I am thinking of buyinga project car. I am looking at acouple models. STR-4, and Mustangs. I have been searching the mustang forums and really like the V8 sound but I also like turbo engines. So I am kinda torn. But I am leaning towards the STR-4 because its diffrent. I kinda thought of them as chick cars but they are starting to grow on me.

Since I am looking at wrecked and or blown up cars I have a few questions.

What are the weak parts of the car? (ex. if the car bends the frame at a 5 MPH crash everytime I prabbaly will stay away from harder impac crashes)

IS the engine hard to work on? (I found a black one that has a loud knock)

I am thinking of buying one that has nothing wrong with it, but what is the fun in that lol.

Thanks

 

The SRT-4 is a fine choice for a project car. There is a vast amount of aftermarket parts and Mopar upgrades available. The weakest part of the car is the tranny. The engine is fairly easy to work on IMO but that depends on the kind of work you are doing, of course. I don't see many girls driving them but the ones that do are car enthusiasts and usually know their stuff. Good luck.

 

thanks for the reply. I found one with 60,000 miles and some front end damage. It look very minor. THe hood was barley crumpled and the bumper was bent/cracked a small amount. I dont know the story behind it but it looked like somone backed into it with a truck. They only wanted 6 grand which I thought was a good deal.
Also any othet sites are welcome if you know any. I need all the info I can find

 

Well, 6 grand is pretty cheap. What year SRT is it?

You seem willing to put a lot of work into your project car, so I'm assuming the body work won't be a big deal. The main thing I would check out is the tranny and the clutch. Take it for a drive if you can. If you notice any grinding going into gears (especially 3rd) or if it doesn't want to go into 1st or reverse without forcing it, then you are probably looking at a tranny rebuild as well. The engines are pretty solid. I would also check out the condition of the axles and other front end components considering it was in an accident. Also check on the electrical system and PCM of course. And if you do end up buying it I would reccommend changing the spark plugs and ignition wires for starters.

Good Luck!

 

I belive it was a 03, from what I have read the first year is not the year to have. But I could be wrong.

Yes I am willing to put work into it. My hobby right now makes me travel alot and with gas prices I am wanting to get a at home hobby and I love working on things.

What should I look for in axles? Just looseness or is there any other key signs.

How much is a tranny rebuild? I am guessing there is some kits on here to upgrade it so I will search that.

 

My '03 runs like a top. Try to find one as close to stock as possible regardless of year. Not sure on the price of a tranny rebuild. Mine was replaced under warranty. As for the axles, check to make sure they are solid and tight. I've heard they are not very expensive, maybe like $150 apiece for new ones.