Options on a budget of $10k?

[kursed56]

I could go either way, which would you choose?

Say I have a budget of 10k (for now) to do a car. So Ive narrowed it down to a second gen Camaro, a 74-77 because of the initial cost of getting into the car I think I can find a nice solid car for the money. Also, I dont have a ton of time to dedicate or room to do a major project. I figure they both would put me at around 10k.

Options:

A. Find a solid complete Z28 car 350 4-spd, for about $6000 than do wheels, suspension, brakes and other upgrades.

B. Find a solid car in need of a motor/trans, $1500-2500? Friend owns a salvage yard I could get a LS1 and trans and do some other minor upgrades to wheels/suspension.brakes.

Any other ideas?

[woody80z28]

I took option A, but with an 80 Z28 for $2800 that I put $1000 worth of performance engine parts into.

[formula]

I also went option a (more or less)...had my transmission not gone poof, I would have around 6k in mine, including the cost of the car. So there ya go.

I would think it's gonna be tough to do a properly sorted ls1 infusion and get ahold of a good solid body for under 10k...

[blackbeast]

I also went option a (more or less)...had my transmission not gone poof, I would have around 6k in mine, including the cost of the car. So there ya go.

I would think it's gonna be tough to do a properly sorted ls1 infusion and get ahold of a good solid body for under 10k...

i'll second that my biggest concern would be body/paint. that alone can easily push you over the 10 g limit. Starting off clean, is really the only way to do an affordable project anymore, unless your handy with a spraygun!

[muthstryker]

you know for 10 you cud do something pretty cool, on the june 06 issue of carcraft mag, they made a 445 hp small block supercharged for $4000 dollars, and you cud use rest for maybe suspension but depends on how much you buy a car for. thats what im going to do.

[JJSmitches]

I havent had time to go see this yet, but its CHEAP!

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/car/151642476.html

[andrewb70]

If you are set on a second gen F-body, I would consider a Trans Am first. You will have 50 more cubes and a Trans Am had better suspension and brakes than a Z28. Besides wasn't there a few years where they didn't even make Z28s?

Andrew

[jy211]

you could buy one of the few cars I have...2 of which are 90% done! :poke:

Start with a clean car...will help make the $$$ go further...

[kursed56]

So it sounds like buying a complete car thats solid is the best route. I dont really care about the paint quality right now as long as the car is free of rust. Id rather spend the money on performance upgrades than shiny paint for now.

Yeah, I like the Formula & T/As also.

Im looking if you guys happen to see a solid car.

[TPI Monte SS]

I will also plunk my $.02 in on this. DEFINITELY start with a clean car first, especially if you live in the Northeast. Even if this means transporting a car from AZ, NM, or TX to get it. Rust-free is worth it's weight in gold! 10K is a reasonable budget, provided you can do most of the work yourself.

My wife bought my '88 SS as a roller for $2600. It was painted about 8 years ago, then sat in a garage and hardly driven, so it was in great shape. I sold the rims and rear that came with the car for $1300, then spent $1100 on new rims/tires, $1100 on suspension (Eibachs, Bilsteins, new bushings, 12" brakes up front). I also have about $1100 into my T5 conversion (new clutch, slightly used T5, bellhousing, flywheel, shifter, etc). 6 years ago when I built the motor for my car, I spent about $3000 or so to build a powerful (for a 305 anyway) emissions-legal motor so I could drive it everyday and pass NJ emissions. All totalled, it's under $10K. Of course, almost everything was done right in my driveway; no fancy shops or custom stuff to drive the prices up. Do as much as you can either on your own or with the help of friends, and you'll meet your budget.

[jeff s]

We had $3500 in Y Gen 3rd Gen's engine and it made 477hp without a blower on pump gas, 700 with nos. The more complete the car the better. I agree with Andrew on the 2nd Gen TA's. More cubes and better handling for same dough.

[grand_marquis_gt]

I will also plunk my $.02 in on this. DEFINITELY start with a clean car first, especially if you live in the Northeast. Even if this means transporting a car from AZ, NM, or TX to get it. Rust-free is worth it's weight in gold! 10K is a reasonable budget, provided you can do most of the work yourself.

My wife bought my '88 SS as a roller for $2600. It was painted about 8 years ago, then sat in a garage and hardly driven, so it was in great shape. I sold the rims and rear that came with the car for $1300, then spent $1100 on new rims/tires, $1100 on suspension (Eibachs, Bilsteins, new bushings, 12" brakes up front). I also have about $1100 into my T5 conversion (new clutch, slightly used T5, bellhousing, flywheel, shifter, etc). 6 years ago when I built the motor for my car, I spent about $3000 or so to build a powerful (for a 305 anyway) emissions-legal motor so I could drive it everyday and pass NJ emissions. All totalled, it's under $10K. Of course, almost everything was done right in my driveway; no fancy shops or custom stuff to drive the prices up. Do as much as you can either on your own or with the help of friends, and you'll meet your budget.

Great project!!! I love the 5 speed conversion!