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$15,000 to spend on a Car Project

R

RedArmy

Platinum Member
Title says it all really, my dad just asked what we could do for around $15,000 and while I'm pretty up to date on cars in general, I'm not sure what that much could get you in terms of a project/kit car.

Both my dad and I like muscle cars, so doing something with a V8 would be preferable...besides that I'm open to suggestions!
 
I'd get a civic LX and keep it looking as stock as possible.
Swap the engine out and add a turbo. Make it as hidden as possible.

Go smoke people in your civic LX

all for less than 10k.

But you probably want more than just speed. You probably want looks.
 
Originally posted by: ValValline
For 15K you could do build a very nice resto-mod on a 60s Mustang/Camaro/Firebird/Dart/etc.
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I'm a big fan of the late 60's Camaro SS models, but to do them right you need to drop A LOT of cash into them.

I remember seeing a thread on here about Cobra kits, but I think the price range of those are in the low $20,000's, not sure though
 
Tons of stuff.

Take a quick peek around the SA Forums Automotive Insanity section for a few ideas.

Early Jeep
Late 60's Impala (or similar) convertible
A nice 240Z driver

Check around Craigslist for stuff you can buy for the 2,000- 4,000 range and see if anything strikes your interest.

EDIT:

Of course my first pick is a 66-77 Bronco, but around your area most of them will be completely ate up with rust, sadly every older car in the NE area may have rust issues.
 
Originally posted by: RedArmy

I'm a big fan of the late 60's Camaro SS models, but to do them right you need to drop A LOT of cash into them.
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Not really...unless going resto.

A real resto job is going to cost alot more than $15k on pretty much anything. Back in the late 80's my dad and I built a 1966 Mustang GT. The base car was pretty mint I bought it for $3600. My dad put in the other ~$40k.

The car was brand new. Most of the parts we found NOS through Ford dealerships including the grille lights and stainless trim/exhaust trumpets.

Link

I decided the original wheels weren't so nice as well as the stock bolt-on's.

Unfortunately my dad though a 4speed would get me killed. The C4 was shift-kitted though and surpriseingly quick.

If I were to do a Firebird/Camaro of the late 60's I'd hunt down a 6 cylinder one and just build it the way I wanted. Get some nice seats, the interior recovered. Some good wheels, a crate V8 to drop in and find a tranny/rear end and then some paint. After the car was dialed in the next year do some tunes in it unless there was budget left over.

Going concours on anything but the rarest of cars is going to be a money pit.

For me I drive my cars as a depreciating asset. However, most want to get nearly what they paid/put into it at time of sale.

Å
 
Originally posted by: Aimster
I'd get a civic LX and keep it looking as stock as possible.
Swap the engine out and add a turbo. Make it as hidden as possible.

Go smoke people in your civic LX

all for less than 10k.

But you probably want more than just speed. You probably want looks.
Click to expand...

Yeah. It's awesome to see those front wheels spinning. Keep the rear drum brakes intact though.
 
I'm doing a third gen Camaro swap to an LS1 & T-56. It's actually my wife's car and her money, but my buddy and I will be doing all the work. All said and done it should make 400+ RWHP, run 12's at the strip all day (with a good driver & tires of course), and probably net decent gas mileage on the highway (car should weigh little more than a modern Vette with the aluminum motor).

Before I get any mullet-haters in here, both my wife and I really like the styling of the third-gen body. Yes the interior is 80's-crap-tastic, but I love the aggressive, angular design of the body.

My $0.02: put an LSx motor into something that didn't come with one 😉 Woohaa!
 
Originally posted by: buzzsaw13
240Z with a RB26DETT or VQ35 engine
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RB25DET would be just as good in that and much cheaper.

The RB26DETT would blow about 2/3 that budget alone.

In a 240Z the 350 Chevy is really the way to go for engine swaps. Tried and true and blindingly fast and cheap. You can go even with the newest LS1+ engines.

Pretty tracton limited though
 
Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Datsun 240Z with an LS1 or LS2.

Huge brakes, revised suspension, pair of racing seats and you should squeak in below $15,000!

Text<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=01IwhhvkvFs">http://youtube.com/watch?v=01IwhhvkvFs</a>
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I was looking at those a while ago. I actually have a bookmarked website for a company that makes all the parts so you can just through an LS1 right in. I'll be sure to keep this in mind since the cars themselves aren't really that expensive anymore, especially if I could find one without an engine.
 
if it were me, i would go with a jeep project.

i'd try to find a TJ with a major engine or transmission problem. that should help keep the costs down. buy a cummins 4bta. i think that i could get a good deal from the cummins plant here in indiana. throw in some new axels, a new suspension, and new tires and you have yourself a nice rockcrawler that should get pretty good mileage too.
 
The Chevy Maibu from 1978-1981 is a great platform to build on. Thye are still cheap, look pretty good, and were available with a V-8 so there won't be a bunch of swapping troubles.

Drop in a GM crate motor or build up a nice 383 stroker, put a 700R4 trans behind it, some wheels and tires, and you're all set. Do the paint and body if money is left over (Should be plenty), and then the interior.

Here is a nice example of what I'm talking about: 1980 Malibu.

A late 70's Malibu will probably be my next project. Over the last 30 years I've built or had everything from 1969 Plymouth Super Bee, 1966 Chevelle SS big blocks (3 of them), 1967-68 Camaros (3 also), 1969 Impala, and my latest is a 1966 Chevy Impala station wagon.

Wagons are cool. I get everyone from 8-80 asking questions about it. Might want to consider one of these: 1966 Impala Wagon.

Keep an open mind. Don't look for anything to rare, as parts will be a problem....

Bob
 
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: buzzsaw13
240Z with a RB26DETT or VQ35 engine
Click to expand...

RB25DET would be just as good in that and much cheaper.

The RB26DETT would blow about 2/3 that budget alone.

In a 240Z the 350 Chevy is really the way to go for engine swaps. Tried and true and blindingly fast and cheap. You can go even with the newest LS1+ engines.

Pretty tracton limited though
Click to expand...

Well, I've got 15K to spend so might as well go all out 😛

On the topic, I just bought a RB25DET+Tranny and a lot of other junk I picked up with it I need for a 240Z swap. Found a place that sells the motor mounts and once I find a good condition 240Z/260Z the project will go underway 😀
 
Originally posted by: RedArmy
Title says it all really, my dad just asked what we could do for around $15,000 and while I'm pretty up to date on cars in general, I'm not sure what that much could get you in terms of a project/kit car.

Both my dad and I like muscle cars, so doing something with a V8 would be preferable...besides that I'm open to suggestions!
Click to expand...

I'm partial, but a 3rd gen Supra wouldn't be a bad choice. Rebuild the engine and bolt on to ~400 RWHP, while maintaining street drivability.
 
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