Thoughts on a build

215muscle

New member
I have about 5k to work with. I am thinking of trying pick up this 86-87 monte carlo around the corner from me cheap. I think it has the 262 not the 305. I was thinking if i could get it around 1k i could pick up a chevy 350 create engine (2.5k) so that leaves me with 1.5k worth of room. I am trying figure out what trans i could use with it besides the th350. I would also like to upgrade the brakes a little and over time get a different exhaust. It would be my first "build" but i would have plenty of help. Does that sound like a good starter build? Any suggestions?
 
Find a foxbody or third gen to play with....save the engine money for other things....

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86/86 Montes are cool but very easy to steal. Keep that in mind when insuring it.

Whatever you plan on spending, double it. That goes for any project. 10K will get you a descent ride but it will either be fast or look clean. If you want to go fast and have nice paint, count on 15-20 easy. Depending on who does the work things can get costly fast.
 
G-bodies also ran the 200-4R. Bunch of things you can do with brakes, I went with 2nd gen 2 door 2wd blazer spindles and 13" C5 rotors/calipers with an adapter bracket. You can just use the dual piston blazer stuff as well. The rear axle can be modified to take 4th gen f-body rear brakes, but you lose the e-brake and have to mess with the shock mounts. The rear axle is probably the biggest PITA with the g-body, if you want upgrade you're looking for an 8.5 out of a turbo buick or a olds 442 or looking for something aftermarket, there's nothing else that bolts in. I've heard of some guys getting 8.8s to work but I think the upper control arm angles are wrong.
 
Plasti-Dip for paint if it looks horrible right now??

Is this $1000 car complete? Interior is liveable??

You better really like it if it will be a long term project.
 
I am want it to be a daily with a little performance. The paint is starting to go but all i would do is out a clear coat on it. I like the idea of having it look like any other stock monte but a mine would just be a little faster. Do you think the stock rear could handle the added power? or is that a cost i over looked
 
Rear will need to be upgraded, if it's a th350 trans that's fine, they're not bad, as the others have said whatever you figure you'll spend double it to get a realistic price, that goes for the time also. Just take a good look at the frame, Im sure you know that if they see even one decent winter the rear rails dissolve.
 
5k doesnt buy a modded monte? Do a nationwide craigslist search.

Searchtempest.com

it's pretty standard practice for someone to spend $10,000 and sell for 5000.. especially when performance parts are involved.
 
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