Need input/opinions. Which car to bring?
 

So, I have a dilemma. Which car to put together and bring to DGRR '15.

I will do my best to describe each, and where they stand.

Cosmo #1

This car has been in my possession for quite some time. Last year, it almost made it, but a delay in some parts arriving forced it to stay home.

Pros-
Engine rebuilt (0 miles)
Trans resealed
New clutch
New clutch hydraulics
New brakes including hydraulics
New struts/shocks
New tires
New bearings and seals at all corners

Cons-
Pretty ratty looking
Everything electronic is untested
Hasn't been on the road since 1999 (or earlier)
Exhaust needs to be sorted out as well.

Here's how she sits now.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M...608_145136.jpg

Fenders, bumpers, trim, etc need to go back on, fuel tank needs to be cleaned. Need to rewire the ignition for the electronic dizzy, and S4 alternator as well. Need to install new fuel pump and hoses, and fill all vital fluids.

Cosmo #2

This car was recently acquired. It was originally a 13B, 5spd car that the original owner got tire of, and had a 12a with an auto trans installed a long, long time ago. I do have the clutch pedal assembly, so its an easy swap back. There is a hitch with this one, however. I do not currently have the title for it, but that should hopefully be taken car of quickly.

Pros-
Everything works on this car.
Was on the road 2 years ago.
Can easily swap the 13B and trans from silver car into it.

Cons-
No title (as of me typing this)
Untested brakes.

Here's how it sits. Haven't touched it really, since it might become a parts car ( :( ). But it really needs little. Some cosmetic buggers, but these aren't show cars (yet).

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n...918_114717.jpg

Now, all that being said. The title for the white car should be acquired within 2 weeks. The silver car deserves to go, since it has missed out for longer than I care to discuss.

Deep thoughts?

Hands down the white one. Its just a swap and go for the most part and it looks helluva lot
better than the grey one.

In fact why not just drive it with the 12A auto in it and just clean the hell out of it.

Because a 12a slushbox in a car the weighs as much as an FC would be tragic.

Now, if I get the white one going, should I run it with the 14's, or the black 15's.

Refresh the originals. Might need to find the trim rings though. I wouldn't want to place any bets on the condition of the suspension/brake parts on the white one though.

White one.... and if it gets split up for parts so will your manly bits :squint:

All I can do is wait for the title, as long as there is no issues. I know it isn't stolen (a police officer friend ran the VIN for me), and there sure as hell won't be a lien on it.

I can't afford that right now.

Although, the engine needs to come out of the Silver car anyway, since it will be getting an S4 engine soon.

Silver, but needs to be done soon. That way you can test everything. I wouldnt want my 0 mile motor busting ass through the gap

I'll do a driveway break in.

Huh? sandblasting the wheels and spraying them with etching primer and silver paint is not all that expensive. When done right even the rattle can paint lasts better than powder coating. 14" tires are pretty darned cheap as well. I wouldn't want to make that kind of a drive on old crappy tires. If they do blow out it will most likely be catastrophic and cost you a lot more in body repairs than new cheapy tires will. You can find trim rings for 14s used and in decent shape for pretty darned cheap too, they don't need to be brandy new Mazda specific ones.

Whoops. I thought you meant refresh the 12a.

I'm thinking 'why?'

white car on 15s.

White one with the 12A as it is. Just slap a set of new tires on, do whatever needs to get done on the brakes & suspension to keep it safe and have fun with it. If you get that done early, tackle the cosmetic stuff (paint the wheels, trim rings, etc.).

I could try to see if the 12a will run, but there is no way in HELL that I am keeping the auto trans!

So, if I can source a trans, clutch, clutch hyros and lines by next week. Maybe. If there is a driveshaft issue, I'll just steal the one out of the silver car.

Silver one for sure! An auto is way to boring:001_07: