moves for little cash gains. Keep the V...work hard...get it paid off....buy house and bike anyway.

ALMS21

E46 with FI would be sweet. Had an '03 E46 M3 a while ago. Currently drive an '11 E92 M3. They are brilliant machines.

ekim81

boosted e46 m3 would be my vote.

racebum

bmw parts and repair cost are the main reason i would never own one

this whole thing depends on your budget

1. the 350z is just not in tune with the driver. hard car to keep a good line with

2. the c5 and c6 are probably the best value for a high hp car that handles well

3. the evo 8 & 9 are downright mean, very easy cars to make into monsters. they have a great line of sight and are very easy to drive at the limit. the only people that knock these cars do so on cosmetics or because they haven't driven one

4. the s2000 is my personal favorite low cost roadster. you can get in one around 10-12k and they handle excellent. with a 50 trim you can have 350whp with very low boost. of course traction may be another concern

5. i would never own a gto, mustang or any other porky car unless it was a drag machine. cars just aren't easy to drive at the limit and don't have the in touch feeling of a car like the evo or s2000

don't overlook the driving experience when you make a choice. numbers on paper don't always equal enjoyment.

the late 90s integra type r was one of the most fun econo boxes to drive ever. balanced, great engine, but, it only ran a 14.6@97 in the quarter. not fast by any means but still a very enjoyable car

XxWarderxX

x2 And add a C5 to the list for purchase price and reliability as well.

No way will an E46 M3 with a turbo be under $18k. And even if possible, maintenance could get very expensive, very quick.

White Out

2000's XKR or XJR (can swap the early cars to manual and they basically have a s/c mod motor)
2000's E55
Cayenne Turbo
G8
R32 GTR
IS300/SC300 already turbo'd

Double check on that C5 insurance, was quite cheap compared to most cars of that performance level.

Patsgarage

There are a lot more fun cars now that there were in 2013.........when this was posted !

J3TVETTE

Insurance on Corvettes is dirt cheap and I had a C6 in my 20s. I would check with another insurance company. Check geico, progressive etc.

ClipperFan

White Out

Missed that part.

sublime1996525

I wonder what he ended up getting