First American Classic. Your suggestions???
Discussion
Hi all,
I've had an itch for a yank tank of some description for a number of years now, but dont know enough yet to make the jump.
What would you suggest for a first time classic owner, wanting something a bit menacing, with ok handling, that I can fettle with over the comming years to make into a useable muscle car with 1/4 mile potential.
thanks
I've had an itch for a yank tank of some description for a number of years now, but dont know enough yet to make the jump.
What would you suggest for a first time classic owner, wanting something a bit menacing, with ok handling, that I can fettle with over the comming years to make into a useable muscle car with 1/4 mile potential.
thanks
Parts-wise and price-wise, you'd have to go with a Fox Mustang 5.0/4.6 which both have a massive catalogue of aftermarket parts to call on. Sure they don't look much but that makes them more sleeper.
The downside is they only start around 215-240hp so a 4th gen Camaro Z28/Firebird TA might be a better start as they come with 275/285hp (LT1 up to 97)and 305 in the 98' on LS1. Many criticise them for looking too Japanese but again, they can be made to look hard as nails with the right mods.
The downside is they only start around 215-240hp so a 4th gen Camaro Z28/Firebird TA might be a better start as they come with 275/285hp (LT1 up to 97)and 305 in the 98' on LS1. Many criticise them for looking too Japanese but again, they can be made to look hard as nails with the right mods.
LuS1fer said:
Parts-wise and price-wise, you'd have to go with a Fox Mustang 5.0/4.6 which both have a massive catalogue of aftermarket parts to call on. Sure they don't look much but that makes them more sleeper.
The downside is they only start around 215-240hp so a 4th gen Camaro Z28/Firebird TA might be a better start as they come with 275/285hp (LT1 up to 97)and 305 in the 98' on LS1. Many criticise them for looking too Japanese but again, they can be made to look hard as nails with the right mods.
thanks for the reply. I have to admit i do like the look of these, and have been told by some friends about their potential performance.The downside is they only start around 215-240hp so a 4th gen Camaro Z28/Firebird TA might be a better start as they come with 275/285hp (LT1 up to 97)and 305 in the 98' on LS1. Many criticise them for looking too Japanese but again, they can be made to look hard as nails with the right mods.
was even offered and LS1 crake motor relatively cheap recently, which might be a fun conversion.
just not too sure on budget right now, weather to be sensible, or go balls out and aim for a road legal drag car build.
You don't state a proposed budget, so a little difficult to make relevant suggestions.
If you mean 'classic' - UK options are a bit limited and likely to be costly.
If you have the wherewithal and the stomach to import a car, I would suggest a gen 2 GM coupe - Chevelle/Le Mans/Skylark/Cutlass 1968-72.5 model years. GM build lots and lots of them (most with ubiquitous L48 350ci small-block - less common LS5 equipped car is now getting seriously spendy).
Good looking, somewhat heavy, but mechanically simple, plenty of upgrade potential and destined to appreciate. Anything less than $10k will be a nail though.
Nothing at all wrong with 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird - but hardly classic, by any definition (yet).
(edit - spelling)
If you mean 'classic' - UK options are a bit limited and likely to be costly.
If you have the wherewithal and the stomach to import a car, I would suggest a gen 2 GM coupe - Chevelle/Le Mans/Skylark/Cutlass 1968-72.5 model years. GM build lots and lots of them (most with ubiquitous L48 350ci small-block - less common LS5 equipped car is now getting seriously spendy).
Good looking, somewhat heavy, but mechanically simple, plenty of upgrade potential and destined to appreciate. Anything less than $10k will be a nail though.
Nothing at all wrong with 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird - but hardly classic, by any definition (yet).
(edit - spelling)
I avoided "real classic" suggestions given the high outlay. I also think it wise to get experience with a more modern car before getting into bodywork and the 4th gen is largely plastic. From an economic point of view, an LS1 will run 13.8 quarters right out of the box. the reality of standard "classic" muscle cars, even big blocks, is they run 15s and 16s and some even slower than that.
Old American V8s are a great source of automotive power but power costs money and when you're talking about refurbishing a classic at the same time, it can be an expensive hobby.
2nd gen Camaros and Firebirds have real rust issues which is why I'm always loathe to recommend them. A more "classic" choice would be the 3rd gen but they are fairly underpowered.
