New Years resolution perhaps...
Discussion
...Classic Muscle Car for 2014???
Happy New Year all.
I've not posted here before and thought you might be able to humour me in my dilemma with what to replace the void left by my Monaro. It was a great car to drive with lots of power for those opportunities to get the back out with lots of tyre smoke (not that I'm a total hoonigan) but I'm wondering what American Classic could offer those thrills for around £10k. I'm after a nice rust free car with that proper muscle car/Cannonball Run/street racer/hot rod/custom appeal if you get my drift. I'm not asking a lot
I've seen a few 70-73 Mustang Mach1 Fastbacks (an acquired taste I know, but I like them) and they seem to be mostly autos... I've seen some nice Trans Ams/Firebirds, but again they are also predominantly autos and then I've seen a Plymouth Duster 360. Now this is ticking boxes, apart from the 245bhp figures seem a bit low down, but am I right in thinking that this will be a four speed manual? I've not got anything against autos, it's just that I like to be involved in the driving a bit more.
I assume I can (someone can) tune and modify this engine to produce some more tyre torturing horses?
I would be interested to hear your suggestions and the experiences you've had from the car you have. I don't know anyone who owns an American Classic apart from one chap on the HSV forum who drives 'Mental Betty' at our meets!!!
Happy New Year all.
I've not posted here before and thought you might be able to humour me in my dilemma with what to replace the void left by my Monaro. It was a great car to drive with lots of power for those opportunities to get the back out with lots of tyre smoke (not that I'm a total hoonigan) but I'm wondering what American Classic could offer those thrills for around £10k. I'm after a nice rust free car with that proper muscle car/Cannonball Run/street racer/hot rod/custom appeal if you get my drift. I'm not asking a lot
I've seen a few 70-73 Mustang Mach1 Fastbacks (an acquired taste I know, but I like them) and they seem to be mostly autos... I've seen some nice Trans Ams/Firebirds, but again they are also predominantly autos and then I've seen a Plymouth Duster 360. Now this is ticking boxes, apart from the 245bhp figures seem a bit low down, but am I right in thinking that this will be a four speed manual? I've not got anything against autos, it's just that I like to be involved in the driving a bit more.
I assume I can (someone can) tune and modify this engine to produce some more tyre torturing horses?
I would be interested to hear your suggestions and the experiences you've had from the car you have. I don't know anyone who owns an American Classic apart from one chap on the HSV forum who drives 'Mental Betty' at our meets!!!
Thanks for the info. Definitely some food for thought there.
Excuse my ignorance, but what's a Mopar car? I've heard the term used for various cars and assumed this was to do with tuning and modifying...?
Are there many cars that become available which are classics with the 'modern treatment', such as up-rated brakes, suspension and steering. I know that this takes them away from being the original classic, but this is the kind of thing I'm looking for.
Some cars I've seen are advertised as Pro-Street Racers and I like the look of some of those.
If I could find a good car to start with that has had some appropriate work/mods, I would happily invest in it over time to create something cool. I think that's where the fun is...
Excuse my ignorance, but what's a Mopar car? I've heard the term used for various cars and assumed this was to do with tuning and modifying...?
Are there many cars that become available which are classics with the 'modern treatment', such as up-rated brakes, suspension and steering. I know that this takes them away from being the original classic, but this is the kind of thing I'm looking for.
Some cars I've seen are advertised as Pro-Street Racers and I like the look of some of those.
If I could find a good car to start with that has had some appropriate work/mods, I would happily invest in it over time to create something cool. I think that's where the fun is...
Haha, yeah I don't want to end up with a Polyfilla Banger or a money pit!!!
Thanks for the link, I'll check it out and will keep an eye on the Vettes too.
There's usually a good American Car meet down on Hayling Island in Hampshire which I've been to a few times, so I'll be getting my arse down there again this year if nothing decent crops up before then. I'm in no hurry, just bored not having a V8!!!
Cheers mate
Thanks for the link, I'll check it out and will keep an eye on the Vettes too.
There's usually a good American Car meet down on Hayling Island in Hampshire which I've been to a few times, so I'll be getting my arse down there again this year if nothing decent crops up before then. I'm in no hurry, just bored not having a V8!!!
Cheers mate
67roofchop said:
Well sir, this should be fun!
Should come to a V8UK event and sit in a few different cars and see what you think (unless of course you have bought one by the next one)
I started writing this reply then got lost on ebay for 40 mins haha so many nice classics out there at the moment, don't be afraid to get a nice running motor then tune it up, 350 chevys are very good for tuning with tons and tons of after market parts.
Really the best thing to do is, look for a car you like the look of then hunt for a decent one of them!
