82 Monte Carlo, Just bought it

[Lyken]

A few questions, but first let me explain my situation.

I really wanted a 68 impala but i didn't have enough money so i have been saving up to get the shell and get an engine. Well my uncle had an 82 monte carlo that he didn't have the time to repair. It currently has all the things it needs in the trunk but they just need to be installed like the exhaust manifold, power steering, and some other things that I can't recall. Well the most I figured was that I could buy the car from my uncle, which I did, and get it running. Then if i liked it I would keep it otherwise sell it or something. I was looking around at some other monte's and I like the early 70's look.

Well here are my questions.
I'm not sure what size the engine is and i'm sure it's not an ss 'cause i haven't seen the ss on the sides. But depending which engine is in their what kind would I want for more horsepower and to get off the starting line, and maybe the price range.

Second would be any tips on sanding rust off the body, its not too bad at all no rust holes just some build up.

Any suggestions on the performance and cosmetic look would greatly be appreciated, I really love the car and I can't wait to get it running so thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[dwalmop]

As far as the engine size is concerned, there should be a "catalyst" sticker on the car, probably on the radiator fan shroud. This will give you the displacement in liters. You could get a bunch engines in 82, which were a base engine remained a 229-ci V6 rated at 110 horsepower,was a 262-ci v6 diesel rated at only 85 horsepower. a 267-ci V8 rated at 115 horsepower or the 305-ci V8 rated at 150 horsepower. A diesel engine was available for the V8 as well, a 350-ci rated at 105 horses. (from http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Overvie...te-Carlo.html). I believe the SS had a H.O. 305 with 180 horsepower?? (somebody correct me if I'm wrong). None of these engines will get you off the line quick, but the HO 305 is obviously your best bet.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Lyken

Well here are my questions.
I'm not sure what size the engine is and i'm sure it's not an ss 'cause i haven't seen the ss on the sides. But depending which engine is in their what kind would I want for more horsepower and to get off the starting line, and maybe the price range.

Second would be any tips on sanding rust off the body, its not too bad at all no rust holes just some build up.

Any suggestions on the performance and cosmetic look would greatly be appreciated, I really love the car and I can't wait to get it running so thanks in advance for any help or advice.

The SS version did not come out until 1983. You'd probably want a nice V8 in there for more horsepower, a 350 would be a good choice. You can get engines from GM already to install in your vehicle called "crate engines." A quick search for a 350 crate engine brought up this link:http://www.powerpro2000.com/lb_chevrolet.htm if you scroll down the page you will see the 350s listed. They run from roughly $1300 to $1800 for the longblock.
When sanding the body try to make sure you get ALL the rust off the metal then prime it well before you apply the finish coats. Some people resort to sandblasting to make sure they get all the rust off the body. But that would be economical if you had large areas to do. I have seen small DIY kits for that purpose which is something else you could look into.