Oddballs from the '80's and '90's that can be a bargain hot rod or fun cruiser....

Some times you run across a weird combination of options that was only available for one year that everyone snubs-but can be a cool cruiser or hot rod for low bucks. Here's a list of good buys that a lot of people don't think of. # 1. 1982 Mustang GT / Mercury Capri "5.0". These had a 302 V8 with a 2bbl carb and "only" 157 hp backed by a 4-speed stick or a 3-speed automatic. Their snubbed in favor of the 4bbl / 5-speed stick / 4-speed auto '83-86 models. However-they can bought dirt-cheap, and there's a million ways to build power into a small-block Ford.  # 2. 1983 Z/28 Camaro / Firebird Trans-Am. For this one year only you could get a "Cross-Fire Injected" 305 and a 4-speed automatic. ( 1982 models had a 3-speed TH250 ). Their snubbed in favor of the L69 Carburated / 5-speed models and later LB9 Tuned Port Injection models but they actually moved pretty good for only being a 305. The upside is with 454 throttle bodies and a Hypertech Prom chip this system can feed up to 450 hp and would work on a stout 350 or 383.  # 3. 1982 Corvette. This is the last of the C3 body with the first of the Cross-Fire Injected 350 and 4-speed automatic of the C4 'Vette. They were decent performers for the time-7 second 0-60 times, and 15 second 1/4 mile times-and they can be hopped up easily. # 4. 1984 Corvette. These had the "Cross-Fire" injected 350 and a 4-speed automatic or the 4+3 overdrive manual. Their snubbed by 'Vette collectors for the '85-91 "Tuned Port Injected" models, but they ran pretty damn good-six second 0-60 times and high 14 second 1/4 mile times and they can be hopped up easily. I have seen these as low as $3995 on used car lots. Corvette and Cheap aren't usually synominous-but here they are. # 5 1984-86 Ford Mustang SVO. These had 16" wheels, Recaro seats, and a 4-cylinder Turbo engine with between 175 and 205 hp. The problem was the "5.0" V8 models were both faster and several thousand cheaper. However-now you can buy them relatively cheap. # 6. 1994-95 Mustang GT. For these two years you could get the "New" for '94 Mustang body with the "Old-school" "5.0" V8. '96 and later models had the 4.6 that didn't have as much power regardless of hp ratings. Maybe you'll find a diamond in the rough. Mastermind