I hope it will be fun searching, looking and learning.Should come to a V8UK event and sit in a few different cars and see what you think (unless of course you have bought one by the next one)
I started writing this reply then got lost on ebay for 40 mins haha so many nice classics out there at the moment, don't be afraid to get a nice running motor then tune it up, 350 chevys are very good for tuning with tons and tons of after market parts.
Really the best thing to do is, look for a car you like the look of then hunt for a decent one of them!
Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
And also a few others...
It's easy to get lost in the classifieds isn't it...
I'm hoping something will crop up that will suit me down to the ground or else I may have to go and get another Monaro before I forget how to drive!?
Luckily, it won't be an every day car so I 'don't think' I'll mind an agricultural feel too much.
Are the autos still fun to drive? I suppose I could always look at getting a manual conversion done at a later date since decent manuals are rare, but on the other hand changing gears with your right hand will be one less thing to worry about in an auto left hooker.
Yeah that Duster is really nice. It's had a bare metal paint job but only has 245Bhp which isn't very good. The engine bay is a bit rough looking too.
From what I've read, the Green Mustang is supposed to have 285Bhp as standard and has had uprated parts from an engine rebuild (cams, carbs, inlet manifold etc...) No idea what it's running now, but even 285Bhp for a big lump like that isn't going to blow the doors off. I'm still kind of liking this green machine the best (even though it's over budget) and it will be the first one I go to see for a benchmark.
This green Mustang is a '73 so will its performance have been affected by the compression drops of the period or was 285Bhp for the Cleveland lump pretty standard across the board?
The yellow one is a '71 Barn Find??? I'm waiting to hear back from the owner about it... Looks like it's got some weird side exit exhausts going on... Could be fun!?
What figures should I be expecting in general from a pre '72 muscle car then? 300-350 Bhp?
Also found a Gran Torino, but think the Starsky and Hutch paintjob is a bit too much for me!?
Are the autos still fun to drive? I suppose I could always look at getting a manual conversion done at a later date since decent manuals are rare, but on the other hand changing gears with your right hand will be one less thing to worry about in an auto left hooker.
Yeah that Duster is really nice. It's had a bare metal paint job but only has 245Bhp which isn't very good. The engine bay is a bit rough looking too.
From what I've read, the Green Mustang is supposed to have 285Bhp as standard and has had uprated parts from an engine rebuild (cams, carbs, inlet manifold etc...) No idea what it's running now, but even 285Bhp for a big lump like that isn't going to blow the doors off. I'm still kind of liking this green machine the best (even though it's over budget) and it will be the first one I go to see for a benchmark.
This green Mustang is a '73 so will its performance have been affected by the compression drops of the period or was 285Bhp for the Cleveland lump pretty standard across the board?
The yellow one is a '71 Barn Find??? I'm waiting to hear back from the owner about it... Looks like it's got some weird side exit exhausts going on... Could be fun!?
What figures should I be expecting in general from a pre '72 muscle car then? 300-350 Bhp?
Also found a Gran Torino, but think the Starsky and Hutch paintjob is a bit too much for me!?
Cheers Chaps. All good advice, thanks.
I'm getting the feeling that what I'm looking for is not going to crop up on the PH Classifieds, eBay or Car & Classics unless I'm very lucky and I can already feel my budget quickly disappearing out of the window as I now look across the pond! Uh-oh, I smell import costs!?
In the meantime, I'm gonna look forward to getting to some meets/shows so I can see what's about and the possibilities available.
Just out of interest, do many people drop in newer engines into their classics (LS, HEMI, Ford Racing) or is that not 'the done thing' really over here? I know that is has been done many times and I've seen a classic Monaro with a modern Supercharged Chevvy lump in it at a meet which was impressive; a real sleeper!!! I suppose the original blocks still offer huge performance opportunities...
I'm getting the feeling that what I'm looking for is not going to crop up on the PH Classifieds, eBay or Car & Classics unless I'm very lucky and I can already feel my budget quickly disappearing out of the window as I now look across the pond! Uh-oh, I smell import costs!?
In the meantime, I'm gonna look forward to getting to some meets/shows so I can see what's about and the possibilities available.
Just out of interest, do many people drop in newer engines into their classics (LS, HEMI, Ford Racing) or is that not 'the done thing' really over here? I know that is has been done many times and I've seen a classic Monaro with a modern Supercharged Chevvy lump in it at a meet which was impressive; a real sleeper!!! I suppose the original blocks still offer huge performance opportunities...
balls-out said:
just a thought but have you considered a half way house like a 4th gen Camaro. Yes I am completely biased, as Im on my third, but you do get some of the classic 'crudeness' with a big rumby V8. circa 300 bhp (a little more or less model dependent).
Manuals are OK, as are negotiating corners. Brakes are just poor as opposed to dangerous!
