Little help for a new jack?

[Creepy21]

I am pretty new to building a car so its kind of overwhelming to me right now. Im trying to find something like an early 70's Chevy (kinda like them all, leaning towards the monte carlo and chevelle though) to rebuild pretty much ground up. Im really looking forward to learning how to build engines, but the problem I am having is that i dont know where to start. Should I find a car first and just start fixin stuff, or are you able to build an engine first then build the car around it? Mostly the problem im running into is the ever loving green backs. my problem is I dont have any! LOL! I am trying to get started prefferably in the hundreds or very low thousands. Any advice out there?

[MrPbody]

Start with a car. The engine is to be built to suit the application. Many a young buck has come to me to build an engine, then find a car to put it in. Cart before the horse, so to speak.
If you find a worthy candidate (Chevelle, Monte, etc...), pick the correct engine to achieve your performance goals. A Monte Carlo of that era is a big, heavy car. A big block is much more suited to performance in a car like that, than a small block. Torque rules the street. Big blocks have it "built in". Small blocks are better suited to lighter cars and higher revs.
Don't discount other makes. From GM, the Olds Cutlass/442, Pontiac GTO/Firebird and Buick Skylark/Grand Sport all make very good street performers. The Ford/Mercury offerings are a bit cheaper, but harder to find good examples. Same is true of the MOPARs.

[Creepy21]

im pretty much open to anything I can find model wise. Not a fan of ford though. thanks for the advice though, hopefully ill be getting started in the next few months.

[426]

my only suggestion to you is make sure you do a car that you will be happy with. i started a 81 malibu and thought that dumping in a 502-500hp enginewas going to do it for me. it was a nice car it was fast4 speed 373. ther was not much that could touch it out here. but it wasnt what i wanted so i sold. take your time and do your homework. if you settle for less than you want you wont be happy........it may take longer but more than worth the wait. good luck .hope you find that special car.lloyd