Some "Rodney Dangerfields" that are good bargains

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield always griped about how he got "No Respect" from his wife and kids, employers and the world in general. There are musclecars that are treated like Rodney, and sometimes for weird reasons. These are often great buys, because people snub them for other cars, or even another model year of the same car. # 1. 1970 Dodge Super Bee. These cars still had a 383 Magnum, a 3 or 4-speed stick or a Torqueflite, with the 440 Six-pack and Hemi optional. However Mopar collectors will pay more for a 68-69 model, or a Charger based 71 model. It's not any power difference, because unlike GM, that did it in '71, Chrysler didn't lower compression ratios until 1972. Maybe it's the one-year only large chrome bumper in the front. Whatever the reason, obviously Hemi and Six Pack versions are pricey, but 383 models are an absolute steal compared to a Charger or Road Runner or even another model year Bee. # 2. 1971-72 Pontiac GTO. These cars are a steal if you want a Goat. They have the ultra-popular 68-72 GM "A" body styling, and the 400 was still standard with the 455HO optional. Yet although only 10,000 were built in '71 and only 5,807 in '72, Pontiac enthusiasts will pay way more for a 1970 model-( 40,149 built) or a 1968-69 model ( 87,000 and 72,229 built respectively ). Honestly- the power difference of the lower-compression engines isn't that much-not enough to justify the price difference. But lucky for you, the potential buyer. # 3. 1973-74 Plymouth Road Runner. A lot of people seem to like the 1968-70 and 1971-72 model's styling better, but these cars are still good-looking, and largely overlooked even by Mopar fans. Even Chargers of these years bring more money-maybe because of Richard Petty's Nascar success in one. Whatever the reason-you can save many thousands by considering one of these. The ones to look for are the 340,360, 400 and 440 versions. The 318 models make nice drivers, but are a little underpowered. # 4. 1979 Pontiac Trans-Am. Of the 117,000 plus T/A's sold in 1979, only 10,000 were 400 Pontiac / 4-speed models. There were a few 301 models built with a 4-speed or an automatic. The majority of the rest had a 403 Olds engine and a TH350. For this reason they are snubbed by Pontiac collectors who want a "Real" 400 Pontiac-which most 1978 and earlier models had. However the 403 had the same amount of torque as the 400 Pontiacs and with an automatic and the standard salts-flat gearing,there really wasn't a noticeable performance difference. They were, and are great drivers. And, anything that fits a 350 Olds will fit these engines-Edelbrock intakes,cams,headers, etc. If you have a WS6 model with 3.23 gears they run pretty damn good. The others with a 2.41 or 2.56 ratio will benefit from changing to a 3.23 or 3.42. If your on a tight budget and want a "Bandit" style T/A this might be the way to go. # 5. 1983 Z/28 Camaro / Pontiac Trans-Am with "Cross-Fire" injection. This was the only year that Cross-Fire Injection and a 4-speed automatic was offered. ( 1982 models had a 3-speed TH250 ). These cars are snubbed in favor of the 5-speed stick / L69 carburated models or the 1985 and later Tuned Port Injected / automatic models. In stock trim these run pretty damn good for only being a 305. However, for a mechanically inclined guy-these could be fun. By using a Hypertech Corvette PROM chip, and using larger Remanufactured 454 truck throttle bodies this cool looking, awesome sounding "Cross-Ram" system can feed a healthy 350 or 383 stroker, which would literally bolt in place of the 305. # 6. 1982 "5.0" Mustang GT. These cars have a 302 with a 2bbl carb and a 4-speed stick. For this reason they are snubbed by Ford guys in favor of the 1983 and later 4bbl / 5-speed models. However, a carb and intake is an easy swap, and you can buy these dirt-cheap.  Mastermind