Affordable Builds?

[Muscle Car PWR]

I know the title of this thread and building Muscle Cars that do everything well don't really coincide but with the ever rising cost of building a G-machine with a wicked powerplant, killer suspension and brakes etc. what does the average guy with a modest budget turn to?

Don't get me wrong I love big wheels, big brakes, bad ass injected power and a six speed but are we living in a rally wheel and mild disc brake upgrade world with carb'd small-blocks while dreamin' about perfectly chiseld Muscle?

[JayR]

I can totally appreciate a tight budget and cost-cutting and think it's totally possible if you're smart, open minded and creative.

Think take out LQ4 or even a super cheap LT1 instead of an LS3 and go to online classifieds here and places like LS1Tech.com and craigslist instead of Summit and Jegs. Think '70s F, X, and G Bodies instead of first gen F-Bodies.

If you're really open minded, get a 3rd gen Camaro or a Fox Body Mustang which are both super cheap, pretty fast out of the box, efi with manual trans and decent brakes and suspension and loads of aftermarket support.

While obscure bodystyles are cheaper, don't stray too far or you'll have zero aftermarket support which is why I suggested the 70s GM stuff. The brakes and suspensions are already quite a bit more advanced than '60s stuff and there's lots of aftermarket support for them.

I would totally watch a carefully planned budget build so don't despair. Get a plan and get going.

[Taman]

I have been very fortunate building my TA. I have a grand total of $14k in it including the purchase price. I won the engine from Hot Rod's "Win Your Dream Engine Sweepstakes". I received the fuel pump, regulator and braided lines from Holley on the 04 Power Tour for getting Holley on the news . I was in a minor accident and the insurance company paid $5800 for damages to my car. My best friend's son didn't charge me for anything but paint, primer and materials. I did spend 3 of the hottest days two summers ago installing his pool.That was $6500. He put over 300 hours on my body work and I already had a pretty straight and rust free car. I discovered auto crossing on last years Power Tour and talked Heidt's into installing their Pro G front and rear suspension. With all the old parts I sold, that paid for a set of used Rushforth wheels and front 6 piston Willwood brakes. Here is a pic before the new suspension and rims. This is the new paint. The interior I did my self. As one can see I have been extremely lucky.
If you pick a non main stream car it helps. 2nd gen Ta's are still quite cheap if you stay away from 70-73 and 78 bandit TA's. I see them for under 10k all the time. Do a Hotchkis TVS and some Willwood brakes and you can be under $15k and have a nice ride.

[67rstbkt]

I'm on what most would consider a tight budget. I've learned to save up some cash and just keep an eye out for the deals. The best I've got so far is a used T56 out of a Viper for $500, Ford 9" (practically free), and C5 calipers (all 4) for $200. I do all the work myself (except machining) and do not have a specific time for completion. I'm hoping to keep it under 30K.

[Josh69]

I think my next one will be alot cheaper, I've learned from my mistakes and I think the biggest budget killer, is being in a rush. I fork over money for brand new stuff I feel I need ASAP, when I could've saved a ton by being more patient. It's still taken me 3 years to get to this point....so I guess once I can afford to start another one, I'll budget for 5 years and try to take my time finding deals before I even start.

Also, if I want to save money, I won't build another Pontiac. LOL!

I 2nd the motion to try a 2nd or 3rd Gen Fbody, or any Fox bodied Stang. They are classic, and lightyears ahead to start with than 60's cars. Power windows, locks, a/c, tilt, cruise, OD, disc brakes, EFI's small blocks, etc. You can buy one in mint condition and upgrade as you go for pennies on the dollar.

I see so few nice 60's cars driving around, or even 80's cars. So if you had a mint 80's pony car done right, it'll still be a real head turner in traffic. I still Jones for a nice 5.0L Fox, and someday I'll probably do one. I had an SVO in high school/college, and it was one of the most fun to drive cars I ever had, even with a whopping 175hp.

[Taman]

Building a 2nd Firebird or Camaro the cost is identical. There is no difference in price in engine or tranny rebuilds. Everything under the skin are all the same parts. A 3rd gen is even easier. Everything but body and interior is the same. God help it but you could even put a Chevy engine in a 70-81 Firebird. Same is true on 70's A bodies.

[MarkM66]

If you can do most or all yourself, and it doesn't get too bad.

Other than that, you may have to settle for what you need, not necessarily what you want.

[syborg tt]

Okay I have a new project in the works and it is truely going to be a full budget build. Not going crazy again.

However we are going to do it in multiple stages showing full cost of the build. Should be a pretty cool project and it's even a camaro. Most importantly the goal is to build a car that if you break down somewhere you are not screwed trying to find specialty aftermarket parts.

If you would Like I can e-mail you the build notes.

[Scotch]

Theres a ton of stuff out there for GM A-bodies, but they're expensive cars to buy in good shape. But- wagons and el caminos are usually a lot cheaper, even in decent shape.
Plus, they're different. I dig my wagon and it hustles pretty good too. I've got right at 30k into it now, after 6 yrs and doing as much as i could myself, plus horse trading for other stuff.

[DOOM]

What you need to do is stay off this forum! I was going with a simple copo clone resto until I found this place. These things can get out of control real fast money wise....