What is a good first project car?

I'm very interested in cars as a hobby and want to learn more about repairing/modifying. However there is only so much you can learn from just read reading books. I don't want to work on my daily driver for obvious reason so I was considering spending $3k-$5k on a project car. Nothing amazing but something mildly fast that I can work on during the weekends and take down to the track.

What would you recommend and why?

A 1970 Camaro with a 454.


500 pound feet of torque. nouff said.:bandit:

Camaros and Firebirds (F-bodies)are excellent cars to learn on as they are cheap, common, and relatively simple. Parts are common and cheap, and the design (although somewhat cramped) is simple. Get an F-body, they provide good bang for your buck. Be sure to check the condition of the driveline well though, as these cars in particular end up getting abused. Cheap fast cars usually do.

you need to be more specific.

what do you want the car to do?
fast in a straight line?

fast in a corner?
both?

are you looking to mod inside and out?
suspension? brakes? engine?

looking for something to do a motor swap?
build the motor in it?

what are you looking for?

parameters please...

Pretty much a small light car to be used for autocross and weekend driving. Preferably RWD or AWD. Many people have recommended getting a first gen Miata and slapping on a SC but I want to get some more ideas. Others have recommended a CRX and swapping in a Civic SI 1.6, a 240sx JDM engine swap, a first gen eclipse/talon or a MKIII Supra.

I would like to spend around $10k total, car and parts. I'm also a novice mechanic so nothing too difficult to work on but I don't mind a challenge. Any advice appreciated.

S13 :cool:

that makes it alot easier...
you could build a civic hatch, 92-95 style with a b16swap for about 10k...

you could get an s13 and do the sr20 swap like scc's project car...

you could get a 92-96 prelude with an h23 or h22 in it... handles great, easy to mod...

maybe an lx mustang, late 80's... 5.0. lots of mods. lots of cheap.

it's anti import, but the car can handle and be very quick...

the miata is a great route to go...