What would you do with a $20k budget?

**DrkZide** · 11-30-2011, 06:43 PM

So I will be having a decent payday coming soon and the 3000GT is in DIRE need of some TLC. It's a 94 SL that I've had for the last 7 years (and I'm keeping due to sentiment) and I'm wondering what I can do with about $20k in funding.

The planned mods as of now are
AWD Conv
TT Conv
3.8 Conv
99 Bumper
18"-19" Rota Torque's
Megan Coilovers
Interior Update
Touchscreen stereo
2 seat conv w/2 10/12" subs

I've planned on using donor cars, used parts and part offs to mitigate cost.I'm open to suggestions/advice/comments as far as the "end goal" is concerned, which is to have something nice and can put up a decent fight. What do you guys think?

**TT4ME** · 11-30-2011, 06:46 PM

I'd save a buttload of work and find a TT car to buy.

You probably don't want to hear that, but it makes sense.

**DrkZide** · 11-30-2011, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by TT4ME

I'd save a buttload of work and find a TT car to buy.

You probably don't want to hear that, but it makes sense.

Yea, I already said the car was staying due to sentiment. I know it'd be easier to just buy a VR4 but that's not the point of the thread. I have the tools and space to do all of the work myself except for welding the AWD body pieces back on to the SL.

**stealthee** · 11-30-2011, 06:55 PM

There is nothing wrong with keeping the SL, but $20k can probably buy you a nice turnkey TT. You can still fix up the SL.

**IPD** · 11-30-2011, 07:29 PM

you won't even be REMOTELY able to get all of that done for 20k. i promise you. a 3.8L conversion will run you well over 10 grand alone...and that's just the longblock--if you're lucky. good set of ported heads is ~2500. you'll be lucky to swing a 3.8L shortblock for <6000. add in the 120k parts package & stuff to make it complete--and you're at 10k. then add in a turbo kit. and supporting mods.

you MIGHT be able to swing 3.8L on 20k with a little room to spare...but that's about it. don't count on extras.

p.s.
i did the awd conversion. and if i had to do it over again, i'd have atx converted a tt; rather than awd converting an atx.

**anyonebutme** · 11-30-2011, 09:09 PM

I'd sell the SL and buy something worth the effort with your $20K. ~$20K will get you a modded E39 M5. Or a turbo'd or LSx converted E36/46. Or a Modded C5 Vette. Or a base C6. Or any number of cars that will not cause you the heartache that 3S ownership is.