This is a list of tuner cars that I have compiled in numerical order according to popularity, ease of modifications, availability of parts, aftermarket following for tuning, and best bang for the buck for horse power making as well as preferable drive trains and configurations.
1) Toyota Supra Twin Turbo
These tuner cars are beginning to get very expensive even though they were only produced from 1993-98, but seemingly are never going to lose their popularity in the tuner world. The Toyota Supra twin turbo is the iconic image in which all other tuner cars are judged. The styling is classic and the 3.0 liter twin turbocharged inline six cylinder is the stoutest on the market of tuner engines. Even though Japanese Nissan Skylines are considered to be the end all be all in the tuner world they are extremely hard to come by and even harder to make legal to drive in the United States. Besides, who wants a tiny 2.6l RB26DETT from a Skyline twin turbo when you have the much bigger displacement option of a 3.0l 2JZ-GTTE from the Toyota Supra twin turbo. The reason this tuner car rates number one is two words: horsepower potential, modified versions of these tuner cars can make upwards of 1300 horsepower out of a tiny 3.0 liters of displacement. Without internal engine modifications they have seen 800 horsepower with the addition of bolt on’s such as new turbochargers, exhaust, fuel, and engine management systems. The Fast and the Furious sure made this tuner car popular and who doesn’t like a six speed car that’s rear wheel drive with excellent gas mileage.
2) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8
The Mitsubishi Evo 8 has grown quite a bit in popularity over the years, most likely because it was also debuted in The Fast and the Furious as a tuner car. However, there are many other reasons why this tuner car has become so popular. The Evo 8 is relatively light weight (which makes for a good power to weight ratio) and it’s outfitted with a turbocharged four cylinder with an iron block, manual transmission, and all wheel drive. Since the release of the infamous black AMS Evo 8 tuner car from Pensacola, Florida boasting 1000 horsepower there has been wide spread purchases of these pocket rocket tuner four doors. These tuner cars have a huge aftermarket and social following. They are known to get great gas mileage and gobs of traction while still having fun shifting gears. The 4G63 engine offers an assortment of power adders and is extremely sturdy when properly put together and there is a wide range of engine electronics for a tuner to use.
3) Subaru Impreza STI
The STI is a tuner car that has a somewhat smaller community and following, this is why it got beat out for the #2 spot. When comparing the Evo 8 and the STI they are very similar in configurations and design except when it comes to the motor. The STI carries a larger displacement tuner friendly engine with a 2.5 liter horizontally opposed boxer four cylinder. Like it’s older but shorter brother it also offers turbocharged bliss for a tuner with a manual transmission and all wheel drive system. This engine is stout and can make gobs of power from proper tuners like APS and Cosworth. The only downfall of this platform is that it’s a little on the heavy side, making it slightly less desirable then the Evo 8.
4) Honda S2000
Ah, the Honda S2000, the holy grail to Honda tuners. Many Honda tuners have waited their whole lives for a rear wheel drive sports car and Honda did them right. 9000 rpm and 2-2.2 liters of displacement from a Vtec (variable cam timing) four cylinder that’s mated to a six speed transmission and is rear wheel drive. The after market performance parts and social tuner following for this car is unbelievable. This tuner car is extremely well liked and accepted for having such a lightweight body, making any power increases much more effective. Many tuners opt for supercharging or turbocharging these S2000’s, but there are is a rare tuner community that is truly down with the sickness. This group of tuners like the idea of the power potential of the Toyota Supra twin turbo so what do they do? They put the Toyota engine in the much lighter weight body of the Honda S2000 making for one wild and radical ride.
5) Dodge Neon SRT-4
This car has also grown in what is a typically Japanese related tuner scene. It has done this with it’s performance. From the factory this tuner car comes front wheel drive, but with a punch. A 2.4 liter transversely mounted turbocharged four cylinder with tons of torque and a six speed gear box. These cars have gained popularity in the tuning scene because they can be modified by a Mopar Performance qualified Dodge dealer and keep their warranty.
6) Nissan 240SX
The Nissan 240sx has grown in popularity in the tuner scene from it’s cousin the Japanese s13, s14, and s15 chassis right hand drive Nissan Silvia, this car is extremely important to the Nissan tuner crowd and is the cornerstone of the drifting revolution. Sometimes the factory 2.4 liter KA24DE is turbocharged, but most of the time it’s removed in favor of a smaller 2.0 liter displacement SR20DET that comes turbocharged from the factory. With this tiny power plant horsepower is not a problem with many motors making upwards of six hundred horsepower; with a five speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive this lightweight chassis make for the ultimate drift machine with it’s limitless aftermarket suspension support.
7) Acura RSX Type-S
The Acura RSX-Type-S comes with the almighty K-series from the gods of Honda for the humble tuner, this 2.0 liter four cylinder comes naturally aspirated with a six speed gear box and front wheel drive. But, with the after market support this non-turbo motor doesn’t stay in factory trim for long. Many tuner companies in the performance markets have tailored their turbocharging products to fit the need of this customer. The K-series is one of Honda’s strongest tuner motors boasting a closed deck block that’s ready to be boosted. Many K-series enthusiasts have seen the likes of 700 horsepower from these tiny motors.
8) Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo
This car hits our #8 spot for tuners because it’s starting to get a little bit old, only produced in the U.S. from 93-98 it still fit’s the bill as one of the ultimate tuner cars. It was first brought to mainstream attention as Vin Diesel’s ride in the first Fast and Furious. This is a very unique platform for performance because it typically takes two different engine swap from the factory engine quite easily. Many swap in a 3 rotor twin turbo motor from a Japanese Mazda Cosmos while others that really have a problem with authority prefer to swap in an all aluminum V8 from a Chevrolet Camaro or Corvette making the power and torque ratio out of this world.
9) Nissan 350Z
This car has grown in it’s popularity from extensive Nissan marketing and grand performances in the drifting tuner scene. There are many power adders available for this engine platform including twin turbo kits and superchargers as well as many aftermarket suspension components and the tuner following for this car is growing each day because of it’s favorable body styling and rear wheel drive manual transmission configuration.
10) Honda Civic
The age old milestone in the Honda tuner world, with many different model year generations to choose from this car seems like it will never leave the tuner world. The aftermarket availability and support is unmatched in comparison to the other cars on this list, unfortunately none of these cars came with a powerful motor from the factory except in Japan so they almost all require motor transplants except for the newest versions of the SI. With the lightest chassis out of all the tuner cars on the list it has the greatest potential for power to weight ratio, thus making it the number #10 choice.
Other Popular Tuner Cars That Didn’t Make The List
Nissan Sentra
Nissan 300zx twin turbo
Toyota Scion TC
Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
Lexus SC300 (poor mans Supra)
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Honda Del Sol
Acura Integra
Honda Prelude
Honda CRX
Hyundai Tiburon
Audi S4
Lexus IS300
