Hello,
I have been rebuilding my 70' el camino since april 9th of this year. I have been riding a bicycle to work and college (up a HUGE hill) and all around the county.

I need to buy a cheap car and My boss is loaning me no more than 2000 bucks to get one. I want to get a newer car (newer than 87') that has a rebuilt or crate 350 already installed. That way I can install the 350 in my el camino when the wiring, interior, body, paint, etc. is complete.

I am looking at 94' camaros. There are some within that price range that have crappy bodies, but Im hoping to find one where the 5.7 350 engine is good.

Ive also looked at some chevy vans, silverado's, gmc trucks and jimmy's, and flatbed trucks. can anyone think of anything that might be a good investment for me with $2000.

I basically need a vehicle that can get me around for a few months untill I finish my el camino. Then, when The el camino is ready for it, swap the motor, and possibly a 12 bolt rear-end, a/c accessories, th400 tranny, disk brakes, and whatever else anyone can think of. Any suggestions?

The el camino currently has a 81-85' 305 from a camaro (its done for, dead weight), th350 trans., air gap manifold, 750 edelbrock carb, iron heads, non-power brakes (no booster), power steering, peg leg rear end with 2.73 gears (yuck), and a pair of hedman headers.

No 87 and later vehicles will have a 12 bolt rear end and a Turbo 400. The Turbo 400 did come in 88 Chevrolet trucks with the 3500 series option.

A 70 to 72 Monte Carlo ... can have disc brakes on the front, a 12 bolt rear and a Turbo 400. They would make a great donor car ... and around in my area ... they sell fairly cheap.

late 80s stuff got weaker.
Shane

from what ive learned and read an 8.5 10 bolt is plently good and strong enough for most any sbc. second forget the TH400 it takes more power to turn it then a TH350 plus your elky is already setup for a Th350 and a 10 bolt. personaly i would forget about the a/c it clutters up under the hood but i just hate a/c so thats me lol. i love the heat! as for the breaks you can pick up a booster and master cylinder from the aoutparts store fairly cheap if i remember right.

watch craigslist.org in your area. you might find a running / drivable elcamino. like said P/Us in the 1/2 & 3/4 & 1tons plus all vans , and trucks like the bigger ones. 69 to 72 1/2t to 1ton p/u would be great. heck P/Us to 00 will have the vortec 350. vortec 305 & 350s are in 96 to 99 and some 00s. keep yer eyes open.