For launches, AWD is superior to anything. :bowdown:

But in a RWD platform, under proper weight conditions, it can be extremely hard to break traction as well. I have a single passanger side airbag torque arm setup, and with a 4300RPM launch (shy of my torque peak by 450RPM), I keep traction - mind you, at 4300RPM I'm making between 435-455 ft/lbs depending on the air and how many passes I've already made. I run a 28.5/10 inch tire - which doesn't hurt either.

Of course, I have everything but the kitchen sink in the trunk, lol. Battery, coolant res, fuel cell..... case of Corona and 1 lime.

 

Both my Olds ('77 Regency 403ci), and my Supra were better in the snow than my civic is (but then, I've done a lot of non-snowfriendly mods to the civic). Really the only performance scenario in which fwd would have a slight advantage over front engine rear drive would be at highway speeds (too high to break loose), where the more efficient powertrain loses less torque by not having a big driveshaft to propell. Of course given equal weight and whp, there is no advantage. I always think the fwd/rwd argument is kinda silly... there is no argument really.

 

Wow! That sounds cool. Doesn't sound very street legal, especially not with those tires. What chassis is all that stuff in? Got any links?

My GSX is riding on 225/50R16 DOT's on 6.5" factory alloys. That's what I pulled the 1.73 60' with. I can't fit wider than an 8.5" wheel without breaking the bank re-tooling my spindles and body panels.

I used to hate Hondas until I bought and built a civic. It was really easy to swap, and I had no experience with Hondas before-hand, however; I had previously built a few American drag cars, and had DeTomaso and Shelby cars pounded into my head all my life. Those were the "real cars" according to everyone I knew. Maybe you should give it a shot. Fight the norm.

It's nice to get 40+ mpg when you need to. The most expensive part on a civic is about $30. Not too shabby. I made mine out of junk, and it's great. Cost me about $2500 including a spare engine, and I can't begin to tell you how much money it's saved me already. You don't need a 400+hp car for the morning and 5 o'clock commutes... that's sort of pointless where I live. But I wouldn't be happy with it if it were my only car.

Find yourself a junker. If worse comes to worse, you could get a spooled Chevette rear end or a narrowed 10-bolt chevy rear, make a custom drive shaft, and slap a small V8 in it. That will be sure to get respect from both the import and muscle car guys alike. 2 words. Wheelie bars.