Hey guys first post and this area seems appropriate for my question, being a genaral and very broad question.
Ok, im looking to put together a new budget project car, a project that would be starting around january and extend until she's done (time means nothing). However, im looking for something that has a minimal startup cost and that has great flexability and fun factor.
Ive built several cars already over the years (99 GSX Eclipse, 84 Firebird, 75 Firebird, 73 F-250 w/460, 90 CRX) so what im about to undertake, though ambitions, is something i believe that in time i can accomplish.
I understand every car will have its upsides and down, good points and bad. Some will be modular, others now. However at this time since i live in California im looking at cars ONLY built before 1974 so as to dodge smog laws...and that means alot of them are more expensive, something i need to avoid in the initial costs.
So far cars ive considered:
1960-1974 Cadillacs with a 500 ci swapped in (capable of over 600hp built, fat and heavy but unique if built for POWER) priced around $2K, and my current favorite for "neat" reasons and engine size.
1960's Dodge Dart (smaller, but goofy looking and has a smaller engine bay limiting oversized motor swaps) around $2K
1970's Firebird (done it, PITA to motor swap and expensive in the long run) also around $2K if i start with a smaller motor version.
1970's Mustang (small, light, dirt cheap, common as heck...but i hate fords..) also around $3K
Damn i know theres more i was considering but its early and im drawing a blank...
anyways toss some ideas out there for me. This is NOT going to be a pretty-in-pink restoration btw, nor does Sex Appeal matter to me. All im looking for is shear balls-to-the-wall power. From a 402 ci or larger motor im hoping to build for around 600+ hp but hopefully pull closer to 700+ tq. Maybe not entirely streetable, but i believe it can be done on a budget in ones spare time over the course of a year or so.....
i just need to make up my mind on a car first!
