starting a PT project?

[shawn_s]

Im looking to start a pro-turing project over the winter, hopefully. im still im the process if looking for a car and i have it narrowed down to a few different choices, now i just need to find one.

This will be my first project car so im looking for some tips and advice. i did help my dad restore his 67 camaro so i do have some expereince.

so do you guys have any tips, advice, recomendations? im looking for any ideas, from big stuff all the way down to tools.

the current plan is to swap in an LS engine and T56, C6 Z06 or C51 brakes, air or coilovers and a little custom body/interior work.

what seems to be the better choice, upgrading your stock frame/subframe, or replacing it with an aftermarket unit?

the plans for the car right now is like 90% street use, 5% autocross and the other 5% between the dragstrip and car shows.

if you guys need to know anything else let me know, im looking for as much help as i can get before i start

Thanks

[Mkelcy]

Im looking to start a pro-turing project over the winter, hopefully. im still im the process if looking for a car and i have it narrowed down to a few different choices, now i just need to find one.

This will be my first project car so im looking for some tips and advice. i did help my dad restore his 67 camaro so i do have some expereince.

so do you guys have any tips, advice, recomendations? im looking for any ideas, from big stuff all the way down to tools.

the current plan is to swap in an LS engine and T56, C6 Z06 or C51 brakes, air or coilovers and a little custom body/interior work.

what seems to be the better choice, upgrading your stock frame/subframe, or replacing it with an aftermarket unit?

the plans for the car right now is like 90% street use, 5% autocross and the other 5% between the dragstrip and car shows.

if you guys need to know anything else let me know, im looking for as much help as i can get before i start

Thanks

How does one respond to this post, which doesn't even state what year and model of car you're looking at?

Even if you had mentioned the car you were planning to build, have you done any work yet figuring out your build beyond the engine, trans and brakes? There's a ton of information available here and elsewhere, all you need to do is search.

I guess I'm just getting crotchety in my old age.

[shawn_s]

How does one respond to this post, which doesn't even state what year and model of car you're looking at?

Even if you had mentioned the car you were planning to build, have you done any work yet figuring out your build beyond the engine, trans and brakes? There's a ton of information available here and elsewhere, all you need to do is search.

I guess I'm just getting crotchety in my old age.

im just a young guy at 23, looking for some help from you crotchety old timers haha.

anyways, the cars i have it narrowed down to are a 79-82 corvette, 67-69 f-body, or a 77-81 trans am, which is the most likely choice. i know theres alot of info on here, ive been watching this board for a while, but mostly what i see is people already in the middle of their projects. i just dont know where to start, thats basically what i was trying to get at.

[cheapthrillz]

How does one respond to this post, which doesn't even state what year and model of car you're looking at?

Even if you had mentioned the car you were planning to build, have you done any work yet figuring out your build beyond the engine, trans and brakes? There's a ton of information available here and elsewhere, all you need to do is search.

I guess I'm just getting crotchety in my old age.

Mike is getting annoyed at the same things as me, but I'm only 23, so you can't call me old. You can still call me crotchety though...

For us to really be able to help you out, you need to decide what car you want first. The three that you mentioned are very different. You need to let us know your general budget and what tools you already have. Your current skill level would help too.

From there it will depend on the condition of the car that you choose as to where the majority of your work will be spent.

Once you get a car (I would recommend getting one that runs and drives), then you need to check it out and make a plan of action....

[Mkelcy]

Mike is getting annoyed at the same things as me, but I'm only 23, so you can't call me old. You can still call me crotchety though...

Us old, crotchety guys appreciate the support from you young, whipper-snappers.

[cheapthrillz]

Us old, crotchety guys appreciate the support from you young, whipper-snappers.

You've got it!

To the OP, don't take it personal. It is a conglomeration of things that are starting to irritate some of the members who have been around for a while.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Sounds like you need some project planning from a patient old dude. We build a ton of cars and Project Plan and consult for projects all over the world.

Feel free to call me and we can discuss your needs, your dreams (not the same), your goals (different yet) and your buget.

Money will dictate your plans. it is our job to make sure before you get started you make it to the end. To many projects get started and don't get finished due to over spending on the donor car, early parts, underestimating cost of services.

Like I said feel free to give me a call, it is free for forum members.

[72nova]

Me personally I would do the Camaro. There are more aftermarket parts for those than anything. Like the others said, it depends on how much you want to spend. The main thing is to have a plan and stick to it. Get the car driving and do upgrades as you get the money. Just speaking from experience, mine has been apart for 4 years and still is nowhere near finished. I wish I would have done a little at a time instead of trying to do it all at once. Plus I did not have a clear plan when I started. Just my .02, but really think about your abilities and how much money you have to spend before you just tear into it.

[Scott Parkhurst]

Plan the build.

Build to the plan.

The more you change your mind, the more it ends up costing you.

My wagon is all bolt-on upgrades, and it still took 5 years to get to where it is. Building an 'all-around' performance car is a lot more complex than building a drag car.

And worth every bit of it.

