I am trying to plan a project for next summer and am thinking about building a budget muscle car. Chevy small blocks are abundant in my area so I thought a 383 would be a fun build, and I'm sure I can come up with a drivetrain too, but what car should I put it in? I want something light with some style (I'm not too excited by El Caminos and Monte Carlos), and of course, something I would likely find for cheap. I'm sure someone here has some ideas I haven't considered yet...

Novas 68-late seventies, Chevelles and their BOP cousins, Malibu 78-later and any BOP G-body all are good street cars and not just another Camaro etc.. IN This area, being Buick territory, you will see a few BBChevy powered Regals and early Centurys.

I used to live in Vincennes a few years back and G-bodies used to be EVERYWHERE! I have to say they make a great looking ride with very little mods and will pretty much hold up to anything you can cram under the hood. I don't know if you know Bill Morris on the southside, but last I knew he still has an '84 T-topped Monte Carlo that I threw a 403 Olds into setting in his yard.

How about an old Ford........Have the best of both worlds.

S-10....First generation Monte????

Older style Volvo station wagon. Strong enough to handle the 383 and a real sleeper. Put a narrow tube on the rear end to allow 10" wide rear tires and air bag suspension. Then add some crazy tunes with all the room!




Todd



Rat Rods Rule!

weld a sbc into a fiesta / omni type car. 8 cylinder go-kart.

put the 383 in a chevette!

Small truck?

An early Nova, a Chevy II, or a Monza. Start with something light. Whatever engine you build will make those cars move a whole lot faster. Every 50 lbs. is at least equal to 10 more horses.

All those responses are pretty good ideas... i especially like the volvo one, i'm a volvo man at heart, but I'm really not after a sleeper here

I just wish there was a Chevy equivelent to like a Ford Maverick... something cheap i could find at a junkyard or someone's backyard, already setup to accept a V8. Unfortunately Chevys like that are in high demand, at least in my area... you can't get even a junker Monza under a couple thou.

Has anyone had experiences with early 90's Caprices/Impalas... I have a '64 Impala already, it would be neat to pair it with a newer one... are these cars particularly light? I can see it now... a resurrected police car, flamed out with a hood scoop..... ahhhh

is a chevette rwd?

the older chevettes are RWD.

A Vega, or a mid to late 70's Nova would probablu be the lightest and cheapest.

My vote is for a Chevy Luv Truck. They make kits for the transplant. At least thats what a guy in my neighborhood told me. He has a buddy that has a Luv with a small block in it. It's tubbed, and from the front looks almost stock; but from the side or back; you know your dealing with a serious street racer!