Lately I have been looking for another thirdgen camaro to buy and drop a crate motor into when i sell my current camaro. However, i haven't been too successful at finding any for a relatively low price ($1000 + or -). It seems that everyone around here either doesn't have a thirdgen for sale, or is asking way too much.... so I'm here asking all of you guys if you have any recommendations for other cars/trucks that I could get for relatively cheap (like i said for around $1000 or so) in which i could drop my soon to be zz4 385 fastburn in
for my second choice I have decided on an S-10, and third perhaps an older dakota. I would like a reasonably "young" car/truck ('90+) just so i dont have to worry about any extensive rust or structural damage (like there is on mine) and am NOT interested in ford.

So i'd greatly appreciate it if you guys could give me some feedback, and possible problems I may run into with a certain models (i.e. need better suspension, need for a new tranny to fit, etc..)

TIA!

 

go with a 78-87 G-body car (cutlass, regal, monte carlo, grand prix) you can get these DIRT cheap, they have a full frame and 4-link suspention just like the early 68-72 GM a-bodys. not to mention they can run full lenth headers and duel exhaust no problem. these were the best cars you could get out of the 80's to handle some power.

 

I wouldnt say that its "no problem" to run duals on a 78-88 G-body. The trans crossmember is in the way, and the alternatives that are available suck. Badly.

I'm about midway through designing a modification to the stock crossmember that will allow a pipe to pass right through it. It will be as strong as the stock crossmember (unlike a couple designs I have seen) it will look nice (unlike all of them I have seen) and it wont require any cutting/smashing/welding of a stock crossmember off of another GM car to 'make' it fit.

Its also 100% in violation of smog laws since it requires relocation of the factory converter (if you plan on using it...hah), so if you have smog checks you might want to think about that as well.

 

nah, im in michigan and dont have any inspection's or anything i have to worry about...

i found a few older g-body's on autotrader, etc. for cheap, but i was really hoping to stay a little more current (IMO, 80's cars are ugly, lol).
Im still leaning towards the idea of getting an S10 (if i cant find another camaro). How much do they weigh exactly (90's models)?? The benefits of having a truck would be that i would have much more ground clearance (to run long tube headers and duals..) and might be a little less weight overall... though i appreciate the responses, and keep em comin!

 

Wow, a shortage on cheap, old third gens, I think the world is coming to an end

 

nah...just by me. The only camaros/TAs i see are 4th gens, and honestly i would never want one..... i see *WAY* too many of them, and I just think they're ugly.... anyways, i'll keep searchin for one and let everyone know how it goes...

thanks again

 

madmax, you need to use the trans X-member off a 68-72 A body, all you have to do is cut 1/2" off each side and there a direct fit for the G bodys. i think the g-bodys look mean as hell with some decent rims on them, or a GN that looks kick *** stone stock

 

Tried that. You have to flatten the ends somewhat too, and it still hangs fairly low in the car. Not to mention it doesnt line up with the trans I am using (200-4R) and would require some welding/drilling on the frame. No thanks.

This is what I am working on, like it sits it looks almost completely stock, only a purist would notice the dual tips and different wheels. Someone might notice the leather seats. Other than that, the outside is completely stock.

 

I say go with the S10. Its so crazy seeing a plain little S10 with big tires in the back roaring down the road. I've had that swap in the back of my mind for years. The day I have some extra money laying around I'm definately going to build a V8 S10