Forum Find: '80 Triumph TR7, Grand National Powered

The Buick Grand National turbo V6 was the LS1 of motor swaps in the 80's. We've seen them in everything from Datsun pick ups to Corvettes. This is the first time we've seen one in a Triumph and this has got to be one ridiculously fast car. Not only does this little TR7 have the motor and trans a of a GN, but the builder also managed to shove the rear-end under the little Triumph as well. The seller states that there's something not quite right with the swap as it  falls on it's face under heavy acceleration. This sounds like a boost problem to us, but there is a myriad of issues that could be causing this symptom, (fuel, spark, ECU, plugged cats, etc). This would be an amazing car when sorted out. Find it here, in Hillpoint, WI, for $4,000. We also love the Halloween appropriate Spider edition, complete with cartoon spiders on the quarters!

1980 Triumph TR7, Complete Buick Grand National Drive-Train 

Craigslist Find: '75 Chevy C10, Twin Turbo Sleeper

Let's face it, aside from having your turbo's sticking out of your hood, no one is going to expect an old C10 to beat them to the next stop light. This truck puts down a mighty impressive 551hp and 511tq from a twin turbo fuel injected 355ci. More than enough power to belittle a new Mustang GT at the 1/4 mile. We suspect that this will not be a corner carver as there is no mention of suspension mods and well, it's a C10. This truck promises to be loads of fun in a straight line, but we would love to see a more vintage set of wheels to make it look even more sleeper. Find it here, in the Portland area, WA, for $12,500.

1975 Chevy C10, Twin Turbo, Fuel Injected

Craigslist Find:'93 GMC Typhoon

The Typhoon is a legendary truck that was one of the quickest bang for your buck autos on the road. Their turbo V6 and AWD put down some remarkable 0-60 times. This particular truck has had a few upgrades to help stay up to snuff with it's modern day competitors. There is some work that needs to be done (cosmetic and a turbo with some play on the impeller shaft) but it is a running driving vehicle and it is one of the cheapest Typhoon's that we've seen in awhile. The seller also states that the gas gauge isn't reading accurately, when you're at E you actually have 3 more gallons. This is a common problem with this platform as one of our staff member had an '89 GMC Jimmy that did the exact same thing. Find it here, in Henderson, NV, for $6,500.

1993 GMC Typhoon

Event: JCCS 2012, Part 1

Yes, it's that time again. One of our favorite shows of the year has come at last!

Craigslist Find: '89 Nissan Skyline

Relatively rare and quintessentially 1980's styling, the R31 Skyline is a seriously cool car. Add two doors and you've got the makings of a great daily driver that is sure to impress at the next JDM meet. This car is powered by a Rb20DET and has all the mods you could hope for. We're diggin' the pillarless four door look and it's a 5 speed manual. We think that the asking price of $13,000 OBO is very fair considering that it is completely road legal. Find it here, in Marietta, GA.

1988 R31 Skyline Sedan

Craigslist Find: '89 240SX, RB25DET

We really like the shade of Land Rover Green that's coated this car and the green suede accents on the interior could lead to something very nice with a little more work. The RB25 is stock right now and is putting down a very respectable 245hp and 210tq at the wheels. The seller claims that less than 2000 miles have been put on the car, but with out a working speedometer and odometer, there is no way to confirm. We hope that all nuts, bolts, and mounting surface were masked properly when the wrinkle coat was applied to the engine bay, otherwise maintenance could become a headache. This cars looks to have had a solid build and is well worth the asking price of $13,000. Find it here, in Tacoma, WA.

1989 Nissan 240SX, RB25DET Swap

Craigslist Find: '72 240Z, L28ET Project

Finding a good base for your next Datsun project has never been easier. This 240Z has been gone through, worked over, and has a parts list a mile long. The L28ET has been rebuilt, the car runs and drives. The body looks to have been properly sanded and is ready for blocking and paint. Seller states that the car is capable of moving under it's own power but still needs the intercooler connected and fine tuning on the standalone ECU. At $4,500, this project should leave you with plenty of money in your budget to complete a great 240Z. Find it here in Las Vegas, NV!

1972 Datsun 240z, L28ET

Event: Concorso Ferrari Pasadena 2010, Part 6

This little Ferrari was one of our favorites at the show.

eBay Find: Turbo LSX Powered Studebaker Commander

One of the prettiest and quickest cars ever offered by Studebaker is the Commander and this particular Commander has received a second chance at that life. While not currently "pretty", this car is dead to nuts cool. The original paint has become a nice patina from the car sitting outside in LA for 21 years. This car was saved from it's backyard prison and given a new lease on life with a 5.3 from a 2000 Silverado and a T-56 from a 2005 GTO. Then it got a turbo. This Derelict style Stud has been daily driven for the last two months and we have to say that we would keep it just the way it is. Find all of the details here and the car is located in Pasadena, CA, with current bid at $9,100 and the reserve not met. Auction ends on August 31, at 10pm pacific standard time.

