Budget pro-touring platform--ideas?

[Bandit]

I am moving back to the states within this year most likely. When I get back will be looking for a cheap car that I can drive and modify for cheap. I want something small, light, old, and easy to modify. I was thinking something like an early '80's Malibu. I kind of like the body style.

Question is, are there a lot of suspension upgrades available for those cars? I'm thinking like lowering springs, bushings, control arms, etc. I like the idea of a 'bu slammed to the ground, with nice paint and a healthy small-block. I figure I could build it for dirt cheap doing most of the work myself. Does anyone have any other ideas for me? It doesn't have to be a Malibu, just something cheap and easy to upgrade while I drive it...

[Bandit]

BTW, I kind of want to go with a "sleeper" vibe for this car...in other words nothing flashy from the outside, that's why I like the Malibu as opposed to a Fox-body Mustang or something...

[CRCRFT78]

I say go for the Malibu. They're still fairly cheap and easy to find. Just watch the rust issues around the rear of the frame and back window. There are other areas but their good cars. You can do ALOT with them.

[JMarsa]

Maybe a Nova.

--JMarsa

[Bandit]

Yup, I was lookin at Novas too, but they are getting expensive, except for the 4-doors and the really undesirable years like the late-70's. If I could find an early-70's Nova granny car with a 6-banger it would be the perfect candidate b/c I could get it for cheap. I am not holding my breath though as even they are getting harder to find--the Novas are getting snapped up by drag racers and hot rodders.

I'm also considering the possibility of modding an early 80's g-body, Monte, Cutlass, Grand Prix etc., I know some guys here have done them. A little bigger car than I am looking for though...but they are still cheap, although I have noticed everybody on ebay is starting to refer to even those cars as "classics.." Go figure...

[Camaro_Kyle]

I'd say a 71-75 Datsun Z-series. Small, light, and easy to drop in a 350 and 6 speed. Not very many have been done (only one on this forum that I know of) and can be kept very sleeperish. Oh yeah, and they can be found pretty dam cheap!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Malibu with a Hotchkis TVS kit is go fast cheap

[ProTouring442]

I'm also considering the possibility of modding an early 80's g-body, Monte, Cutlass, Grand Prix etc., I know some guys here have done them. A little bigger car than I am looking for though...but they are still cheap, although I have noticed everybody on ebay is starting to refer to even those cars as "classics.." Go figure...

Same car as the late '70s, early '80s Malibu, same frame. Good place to start.

Good Luck!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442

[TPI Monte SS]

The frame is the same under all the A/G bodies from '78-'88, but the sheetmetal is different to make the earlier cars appear smaller. For example, a 2-door Malibu can use door panels off a Monte Carlo; the inner door skins are almost exactly the same. Pick a body style you like and run with it; most parts are interchangeable too between the G-bodies. I recommend looking for a southern car, since most of the Northeastern ones are rusted beyond belief. G-bodies tend to rot in the rear quarters, rear frame rails, rockers, and floorspans from leaky windows. Also, the insides of the doors at the bottoms usually hold water and rot from the insides out. Whereabouts in the states are you going to relocate?

[zbugger]

Get a Honda and blend in with all the ricers. The scene is so boring it'll be a sleeper for sure.

[slowcamaro]

Where you going to be when you get state side? I have an olds I may get rid of cheap.

[69Nova]

I have just started my new porject but I'm already on the hunt for my next budget project. I'm on the hunt for a 77 Nova. They can be had for dirt cheap and can look killer when done right.

I am going to build a replica of this car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Bandit]

I will probably be in the Norfolk, VA area. But I would consider taking a flight to go and pick up the right car and drive it back, especially if it was a dry Arizona car or something.
I didn't realize the Malibu had the same frame as the Cut/GP/Monte--do they all weigh about the same? (I think about 3600lb?) The body style of the 2-dr Malibu looks smaller--I do like the "squarish" look of the Malibus...I also like how there are a lot of unmolested granny cars still around too.

For the G-body, I would probably do good tires, a Hotchkis TVS and a 383/TH350 first, along with a good rear end. What would you do next if it were your car? Is there a kit available to convert to a 5-speed? Although this is supposed to be a budget build...:dunno:

[David Clayton]

Whats so cool about these cars is the huge amount of Drit Track parts that available . Tubular A-arms, brake and P/S kits ect. ect.


I think one of these cars would be great for a P/T car

[TPI Monte SS]

I didn't realize the Malibu had the same frame as the Cut/GP/Monte--do they all weigh about the same? (I think about 3600lb?) The body style of the 2-dr Malibu looks smaller--I do like the "squarish" look of the Malibus...I also like how there are a lot of unmolested granny cars still around too.

For the G-body, I would probably do good tires, a Hotchkis TVS and a 383/TH350 first, along with a good rear end. What would you do next if it were your car? Is there a kit available to convert to a 5-speed?

