I’m an idiot…….
 

I get it, or do I? I mean to say that I am going to build another hot rod.
My last build is the 68’ Camaro you view under “Lateral-G Car Features”. Anyway, I put down $500 on a 1977 Chevy Monza Spyder.
Remember the Monza?
I’m buying a “roller” so we can do our own drivetrain.
I NEED YOUR ADVICE REALLY BAD.
What engine? What manual transmission?
Please understand this is a driver car, not a show car.
383 stroker? Tremec tranny?
HELP!

That'll be an awesome project. For small blocks I like the 383/406 just for the extra torque. The new Tremec TKX would be my choice for fit, shifting smoothness, and power capability. The TKO 500/600 are okay, but don't shift as smooth as the new TKX from all opinions.

Pics
 

Pics

I remember in the early 80's I wanted to do an IMSA style Monza, cool cars.

“It’s funny you know to make rocket ships go to infinity”.
That’s actually a lyric. If anyone out there knows the song..,
Please do share.., (I have it on cassette, vinyl, 8-track, and iPad)
Anyway, I need your help.
Oh sure, I built a V8 Vega in the 70’s,
But that doesn’t count.

It’s 2024 and I have a new GIRLFRIEND.
When I ask what makes her happy,
SHE DOES NOT HESITATE.
“I want my 305 4speed Monza back”.

So…., she bought a roller that is shown above.
Now, I need advice from anyone who will share:

I’m not a big facebook guy, but I’ve seen Monza groups on there…could be helpful.

Build priorities?

Budget if you care to share…

How is the car going to be used?

How mild/hard will it be driven?

Performance targets?

Weekly Driver, not a show car, or a race car.
Budget: what could I do with my girlfriend’s money? Lol. 30K?

Back in the day I worked on Al Holbert's IMSA Monza which won two championships in 1976 and 1977.

That is so awesome. That is truly impressive. I’m SERIOUS. Can you please share more? Maybe an engine bay photo or whatever you are willing to share. PLEASE..,

I pick up Monza body today.., So Excited.

Monza update
 

Clear title
$3000 cash
Missouri
Roller

Scary to buy a car unseen
 

I mean really.., when is the last time the Seller would be more critical of the car than what it actually is?
Daniel was so honest. I admire him for TRUTH. Period

Hear me out. This is a malaise era car where smaller displacement engines ruled, fuel mileage was most important, and any "performance" was almost laughable compared to the eras before and after. So why not at least keep the theme of "smaller"? The Vortec 4.2 is no joke of an engine and can be had for pennies. You could also consider a Ecotec with the turbo not the blower. My buddy's Sky Redline is a hoot to drive with the six speed. 3.8 V6 with the Eaton can be built for good power. You'll have a good bit of custom work to incorporate any of these choices. All three of them can build good, reliable, and fun power for driving all the time. Putting a manual behind the 4.2 and 3.8 should be possible.

If you want simple and V8, I don't blame you. 383, 5.3, 6.0, anything but a 305, lol, will work well and sound great.

Good luck!

Here are some additional pictures of Al Holbert's Monza. Al is on the left with the engine, Al's Father Bob Holbert, drove for Carol Shelby and got the first win for the Daytona Coupe. Al's son Todd is a top Engineer for Toyota Racing

WSSix: I love it. You are thinking outside the box. And not afraid to speak it. As a result, I’m putting a rough draft budget to go in your recommended path. I won’t promise anything because it’s not my car. But thanks.

LFX, 6-speed!

https://images.hgmsites.net/hug/lfx-...00353572_h.jpg

Have fun with it no matter what you do. And good luck!

MONZA UPDATE
 

As a 68 Camaro owner, I had no clue how hard parts are to be found for something like our 77’ Monza Spyder. I mean, it’s a test of patience.
So anyway, my girl used her witchcraft and found an original NOS Monza hood in Pennsylvania for $695 plus shipping.
It is absolutely pristine and sports the GM sticker. Enough brag.

We continue to search for front parking lamps 1976-1980.

China sold me a rear spoiler out of fiberglass. All three pieces. Believe it or not, it actually almost fits! Just some delicate sanding for deck fitment.

FINAL DECISIONS:

383 stroker with Holley Sniper II.
Tremec TKX wide ratio.
12 bolt Chevy axle housing with TruTrak and Ford Torino bearings.
Danube Blue with copper accents on exterior.
Sanderson headers, mid length
Baer Brakes, nothing extreme,
Weld wheels called Ventura.
Probably BF Goodrich rubber

MONZA shows a unique history
 

Remember JC Whitney, the coolest magazine with hot rod parts?
Upon Monza disassembly, we discovered a genuine JC W. Line-Lok.

It gets better.., check out the 17 holes somebody drilled into the fender wells. We’re talking 3” diameter.
Now since a Monza has no frame or subframe, and the fender wells are STRUCTURE, I am welding all 17 holes shut.
Ironically, I found A36 alloy steel 3” circles in diameter at .125” thick from Amazon! For cheap.., I bought 17.

Update
 

Pics

please remember I am not a good person to ask about this and of course my answer is.


Do it, Do It, Do it, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It, Do It

I dig it ! I think a 5.3L with OEM fuel injection and a T56 would be a blast. Much better drivability and readability. The T56 makes it even more fun. Do you know what the weight is?