I agree Doug,
Plus the performance versions like the turbo ll and turbo lll and shelby models could give a V8 a run for their money if built and tuned right. I still have 3 of these cars. All turbo models. 1987 lebaron turbo coupe turbo l automatic, 87 daytona shelby turbo ll 5 speed parts car, and a 1988 daytona shelby z turbo ll t top 5 speed, in middle of a restoration i kinda lost interest, but still am still collecting up NOS, and used parts for it.
Turbo ll shelbys came with roller cams after 1987, but all of them had forged steel cranks, and full floating forged steel connecting rods, that all but eliminated the piston slap so common to these cars when the mileage gets up there.
Easy to work on, parts are dirt cheap. How about a brand new water pump for $14. FWD wheel bearings for about $15.,each at your local bearing supply, if you want to take the time to press em into your original hubs.
Beware tho the turbo ll radiators for intercooled cars are made of unobtanium. I have 4 good ones i got when these cars littered the junkyards so i am set.
The turbo intercooled 5 speed ones are the granddaddys of the sport compact craze. It did not start in japan, they just perfected it.
Matt
