The Best 5 American Performance Cars To Modify

Introduction

American performance cars are not just modified muscle cars and hot rods. While car meets may be filled with JDM legends like the Supra and European sport cars, there are amazing American cars ready to be modified! The cars in this list are far more than your typical American Muscle Car. If you’re looking into monstrous V8 cars, check out our list of the best cheap V8 performance cars! If you’re looking for unconventional cars to build, follow along and find out some cool options for your next build!

Best American Cars To Modify

Dodge Neon SRT-4

To start off the list, we have to go with what I consider the king of American Tuner Cars, The Neon SRT-4. If you were around for the early-2000’s car scene, then you know the impact this car had on American performance cars. With few mods, the SRT-4 is capable of punching above its weight class. While the interior may be lackluster, you don’t buy an SRT-4 for luxury. You get behind the wheel of an SRT-4 for an easy car to modify to 400 wheel horsepower while being an absolute featherweight.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS / Saturn Ion Redline

Contrary to popular belief, Chevy can build a tuner car when they want to! While a supercharged 205 horsepower version of the Cobalt SS exists, you’re going to want to hunt down the turbocharged 260 horsepower iteration. While these cars may not win a popularity contest in looks, it is a fantastic and cheap tuner car ready for you to get behind the wheel of. Fortunately, If you can’t find the Cobalt SS, look for its twin, the Saturn Ion Redline!

Buick T-Type/Grand National

The Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National have definitely earned their current spotlight in the car world. While Kendrick Lamar’s latest album may have sparked some newfound fame, the turbocharged coupe has always been an American performance car icon. While finding the holy grail GNX may be next to impossible, there are still T-Types and Grand Nationals out there in the used car market. These cars have tons of documented builds and modifications, making planning your build simpler than having to enter the unknown.

Ford Taurus SHO

Since the birth of the Taurus SHO, it has always been a name in four-door performance. In this article, we’re mainly interested in the twin-turbocharged SHO ecoboost! This super sedan gives us all-wheel drive and 365 horsepower, sending us to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds, making it an incredible sleeper. With plenty of aftermarket support to crank up the boost, Ford’s turbocharged sedan is ready to break some hearts!

Chrysler Crossfire SRT 6

Okay, I know this one is technically a Mercedes-Benz. But, it sports the Chrysler brand so we’ll go with it! The Crossfire SRT 6 has a supercharged 6 cylinder itching for a pulley upgrade. With 330 horsepower, the SRT 6 is already capable of a 13.5 second quarter mile time at 107 MPH. While the looks of the Chrysler Crossfire SRT 6 may be polarizing, it is unique and will stand out in the modified car scene.

Conclusion

American performance cars have covered the vast car landscape. From performance SUVs and trucks to compact tuner cars, there is something for everyone in the world of American cars. The best part about cars like those in this list is the affordability. These cars have not appreciated like muscle cars, thus leaving these often below $10,000 to purchase. With today’s resources in the automotive community, modifying any of these to your heart’s desire is a much easier task than when many of these cars debuted. As a proponent of a unique and creative car scene, I would love to see more car enthusiasts transforming these cars into their own vision.

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