Jalopnik's question of the day was what is the fastest car for under 10000 dollars. I hope the Fiero makes it on the list somewhere, albeit with an engine swap. I got my 86 GT for $5k, 3800 s/c for $1.6k, doing the swap myself, so far is $6.6k, which leaves a lot of money for suspension and brakes. Definately under $10k (but we all know things may not go exactly as planned). I was just wondering what we all think the fastest car under $10k is...

The article really doesn't explain what "fastest" entails. Do they mean an overall 'fast' performer as in good speed and handling, or a good straight-line car, or a good example that would have a good driveable setup for track days? Also I know it reads that they would mod a Mustang, but I'm assuming they mean to mod the powerplant that comes in the Mustang. Would the same apply for a swapped Fiero which essentially has a different drivetrain than stock?

Lots of questions obviously. In my opinion, I'm fairly sure a good candidate for winner of this type of question would be a C4 Corvette. While it's very hard to find a 1996 model - the fastest base 'vette of the C4s (excluding the Grand Sport and ZR1) - that could be bought for under $10,000 without being ragged out, I would look for a 1992-1995 LT1. You could probably find a good 1992 model with over 100K miles on it for a bit over two thirds the $10,000. Then since tires are so important a good set of quality sport tires would help with traction and handling. The only thing from there would be to perform "free mods" like weight reduction where possible. Then with whatever is left (which would likely be very little) re-fresh any of the worn suspension components and new brake pads and ensure braking components are in good working order. I also pick the C4 'vette over similar LT1 equipped cars like the Camaro/Firebird because the F-bodies are likely to be more ragged out than the 'vette ('vette's typically being owned by older individuals).

May not be the fastest for under $10,000, but I bet it would be right up there.

if were talking all stock and such I'm willing to be the SRT4 or WRX takes it.

There are a lot of C4 Vettes and some C5 Vettes for that kind of money.

I would imagine that they are referring to "stock". Modified cars under $10,000 would be impossible to rate against each other. Too many variables. Ok, they were talking about modified cars so I don't see why a Fiero couldn't be in the mix.

[This message has been edited by dratts (edited 08-15-2012).]

These days you can buy a clean Porsche 928 for under $10,000. You don't want to have to buy parts for it, though.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 08-15-2012).]

And here is their answers:

10.) Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth
9.) Volvo 850 T-5R
8.) GMC Syclone/Typhoon
7.) Dodge Neon SRT4
6.) Subaru Impreza WRX
5.) Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG
4.) Nissan 300ZX
3.) BMW M3 (E36)
2.) Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
1.) A V8 F-Body (Camaro/Firebird)

I think its a pretty good list, but I still feel the Fiero with a swap should have been on it. Maybe I'm biased...

[This message has been edited by bomluuk (edited 08-16-2012).]

I wonder what the AMG has to look like and what shape it has to be in, in order to get it down under $10,000.

quote Originally posted by J-Holland: I wonder what the AMG has to look like and what shape it has to be in, in order to get it down under $10,000.

The article has this to say "The largely undesirable (and largely unreliable) C43 AMG from '98-'00 made 300 horsepower from its 4.3 liter V8, with a 0-60 of under six seconds." I tried to look up prices online but didn't find any in the local classifieds. It also says that the car will be 9k or 10k, so its definately the upper limit. But I know what you're sayin...

well my stock SRT4 got as quick as 13.8 at Fontana in California... that's pretty quick for under 10k, considering it keeps accelerating to ~160.
Stock F bodies will probably win the fastest under 10k badge though, havent checked the article yet but it's a safe bet.

The article didn't specify stock, or clarify any other rules. It did mention doing some upgrades on some of the cars in the list though.