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.

[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...

[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.

[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


I kinda want do to a big block...with FE3X body...maybe some CCW's...

[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..