What cool car to drop an old-school SBC into?

1988RedT2 wrote:

drdisque wrote: Vega

Ha! Everyone knows that they all turned to rust decades ago! No, I want something pretty easy to find and pretty cheap. And pretty.

Not in this corner of the country

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/5694360532.html

1988RedT2 wrote: In reply to HappyAndy: Carby is fine. One day I want to Megasquirt a 1000 HP twin turbo SBC, but not this one.

I'm guessing you've seen these articles?

https://www.diyautotune.com/support/tech/install/chevrolet-gm/carb-to-efi/

Seriously, it sounds like a great project for you and the kiddo once you get it running on a carb, keep on tweaking with an EFI swap, then perhaps adding a turbo (Holset FTW) or two, etc.

patgizz wrote: lack of seating is no reason not to el camino.

Jump seats FTW!

That Volvo Wagon gets my vote. Friend of a friend has one just like that color and all but 302 swapped in and stick shift. Thing is a total sleeper and rips

HC Mazda 929. Oh wait, you said "cool car."

Volvo or Jag

Willys Truck and/or Wagon.

JamesMcD wrote: HC Mazda 929. Oh wait, you said "cool car."

Or even an HD! But we're probably weirdos, and he does want something well-documented.

Something under 3500lbs, the lighter the better, use a 4 speed, wind that 327 up.

75-79 Nova (and BOP derivatives thereof) is always a cheap pick, SBC is a bolt in, front end is all 2nd gen Camaro stuff.

An 80s era Nissan 300.

The answer is obvious:

V8's work well in Volvos, I have a TPI SBC in my 85 740, fun, easy to work on, gets lot of attention, had a guy in a white 5 series BMW chase me down yesterday to ask what was in my car. between the V8, big sways, good dampers, poly bushings, few chassis tweeks, battery in the trunk, aluminum hood, etc. it's a well balanced car and is a daily practical driver. Not as sexy as some but makes me smile almost everytime I drive it. EDIT: This is a relatively easy swap, so you have good odds of finishing it...

For a first project car, I'd say go for something that was offered from the factory with some type of SBC. This would be the most straight forward and quickest way to see positive results...In other words, a confidence booster. I'd try to pick one of the more salable in-budget models, as a means of helping fund the next more project car when done having fun with this one.

Prius

I'm partial to the Monte Carlos, Novas, and their brethren. Some of the 4 door versions of the popular coupes may be more affordable, like Impala, Lemans, and skylark.

If you can find something that came with a SBC or inline 6 it will be easier. The flywheel and bell housing from a straight 6 will bolt up to the SBC.

Europa!

2 door S10 Blazer early model. Build it like an old-school cyclone

A Buick Skylark S/R

Or an Oldsmobile Omega SX

Both would be easy to get parts for since they share almost everything with the Nova.

http://ocala.craigslist.org/cto/5705134788.html

Peugeot 505?

How about a CJ5 or an FJ40 Land Cruiser? Not a sports car but both VERY fun and capable with v8 power and 327 would work just right in it.

But Lotus Europa is still my first choice. Anything fits under that engine deck lid.

That nova is what I would go for. Keep the green paint and make a cone killer out of it.

chiodos wrote: We have a factory 300hp 327 in the family, backed by a 4 speed and its my favorite sbc ive driven. That includes a plethora of 350s and the 383 in the family

Great motor. My brother had one in a '68 Camaro Had a friend with one in a Vega, scary fast

I am going to have to say, Monza

Not sporty, but you could go Chevy Astro.

I'd vote Jag or Volvo as my first choices.

High five for the 327. I owned one a long time ago in am Impala and it was fun.

The 3rd gen Camaro is probably the cheapest GM project out their to find, if budget is important.