Consider a "Mini-Musclecar!"

Because insurance companies raised their rates exorbitantly on cars with engines over 400 cubic inches in the early '70's, a lot of companies came out with "Insurance Beaters" that were good performers with smaller engines. A lot of these packages were just the same musclecar bodies offered with a smaller engine-i.e. the 350 powered T-37 Tempest and Olds Rallye 350, and Mopar offering the 340 in the Charger and Road Runner.  However, the real sleepers were the lightweight economy based models with performance packages. They offer as much bang for the buck now as they did back in the day-great performance for low-bucks. # 1. 1970-76 Plymouth Duster / Dodge Dart. With a curb weight under 3,000 lbs and incredible power to weight ratios, the 340 Dusters were legendary for "Dusting" bigger musclecars. Original 340 versions are rising in value, but 318 versions are the proverbial dime a dozen, and these can be hopped up easily, or a 360 is a bolt-in swap. Mopar Performance, Scat, Eagle and other companies offer stroker crank kits to turn a 360 into a 410. Or you can swap ina 440.  #2. 1968-77 Chevy Nova / Other GM X-bodies.  Novas have kind of a "Cult" following of their own, but you can still find them a lot cheaper than a same-year Camaro or Chevelle. Quite a few have 350s under the hood stock, Rat motors will fit, and many suspension and brake upgrades that fit a Camaro fit these cars. Also consider Pontiac Venturas from 1971-77. The 350 Pontiac versions can be made to run strong, and a 400 or 455 will bolt right in. # 3. 1971-77 Ford Maverick / Mercury Comet. Weighing about 3 grand even with 73 and later big bumpers, 302 versions can really rock if their set up right. A buddy's 440 Road Runner got his doors blown off by a stealthy hot 302 Maverick. Or you could use a 351W, or a 351W-based 392 or 427 stroker. Some Maverick "Grabber" and Comet GT versions have upgraded interiors and special graphics. # 4. 1971-76 AMC Hornet. Some of these had 360 4bbl V8s and were blistering fast. Others had 304 or 360 2bbls that can be hopped up. Not as sexy as the GM, Mopar, and Ford offerings, but because of their light weight and short wheelbase, they make excellent drag racers.  Mastermind