Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Ok, since I drive about 45k plus a year for work, I was thinking about a Smart Car. With gas prices going up so much vs. even last year, I have about a 30% increase in expenses for the year... estimated.Anywho, I was looking at these cars and even though what I drive for work gets laughs, these things will get me laughed out of every shop I visit. They're literally golf carts with bigger bodies. Two seats and nothing more, realy. Wheezer motors and pretty much not designed (even though the salesman states they can easily be driven in highway/interstate scenerios) to be out of town driving...So, I kinda gave up. A few other buddies in the same job type I am in have talked about them, as well. We all end up saying they're too gay to drive around.Well, until now... I have an engine builder as a buddy and we could get this thing humping good with a very dependable set-up. Supposedly, the GSXR1000 is a direct fit, too! Most are shown with Busa motors as they are 1300s and easily found. I'd probably do a Busa motor since it is cheapest and easier to find than say a 14 or similar...Anyways, it is now back on the table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 get a sidecar and just ride the bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 get a sidecar and just ride the bike Not a great idea when it is snowing out... At least this has a top... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisoh Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Yea but we get 2 inches of snow and the car will be up to the axle. I think I am more afraid of being in a accident in a smart car then on the bike.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaNick Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 A woman I work with has one. Looks retarded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gixxie750 Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 would it still be street legal? I agree Chris a crash in that and ur done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 A woman I work with has one. Looks retarded.Yes, they look retarded, but would that opinion change once you heard it fire up and it had a high powered in-line four with a Leo Vince exhaust sticking out from under it? Maybe if it were doing drifts around the parked cars in the lot all the while smoke rolling out of the rear fender wells?I'd give it another looksee if that were possible... Can you imagine the faces of those people you dusted from the light? Well, maybe you don't dust them as your rear wheels are going through thousands of miles at a time!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrome Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 actually google or youtube search smart car crash. they are pretty safe. to an extent. i suppose smart vs. semi would be a different story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 would it still be street legal? I agree Chris a crash in that and ur done!Sure. Street legal is based on the car itself. I wouldn't modify anything other than the motor. The one w/o doors and such was when they transplanted the motor and was right after w/i bolting anything else up to it. The other two show them assembled and from the outside, same as stock.The one vid is great because it has a stocker going around in a circle and the modded one chasing after it. Teh stock one is going just as fast, BUT the modded one is in full drift burning the tires up!!They actually crash well. Can't be any worse than what I drive now... If I want protection, I'd drive my dually all the time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaNick Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Yes, they look retarded, but would that opinion change once you heard it fire up and it had a high powered in-line four with a Leo Vince exhaust sticking out from under it? Maybe if it were doing drifts around the parked cars in the lot all the while smoke rolling out of the rear fender wells?I'd give it another looksee if that were possible... Can you imagine the faces of those people you dusted from the light? Nope, still wouldn't want one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angrish Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Nope, still wouldn't want one.I wouldn't, either. But, driving the miles I do, I am now paying an additional $35-$45 a week just on fuel increase alone. That's not a lot, but in total, I am about $150 more a month and that's not something I like doing.If gas gets to $4-$5 a gallon, I will be in even more a month. Hell, the money saved would actually pay for the car a month in terms of a payment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrome Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 i thought about these as well lizard. after driving about 40k last year and adding up my gas reciepts at tax time i could of had a helluva down payment on one. it is still in my mind to get one, all black, and limo tint windows so nobody knows who is in the thing. that is about the only way i would get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Again, for the normal driver? Sure. For someone who drives like I do? It sucks that we have to consider such options, but it would be pretty cool to mod the car and run her like seen in the vids. The power to weight ratio is pretty good if you take a modded GSX1300 motor... I mean, 180hp in that light a car? Good and fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 i thought about these as well lizard. after driving about 40k last year and adding up my gas reciepts at tax time i could of had a helluva down payment on one. it is still in my mind to get one, all black, and limo tint windows so nobody knows who is in the thing. that is about the only way i would get it.I'd run mine with primered body panels (due to having to cut on the car and all) and make it look like total shit. That way, everyone thinks it is a pile until you stomp on it...I'd probably be my typical anal self and paint it up to be totally clean and look factory. I'd do all black, too. Maybe all white with a noce set of wheels and all...I thought about wrapping one and doing that. With it being a motorcycle engine and with who I work for, it would be a cool tie in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 They are supposed to be pretty safe. They have been in Europe for years with no problems. They only get 40 mpg (advertised) though with very little room. My wife does a ton of driving so she got a Scion Xa to run around in. She regularly gets around 36 mpg has a ton more room and paid less than these Smart cars. We only paid 11,500 for it too. Unfortunately Scion is jacking up prices and they aren't making the Xa any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonzie Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 I wouldn't, either. But, driving the miles I do, I am now paying an additional $35-$45 a week just on fuel increase alone. That's not a lot, but in total, I am about $150 more a month and that's not something I like doing.If gas gets to $4-$5 a gallon, I will be in even more a month. Hell, the money saved would actually pay for the car a month in terms of a payment...Gas here jumped .$26 on Tuesday.......Was $3.53 in the a.m., & up to $3.79 that night....& has stayed there since I've read some conspiracy theories about how there's a silent agreement made 3-4 years ago to get price per gallon to $5 within 5 years.........Looks like they're right on schedule. They'll have it $4/gal by Memorial DayRecently read some articles about an oil find in North Dakota?? that is supposedly bigger than anything OPEC has, but takes some horizontal drilling method that was never cost feasible 'til recent barrel prices have skyrocketed. All the NIMBY's killing refinery projects is the even bigger problemEver see that Monster Garage where Jesse tried putting a 'Busa motor into one of those little clown cars? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Not a great idea when it is snowing out... At least this has a top...if CPD can do it, so can you!or get some of those outriggers that the funeral escorts use when it snows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 or get a diesel and a) make your own biodiesel for like 70 cents a gallon or b) convert it to run on straight vegetable oil. when you need a fill up just hit up mcdonalds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrome Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 that diesel conversion to veg. oil seams pretty easy. wonder what the upkeep is on that sort of thing. changing filters, and such. would be a cheaper way to get around though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrome Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 ok watch this vid. at about 59 sec if smart cars looked like that would you be more apt to drive it????? also shortly after that there is a JACKED up smart car, what if it looked like that??? http://youtube.com/watch?v=UWjFP8ergKU&feature=relatedLizard google smartzuki, there is a company that you can buy kits from and build your own car. looks pretty sweet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrome Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 minor crash vid. this may change your mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 ok watch this vid. at about 59 sec if smart cars looked like that would you be more apt to drive it????? also shortly after that there is a JACKED up smart car, what if it looked like that??? http://youtube.com/watch?v=UWjFP8ergKU&feature=relatedLizard google smartzuki, there is a company that you can buy kits from and build your own car. looks pretty sweet.I almost slit my throat from that Brady Bunch song they used in that vid. Thank God for the mute button.Yeah, the sports car looking one is kinda sweet...Again, I am serious on moddifying one. It's the only way I'll do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 ok watch this vid. at about 59 sec if smart cars looked like that would you be more apt to drive it????? also shortly after that there is a JACKED up smart car, what if it looked like that??? http://youtube.com/watch?v=UWjFP8ergKU&feature=relatedLizard google smartzuki, there is a company that you can buy kits from and build your own car. looks pretty sweet.That's the Dodge Sling Shot concept car. It was made in 2004 as a Smart based concept sports car for Europe. Not sure if it ever made it to production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 I'd run the all black and murder it out with black wheels...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EByRkTuoEA&feature=related Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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