two projects, two styles. which one to do?
well guys, tax returns are coming and I might be looking at swooping up a project car. Mostly just a rust-free shell to swap a Mopar motor and transmission into. both will get different wheels and aesthetic touches.
Here's the two competing choices in the bracket of $600. I'll list off the pros and cons of each
A. A 1964 Rambler American 330 2dr
Plan: Gasser style with moved up rear axle and D100 straigh axle up front. Some kind of old mopar powerplant like a polysphere, Hemi, or a B engine
Pros:
B. 1979 Mazda RX-7
Plan: swap in second gen front subframe for rack and pinion, 5x4.5 bolt pattern, better brakes, and engine mount kit. junkyard 360 magnum swap with A833OD aluminum transmission. essentially, just a quick street car
Pros:
well guys, tax returns are coming and I might be looking at swooping up a project car. Mostly just a rust-free shell to swap a Mopar motor and transmission into. both will get different wheels and aesthetic touches.
Here's the two competing choices in the bracket of $600. I'll list off the pros and cons of each
A. A 1964 Rambler American 330 2dr
Plan: Gasser style with moved up rear axle and D100 straigh axle up front. Some kind of old mopar powerplant like a polysphere, Hemi, or a B engine
Pros:
- know where to find D100 straight axle cheap
- looks like mini '64 Dodge 330
- solid car
- no need for motor mounts with an engine plate
- not much parts hunting, mostly fabrication
- cool and old school
- cruise-in friendly
- can see strip time
- engine will be very heavy on budget
- rear end will need upgrade
- not a lot of parts on market for this car
- interior is shot
- not much of a daily driver
- steers like a pile o ****
B. 1979 Mazda RX-7
Plan: swap in second gen front subframe for rack and pinion, 5x4.5 bolt pattern, better brakes, and engine mount kit. junkyard 360 magnum swap with A833OD aluminum transmission. essentially, just a quick street car
Pros:
- engine can be had with almost all parts minus intake and headers for $300
- lightweight
- coil spring rear suspension
- plenty of aftermarket for the car
- good interior
- will handle pretty decently
- can be driven often
- solid car
- front subframe will need to be swapped
- lots of parts hunting, not much fab work
- looks kinda funky and will take some money to fix that lol
- rear end will need to be upgraded
- not very cruise-in friendly
- not much of a strip car
- hydraulic 4 speed
- total hoonmobile