If you peruse other stories on BangShift today, you will note that Chad put up a piece that basically asked one question: If he handed you $3,500 and told you to get to work on building a car that is all fun all the time, what would you make out of the cash? It’s a good question, and a narrowing down from the typical Rough Start budget I offer of $5,000 for an interesting driver-quality street terror. I like the premise, so I decided that for this particular cheap car hunt, I’d try to abide by his rules to the best of my abilities. And wouldn’t you know, I hit a jackpot in short order…a 1983 Toyota Corolla.

Alright, the Corolla is probably the last car on Earth I’d pick for “fun”. It’s not the mythical AE86 variation that drifters and JDM cult worshippers adore, but it isn’t the automotive equivalent of Ambien that the front-wheel-drive fuel sippers of modern day are, either. Originally, they were just small, rear-drive fuel sippers, simple cars for basic transportation needs. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest work. But some enterprising individual crammed 388 cubic inches (claimed) of small-block Chevrolet into the engine bay, backed it up with a TH400, and has a narrowed Dana 60 with 3.73 gears ready to be installed. Jesus, man…curb weight on a typical ’83 Corolla is roughly one cheeseburger over an even ton of weight. A stout four-banger would be entertainment. A worked-over small block Chevy? The only way you’re having more fun involves a strip club that has a relaxed policy on touching the dancers.

Entry price is $3,500, and in order to wrap this thing up and light the candles, you need to conjure up a driveshaft, finish building the exhaust, find some strut top hats and install a one-wire alternator. Remember the old “I love what you do for me!” Toyota ads? You’ll love what this one can do…just be sure to check in with your doc if symptoms persist after four hours, ok?

Facebook Marketplace link: 1983 Toyota Corolla