Sunday, August 24, 2014

"X" might just mark the spot.....

If your looking for a cheap hot rod one that's often overlooked are the GM "X" bodies. I know '68-72 Novas have a "cult" following, but the others are largely overlooked. 1971-77 Pontiac Venturas, 1973-79 Olds Omegas and Buick Apollos can be bought dirt cheap. What makes them a great base for a street machine is the subframe and suspensions are the same as the "F" bodies. That means any factory or aftermarket suspension or brake upgrades that fit a Camaro / Firebird will fit these cars. You can build a "G" machine that corners like a Trans-Am or a Corvette, or a drag racer that will pull the front wheels on launch. The other great thing is the engine bays will accept any GM engine. The Pontiacs are the king sleepers-Pontiac engines are externally identical from a 326 to a 455. That means a 400 or 455 will literally bolt in place of the 350. And a Ventura weighs about 600 lbs less than a Firebird / Trans-Am. If you want to stay brand loyal-a 455 Buick Apollo or a 455 Olds Omega would be a rocker. Or you could swap a small or big block Chevy into any of them, or a late-model LS motor. They have a ton of potential for very low bucks. I took the warmed-over 400 out of my '78 Trans-Am that I wrecked and put it a '72 Ventura back in the '80's. I smoked quite a few people who thought they were messing with a small-block Nova. And I had like $1,500 bucks in the whole car. A "X" body might be just the ticket for high performance for low bucks.  Mastermind  

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