i had a beretta that just got totaled and im waiting to hear from the insurance company

i was thinking that there's 2 options

1) buy a really cheap third gen (like under 500 bucks) and build up the tpi to be able to beat most cars on the road. is this practical or would it take a LOT of $? i could also do an lt1 swap (if it wouldn't go over the cost limit)

OR

2) buy a cheap fourth gen, do any repairs if necessary, and do simple bolt ons then mod later


budget would have to be kept under 3k including the cost of the car. at least for now. and its going to have to be my daily driver so gas mileage and drivability are a concern

what do you think?

 

So does option 1 include buying a car that has TPI? And id say youll have a very hard time finding a 4th gen for under 3000. A 500 dollar thirdgen is gonna need more than just performance upgrades

 

yes. the 500 dollar thirdgen will need a new engine and possibly a trans

there are lt1s under 3k, they might have high miles or need some work though

 

Your best bet for cheap performance, is to buy a really cheap 3rd gen without drivetrain, and building a carbed 350 for it.