choosing a platform

[noobie23]

Hi everyone,

I am somewhat green when it comes to working on cars. I would like to purchase a project car which main focus is canyons and handling. I do not know to much about parts or anything and would like some guidance about certain cars or years to look for. budget is about 40,000 to spend on car and parts.



Cheers

[Schwartz Performance]

Hello,

The most popular cars to do that with are going to be 64-70 Mustangs and 67-69 Camaros/Firebirds. They have a lot of aftermarket parts availability. However, finding a decent car to work with can be a challenge.

The cheapest route is to find a car that you can deal with the paint job on (a complete running/driving car) and upgrade from there. Or better yet, find one that matches 90%+ of your needs.

For parts needs, you'll want good:
-brakes!
-suspension (coilovers, tubular control arms, etc)
-Rear end (posi traction)
-tires (this may mean new wheels too)
-Seats (Recaro's are nice!)
-Safety (harnesses, possibly rollbar/cage)
-fuel system (baffling, especially if using fuel injection)

Other cars that may suit your needs:

64-72 GM A-body (Chevelle, GTO, Cutlass, etc)
62-74 Chevy II / Nova
70-81 GM F-body (Camaro/firebird)

We offer bolt-in chassis for all of the applications I listed, which would be a great addition to whichever car you choose, too. For info/vehicles available, visit www.GMachineChassis.com

-Dale

[srh3trinity]

I would agree to what was said above. Paint and body will kill a budget. Find a nice car to start woth because you likely couldnt do a car with paint and body and all of the PT goodies for 40k. If you buy a runner with decent power, put the money towards suspension, brakes and wheels and then upgrade from there.

[astroracer]

With no preference you could just buy a later model Corvette and go canyon carving tomorrow... The car ALREADY handles ballZ out so a few upgrades like tires and wheels are easy to do and will keep the car on the road rather then in shop jail.
Mark

[noobie23]

Thanks for the help ill look into the options. i dont car how the car really looks just has to handle and be safe.

[Decline]

Agree with all above. As for the two most popular platforms, Mustangs can be had for significantly less than camaros. I feel like it takes more $ to make them fast tho.
Another option would be the C3 corvette. Look what ridetech just did with one, and there are a lot of decent looking drivers out there for not much coin.
The first gen novas are cool too and seem to be getting more aftermarket support lately. TCI has a nice one that they recently completed if your looking for an example
In the end tho you gotta buy something you really dig aka "dream car" if your gonna pour all this time and money into it and your not happy you'll kick yourself.
Go to some shows and see what calls your name.

[pitts64]

1964 up Chevy El Camino would get my vote.... I like the 68-72 but the 78 up might be best for you.. There are inexpensive, parts galore and versatile..