Im looking to get an older camaro or something as my daily driver. How much would I have to spend to make it reliable and to be able to be competitive on the street (drag)?

 

I had a '76 Camaro with a built small block as a DD for a while. It is like any other classic, it is as reliable and fast as you build it.

-Tim

 

Subscribed, I've always thought of doing this as well especially since my pops does it wtih his 69 chevelle with a little 468 in it I love the 68-69 Camaro, I see quite a few on the road who drive 60's mustangs they have restored. There is one in my building that has a descent cam heads etc and its their daily driver.

 

I would love to do this too, but it's much easier said than done!

If you're gonna do this, I would recommend a LSx motor swap and keep it somewhat mild for reliability. Guess much of this depends on your commute and usage needs as a DD.

 

I have a 67 SS/RS Camaro I DD for a while. Being a vert and a 396, it got a little taxing and expensive at the pump. Also had to be put away for the winter since it's really clean.

I agee with Flash, the way to do it would be to have a modern power train transplanted into the older car... if nothing else for the OD trans and fuel economy. Old school drivetrains can be stone reliable, but the drivability and mileage isn't on par... Another option would be to convert over to FI and OD trans... but the newer powertrain transplant would likely be cheaper, easier, and more hassle-free.

 

Good additional points. An LS2/3/7 and a T56 would make for an awesome combo in a 1st gen Camaro.

I like the GN's a lot, but they are definitely not in the "old school muscle" category the OP is inquiring about. Just sayin...

 

How much more can be converted in a restore-mod as far as modern upgrades? Sorry for the newbie question, but I have limited mechanical knowledge, but my father-in-law and I have been talking about doing a "fun" muscle car project (he's a licensed mechanic ).

I would like something that is classic in look, but as up to date as possible under the hood. We've been talking about a Camaro SS or Chevelle SS as a starting point with potentially an LS7 or LS9 motor. Obviously with these engines it would need a current tranny and suspension to handle the huge power. Is it possible to essentially fully swap all of a current Chev's mechanics into a classic? Thank's for any advice you all have.

 

spend some time doing searches on lateral-g.net and pro-touring.com... you will find all the info and more there for what you are asking.

 

Excellent. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

 

It is a realistic option. There is a company(sorry the name escapes me at the moment) that makes complete bolt on frames for a lot of the classic American muscle. I believe they offered conversion for both solid axle and independent rears.

I will look through my magazines after work tonight and see if I can find the article. I can picture the cover, had the magazines Green '54 Chevy project car on the cover if anyone happens to remember which mag or the issue I am talking about.

-Tim

 

People did it all the time in the late 60's and early 70's... lol. I'd do it, you'd have to have a winter beater though, it'd be a shame to destroy the car in the bad weather.

 

I've DD'd old cars. It helps greatly if you know how to work on them and have a back up vehicle. If you can't do that. I don't really suggest it, unless you want to build it strong and have a mechanic check it out twice a year or so. Old parts fail, mechanics make mistakes.

 

How much you want to spend is a big item here. For example, you can drop significant change on a chassis from a place like the roadster shop. A Chevelle will pull something like 0.9 Gs on the skidpad, have huge bear brakes, etc. If you pair this with an LS engine, fuel injection and a 6 speed you could drive it daily, and you will have spent pretty decent coin.

Conversely, get yourself something like a 2nd generation camaro or nova with a small block chevy in it (there are millions of them and the parts are cheap), with a mild cam, headers and aftermarket fuel injection (bolts right on from places like edlebrock, etc.). Pair it with a 700R4 tranny (late model auto with overdrive) and you'll be off to a really good start, and probably only be in it for $15K

Like most things, depends on what you want to spend...

 

recommend you consider, 03/04 series cobras.

these were limited edition mustangs, built by SVT at ford.

-forged internals
-6sp transmission same as in vette
-only mustang to feature IRS

the engines were hand assembled by a build team of 2 people and featured race heads, headers, factory supercharged.

came from the factory at approx 400hp (underrated) but with forged internals & race accessories easy to pull to well over 500HP at the wheels.

these cars are rock solid, and good value, usually well maintained by caring owners who have upgraded them carefully.

with the 6 sp. trans....can still cruise low rpm............my last car (575rwHP on a dyno):

 

I've built a couple. The aftermarket for converting classic cars to modern drivetrain/suspension/braking is HUGE. Quite a few companies sell complete conversion pieces now. Headers, engine mounts, computer systems, etc... to adapt newer LS series engines into classic cars.

With a solid rust-free body, you are looking at a ballpark of $50K to start. It is easy to spend $75-100K on these cars if you go all-out or do zero work yourself.

I built this 69 myself, back around 2003. It would cost about $75K to duplicate. Made it on the cover of Popular Hotrodding and Chevy High Performance magazine, and I did a 3,200 mile Long Haul in it for Power Tour. http://www.fquick.com/garages/Chevro...o_SS/1969/232/

Tony