Like you I fancied a 'proper' muscle car, but the combination of cost and the reality put me off.
Yeah, I have considered something slightly newer (also Corvette C4/C5), but then it's not going to be much different from getting another Monaro (Pontiac GTO). Plus the missus likes the idea of a classic for a change... BONUS!!! Manuals are OK, as are negotiating corners. Brakes are just poor as opposed to dangerous!
Like you I fancied a 'proper' muscle car, but the combination of cost and the reality put me off.
The proper classic feel really appeals to me and I'm guessing there will be a sense of occassion with each drive. I may completely change my mind as the 'reality' sets in, but I'm hoping to either be pleasantly suprised or in a situation where I like the car so much that I can forgive it it's characteristics... We'll see
balls-out said:
Has your Mrs enjoyed the delights of the plastic seats and high quality fittings? be interesting to hear if her enthusiasm persists.
Haha, by that time it'll be too late!!! I'll keep you guys posted on what I go and see. Think I'm definitely going to the need the advice of people in the know!!!
Camaro said:
GruFFnuTT said:
I hope it will be fun searching, looking and learning.
Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Aha I was there! So was 67Roofchop! And that Mustang is just started under going some intense surgery to have a twin turbo setup fitted. Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Which car were you in? I'm guessing a Monaro :P
So, the surgery has commenced? He did tell me he was planning to tube the front end for something tasty
Would be good to see it once all the work has been completed!
chevy-stu said:
Hi GruFFnuTT.
It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
Oh yes!!! It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
Edited by chevy-stu on Sunday 5th January 01:00
Something like that would be ideal!!!
Hoping to go and see a '69 Firebird 400 Big Block, but it might be just a bit too much 'pure classic' if you get drift. Something like yours is just the look I'm after. Looks like a great car and I'm guessing it sounds pretty good too if you spend all your time in darkened tunnels!?
So what exactly have you had done to that car?
67roofchop said:
GruFFnuTT said:
Just out of interest, do many people drop in newer engines into their classics (LS, HEMI, Ford Racing) or is that not 'the done thing' really over here? I know that is has been done many times and I've seen a classic Monaro with a modern Supercharged Chevvy lump in it at a meet which was impressive; a real sleeper!!! I suppose the original blocks still offer huge performance opportunities...
Hey bud, awesome you were at that meet! It was real good fun with an awesome convoy between venues! In the answer to the above.. HELL YES!
The Mustang you liked the look of from that meet is a 1967 with a 2005 DOHC 5litre V8 which is currently being twin turbo'd > http://www.v8uk.co.uk/forums/topic/project-1967-fo...
I am currently building a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe with a BMW 4litre V8 from a 93 540i and there are tons of people out there that have done similar things.
The Monaro has one hell of an engine in it from the LS range, (LS1 or LS2) depending on which 'Ro you had. They get dropped in to all sorts of stuff as they are fairly cheap for what they are and REALLY reliable!
So, depending on how you want to do things budget wise it can all be done, it's just time Vs. cash.
Most of the old yanks are going to be auto and they are a hoot to drive so don't let that put you off, of course if there is a manual available I'd go for that because well... why wouldn't you?
In terms of POWERRRR!! Yes they may start out life a little sluggish compared to the modern aussie brute you had but these cars don't handle so well out the box so it will instantly feel faster and sound AMAZING!
There are so many upgrades available for old Yanks and tons of shops that specialize in them so you won't be alone when it comes to work being done. Suspension can be changed, front clips can be changed, engines swapped, engines upgraded, gearboxes changed the list is endless.
If you don't mind chipping away at it for a few years then what I would do is buy a car you love the look of, then make it into the car you want.
Cheers, that's good advice to find a car you like, the trouble is I like a lot of them for lots of different reasons. I'm not going to be able to experience them all to make an informed judgement so I think I will just go with my instincts at the time when I'm stood with the car!!! That method has never let me down. Haha
I would ideally like to find a car with some good practical upgrades already present.
But if I could find a black 71-73 Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, I'd buy it!!! I saw one at an American Car Show once and thought "Damn, that's a big old beast"!!!
I've watched this several times http://youtu.be/pwELiTohtWY
Hope to go and see the green Mach 1 I posted a pic of previously to see what it's all about. It's way over budget but at least I can get an idea of what to expect.
That Mustang build is immense!!! I need to make sure I get to another V8UK meet to see it again!
Edited by GruFFnuTT on Monday 6th January 20:27
Hi all... again, (four months on).
Well, to update my thread, I'm pleased to say my New Years Resolution is nearly a reality...
I put a deposit down on a 1971 Mach 1 today...
... I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. It didn't drive quite how I expected it to, but 'OH MY' it looks 'INSANE', and that's gotta be the main thing, right!?
