Compact beater fun

Long before the Arab oil embargo of 1973 American automakers made compact, fuel efficient cars. Since they were also light weight, they also made good drag racers. The Chevy Nova has a "Cult" following of its own, with even a magazine devoted solely to the restoration / hot rodding of them. My cousin had a '63 Nova with a 283 ( bored to 301 ) and a 4-speed that absolutely screamed.  Although not as desired as Camaros and Chevelles, they can be a little overpriced. If you find a good deal on a 62-67, or 68-74 Nova by all means buy it. Otherwise here's some other great choices for a "Mini-Musclecar". #1 1962-68 Ford Falcon / Mercury Comet. A lot have six-cylinder power, and a some have 289 V8 motivation. These short-wheelbase, light cars can go really fast with a mild 289 / 302. With a wilder 302 / 347, or 351W, or 351W-based stroker, you've got a real finger in the socket, load and cock it, pocket rocket. # 2. 1961-63 Pontiac Tempest. The downside is the rear-mounted independent transaxle won't stand up to any real horsepower, which means you have to install a solid 10 or 12 bolt rear and driveline out of a later GM car which will require some fabrication. The big UPSIDE is many of them have 326 V8s. Pontiac engines are all externally identical, so this means a stompin' 400 or 455 would sit in the engine bay like it grew there. With a curb weight of about 2,800 lbs, this would be a total rocket. Take the fastest GTO you ever drove or rode in, and imagine what it would run like with 1,000 less lbs!! Yeah!  # 3. 1971-77 AMC Hornet. Their, ugly, but boy can they go fast. 304 versions can make a budget screamer, but like Pontiacs, AMC V8s are all externally identical. A 360 or 401 powered, under 3,000 lb Hornet would really rock. With their short wheelbase, they actually launch extremely well, and make good drag racers. # 4. 1964-69 Dodge Dart / Plymouth Valiant / Barracuda. 273 V8 versions are nice performers, but swap in a 340 or 360 ( Or a 408 inch 360-based stroker ) and you can really scream. I've seen people put B / RB engines ( i.e.-383 / 440 ) in these cars, but it makes them really nose-heavy and ill-handling, which kind of negates the fun of any extra speed you'd get from the big-block. Trust me, with a properly prepped 340 / 360 you'll go as fast as anyone needs to. # 5. 1970-77 Ford Maverick / Mercury Comet. 302 Versions can really rock, and you can also install a 351W or 351C pretty easily. A buddy with a pretty quick 440 Road Runner got his doors blown off by a ratty-looking Maverick one night. Never under-estimate an ugly car. '70's Dusters and the "other" Novas-( Ventura, Omega ) are rising in popularity and are getting quite expensive to buy. If you find a good deal one one, by all means buy it, but I omitted them  because the other cars on this list are dirt-cheap. Build one of these and have major speed for low bucks. Mastermind