Acura Integra
Make: Acura
Model: Integra
Years: '94-'99
Chassis Code: DC2
Engine: B18B, B18C
What's Hot: JDM Type R front-end conversion; US-offered Type R; 5-lug conversion; parts galore; JDM Type R interior pieces; fairly affordable used; easily replaced engines; high-revving DOHC VTEC engines; easily fixed up
What's Not: Silvia headlight conversions; torque steer; stock bug eye headlights; 4x100 made for dinky wheel selection
Honda Civic
Make: Honda
Model: Civic
Years: '92-'95
Chassis Code: EG6
Engine: D15, D16
What's Hot: B-series swaps; K20 swaps; light chassis; parts galore; easily fixed-up; Japanese SiR parts
What's Not: Jonny had one; egg-shaped; torque steer; stock single cam motor
Mazda RX-7
Make: Mazda
Model: RX-7
Years: '93-'95
Chassis Code: FD3S
Engine: 13B REW
What's Hot: Front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration; humming rotary motor; 196hp per liter; light chassis; perfect racing platform
What's Not: Temperamental rotary motor; not a lot of rotary builders; pricey parts; engine fires; two-seater insurance prices; hard to tune properly
Mitsubishi EclipseMake: Mitsubishi
Model: Eclipse
Years: '95-'99
Chassis Code: D31A, D32A, D38A
Engine 4G63, 420A
What's Hot All-wheel drive GSX; strong turbo motor; plenty of DSM builders and tuners;lower-priced two-wheel drive turbo
What's Not Convertible Spyder; heavy chassis; RS non-turbo
Mitsubishi Evo VIII
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Lancer Evolution VIII
Years: '01-present
Chassis Code: CT9A Engine 4G63
What's Hot: Stout turbo motor; all-wheel drive; road-race ready; rally-inspired; Brembo brakes
What's Not: Finding an all-wheel drive dyno; expensive buy; pricey parts
Nissan 240SX
Make: Nissan
Model: 240SX
Years: '89-'94
Chassis Code: S13
Engine: KA24E, KA24DE
What's Hot: SR20DET swappable; FR configuration; medium weight chassis;highly tuneable; plenty of SR20 shops; parts interchangeable with other Nissans
What's Not: Clunky truck motor; prices skyrocketed after drift craze;sourcing replacement parts
Scion xB
Make: Scion
Model: xB
Years: '04-present
Chassis Code: NCP31L Engine 1NZ-FE
What's Hot: Spacious; different-looking; very affordable; VVT-i engine; plenty of inexpensive parts; power adders available
What's Not: Ice cream truck styling; tiny weak engine; even your girlfriends will laugh at you
Subaru WRX
Make: Subaru
Model: WRX
Years: '02-present
Chassis Code: GDA
Engine: EJ20
What's Hot: All-wheel drive; rally and road race ready; stout turbo box motor; several Subie builders and tuners; Brembo brakes
What's Not: Heavy chassis; ugly '06 front end; finding an AWD dyno; our orange give away car (what car? - JN)
Toyota Supra
Make: Toyota
Model: Supra
Years: '93-'98
Chassis Code: JZA80 Engine 2JZ-GTE
What's Hot: Nearly bulletproof bottom end; easy horsepower gains; absolute powerhouse; tons of builders and tuners; endless possibilities; parts galore
What's Not: Pricey parts; big and heavy; still expensive; no longer in production
Toyota Corolla Gt-S
Make: Toyota
Model: Corolla GT-S
Years: '83-'86
Chassis Code: AE86
Engine: 4AGE
What's Hot: Lightweight and nimble; OG drift car; cheap parts; engine swaps available;great handling
What's Not: Minimal power; used to be cheap; price increase since the drift craze; hard to find one without damage