1954 Studebaker Commander, 5.3 Turbo

Event: Concorso Ferrari Pasadena 2010, Part 4

It's truly sad that Ferrari no longer offers a manual transmission. We will miss the gated shifters!

Event: Ferrari Concorso Pasadena 2010, Part 2

The 1956 625 TR stands for everything that Ferrari is famous for today.

Event: 2010 Concorso Ferrari Pasadena, Part 1

Very few manufacturers can get away with paint so thin that you can see the weave of the carbon fiber underneath. Yup, we're at a Ferrari show!

Craigslist Find: '71 Datsun 240z, L28 Turbo

Here's another great turbo swapped 240z and this one is smog exempt for you California residents. The car was painted within the last month and is said to be a daily driver. The molded in rear flares look great as does the dyed black interior. The seller reports that the air con is in the car but needs to be hooked up and that the clutch is on it's way out but doesn't effect normal driving conditions. This car looks well sorted and it's needs are minor for the price. Find it here for $6,200 in San Diego, CA.

1971 Datsun 240z, L28et, Daily Driver

Craigslist Find: '80 Scirocco 1.8 Turbo Swap

One of the most stylish cars to ever come out of the VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) has got to be the Scirocco. This one has many upgrades and has had a thorough refresh from top to bottom. The owner states that the last time the car was dynoed it was putting down 240hp at the wheels. That's a considerable amount of power to put through the front wheels of a light weight car and should get you up to merging speed in no time. The owner also states that some damage has occurred to the driver side fender and has posted pics of it through his ad. The damage looks minimal and overall the car looks to be a good deal at $5,300. Find it here in Seattle, WA.

1980 VW Scirocco, 1.8 Turbo Swap

Craigslist Find: '73 Pinto Racer, 2.3 Turbo Swap

Race cars don't get any cheaper than this. At $6,000 this Pinto looks to be very well sorted and is ready for just about any road race event out there. Fully SCCA compliant roll cage, fire suppression system, and a completely rebuilt 2.3 turbo out of a '86 SVO mustang are just some of the highlights from the seller. Find it here in Vacaville, CA.

1973 Ford Pinto Race Car, 2.3 Swap

Forum Find: '91 Ford Festiva 1.8 Turbo

"Why do I like this?" is the first response to the ad posted on Zilvia. We have to agree! Every shred of common sense we have is telling us to run the other way, but this is a seriously cool car. We love the look and the seller claims to get 30mpg with mixed driving which puts this car dangerously close to being practical. There is a depressing amount of rust on the rockers and the interior is gutted but the seller claims to have everything but the carpet. There are many problems and many upgrades that would need to be done for us to have any confidence in a daily driving situation but overall, this is a very cool car. Find it here in Lancaster, PA for $4,000.

1991 Ford Festiva, Built 1.8 Turbo

Craigslist Find: '77 280z, L28ET

We spend a great deal of time lusting after RB or 2JZ swapped Datsuns. The reality of driving a RB powered car in the States is probably pretty grim when it comes to replacing parts in a timely fashion. We'd probably have to "over nigh parts from Japan" should anything go wrong in a daily driver situation. This L28ET powered 280z is a bit more common place than the RB and parts are plentiful, even in your local salvage yard. This car looks great and appears to have been built right. This car may prove to be difficult to smog being that it's '77 but if you live outside of Commifornia, you should be fine. The seller states that the interior is missing some parts, the speedometer doesn't work, the fuel gauge doesn't work, and the heater blower motor doesn't work. All pretty minor when you consider that the seller is asking only $6,000. Find it here in Centennial, NV.

1977 Datsun 280z, L28ET Powered

Event: 2011 Coronado Festival of Speed, Part 4

Can't get enough CANAM.

Craigslist Find: '74 260z, RB20DET

Here's a great looking 260z with a RB swap for a very fair price. This car has the potential to be a great daily driver (if you can survive without AC) and comes with a set of slim bumpers from a 240z. This car looks to be a big brake kit away from having totally updated running gear. This one is definitely worth checking out! Find it here in Milpitas, CA for $7,800.

1974 Datsun 260z, RB20DET, Coilovers

Craigslist Find: Turbo V-tec Mini

Looking to be a pest to the neighborhood Lamborghinis? Weighing in at just 1300lbs and being powered by a turbo B20, this Innocenti Mini has promise to be one of the quickest cars on the block. These cars a handful with just a V-tec swap. Adding a turbo into the formula should make this car absolutely volatile. The seller states that it will only take a day or two to complete being there are some items not hooked up yet. The front end has been painted as well as the flares. Find this little land rocket here in Longview, WA for $14,000. We think this setup will be more reliable and much more powerful than the R1 swapped Mini from a few days ago, plus we're also partial to British Racing Green Minis!


1974 Innocenti Mini, Turbo B20 V-tec Powered