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.

[Karl Buchka]

Originally Posted by MarkM66

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

This is basically the deciding factor as far as cost goes.

My brother and I are doing pretty much all the work on our build. Seeing someone drop six figures on a build just seems absolutely out of this world, but when you factor in labor it suddenly makes sense. The hours add up quickly, especially when someone needs to get paid.

I don't imagine our car will cost more than $20k, and that includes the engine build and a paint job.

I also don't think aftermarket support should be a deciding factor in what car you choose to build from. As long as you're passionate and unafraid of getting your hands dirty, you can make anything work.

[SLO_Z28]

+1 on the Second gen F-Bodys.

You can pick up a 74-81 camaro for about 3 grand. Replacement upper control arms with tall ball joints and lower delrin bushings, with lowering springs pretty much make the thing a beast(hate to say it but aftermarket subframes are mostly a waste of money). Global west rear leaf spring setup, adjustable shocks all around, cheap 17's(ebay ones can be had for about 700 for a set), with cheap rubber. Vortec headed 383 can be built for well under 2 grand and make 350hp. Weld the axle tubes on the stock 10bolt and toss in some 3.42 gears, locker. Kore 3 brakes all around. Then just body/paint/interior. You can build one hell of a cool car for well under 20k.

[boynton6spd]

I'm restomodding a 67 Impala Fastback.
I got the car for $400.00 witha running 283/poweglide...67K orig miles!
I JUMPED in and I LOVE the car...
However this is not a POPULAR car for aftermarket/Restoration parts...
Rechroming the bumpers is going to be $1,000!!!!!!
I could buy NEW bumpers for a 69 Camaro for $125 each.

Popular cars have cheaper parts, but the CAR is more expensive to get.

Less popular cars are cheaper to get, but parts are more expensive.

ALOT of trade offs.