Base models and different model years can be big fun for low bucks.......

I get a lot of mail from people lamenting how they can't afford their dream car. And I'm not talking about Hemi 'Cudas or LS6 Chevelles. Even 396 Chevelles or 383 Road Runners will bring 40 grand if their nicely restored and people want 15 grand for stuff that needs 20 grand worth of work. However-you can still find screaming deals if you look in the right place. For example-if your a Mopar fan even 340 Dusters are getting pricey. But you can still buy a 318 powered 2 door Duster or Dart dirt cheap. Mopar performance and Blueprint engines sell 400 hp 360 crate engines-which would be a bolt-in swap. ( You'd have to get a small-block bolt-pattern 727 Torqueflite; a 904 won't stand up to that kind of power-but B&M and TCI can hook you up. ) If the car was a three-speed stick-I'd swap it for a 4-speed. Yes, people want between 50 and 100 grand for a '69-70 Boss 302 Mustang or a 428 Mach 1.  However, Ford built over 70,000 fastback Mustangs in 1969 alone, and most of them have 351W power. I have seen these in great condition for 12-20K. Ford SVT sells stompin' 351W crate motors-you could keep the numbers-matching one in your garage in case you ever want to sell the car. Yes, 455HO and SD Trans-Ams bring 50 grand all day-but I saw a 1978 WS6, 400, 4-speed T/A with 44,000 original miles for $19,900 on the Trans-Am Specialties website!! I saw a 1979 WS6,400, 4-speed, 10th Anniversary model with 66,000 original miles for $14,900!!!  Chevrolet only built 58,000 SS396's in 1968-but they built over 400,000 Malibus that same year. Buy a 2 door Malibu and slap a GMPP 454 or 502 crate engine in it and rock-n-roll!!  Think outside the box a little and you may find a gem you love for a low price. Mastermind