Ok so I have a bit of a thing for '80s cars and I love turbos. So I was wondering GRM opinions on some turbo goodness. The cars had in mind were a MKIII Supra, MX6 GT or a EF Civic (w/ turbo added). I haven't forgotten about the Volvo or RX7. They just don't appeal to me as much. Right now my bucket list just has a spot labeled '80s turbo goodness.
The most reliable out of the first three you picked will be the MX6. It will also likely be the "hairiest" to drive depending on what exactly you do to it. They "suffer" from torque steer with factory power. (i put suffer in quotes, because i merely find it exciting)
The Supra will make the most power by far. The motor is WAY more stout than the internet would have you believe. Slap some ARP studs and a metal gasket on there and go to town. You want 500whp on stock motor? Fine. No problem.
The Civic will probably handle the best, depending on just how much "turbo" you plan on adding. For best results, you'll want to swap the motor first.
What would you want to do with the car? Badass street cruiser? Quarter mile? Fun fast DD? Autox? Track days? Shows? Tinker on the cheap? Pick up chicks?
Mitsubishi Starion! Turbo + box flares!
ArthurDent wrote: Mitsubishi Starion! Turbo + box flares!
There is that as well. Also Porsche 944 Turbo.
Xr4ti?
I forgot the Starion. How hard is it to tune the Starion? If I got a XR4Ti, I would build a Cossie look alike. The main purpose would be E36 M3s and giggles (so probably bad-ass street cruiser). I would looking for 300hp for the Civic or MX6. More like 500hp or more for the Supra.
93EXCivic wrote: I forgot the Starion. How hard is it to tune the Starion? If I got a XR4Ti, I would build a Cossie look alike. The main purpose would be E36 M3s and giggles (so probably bad-ass street cruiser). I would looking for 300hp for the Civic or MX6. More like 500hp or more for the Supra.
From what i understand, the starions are somewhat of a nightmare unless you ditch all the factory electronics. That may just be heresay, though.
I'd be of the opinion that the MX6 out of the original three would be the cheapest and most reliable at that power level.
The Civic, you'll want a swap or a built motor to hit 300whp, and a 300whp EF will be breaking stuff. Fairly often
300whp MX6 consists of a clutch, an HX35, big fuel pump, RX7 460cc injectors (plug and play!), and a PNP Megasquirt. (DIYautotune makes a kit that plugs directly into factory wiring harness for that car.)
Alternatively, you could also get there with creative use of an FMU. Just be aware that a 300whp 1g MX6 will come with well over 400wtq, and it's going to be a major handful. A 250whp MX6 will likely feel (and possibly BE) much faster than a 300whp Civic.
Some sort of Turbo Dodge? Just sayin'! 
Nothing wrong with a little turbo 80's goodness in my book. 
With the Civic, I already have the motor planned out. I got the impression that the MKIII Supra shouldn't be too hard to get to 500hp. My girlfriend really wants a '89 Shelby Daytona so the Turbo Dodge is already covered. .
For what it's worth, 300whp on an MX6 gt is also just nitrous away.
mx6.com forum member said: example here is what nitous will do on stock turbo stock turbo 14psi and 100 shot wet kit 314whp 442wtq
Video of said car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6ODszRWMss
You'd need a chip, a clutch, nitrous kit, and a Walbro 190/255lph HP.
Chips are about $30, clutch to handle that will be around $300, pump is $100 or less, used nitrous kit $300. You could do it for cheaper if you were patient.
SilverFleet wrote: Some sort of Turbo Dodge? Just sayin'!
Nah, turbo Dodge's suck.
Pat wrote:SilverFleet wrote: Some sort of Turbo Dodge? Just sayin'!Nah, turbo Dodge's suck.
Oh yeah, I forgot. 
How bout 300ZX?
Brotus7 wrote: How bout 300ZX?
Driven one. Not a huge fan.
The Audi Quattro, 5000 Turbo quattro, 200 quattro were 80's goodness.
Now here's some 80s turbo not-so-goodness:
Nissan Pulsar NX Turbo. I think it was a carbureted turbo, but not sure.
Ford EXP Turbo
From your options, I vote for Mk3 Supra.
Audi would be fun.
I've lost my faith in the GRM community? How could it take 6 replies before someone dropped the turbo-Dodge bomb? I mean, how much more grassroots can it get. Few things get more bad-a$$ then taking an Omni GLH, removing the ground effects and smoking some 'vette or mustang!
Lotus yummy. But a bit $$$$.
DrBoost wrote: I've lost my faith in the GRM community? How could it take 6 replies before someone dropped the turbo-Dodge bomb? I mean, how much more grassroots can it get. Few things get more bad-a$$ then taking an Omni GLH, removing the ground effects and smoking some 'vette or mustang!
Replace the Omni GLH with Caravan full of crap and you have a winner!!!
You don't just have to hop up the GLH. Dodge turbo'ed everything but the office chairs during that time period. Turbo minivan? Check. Turbo convertible? Check.
I'm sceptical about the Supra claims. I would love, love, love to have a cheap RWD car that would stand up to abuse. But every turbo Supra I've seen, of the wedge shaped era, would puke its guts pretty quick with stock power. I can't imagine they would last with "MOAR BOAST!"
In reply to Xceler8x:
Really I have seen a number with 800hp.
There's a 94 or 94.5 S4 Esprit Turbo with the nose damaged for about 11 large right now. That will do 300 to the wheels as it is, maybe 350 with a tune up.
In reply to bradyzq:
Try and find a North American first generation escort or any car based on that platform. It's impossible here in Wisconsin. They've rusted away 10 years already. I'd love a turbo EXP.
Those 80's Supras (like the 86-92 ones) seem like a real PITA to wrench on, even in NA form. My cousin had one briefly, and it was excruciating to work on. I can't imagine how terrible a turbo one is to mess with. 
I do like how they look though, and the fact that they are built like tanks. They are as heavy as a tank too from what I remember.
Also, just throwing this out there...
Fox Body Mustang with a 5.0 and a turbo or two? It's been done very cheaply with good results.
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