More tips on finding a suitable musclecar at a reasonable price.....

Had a few people ask me what other advice was in my original article for MCR so here it is. # 1. Consider a less than top of the line model. For example-if you can't find a deal on a '70's T/A-then consider a Formula 400. They have the same engine, drivetrain and suspension, only the bodywork is different and a lot of magazine writers said they liked the Formulas understated styling better than the T/A's flashy style. Of the 243,000 Camaros built in 1969, only 19,000 were Z/28 models. Most of the rest had the ubiquitous 350 small-block and you couldn't ask for a better base for a street machine. Yes, only 1,806 Boss 351 Mustangs were ever built in 1971 only. However-Ford built hundreds of thousands of fastback 351C Mustangs from '71-73, and there is still a ton of speed equipment available for these engines-Aluminum heads, cams etc-so don't despair. And the '71-73 Mach 1 graphics are almost identical to the '71 "Boss" graphics. If you can't live with a Mach 1 of this vintage, then you better sell your house and pay 80 grand for a "Boss". See what I'm saying?  # 2. Consider a "Sister" car. If you can't find a deal on a '67-73 Mustang, then consider a Cougar. I personally think the '67-68 Cougar is one of the best looking cars ever built. Most have 289 /302 power ( as did Mustangs of the same years ) but there are some 390 models out there as well. 1969 and '70 models had the same basic styling, but were a little longer and wider. They also offered more engine choices besides the 351W, ( 1969 ) you could get a 351C ( 1970 ) and either a 390 or 428 both years. 428 models will priced in the stratosphere-but the others are still reasonable. Like their Mustang cousins-most '71-73 models had the mighty 351C for power. And while most Mustangs of this vintage are base-models-most Cougars have larger engines,disc brakes,factory a/c, upgraded interiors etc. Can't find a deal on a big-block Camaro? Consider a Firebird. While the 396 was only available in the Camaro from 1967-72 and were sold in limited quantities- by contrast-you could get a 400 in a Firebird Esprit, Formula or Trans-Am clear up until 1979 and the 455 was available until 1976. The Firebird is to the Camaro what the Cougar is to the Mustang-the better buy of the two. I had a friend who was looking for a '64-66 Pontiac GTO. One day-on a used car lot of all things-we run across a 1964 Olds 442. It had a later model 350 engine in place of the original 330, but otherwise it was solid and all there. My buddy bought it and immediately started debating whether he should search for a 330 and make it original or swap in a 455 make it really badass. Five years later it still has the "unoriginal" 350. He says-"It runs so damnded good and it's so damn much fun to drive that I can't bring myself to tear it apart." There's a smart man. # 3. Think outside the box. Can't find a big block Chevelle? How about a Pontiac Gran Prix? While 99% of Chevelles and Monte Carlos of '70's vintage have small block motivation-from 1969-76 all GPs had 400 cubes under the hood,and a fair number of '70-76 SJ models had 455s. MY cousin had a 455 powered 73 SJ in high school and she showed her taillights to many a "Bad" Camaro, Firebird or Mustang. # 4. Consider a "Mini-musclecar". Can't afford a Road Runner? A 340 Duster can be a blast to drive. Can't find an SS Chevelle? A Nova-even with a small-block can be a rocket. Hope these tips help out. Mastermind