I need a new car (please read)

Ok people I have a dilemma. I am young, and I really like the tuner look of a car. So when I got my moms mazda 626, it wasnt the end of the world, because figured I could put a few performance parts on it and then drive the crap oout of it. But here is my dilemma. A few weeks ago my friend bought a 1997 honda civic 2dr coupe manual with a 2000 civic si engine in it. And eventually we raced to see which was faster and he smoked me in the rough 1/4 mile. My dad said to get a universal nitrous kit and then race him, but i am stuck at either getting a nitrous system or a totally different car. Its almost summer and im getting a job and ill have about $5000 to work with. What set-up would you suggest???

dirtbiker525  

dont do anything to the mazda there is no market for a 626..sell the mazda and buy a new car. Nissan 240sx, Civic Si, Acura Integra GSR etc. those should all be good for what you want. just forget about modding the 626 very low in the import industry. Hope i helped  

Well ask yourself this. Do you see yourself in the Mazda or another car? If you genuinely like your Mazda then hook up some laughing gas. If not, then get another car. My personal opinion is to get another car, because you can only mod the 626 so far, whereas another car may have a bigger aftermarket support.  

My advice would be to look toward a new car.  The 626 is too heavy, there isn't a whole lot of potential for weight removal, and you don't want to try to wring that engine too much).  If all you want to do is beat your friend at a drag race, then grab an early 90's Civic, and throw a new motor in.  You'll be fast, but it won't be very nice to drive.  If you also want to handle, look toward the 240sx.  It's a little heavier and more expensive to modify, but the rear wheel drive will make it a pleasure to drive and more accepting of really high power (as long as the weather is nice...if you live in a snowy area, do not get a 240sx).  You won't be able to get much out of the engine naturally aspirated (~175 HP to the wheels max), but turbocharged engines making north of 300 HP are fairly common, both in SR20DET engine swaps and rebult and turbo'ed KA's.

Just for a note: I am prejudiced.  I own a '91 turbocharged KA motor that puts out about 275 HP.  Doing the work myself, I bought the car, rebuilt the engine, and turbocharged it for less than $3000.  It's the most entertaining car that I have ever driven, and I _never_ fear a Civic at a stoplight.