Some overlooked base models that might be cool......

Everyone wants a Trans-Am, or a Z/28 or a Mach 1 Mustang, or a Road Runner etc,-and the prices often reflect this. However there are still bargains out there, if you'll consider a base model. Here's the best ones- # 1. 1970-79 Pontiac Firebird / Formula / Eprit.  T/A's of any year command a King's Ransom, as do 455 Formulas, but you can still find a deal on the others. Formula 350 and 400 models are great bargains as they have the guages and suspension of a T/A without the gaudy bodywork. Some people actually like the cleaner, understated styling of the Formula better. Base and Esprit models will have a flat hood instead of the Formula's scooped one, but otherwise their basically the same. Most have 350 cubes under the hood, but a fair number of Esprit models had 400's with a two-barrel carb. There is a ton of speed equipment for Pontiac V8's, and a ton of suspension and brake upgrades out there as well, although the stock system is nothing less than stellar to start with. Some 1977-79 models may have 350 Chevys or 403 Olds engines in them. These are a steal because they are snubbed by hard-core Pontiac collectors who only want a "Real" Pontiac engine. However-there is more speed equipment for a small-block Chevy than anything else on the planet, and anything that fits a 350 Olds will fit a 403. # 2. 1970-79 Chevy Camaro / LT / Berlinetta. Z/28's of any year can be pricey, but there are millions of second-generation base model Camaros out there with 350 cubes under the hood, and you couldn't ask for a better base for a street machine / hot rod. Forget 262, 307 and 305 models. If you can't find a good deal on a 350 Camaro, then you aren't looking past the end of your nose. The 1973-77 "LT" models had upgraded interiors. For some strange reason, in 1978-79 this Luxury package was re-named "Berlinetta". But other than cloth seats and a few minor convenience items-tilt wheel, power windows-maybe-an LT / Berlinetta is no different from a base model.  # 3. 1969-73 Ford Mustang. Mach 1's demand high prices, but there are millions of base and Grande model Mustangs out there, and nearly all of them have either 351W or 351C power. The coupe models will be even cheaper than the fastbacks, and 302 models will be cheaper than the 351 versions. These cars have a ton of potential. There are a million ways to build power into a small-block Ford, or if your mechanically inclined and up for an engine swap, the '71-73 engine bay will accept a 429 / 460, and the 351C shares the same bellhousing bolt-pattern-( You won't have to change trannys ). The same goes for 1969-73 Mercury Cougars.  # 4. 1970-76 Dodge Dart / Plymouth Duster. 340 / 360 versions are overpriced in my opinion, but 318 versions are still the proverbial dime a dozen. With a curb weight of barely 3,000 lbs, a 318 Duster / Dart can be a helluva sleeper-give him a 4bbl carb and intake, a mild cam, and headers and swap those 2.76:1 rear gears for some 3.55:1's and look out. '92 and later "Magnum" heads will bolt up to earlier blocks, and they breathe better than many aftermarket heads. Edelbrock makes 4 bbl intakes that fit "Magnum" engines. If your 318 was tired, you could swap in a "Magnum" 360 out of a '92 and later model Dodge Truck or Jeep Cherokee. There are millions of them in Junkyards. From a "Bang for the Buck" standpoint, these cars are hard to beat. # 5. 1968-74 Plymouth Satellite. People fight with machetes for Road Runners of this vintage, but except for minor differences in trim, a 2 dr Satellite is the same car. A lot will have 318 motivation, which certainly isn't a bad thing-see the tips in the Duster / Dart section. And there are a fair number out there with 383 / 400's under the hood. There is so much aftermarket support for Mopar B-bodies that your really only limited by your wallet and imagination. # 6. 1968-74 AMC Javelin. Rambler-philes will give blood and a first-born child for an AMX, but you can still find deals on base-model Javelins. The ones to look for are the 343 and 360 models. The 290 / 304 V8's are just too small for serious performance work. On the upside-AMC V8's are like Pontiacs-they are all externally identical so swapping them is cake, and the 360 was used in Jeep Grand Wagonneers unitl 1992, so there's plenty of them in Junkyards. Edelbrock even offers aluminum heads for AMC engines. I think a Javelin with Mini-Lite wheels, red,whit and blue paint, side-exit exhaust and a snarling 360 under the hood would be way cool-a tribute to Mark Donohue's Trans-Am champion. Something to think about if you want something unique and don't have the green for a Judge, SS396, Charger R/T etc. Mastermind