Planning a build: Operation Daily Driver

[Musclerodz]

personally the only late model 4 door (basically anything after 72) I would think was worth putting that kind of effort into would be a 96 SS Impala.

[rickpaw]

You mentioned owning an M5, how about building your own M5? Mid 90's 5-series with LS/t56 swap?

There are a few build threads over ls1tech.com

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by rickpaw

You mentioned owning an M5, how about building your own M5? Mid 90's 5-series with LS/t56 swap?

There are a few build threads over ls1tech.com

I had thought of that (back before I sold it), but... well, I sold it a few years ago. Plus, it was but one of two '93 M5s in Calypso Red cars. Seemed a crime to cut it up.

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

personally the only late model 4 door (basically anything after 72) I would think was worth putting that kind of effort into would be a 96 SS Impala.

I can't stand the Aero Impalas. From some angles they look good, but from the inside... yuck. I think they are exceedingly cheaply made, too.

I did, however, consider an '77-'79 Impala or Oldsmobile Eighty Eight (I like the early front ends, better), but I really want an IRS for comfort. I could (as I am doing on my '72 Cutlass) adapt something, but the Fox IRS is a bolt in. Finally, the B-bodies are a bit big for what I want.

Good thoughts, though--thanks!

[DBasher]

Hard to beat the aftermarket support of the Fox platform...as long as you like the looks of the Fairmont. I like the idea of an American M5 also, though I'd go the other way and transplant a LS and 6 speed into a nice 5 series.

Martin Pond has a very well built 2 door and wagon that can be drivin daily and tracked all weekend. He's completely lost his mind and is now building a Ford Durango...yes it exists, look it up.

For the amount of money and time you'll have invested, have you looked at mid 60's Falcon or Fairlane wagons? A lot of what you're planning can be done to the earlier cars and.....not look like a fairmont.

[SSLance]

Originally Posted by DBasher

For the amount of money and time you'll have invested, have you looked at mid 60's Falcon or Fairlane wagons? A lot of what you're planning can be done to the earlier cars and.....not look like a fairmont.

^ Yeah this...

[Build-It-Break-it]

A BMW wagon with an Ls would be sweet. Also an old Volvo wagon or 4 door with an LS swap.

[ProTouring442]

Actually, I like the LTD. I don't like the Fairmont that came before it (even though they share doors, roof, and overall structure). But I do like the LTD. I won't say it's the sexiest thing I've ever seen, but it isn't bad looking. Plus, the nose-job I want to give it will add the funky, Euro-Ford look from that era, and I like that too (thought the XR4Ti was cool looking).

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by Build-It-Break-it

A BMW wagon with an Ls would be sweet. Also an old Volvo wagon or 4 door with an LS swap.

Way too much work to get a reasonably fun suspension under the Volvo, plus between the price of the car and the cost of adding things like A/C, the cost would be significantly more. I can pick up a rust free LTD for $1,000-$2,000. I don't think you could come close to that for the old Volvo, and it would likely have rust. Also, the LTD will have A/C, rear window defrost, and will likely come equipped with tilt, power windows, and power locks. Finally, all the Mustang stuff basically bolts in.

[DBasher]

Originally Posted by ProTouring442

Way too much work to get a reasonably fun suspension under the Volvo, plus between the price of the car and the cost of adding things like A/C, the cost would be significantly more. I can pick up a rust free LTD for $1,000-$2,000. I don't think you could come close to that for the old Volvo, and it would likely have rust. Also, the LTD will have A/C, rear window defrost, and will likely come equipped with tilt, power windows, and power locks. Finally, all the Mustang stuff basically bolts in.

Early, N/A CTS-V...Done.
Everything you're looking for, other than a LTD body....that people will think is a Fairmont.