[shawn_s]

i realize that the first gen camaro would be the easiest in terms of available parts, but to find one in decent shape is alot harder/more expensive then the late second gen trans am.

my main thing is finding one with a half decent body on it, since i dont know how to do bodywork.

as for a budget and plan, thats pretty un-determind right now, the only thing i really have planned is that i want to do it over a few years. since i live in canada i have like 6 months of driving and 6 months of time that can be spent workin on the car lol. since i plan on taking so long i dont really want to plan too far ahead for parts since there is new stuff coming out all the time. and i need to actually get it narrowed down to 1 car before i can really do too much.

i do plan on keeping it driveable for the summers then work on it over the winter.

hope this helps for any other advice you guys might have

[Derek69SS]

Save the money and get the car you want... if you really want a 1st gen Camaro, sticking money into a 2nd gen Firebird probably isn't going to keep you happy for long.

Start with a SOLID body. You can upgrade things as you go if the body is decent, but things like a total floor replacement aren't weekend projects.

[cheapthrillz]

Sounds like you need some project planning from a patient old dude. We build a ton of cars and Project Plan and consult for projects all over the world.

Feel free to call me and we can discuss your needs, your dreams (not the same), your goals (different yet) and your buget.

Money will dictate your plans. it is our job to make sure before you get started you make it to the end. To many projects get started and don't get finished due to over spending on the donor car, early parts, underestimating cost of services.

Like I said feel free to give me a call, it is free for forum members.

Definitely call Frank. He can give you a good idea as to what all is involved with a complete build. He can also hook you up with some great parts.

I know everybody and their Momma likes 1st generation camaros, and yes there are a million parts for them. But I say do something different... the corvette would be cool, but remember that corvettes will generally cost more in the long run (Corvette Tax). I would look through the project updates section of this forum and glance through as many threads as you can (hint: the ones with a lot of views are usually the more detailed/interesting builds), and find a car that you feel would be fun to build and own. These are just some thoughts.... Keep us updated, because we ARE interested in helping, but we're not going to build it for you....

[BonzoHansen]

Plan the build.

Build to the plan.

Great quote.

I agree with above get what you want or you'll regret it. And get a solid car.

[JayR]

i realize that the first gen camaro would be the easiest in terms of available parts, but to find one in decent shape is alot harder/more expensive then the late second gen trans am.

The 2nd Gen F-Bodies have almost as many aftermarket parts available and are great platforms with better baseline suspensions so they require a lot less stuff to make them out-handle a well equipped 1st gen. There's nothing wrong with a 2nd gen Firebird and if budgetary constraints are an issue, that's the one I'd find. The guys are right about it being easier to stay motivated with a car you love but it's not like the Firebird is a redheaded stepchild. There's a ton of untapped potential in the late 2nd gen F-bodies so it's sure to be unique, just try to avoid the T-Tops. Flimsy, leaky and a little too disco for me as is all the plastic non-functional scoops that were rampant in those days so shop for a base model and save even more money.

Good luck!

[b-man]

If your plan is to drive it in between doing modifications then your best bet would be to start with the cleanest and most complete car possible.

Spend whatever it takes to get a car that's in great shape.

You're better off spending 10 grand on a very nice car to begin with rather than on a $3000 beater. You might be spending 3 times as much to start with a nice car, but it will save you money and time 10 times over throughout your project.

Definitely buy the car you really want, this will keep you motivated.

As already stated above, come up with a solid plan and stick to it.

Lastly, keep future resale in mind even if you think you're going to keep it forever. If you build up a car that has big following you'll recover more of your investment if it's ever time to sell.

Good luck.

[Holohan]

Sounds like the build will be stretched out over a few years, so my advice is too really think about what you want and stick with it. Budget is always, and should be for the most part, #1 on the list. But once you decide what you want, find a solid car, even if it takes awhile and eats up a good portion of your budget, it's well worth the money in the long run. There's nothing worse than having to restore a car before you can cut it up. By starting with a good solid driver, you can do some quick changes to it and just drive it for a season. This way you can enjoy your investment for awhile before you tear into it and it gives you a chance to determine if that's the car you really want to do. Good luck and have fun!

[ProdigyCustoms]

One thing to consider in your choice is end game / value should you ever need or want to sell it. A first gen Camaro will be double the up front money. Say a clean car, non number matching, nice paint, running driving complete car is $25K? A equal quality late 2nd gen or late C3 Vette may very well be half. But the value increase when convertiing to Pro Touring is expedential, and chances are very high that if you invest $50K in one of the late 2nd gen, or god forbid the Corvette, value will still be half the first gen. Even though the total investment is only $10k to $12K different. In other words, $50k spent wisely on a first gen, probably a $50K car. $50k spent on something else, probably a $25K car.

FWIW, I would really avoid the idea of the late C3 cars. Those have become the budget Vette (maybe why you are considering one), but they really have no support once big money is invested. People that want those want cheap. If people have money for something more expensive, they over look those for somethig better. OK, I said it out loud, not a big fan of those cars.

Also, something else to look at. You may be able to get away with lots of mods to a 75 and later car where you are, but a lot of places, you cannot touch one. And I look for emmisions testing / certifications to tighten up in this new green Obamanation were in. It would be a real bitch to get it all done and not be able to register it.

[redfire69]

Agree with Frank totally. Late 2nd gens and late C3s are bargains for a reason. You really have to want one of these cars, and IMHO, want to keep it. With that said, I have one of each! ;)

[Throttle]

Well, if you are looking at a 1977-81 Trans Am, I have a build thread for all that for my 72 Camaro..