Heya guys. I'm trying to get my 1979 Camaro project somewhere because by next summer I'd like to have it in reliable DD form.

As of now the Camaro has an old 350 in it with unknown miles, but it does run fairly reliably. The body is in pretty good condition, my friend and I painted it this summer. The rear leaf springs and shocks need replacing, and the interior needs some work.

What I'd really like to do is get a lot more power out of the moter (although I'm not sure which way to go there), I'd also like to put in a new gauge cluster, shifter, and audio system just for the "fun" dd aspect of the car, and I'd like to get the work done on the suspension (rear leafs, shocks, bushings, etc).

I don't mind the non lim-slip rearend, but I will also need new tires.

My question to you guys is does it seem feasable to get all of this done with $6,000-$8,000? If so, what route would probably be the best to go in your opinion? Any suggestions on specific ways to go with the engine, suspension, etc, (if it was your money, how would you spend it?). Thanks a lot guys.

Rebuild the engine: A good rebuild will cost around $1000 to $2000 (block & heads cleaned, block bored, complete engine rebuild kit from Northern Auto Pars that includes new bearings, freeze plugs, cam, lifters, push rods, timing chain gear set, gaskets, rings, pistons, gaskets, new bolt set, oil pump & screen).

You'll also want to buy a new distributor, water pump, fuel pump, aluminum radiator, dual electric fans and controller to replace the engine driven fan, and and other parts you need to finish the job.

Transmission: new higher stall converter, shift kit, deeper pan, govenor recalibration kit, and synthetic oil. New HD drive shaft U joints and a drive shaft loop. New transmission cooler and lines separate from the radiator. All of this about another $1500.

Rear: new Eaton posi unit with new 3.73:1 gears, new Moser axles with Ford style axle ends, new housing ends on the rear to accept the Ford bearings on the Moser axles. Set of Cal Trac traction bars. Another $1500.

Rear suspension: go to local spring shop and get new rear leaf springs and bushings. New shocks on all four corners. Another $600.

Tires and wheels: drag racing: Weld draglite 3.5" X 15" narrow front wheels and Moroso tires $600. Weld 8" X 15" draglites with drag radials about $900. Road course I can't talk to but I imagine it'll be about the same if not more of wheels and tires PLUS a road course car will require anti roll bars, different shocks, and better brakes.

I think you should invest in new shocks and leaf springs for a few hundred dollars (you should probably get the suspension fixed before you start to mess with the motor because it would be pointless to have a solid motor if it is a pain in the butt to drive the car with a bad suspension)

Go with what Cardinal said in regards to the engine

I installed a really good audio system with 6x9 speakers in the rear and 6 inch speakers in the doors, a 10 inch subwoofer in the trunk, and a solid head unit. It cost me $1900 to install the system and an alarm/power door lock system. So the audio system itself was around $1000 or less. I am really glad I bought a good audio system- its nice to have some tunes when your driving.

I think you could do all the things you want to do with your budget. You should probably make a detailed list of the exact parts that you want and add up the prices so you can get a rough estimate of how much it will all cost

I hope this has helped:)

You prolly might wanna make a good list. List of everything that's broken with the car, a list of things that are messed up but working, things that are rusty on the car, things that are missing, and things you'd like to fix/change that have nothing to do with it as it sits for 'reliability'.

I'd go off of what's going to be needed to get it road worthy. Brakes, suspension, exhaust, any loose ends on the driveline (tires, posi slipping)....then your other things like glass, wipers, exterior body (parts aren't falling off or stopping like Fred Flintstone).

Then determine how much of your 'budget' you can allot to some smaller performance changes in conjunction with the basics: going with a bigger brake package, bigger rims and tires.....or shift kit in the trans, rear end gears/posi upgrade.....engine gone thru or a cheaper crate engine.

Also consider the cost of labor unless you're doing this all. Also include some 'cushion' for specialty tools and some extra parts if you mess something up, as we all do that now and then ;)

Good luck and I hope this works out well for you.

The best thing for you is to sit down and make a list. Make a list of everything the car needs and make a list of what you want and then prioritize that list. I'd say make it reliable and sound first then make it pretty. With $6 to $8k i'd say you should be able to make it a real nice driver.

Yes, I completely built my car for several grand more.

What I'd really like to do is get a lot more power out of the moter (although I'm not sure which way to go there), I'd also like to put in a new gauge cluster, shifter, and audio system just for the "fun" dd aspect of the car, and I'd like to get the work done on the suspension (rear leafs, shocks, bushings, etc).

The problem with power is that you quickly find the weakest links ;) Once you beaf up your engine, the trans, driveshaft (u-joints), rearend (differential & axles & axle tubes), tires, suspsension, brakes, etc... all have to be appropriately sized/strengthened to handle the power. Do you hear that sucking sound? It's your budget rapidly disappearing...

Listen up to Cardinal. Keep your engine simple, but well matched. The right cam with the right compression and the right gears does wonders. If you spend money, buy some decent heads (vortecs?). A reliable DD really needs to have a reliable & predictable carb. Don't cheap out on this...

Focus on safety first (tires, brakes, suspension, steering. Then reliability (engine, trans, rear). Finally, fun (stereo, gauges, shifters, etc...).

Remember, the "little" things add up. Headers, exhuast, fuel lines, master cylinders, fuel sending units, etc...

big mouse is right on the carb dont wast time with rebildiing one and in genral rule

buy new and dial it in elec choke and you wont have a problemi personally am very happy with the 670 holly avenger i bought well over the eddy 750

also good tires and brakes

look for a free 350 to rebuild wile time and money let ya drive