The two platform choices you choose are both great options. Your plan sounds reasonable. I'd go with the NSX. The 91-94 although the older 3.0L model lends itself to forced induction a little easier than the 3.2 with OBD2, drive by wire, and all that stuff. You can even go with ITB fairly easily for well under $10K on the NA1. It may not get you quite 400WHP, but a good amount over 300HP and you have the benefit of still being NA which some people prefer.

I really want to go with the ITB for my NA1, but I'm getting 25+ MPG right now and given the gas prices today, I just don't want to give that up yet.

 

what you say is true, start with the best base you can afford~, so how much is a used z06 compared to a used c5? how much will it cost to get the used c5 to a decent lvl/z06 to a decent lvl? *decent is subjective, say 500hp on the street on steet tires on pump gas*, now ask 'if something breaks how easy/how much to get replacement parts for z06/c5'?

I myself do not know these answers but it might be worth a look if you're on a budget.

 

EVO 9 or Subaru STI. If you want it to look a bit nicer then look at some old Supras.

 

Both of those are starting to get above what I would call lightweight, not by a lot, but they are getting up there... Also, both small displacement cars... I've owned 7 or 8 DSM's over the years and love them, but just want something that doesn't have to be stressed as much to get the power... Sure, I helped a friend build a 500 whp EVO 8 with nothing done internally, but then you are dealing with a lot more lag and such... not terrible, but its there...

If I were to turbo either car (NSX or EVO), I'd probably use the same GT35R turbo and with a liter extra displacement, the NSX would spool it much much faster...

Supras are too heavy... If I was looking to do something like that, I'd go get another SC3/400 and swap it, as IMO, the SC is a nicer car inside...

 

One of the things I am considering if/when I do this is to build my own turbo kit for the NSX... I've seen all of the ones out there, and they are fine, but I think they are charging some pretty high prices for most of them... Fabrication (other than headers) is pretty easy for me, so, there are a few things I might want to try and see the differences between... We'll see what happens

 

C5 z06 is 405 rwhp out of the box and go for around 20k with 50k miles. Sounds like a no brainer to me but I may be biased, I just purchased a FRC and love it!

 

996 Turbo...........they come with 400+ whp, no tuning required. Mint example can be found for under $40k now. Since it doesn't need tuning, you can use the $10k tuning money to buy the car.

It is the ugliest 911 ever, but it still looks cooler then most cars on the street.

 

You can't turbocharged a NSX reliably for $10k. You can buy a blower for $10k, but I don't think they quite make 400 whp.

 

.......... then when you get bored of it in stock form, FI time!!

 

Sure you can. For example, here's a complete kit with AEM FIC for under $7k:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116229

BNR, 996tt is a good idea. Massive power out of the box, but I'd want an aftermarket warranty.

 

There is nothing lightweight about the IS F regardless of the price.

 

How about a Porsche Cayman S ? Meanwhile the NSX and Z06 are great choices.

 

E36 M3

 

2 options for you that meet all your criterias:

Lancer Evo IX Wideboy:



Sylvia S15 Wideboy:




EDIT: Ack..nevermind....don't know why you want 3 liters of displacement.....

 

My votes go to:

E46 M3...most practical
2001 Speedway White Z06....most rare
MKIV Supra w/10k in mods....holy sht