I am looking for a small Chevy to build. I don't want to *** anyone off with my first post but I hate Nova's so please don't suggest that. I used to have a 69 Chevelle and I loved it and will own another one someday but for my new project, I want something small and light. Camaro might be the most obvious choice but please feel free to suggest others. As far as motor, I am most likely going to go with a small block, they are just way easier to fit and cheaper to buy/build. I may even go with something else if a good deal comes along. I love the standard trannys for getting the most out of a car but I might run an automatic early on just to keep it simple. Rear end suggestions are welcome since I don't really have much experience in dealing with them. I do plan on going to a 4 or 5 speed stick for the final product so keep that in mind.

I basically plan to get the body and chassis useable and not worry about nice paint until the car is built to my liking. I'm really not looking for people to sell me a car or parts here but if you have something mention it. I am mainly here for advice and opinions. The winters here in Johnstown, PA usually suck and a project just might make it go faster. Thanks, John  

depending on what vintage you're wanting, don't go with the camaro. i love the car to death, but for the sake of building on a budget, there are other options. the most plentiful cars out there right now are the g-bodys. 80's malibus, montes, cutlasses, regals, or el caminos. the parts are there, the aftermarkets there, and there are almost no limitations on what drivetrain combos you can run. if you're looking to build a strong street car to make the occasional track appearance, a 355 with a mild dome would be killer! if you want to be different, go with the s10 v8 swap. its a little harder than the other cars i mentioned, but it'll still be fun to drive in the end. best of luck

-brandon  

g-bodies(1978-88 malibu, montecarlos, elcominos) are a good choice too. lots of cheap parts out there

a down side tho is that dpending on your state you probably have alot of emission laws to worry about  

how about an old vega gettin pretty tough to come across but they are definately wild with a v8 and youll definately be the only guy on your block with one  

A Vega would be a good choice especially if you worked on an old chevy and want something a little less overated like a camaro or firebird. Don't get me wrong though second generation on those cars are bad ass, its just you see them everywhere fully restored and projects it can be easy because you'll find a *** load of parts that'll be compatible, but personnally if I were in your situation about to be very bored for winter I'd go with some muscle thats a little more unique today, something you don't see every day. You'll have more fun working on it.

but just look on craigslist theres tons of good projects that'l have a 4 and 5 speed SB.
and if you wanna go outside of chevy look for like a 73' Plymouth Duster or 70-73 Mustang, they can be fun working on.  

A Vega would be a good choice especially if you worked on an old chevy and want something a little less overated like a camaro or firebird. Don't get me wrong though second generation on those cars are bad ass, its just you see them everywhere fully restored and projects it can be easy because you'll find a *** load of parts that'll be compatible, but personnally if I were in your situation about to be very bored for winter I'd go with some muscle thats a little more unique today, something you don't see every day. You'll have more fun working on it.

but just look on craigslist theres tons of good projects that'l have a 4 and 5 speed SB.
and if you wanna go outside of chevy look for like a 73' Plymouth Duster or 70-73 Mustang or Boss, they can be fun working on.