Old American V8s are a great source of automotive power but power costs money and when you're talking about refurbishing a classic at the same time, it can be an expensive hobby.
2nd gen Camaros and Firebirds have real rust issues which is why I'm always loathe to recommend them. A more "classic" choice would be the 3rd gen but they are fairly underpowered.
Matt Harper said:
You don't state a proposed budget, so a little difficult to make relevant suggestions.
If you mean 'classic' - UK options are a bit limited and likely to be costly.
If you have the wherewithal and the stomach to import a car, I would suggest a gen 2 GM coupe - Chevelle/Le Mans/Skylark/Cutlass 1968-72.5 model years. GM build lots and lots of them (most with ubiquitous L48 350ci small-block - less common LS5 equipped car is now getting seriously spendy).
Good looking, somewhat heavy, but mechanically simple, plenty of upgrade potential and destined to appreciate. Anything less than $10k will be a nail though.
Nothing at all wrong with 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird - but hardly classic, by any definition (yet).
(edit - spelling)
Budget wise i'm planning on limiting myself to £30,000 on the car initially.If you mean 'classic' - UK options are a bit limited and likely to be costly.
If you have the wherewithal and the stomach to import a car, I would suggest a gen 2 GM coupe - Chevelle/Le Mans/Skylark/Cutlass 1968-72.5 model years. GM build lots and lots of them (most with ubiquitous L48 350ci small-block - less common LS5 equipped car is now getting seriously spendy).
Good looking, somewhat heavy, but mechanically simple, plenty of upgrade potential and destined to appreciate. Anything less than $10k will be a nail though.
Nothing at all wrong with 4th Gen Camaro/Firebird - but hardly classic, by any definition (yet).
(edit - spelling)
I have friends who run an accident repair centre, so bodywork issues wont be a massive problem.
I've seen a couple of Dodge Darts that look the part to me, or Possibly a Plymouth Cuda.
Mopar E body cars are hugely sought after and costly, as a result.
A motorless/glassless shell from a sunbelt state will be around $10k
Per LuS1fer's suggestion, you may want to consider something a little less specialist for your first foray. That said, if you have the cash and the cajones....
The car in the pic looks like $45-50k if it is a 383/440 and only a little less for a small-block.
A reasonably well fettled 70/71 Chevelle with 454ci - relatively easily hiked to around 500hp, delivering comfortable 11-12 sec quarters with lots of blood'n'thunder, could be bought for $25-30k and there are 10 times as many to choose from.
A motorless/glassless shell from a sunbelt state will be around $10k
Per LuS1fer's suggestion, you may want to consider something a little less specialist for your first foray. That said, if you have the cash and the cajones....
The car in the pic looks like $45-50k if it is a 383/440 and only a little less for a small-block.
A reasonably well fettled 70/71 Chevelle with 454ci - relatively easily hiked to around 500hp, delivering comfortable 11-12 sec quarters with lots of blood'n'thunder, could be bought for $25-30k and there are 10 times as many to choose from.
Matt Harper said:
Mopar E body cars are hugely sought after and costly, as a result.
A motorless/glassless shell from a sunbelt state will be around $10k
Per LuS1fer's suggestion, you may want to consider something a little less specialist for your first foray. That said, if you have the cash and the cajones....
The car in the pic looks like $45-50k if it is a 383/440 and only a little less for a small-block.
A reasonably well fettled 70/71 Chevelle with 454ci - relatively easily hiked to around 500hp, delivering comfortable 11-12 sec quarters with lots of blood'n'thunder, could be bought for $25-30k and there are 10 times as many to choose from.
I'm going to look into a Chevelle. thanks.A motorless/glassless shell from a sunbelt state will be around $10k
Per LuS1fer's suggestion, you may want to consider something a little less specialist for your first foray. That said, if you have the cash and the cajones....
The car in the pic looks like $45-50k if it is a 383/440 and only a little less for a small-block.
A reasonably well fettled 70/71 Chevelle with 454ci - relatively easily hiked to around 500hp, delivering comfortable 11-12 sec quarters with lots of blood'n'thunder, could be bought for $25-30k and there are 10 times as many to choose from.
