A few beginner questions

[mechaquazmo]

I know that I posted this on another page but I am new and I didn't know where to put it. So here goes. I have a few questions. My first question is what is a good beginner muscle car? I am interested in fixing up and old muscle car but I dont know much about cars and I don't have a lot of money. I know I can't get a fully operational muscle car with the money that I have but could probably get one with some problems. I know how to paint and do some interior work but is there a book out there that can tell me about an engine for a car that has enough detail for a complete beginner like me. I have heard about the Chilton Manuals but I haven't seen one, would one of those be worth getting? Is there another series of books like that that would be of assistance to me? I have also heard of service manuals from the factory, would one of those help? Also if I have one of these manuals and one of the previous owners put in a different engine than the one that came stock could I use it to still fix it up? If not are there manuals for specific engines? For example, if it came with a 302 and the previous owner put in a 352 or something is there a manual I could get that would tell me about the new engine? Note, I am willing to put a whole lotta time into it. Sorry for the lengthy post. Thank you.

[rav440]

mechaquazmo , the first thing to do is deside what car you want . if you find something that you like , write down the v.i.n and or fender tag info . the do your reseach on the net " its cheaper that way " to find out what is or should have .

once you found out what you wanted and got your ride then buy the CHILTONS & SHOP MANUALS . other wise youll spend all your money that ypu had saved for a car on books .

if you find something you need info on just ask someone here or other web boards will be more than glad to help .

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH .

[-The Stig-]

I agree with Rav440.

Find the platform you like best... then save up for the car. Whether its a beater or not. It doesn't really matter, as long as you get what you like best.

Take a trip on down to your local big name brand book store like Barnes & Nobles or something like that... Just look in the automotive section(not the magazines!:P) for books on how to build motors. Theres almost a small library of books done on the Small Block Chevy.

[galaxie500fb]

mustangs are pretty common. parts are being reproduced by everyone. chevy is probably the cheapest to restore. most parts are available at your local parts store. there small block v8 is the easiest engine to get parts for.

[rav440]

Originally Posted by galaxie500fb

mustangs are pretty common. parts are being reproduced by everyone. chevy is probably the cheapest to restore. most parts are available at your local parts store. there small block v8 is the easiest engine to get parts for.

thats right . all the more reason to buy a MOPAR !

[-The Stig-]

Originally Posted by rav440

thats right . all the more reason to buy a MOPAR !

I would of gone Mopar if it didnt require you to bring home six figures a year to restore.

[Musclecarclub]

This is a good place to start:

http://www.musclecarclub.com/library/buy/buy.shtml

In general, mechanical problems are easier and cheaper to deal with than bodywork. Of course, one can still drive around with a dented fender, but not a busted electrical system. A key decision is your reason to buy: 1) Something to tinker with 2) Just plain cool to have 3) Daily driver. That is the most important decision. In general for a beginner, I recomend sticking with something common, a Chevy Camaro or Nova, or a Ford Mustang. Parts are cheaper and easy to find than other GM cars or MOPARs.