I Wanna mullet and I wanna build a muscle car.

[atruhondagrl]

So, I've been thinking about building up a muscle car for a while now. I had my heart on a '05-06 GTO but I need something cheaper. So, I decided to go back to my roots. Long live american muscle from the '70's. Heres the hard part: Late '70s Camaro or TransAm? No Fords. I've always leaned more towards GM. Plus, I can pick up either pretty cheap right now. I've never fully forgiven myself for passing up the chance to own a '69 SS back in '96

Much like the '70 GTO Judge (ultimate dream machine) I love the '70 Camaro RS.

Here's a '79 Camaro:


The '79 Trans Am:

Camaro history:
http://www.bobmcdormanchevrolet.com/camarohist.html

So here's my question, a few of you have built up some muscle cars on your own or with your folks. Does anyone have any experience with either of these cars. The last '79 TA I drove was 12 years ago and it was set up for drag. The forums for both are kind of dry, so any personal experience you may have helps.

[atruhondagrl]

Just kidding about the mullet. I already did that back in the '80s. It didn't look right on me.

[ScottPrindle]

go earlier, late 60's early 70's chevy muscle > all.

although those are nice too.

my dream car, 1965 chevelle.... mmmmmhmmmm. or a 1970 chevelle SS.

[ouija]

Well, as you know it's pretty much the same exact car. If you're into the phoenix on the hood, you know what to do.

I've found (my neighbor had a 75 or 77 camaro, forget which one) that those odds and ends you always need were easier to find for the Camaro than the Firebird (let's be realistic, a Z/28 is still a Camaro and a Trans AM is still a Firebird).

Pontiac always had to make their shit a 16th or 32nd bigger/smaller, and you have to choose between running a mouse/rat or a goat. Needless to say, Chevy parts are more abundant, and cheaper in most cases.

The 79 Ponitac's have more of that 80's front end with the 60's rear which I liked, the Chevy is 100% stuck in the 70's batmobile look. The TA did save the Fbody in Smokey Mountain (I think that was the movie...anyways you know the story, it's like how fast and furious made the eclipse cool).

Being a Chevy guy and having worked on that (or a vary similar) car, a 76 Malibu, 71 Monte Carlo, 72 Chevelle, and my dad once had a 69 Z/28 (then he had kids, poor guy), I have to say a Chevy with T-tops is bad ass.

If you get the bird, especially a late 70's model which is obviously still trying to be a 69, you kinda look like a sellout to all but the fanboys and import kids who don't know any better.

So get the Camaro, slap on some Corvette Rallye's, cowl hood, and nearly any motor you can think of (even a late model LS swap w/ t56 trans) and call it a day. It's long, it's sleek, and there's a ton of room under the hood.

Also, the 78 GTO Judge ain't got shit on the 69 Camro Yenko. SYC > GTO

Personally I want a 68 Malibu Convertible. If I had the money for the 69 Yenko Camaro it'd be a gift to my dad.

[5pyd3r]

Camaro FTW

[Bos66]

That TA you have in the pic is a bandit edition 6.6 get one if you can that was a fun car. I think in the 1980 ver. you could get a 305 turbo it had that bump in the hood that curved over to the driver side.

[Nomar06]

I heart 69 Camaro's!!!! Beware of bondo!!!!

[dentrecords]

Originally Posted by Nomar06

I heart 69 Camaro's!!!! Beware of bondo!!!!

[sheek360]

plz go trans am! its the ultimate status symbol!

[ouija]

Originally Posted by sheek360

plz go trans am! its the ultimate status symbol!

Then why is Chevy the heartbeat of America?

[sheek360]

Originally Posted by ouija

Then why is Chevy the heartbeat of America?

i couldnt tell u man, but all the club goers had trans ams back then, for some reason... now all the club goers roll in GTI's lol.


seriously.... trans am ftw! drop an ls1 in there.... hp tune it, get the boltons and toss some meth or nitrouse in her and ur done! gotta love the ls1!

[jocasti]

not to bust your bubble but your gonna need some SERIOUS cashmoney to build up anything pre-1980. Hell, even if you manage to find one thats in half-way reasonable shape the parts alone are gonna make your bank account cry for mercy. If you dont believe me, try searching how much an original steering for a 69 vette cost. MORE THAN 500 BUCKS!!! FOR JUST THE DAMN STEERING WHEEL!!!! WTF!

[3pac2k6]

i worked on a loan where a guy bought a 1970 mustang without an engine for $50,000!

[sheek360]

well, if she wants to keep it original then it will cost her. thats for sure!

[atruhondagrl]

I found a '78 RS in Texas. Original owner. Good condition. I may have to beg to get Overhauled.

[Izzy]

I vote Trans Am. I have a feeling Camaros will just suddenly spurt in price for a while, because of the Bee-otch Bumblebee. Besides that, they're both horrendously sexy looking.

I want a musclecar -- but my eurotrashness prohibits me from doing so...well, maybe if I find a badass Mustang Fastback...

[atruhondagrl]

Originally Posted by Izzy

I vote Trans Am. I have a feeling Camaros will just suddenly spurt in price for a while, because of the Bee-otch Bumblebee. Besides that, they're both horrendously sexy looking.

I want a musclecar -- but my eurotrashness prohibits me from doing so...well, maybe if I find a badass Mustang Fastback...

I'm moving away from Euros for now. I'll be back in a few years. Still love my bimmers but I need more go power and I don't want to afford an M3 at the moment.

[Izzy]

Euro-trash cars are also not as primal as American muscle. They just have that gut-punching pin-you-back power. The same power in euro cars just seem more linear.

[atruhondagrl]

I guess it's my south jersian in me that wants the american V8.

[max500]

I love corvett 78 79 what about that