[MrPbody]

Pretty broad description, but I'll give it a shot.

The most affordable and availabe cars today, with real performance potential without breaking the bank, are the late '70s/early '80s GM "G-body" cars. Malibu, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, LeMans/GrandAm, Cutlass and Regal.

These cars have a full perimeter frame, 4-link "live axle" rear suspension, unequal length control arm front suspension, very good brakes and a pretty nice interior for some (I don't care much for the Buick and Olds appointments, but I like guage pods and tachometers in the dash). Virtually every type of performance part for the chassis is readily available. They make good handling cars, too, with some suspension upgrades.

Small block Chevy literally bolts right in. Hard to argue with a well-built 383 in a 3,400 lb. car. For the more lively, the Pontiac is fairly easy to install, too. Aftermarket mounts and headers are readily available for that combination. A 461 Pontiac in that body is a lethal combo in street trim.

For the more adventurous, big block Chevy can be installed. It won't handle as well due to the increase in nose weight, but it will go like a scalded dog in a straight line. Still completely safe, though, for regular driving.

Then there are the Fox-body Mustangs. Great little cars for a hot rod. Not too expensive for the late '80s stuff. GREAT traction. It has become commonplace to see those Mustangs at the track with 406 CID small block Chevys in them. 8 second cars! Of course, for the purist, there are plenty of good choices among the Ford powerplants, too. 351s (C OR W) come to mind...

The thing to watch for, especially where you live, is rust. There are MANY cars available out West without rust.

Helpful?

Jim