Yep, the G's are roughly 3600lbs, give or take on options. Mine was 3640 on the scales at Englishtown, and I have AC, power windows, etc. Course, I only weigh 135 lbs, so that helps a bit. :)

If it were my car, I'd do a 383 with a Tremec TKO or aftermarket T56. There are headers that fit and clear the stock mechanical clutch linkage; a friend of mine has full-length headers with mechanical clutch linkage and an aftermarket T56. I believe he's running a Lakewood bell, but I'm not positive. I'm using mechanical linkage in my car, with a World Class T5 and a bell from an '83 V8 F-body (only year for mech. linkage with a T5 in the F). Fire away if you have any more questions!

[CRCRFT78]

Now that is sweet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[69Nova]

Yeah I got to have one. I doubt I could get ahold of a real one so I'll build one myself. I have seen decent 4th gen Novas under a grand.

[slowcamaro]

Heres my olds
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I kinda want do to a big block...with FE3X body...maybe some CCW's...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Bill Howell]

I love my malibu, be careful though, mine turned out not so "budget" even though that was the plan. Still quite the sleeper, just what I was looking to do with it.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

scary how good that looks..

[jeff s]

3rd gen F body, It'll handle better for less.

[406 Q-ship]

I would vote to do a 75 - 79 X-body cause they are cheap and all the tricks that work on the 2nd Gen F-bodies work on them. An LS1 drops in nicely too, fits under the hood. It won't call the local police enforcement cause of the sedate look.

[THX 138]

3rd gen F body, It'll handle better for less.word. my fav are the '88-'90 Formula, '91-'92 RS and z28, and the '91-'92 Trans Am.

[80proZ]

Does it have to be a car?What about a SBC S10.There extremely cheap,lots of aftermarket parts.A shortbed,single cab with a 383/5 speed would be lots of fun,with a bed to hual parts to boot.

[Boyd]

Of course, I'm partial, but in my mind you can't beat a mid to late second gen F-body for affordability and parts availability. Look at what PHR has been able to do with their Project g/28.

Stick with a late 70's Trans Am. You can still find them dirt cheap and I think that of all the mid to late second gen's (except for the 73-75 SD TA's), they will increase in value and desireablity the most.

Currently, I have a very straight '78 Type LT that I'm into so far for less than $6k including the cost of the car. I have upgraded the front discs to third gen 1LE 12" rotors. Van calipers, D61 police pads, Kore3 brake hoses. I stayed with drums in the rear to be able to keep my stock MC and prop. valve, but I upgraded them to 11" drums from the mid-70's station wagon/cop car heavy duty brake package. I have SpeedTech Upper control arms, Moog 5610 coil springs, all new PST front end components, 1-5/16th Hellwig swaybar, Hotchkiss Springs in the rear with a Global West Del-A-Lum shackle kit. I did the Herb Adams mod on the front spring perches, KYB gas-a-just shocks on all four corners. I also added Pro-touring F-body aluminum body bushings. And I have 17x9 wheels all around with new Falken tires. Engine and Trans is next, but even when you combine those with the cost of paint and body (which will be last) I won't be in to the car for more than $12k. With that said though, I have done/will do all of the work myself and I started with a very clean car. The car will need minimal body work (I have paint and body experience) and with the exception of swapping out the front buckets for some Jeg's Sport seats, the interior is nearly perfect and won't eat in to my budget.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[MickyT]

If you travel to BC Canada I have a excellent running 83 Gran Prix with original paint, zero rust and Im the second owner. Would make an excellent project car

[MonzaRacer]

The big thing to watch out for on Gbody are the rear frames rust out so look before you buy.
Now if you would want to get radical I have seen two 87 Monte SS that had either rear damage or rust and the owners swapped in a rear clip built ot fit a Corvette IRS into. But I do like Gbodys very much and if you could find a wagon then take out all of the side windows and build it a s panel wagon but then make it turn corners, You can smooth them easy, add on El Camino rear bumper to getthe lights ou of the body or use one of the roll pans and Vette lights. Many choices I have even seen people use the narrow LED caddy tail lights.
As for power you can use anything from a Turbo V6buick too big blocks.
BUT let me recommend a sweet running V6 if you maintain it and I have seen one in a Camaro and just wonder how it would do in a Gbody and this is one of the Z34 ,3.4 DOHC engines. These are very underrated too.
Another sweet ride powerpalnt would be to mock up on of the 3800 supercharges V6s. With good trans and gears the SC cars are sweet runners and Thrasher engineering makes different pulleys for more or less boost.
good luck and hope to see your on here when you get one and getit running, now if you might be interested in Xbody Nova my budy has several in different states of decline.
Lee

[bookends]

one idea and take it for what it's worth, what about a cosworth vega, they had pretty good suspension, and they were light. put a turbo ecotec engine and 6 speed in it, around 300 or so horses. instant sleeper. they look like a mini camaro.

[ron79]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/100_0034-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/100_0035-1.jpg 75 to 79 novas here is my 79 with 78 front end, it will be geting a 5.3

[David Sloan]

Of course, I'm partial, but in my mind you can't beat a mid to late second gen F-body for affordability and parts availability. Look at what PHR has been able to do with their Project g/28.