A friend of mine will have this for sale soon, its a '68 Chevelle 427 big block (7.0 ltr)5 speed manual. He only imported it in from the USA back in the summer as a street car to go with his street/strip '66 Chevy Nova he is building. But the unexpected availability of a '70 Cuda project means space is needed in the garage !
the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
Skater12 said:
I'm going to look into a Chevelle. thanks.
My first yank was a '72 Chevelle. Brilliant car, Absolutley everything is available, so no worries about chasing after missing/broken trim bits, Mechanically simple, good looking, decent size and good to drive. Mine was a Malibu Convertible, 350/350, Power disc brakes, power steering, power roof & windows, bucket seats, Console & floor shifter. Sold it as it needed more time money & spent than i could really justify.
Replaced it with a '69 Firebird that was in better condition, but nowhere near as good a car. Would happily swap my current Cougar for a nice '69-72 Chevelle with a 350.
I have the same urge and asked some questions a little while back:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
If it's any help and I have been lurking around the For Sale forum on www.moparuk..
Good luck in your search and post pics when you get it
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
If it's any help and I have been lurking around the For Sale forum on www.moparuk..
Good luck in your search and post pics when you get it
Total loss said:
A friend of mine will have this for sale soon, its a '68 Chevelle 427 big block (7.0 ltr)5 speed manual. He only imported it in from the USA back in the summer as a street car to go with his street/strip '66 Chevy Nova he is building. But the unexpected availability of a '70 Cuda project means space is needed in the garage !
the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
oooooh, yes please !!!the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
if it wasnt for the fact im going to California next month, I'd rip his arm off!
going to be chatting to some contacts over there about bringing over a car, and the place i'll be going to has a number of "strret" spec 1/4 mile cars, including a number of Chevelle's, so watch this space.
Skater12 said:
Total loss said:
A friend of mine will have this for sale soon, its a '68 Chevelle 427 big block (7.0 ltr)5 speed manual. He only imported it in from the USA back in the summer as a street car to go with his street/strip '66 Chevy Nova he is building. But the unexpected availability of a '70 Cuda project means space is needed in the garage !
the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
oooooh, yes please !!!the pic is of the Chevelle running 12.7 at 112 mph at Santa pod in full street trim.
if it wasnt for the fact im going to California next month, I'd rip his arm off!
going to be chatting to some contacts over there about bringing over a car, and the place i'll be going to has a number of "strret" spec 1/4 mile cars, including a number of Chevelle's, so watch this space.
P.S.Have a look at the video on the street car supernationals home page, yes thats a street car and yes thats MPH and the 1/4 mile !
http://www.streetcarsupernationals.com/
Also some of the contenders here
http://www.streetcarsupernationals.com/pscontend.h...
Edited by Total loss on Wednesday 16th November 22:12
Believe it or not, you dont have to spend a fortune to have a reasonably fast american car and you dont have to limit your options to GM's either.
I sold a Plymouth Duster about 3 yrs ago for £5000 and it ran 12.5 straight off the boat and with a bit of tuning it would have gone 12.2, not as tidy as that Chevelle but nowhere near as heavy either.
As for muscle cars running 15's and 16's, a lot of the old road tests were done on old bias belted tyres with no grip, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to drop those times into the 13's even with a stock motor.
JMHO Mick
I sold a Plymouth Duster about 3 yrs ago for £5000 and it ran 12.5 straight off the boat and with a bit of tuning it would have gone 12.2, not as tidy as that Chevelle but nowhere near as heavy either.
As for muscle cars running 15's and 16's, a lot of the old road tests were done on old bias belted tyres with no grip, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to drop those times into the 13's even with a stock motor.
JMHO Mick
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230714526828?ssPageName=...
For a first slice of American pie start with the worst car you can find and work your way up. Although as a daily the Lebaron isn't that bad.
For a first slice of American pie start with the worst car you can find and work your way up. Although as a daily the Lebaron isn't that bad.
If you don't mind 'blue oval' http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110783998395?ssPageName=...
a bit 'plain jane', but fairly rare/unusual plenty of hop-up stuff available and potentially very competitive - seller has a few other interesting cars too!
a bit 'plain jane', but fairly rare/unusual plenty of hop-up stuff available and potentially very competitive - seller has a few other interesting cars too!
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