Hideki's Blog

Hideki's Favorite Spo-coms!
I've made yet another list of Hideki's favorite sport compacts, you'll notice that I have a particular love for '80s and early '90s spo-coms. There's such diversity among these older tuners, some of the new stuff is all too cookie-cutter, I know that they'll never be nearly as fast as the new stuff but it doesn't really matter. Rolling around in a hopped-up AE86 will get more looks than that tooned EVO anyday. :D I can tell I'm getting older, the young Hideki would've only cared about how fast his spo-com could go.

Isuzu Stylus XS (Gemini)

Why I like it?: No one except fellow Gemini tuners know what the hell it is :) it's a teeny-weeny FF sedan packing a 1.6 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual! There's still a small aftermarket for these cars, and I want one more and more every day
Do your homework: The Stylus is known through the Isuzu world as the Gemini, it was the original design for Saturn's S-series lineup but was declined and given to Isuzu instead :D There's look-a-like GEO models but the don't have nearly the same features.

Isuzu Impulse RS (1991-1992)

Why I like it?: If I told you this car packed a turbocharged 1.6 liter DOHC engine and 5-speed manual would you believe me? What if I said it also has all-wheel drive and viscous limited slip differentials? Well it does :D it also handles very well too! Do I even need to say anything else about this classic spo-com no-one's ever heard of?
Do your homework: I know you want one right now, but good luck finding one. They're worth the wait, Isuzu dropped the turbo engine in '92 in favor of a 1.8 liter non-turbo engine, so there's only one year these cars were produced in turbo form. And stay away from the GEO Storm look-a-like, I know it's the same "R-body" but nothing's like the real Impulse RS.

Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R (Conquest TSi)

Why I like it?: It's a Mitsubishi coupe GT car :) Under the hood lies the G54B 2.6 liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine, turbocharged (Mitsu 12a turbo), and intercooled. They have ABS and a limited slip differential as standard equipment, a sexy wide-body, and deep-lip SHP wheels. The aftermarket for these cars is still alive and kicking, and you could always swap in the 4G63 from a DSM.
Do your homework: The Starion came in a wide range of models, narrowbody/widebody, intercooled/not intercooled, basically you're looking for the ESI-R (euro sport intercooled-rally) the widebody model which has all the goodies you want. These cars are getting incredibly popular, so expect to pay a premium for the desirable ones.

Nissan 280ZX Turbo (1981-1983)

Why I like it?: Z's are always sexy, and the 280ZX turbo was the last with an in-line 6. Powered by the L28ET turbocharged (but not intercooled) 6-cylinder with 5-speed manual ('82-'83 only). It was one of the fastest production cars of its time, despite the fact it's a GT car, not a real sports car. And how cool is an inline-6 with a non-crossflow head and a turbo :D
Do your homework: '82-'83 models are more desirable due to the borg-warner T5 5-speed manual transmission, NACA hood ducting, and much needed rack and pinion steering as well as suspension changes. This made the 280ZX handle more like a proper sports car, unlike the softer 1981 model. Uber-rare 280ZX-R model with signature whale tail spoiler, and decals are super collectable, but good luck finding one.

Nissan 300ZX Z31 Turbo

Why I like it?: Designed to be more aerodynamic than the 280ZX it replaced, the 300ZX was also the first Z to feature the VG30ET SOHC V6 turbocharged engine (and the first Japanese mass-produced V6) combine that with a 5-speed manual, and a body design that just keeps looking sexier as time goes by, and you have one of my all time favorite cars.
Do your homework: '84-'87 model have a Garrett T3 turbo and 7.8:1 compression, '88-'89 have a Garrett T25 and higher compression 8.3:1. Neither came intercooled (or with a BOV for that matter, but they weren't huffing high enough to even need one) early Z31 models are the only ones with the hood scoop. Two special edition Z31's out there, the "SS" Shiro Special all white turbo 2-seater with upgraded suspension, and the 50th anniversary Z31 with silver/black livery and rear fender flares. Both specials are highly collectible, with only 1002 SS's produced.

Pontiac Trans AM (1982-1984)

Why I like it?: alright, it's not a spo-com so sue me (actually the 3rd gen F-body is technically listed as "compact") and I include a Starion and Z which are the same size anyways ;) They come from the factory with a 305c.i. 5.0 liter V8 with either CFI fuel injection or 4-barrell carb, with optional 5-speed manual. Designed to be aerodynamic with a .32 drag coefficiency, they look good, have decent power, and since it's technically a small-block chevy the aftermarket is outstanding for these cars.
Do your homework: WS6 equipped models have quicker steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, a limited slip rear end, and a plethora of other goodies. Special "Recaro" models have recaro seats, and black/gold paint, Daytona pace car models are top of the range, and a few "Mecham Sport" WS6 models have unique body panels and badges. 1984 models have the "L69 HO" 5.0 liter 4-barrell carb high-output engine and 5-speed manual.

Shelby/Dodge Omni (GLH/GLHS)

Why I like it?: The cars name is "goes like hell" c'mon you gotta love a car where it's right in the name :D They pack a 2.2 liter SOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder in their FF hatchback body, and they only weigh 2,200lbs. If you can get over the fact they're ugly as hell you have the very first SRT-4
Do your homework: the last 500 Dodge Omni GLH were sold to Shelby to be modified into GLHS and sold under the Shelby name. He added an intercooler, larger turbo/fuel rail, special computer tune, and of course badges, paint, and 3-digit serial number. Dodge and Shelby Omni's are rediculously rare, but if you can find one cherish it. Who know how much that little hatch will be worth one day.

Mazda RX-7 SA22C (FB)

Why I like it?: It's light, has a 50/50 weight distribution, cute :D little coupe styling, and has the 12A twin-rotor rotary engine. While it's no powerhouse like more modern RX-7's the SA22C is a classic proper sports car with decent aftermarket support.
Do your homework: GSL models packed a clutch type LSD and 4-wheel disc brakes. Later GSL-SE models are the most sought after, they're powered by the 13B fuel injected engine, have an oil cooler, larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and a different bolt pattern for the wheels.

Mazda RX-7 FC

Why I like it?: While it's more of a GT car than the outgoing model's purer sport image, the FC is the most affordale rotary car out there, and there's large aftermarket support for FC tuners. Powered by the 13B (in both non-turbo and turbo models) and 5-speed manual, these cars are perfect for someone wanting to break into the rotary scene.
Do your homework: turbo models are badged "Turbo-II" and recieved a higher compression ratio (9.0:1) lighter rotors, a better engine management in 1989, making these later models more desirable. Unluss you plan on swapping in a 13BT stay away from the non-turbo models.