Need opinion choosing my next car for pro touring build

[Dogman691]

I hope this isn't a stupid question. I'm looking into buying a muscle car for myself and my young son to make some memories. I've had 70 Chevelle with 454ls5 and I've had the 70 Mustang with 351. I'm now looking to do a pro touring type car. I want to know with the two choices I'm looking at which are the first and second generation Pontiac Firebird's and maybe Camaro's.
I would like to upgrade the suspension and brakes, for possible auto cross, of course lots of street driving, I going to have a/c in for the family. So the car has to be comfortable.
So which of the two 67-69 or 70-73 would be best for my needs. Any and all advice is appreciated. I'm new to the pro touring world but would love to be able to join the Hot Rod Power Tour next year if possible. I plan to purchase a starter car car within a couple weeks.

Andre

[71RS/SS396]

I own both a 1st and 2nd gen F body. Imho a 2nd gen is a better car to auto-x, simply because it has better front to rear weight bias, has a wider track width, and can fit a larger front tire. With that being said neither generation is the best choice for a family road trip car since the rear seat is virtually useless for any adult human.

[Dogman691]

Thanks Tim,
Right now my son is only 11 yrs old and pretty small for his age and a daughter thats 6 yrs old thats no bigger than a flea. So you would recommend the second generation. I hope by the time my boy gets to driving age we will get him something of his own. Im sure there plenty aftermarket goodies to get me on my way.
Andre

[68EFIvert]

I would also do a 2nd gen. It seems like the first 67-69 are much more money and it is difficult to build a car that hasn't already been done. The 2nd generation would give you more freedom of expression and not look like the next guy at a cruise in. My last reason for the 2nd gens is because they are starting to get more love from the car world and it looks like prices are starting to rise.

[bs46488]

Andre,

What part of the country are you in?

I would put my vote in for the 2nd gen.

My main reason would be because I'm more realistic with my wallet. Out here in Southern California $5k+ will buy you a 1st gen that need full rust repair, no drivetrain and just a major full rotisserie project.

For that same $5k+ with a 2nd gen, you might be able to give it a weekend tune-up and have a driver. The body might just need a scuff and shoot paint. Then you can focus your time and money on the fun stuff, rather than years and years (or thousands of dollars) of rust repair and body work.

Brian

[Project77]

I paid 3K for my '77 Firebird that only needed a new alternator, starter and carb to run reliably as a daily driver for 3 years now. My friend scored a '74 Camaro for 1K that needed about another 1k in work to be a reliable fun car. Prices are starting to go up, but are still reasonable because there's still so many 2nd gen F-bodies still around.

[Dogman691]

Thanks for the replies, I am a little surprised that no one suggested a 1st gen. I really like both!! I wonder if I should start thinking about another 68-72 a-body car just because of my kids. Decisions, decisions....

[Project77]

1st gens are awesome, if you don't mind spending more money purchasing the car. There's a tons of great products to upgrade them as well. You can get a lot more solid car to start with for way less money with 2nd gen f-bodies though.

[Ron Sutton]

I own both a 1st and 2nd gen F body. Imho a 2nd gen is a better car to auto-x, simply because it has better front to rear weight bias, has a wider track width, and can fit a larger front tire. With that being said neither generation is the best choice for a family road trip car since the rear seat is virtually useless for any adult human.

Agreed. Plus the 2nd Gen has better front suspension parts, spindle, bearings & geometry.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

The 2nd gen stock for stock was definitely a better platform and takes very well to upgrades. I have both, a 67 and a 71 so I didn't have to choose luckily, haha. But they are both terrible family cars. Since you mentioned it, your kids will grow bigger soon, I'd definitely do an A-body then. The kids might be able to put up with an F-body, but they won't like it (I grew up with them!), especially the 2nd gen without a window back there. There's always the Lemans/Skylarks/Cutlasses as good alternatives to the Chevelle.

[nekkidhillbilly]

plus you wont have 10 more exactly like yours if you do a second gen. nothing to me looks better than the 70 rs camaros when it comes to the f body.

[Dogman691]

That's a good point, I would like to have something that everyone else don't have in my area. It's tons of 1st gen Camaro's and chevelles.

[MonzaRacer]

Too bad you wouldnt be interested in a 69 Ventura, Got a candidate in my drive, with an LSx and some good suspension mods a big car that has unique good looks.