Hey guys, I'm looking for some advice on an upcoming "project" i have been looking forward to for a while. I have been a member on IA for a good while, ad looking at all the bad-ass cars on here, have always had dreams of owning a bad-ass car myself. Well, I'm 21 now, but i was 17 when i bought my first car- 3rd gen Accord- not exactly bad-ass. But, nonetheless, it got me where i needed 2 go, and i love driving the car (it almost has 300k original miles).

Anyways, I have recently picked up a better job, and i have always wanted 2 do a father-son project car. My Pops is a little down on himself for not being as good with cars as he used to be, and honestly, i need to learn about cars so i don't always have to go to Dad without a clue of whats wrong when i have car problems. My uncle has a garage with a car lift and all the necessary things to do a lot of the heavy lifting, so i'm not much worried about that.

However, i'm posting this asking for advice. Right now, i don't have much of a budget (this isn't something i'm planning on doing in one weekend), but i do plan on buying all parts needed.

I was hoping 2 get a 94 or 95 Civic shell, and kinda just build it from the ground up. I want speed, but i don't need a turbo or anything like that (I drive a stock 89 Accord- you cant get much slower lol). So if anyone could give me a suggestion on a few things:
  1. What kind of engine should i go for? I want a Vtec engine, but it doesnt have to be.
  2. What kind of transmission?
  3. If you have any suggestion for a better shell, or something that would work better. I'm looking to not spend much more than 1200-1500 for the shell.
  4. Basically, i just need some help. Any thing is appreciated.
I have always loved cars, but have never had the ability to work on them, just because i was always busy doing other things when my dad worked on them. I appreciate any help given, and i would like to start this maybe in the summer, if anyone has a shell available by then. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thanks again for any help.