Stick with a late 70's Trans Am. You can still find them dirt cheap and I think that of all the mid to late second gen's (except for the 73-75 SD TA's), they will increase in value and desireablity the most.

Currently, I have a very straight '78 Type LT that I'm into so far for less than $6k including the cost of the car. I have upgraded the front discs to third gen 1LE 12" rotors. Van calipers, D61 police pads, Kore3 brake hoses. I stayed with drums in the rear to be able to keep my stock MC and prop. valve, but I upgraded them to 11" drums from the mid-70's station wagon/cop car heavy duty brake package. I have SpeedTech Upper control arms, Moog 5610 coil springs, all new PST front end components, 1-5/16th Hellwig swaybar, Hotchkiss Springs in the rear with a Global West Del-A-Lum shackle kit. I did the Herb Adams mod on the front spring perches, KYB gas-a-just shocks on all four corners. I also added Pro-touring F-body aluminum body bushings. And I have 17x9 wheels all around with new Falken tires. Engine and Trans is next, but even when you combine those with the cost of paint and body (which will be last) I won't be in to the car for more than $12k. With that said though, I have done/will do all of the work myself and I started with a very clean car. The car will need minimal body work (I have paint and body experience) and with the exception of swapping out the front buckets for some Jeg's Sport seats, the interior is nearly perfect and won't eat in to my budget.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I think you are right they are still cheap to buy you can get two or three of them for what you would pay for a 1st or early 2nd gen.
We have done a couple of 75 an 76 Trans Ams for customers.Hope to finish the last one up in the next month or so.

[69Nova]

Nice Nova ron79. Do you post over at stevesnovasite? I have been a member but just started posted recently. Whats up with the red one?

[WhiteFish]

I'd like to see a Monza done. Harder to find than a Malibu for sure though. Lightweight, (3000 lb?) go like hell with a small block, easy motor swap, 17" wheels would be huge on it.

[67cougnut]

how bout a 70's olds omega or pontiac ventura???

[67cougnut]

this nova isnt too badly priced and he almost has it running and i know hell come down in price some. this car is actually a decent deal in my opinion has lots of new parts just need assembly time!

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26565

[DeltaT]

The Malibu is a great platform to start with for a project. I also like the older Novas but their leaf spring suspension is a generation older and, to me, less desirable.

The A/G bodies (1978+) have a gazillion parts and donor cars available including pre-bent cages and full-race suspensions. Plus the much more attractive (IMHO) quad-headlight front will bolt up with only 2 mounting holes needing drilling. Gets rid of that reverse slanted in look around the headlights which I believe was a styling mistake.

Plus there's actually room in the engine compartment to work on the car!

Jim

[Bandit]

The Malibu is a great platform to start with for a project. I also like the older Novas but their leaf spring suspension is a generation older and, to me, less desirable.

The A/G bodies (1978+) have a gazillion parts and donor cars available including pre-bent cages and full-race suspensions. Plus the much more attractive (IMHO) quad-headlight front will bolt up with only 2 mounting holes needing drilling. Gets rid of that reverse slanted in look around the headlights which I believe was a styling mistake.

Plus there's actually room in the engine compartment to work on the car!

Jim
I agree!


Of course, I'm partial, but in my mind you can't beat a mid to late second gen F-body for affordability and parts availability. Look at what PHR has been able to do with their Project g/28.

LOL Boyd, You know what I drive, right? Please see my avatar to the left...I like your car BTW!


Does it have to be a car?What about a SBC S10.There extremely cheap,lots of aftermarket parts.A shortbed,single cab with a 383/5 speed would be lots of fun,with a bed to hual parts to boot.
I like this idea a lot! Funny thing is, my buddy just suggested this to me today! Fast AND cheap!


75 to 79 novas here is my 79 with 78 front end, it will be geting a 5.3
Very good choice too, I have noticed that a good roller of this vintage can be had for a song!



Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff s
3rd gen F body, It'll handle better for less.

word. my fav are the '88-'90 Formula, '91-'92 RS and z28, and the '91-'92 Trans Am.
I may end up going this route, although not my first choice and I would hardly call it "sleeperish.." But my wife REFUSES to drive a "hoopty..." (Which she considers almost all the cars we mentioned, and ALL wagons) :wrc:

Lots of good ideas flying around here guys, my head is spinning...:hammer:

[ron79]

hi 69nova, yes i am on steves too,the red one is my twin brothers,it is 77, plans for it is 454cid bb, with 4 speed, he may do the pro-touring on it too,he dont now right now

[THX 138]

one of my friends lives on his own at a young age and we were brainstorming ideas for a project my fav idea was the last of the Roadrunners. No body wants them and you can honestly say its a Roadrunner.

I'm also a big fan of the 90's t-birds and mark 8's but those were out of his price range. We were looking for $500 starter cars.

Other cars:
dodge/plymouth dart
plymouth duster and dodge derivitives