This question seems to come up a lot so I might as well post again on it. The first post got killed in the server move I guess... Lets target AWD cars since you want 12s and a daily driver:

90-92.5 -- Better big rod engines. They engine is good for low 11s without modification (but please remove the balance shafts). Rearends are weaker (3-bolt) but thats not a concern until mid-to-low 12s for most people.

92.5-94 -- The rods are a bit weaker but the rearends are bullet proof (well as far as anyone has been able to find out...9.0s on slicks). If you are planning on swapping out the rods/pistons for aftermarket units these are the years to look for. The 94 model also got an upgraded transmission. The bottom end is probably good for mid-to-low 12s before you would need to get nervous.

Headlights...
Pop-ups - 90-91
Fixed - 92-94

Strangely the 90-91 models are faster if you check the top 10 quickest DSMs. Then again the quickest DSM is a 92-94 model.

Obviously you would want a 92.5 w/ a big rod engine (6 bolt flywheel) and the 4-bolt rearend to get the best of both worlds but they were made over (something like) a 2 month period...so good luck finding one. Best bet get a 93-94 model and then drop aftermarket rods/pistons in.

12s can be had for less than $3k if done right...and they are reliable daily drivers down into the 10s (well on race gas) as long as you tune properly (and not too near the lean edge). There are three 10 second daily driven DSMs (and I mean full interior A/C etc...) that I know of (and maybe more) if that gives you an idea of the street/strip potential.


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John
90 Talon TSi AWD (2KW K4U)
91 Galant VR-4 (1574/2000)
http://tampabay.dsm.org