There seems to be a lack of an original service history book, or any original Ford documentation, but there is a hefty stack of history for various bits in the US.
Supposedly it's only done 6000miles since an engine rebuild with performance parts, but no idea if the clock is accurate.
The car was only imported last year and there are claims of performance upgrades, but nothing to confirm this as far as I could see.
Shame it's an auto, not a manual. The test drive in Central London was... 'Interesting' and the car got lots and lots of attention!!!
Can't wait to pick it up and get to know it and see what happens when I get a chance to put my foot down a little bit...
Well, to update my thread, I'm pleased to say my New Years Resolution is nearly a reality...
I put a deposit down on a 1971 Mach 1 today...
... I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. It didn't drive quite how I expected it to, but 'OH MY' it looks 'INSANE', and that's gotta be the main thing, right!?
There seems to be a lack of an original service history book, or any original Ford documentation, but there is a hefty stack of history for various bits in the US.
Supposedly it's only done 6000miles since an engine rebuild with performance parts, but no idea if the clock is accurate.
The car was only imported last year and there are claims of performance upgrades, but nothing to confirm this as far as I could see.
Shame it's an auto, not a manual. The test drive in Central London was... 'Interesting' and the car got lots and lots of attention!!!
Can't wait to pick it up and get to know it and see what happens when I get a chance to put my foot down a little bit...
I've taken some pics between down pours!!!
Rebuilt '71 Mach 1 351 Cleveland 4-barrel engine with all high-performance parts. High performance C6 transmission rebuilt, 9 inch rear end 3:55 posi, new suspension throughout, power steering, power brakes, all new interior, console, air conditioning, Ram Air hood, tinted windows, spoilers front and back and custom car painted Boss wheels.
I have some understanding of the following spec sheet, but a lot of it is a bit unknown.
I'd be interested if anyone can enlighten me as to the setup of the car. It has fat drag radials on the rear!?
Original 351 rebuilt engine
Ported and polished 4-barrel heads
Aluminium high rise intake
Holley dual feed 750 carburettor K&N cleaner
MSD distributor
MSD 6A box
MSD coil
MSD 8.5mm wires
Hooker big tube ceramic coated headers
Flat top forged pistons
Competition cam valve train
Competition cam
Heavy duty radiator
Original transmission rebuilt with high performance parts
TCI 2400 stall converter
B&M shift kit
9 inch rear end posi 3:55 ratio with Moser axles
Heavy duty away bar front and rear
Aluminized 2 1/2 inch true duals
Flowmaster 40 series mufflers
Stainless exhaust tips
Custom candy painted Boss 18x10's:
Front 285/40ZR-18 Nitto Extreme Performance
Rear P305/40R-18 Nitto Drag Radials
I already have a things to do list which I'm sure will grow!?
Where can I go to get help and advice with this car? The Mustang Forum seems pretty quiet (not posted there in favour of sharing my car here as probably busier with more enthusiasts in general).
Would be cool to meet some more classic muscle in the South Coast (I'm in Hampshire).
Hope you guys like the car anyway...
Rebuilt '71 Mach 1 351 Cleveland 4-barrel engine with all high-performance parts. High performance C6 transmission rebuilt, 9 inch rear end 3:55 posi, new suspension throughout, power steering, power brakes, all new interior, console, air conditioning, Ram Air hood, tinted windows, spoilers front and back and custom car painted Boss wheels.
I have some understanding of the following spec sheet, but a lot of it is a bit unknown.
I'd be interested if anyone can enlighten me as to the setup of the car. It has fat drag radials on the rear!?
Original 351 rebuilt engine
Ported and polished 4-barrel heads
Aluminium high rise intake
Holley dual feed 750 carburettor K&N cleaner
MSD distributor
MSD 6A box
MSD coil
MSD 8.5mm wires
Hooker big tube ceramic coated headers
Flat top forged pistons
Competition cam valve train
Competition cam
Heavy duty radiator
Original transmission rebuilt with high performance parts
TCI 2400 stall converter
B&M shift kit
9 inch rear end posi 3:55 ratio with Moser axles
Heavy duty away bar front and rear
Aluminized 2 1/2 inch true duals
Flowmaster 40 series mufflers
Stainless exhaust tips
Custom candy painted Boss 18x10's:
Front 285/40ZR-18 Nitto Extreme Performance
Rear P305/40R-18 Nitto Drag Radials
I already have a things to do list which I'm sure will grow!?
Where can I go to get help and advice with this car? The Mustang Forum seems pretty quiet (not posted there in favour of sharing my car here as probably busier with more enthusiasts in general).
Would be cool to meet some more classic muscle in the South Coast (I'm in Hampshire).
Hope you guys like the car anyway...
Edited by GruFFnuTT on Monday 28th April 21:20
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