Musclecar or not???
Musclecar or not??? OK, so I own a 1980 Trans Am. It's equipped with the WS6 package and the factory 301 busted it's crank years ago (awwww). I built a nice 455, .030 over, Wolverine 236/244 cam, Dynomax headers, Edelbrock intake, etc. It's still got the goofy 2.56:1 gears out back, but I've run a 13.5@103 still in second gear in the hot Houston weather. There's much more potential with the car, as the carb and ignition are still not dailed-in perfectly. It's a cool car, but here's the problem. I'm originally from Buffalo, NY and this was my daily ride for a couple of years. I needed another car, and I picked it up for only $350.00 in 1994. It's been a good car, but the Buffalo winters did their damage years ago. The floors are shot, the quarters are shot, the frame rails weak.
I'd love to find a 1970 thru 1974 Trans Am that's missing an engine, but they are so hard to find at a good price (forget anything Super Duty!!). I found another 1980 Trans Am that's rust-free, fully loaded, and very affordable.
Now, my friend suggests that I ditch that disco-ride and get a real musclecar. I argue that while the factory 301 with it's whopping 150 horse it's a musclecar by horsepower definition, it still has the same suspension, interior, and driving characteristics as the early years. Plus, I've added the 455 to it.
So, is my 1980 with a 455 a musclecar? Should I get the rust-free body and be happy with the car??
Give me your thoughts! Thanks!
Brian
I'd love to find a 1970 thru 1974 Trans Am that's missing an engine, but they are so hard to find at a good price (forget anything Super Duty!!). I found another 1980 Trans Am that's rust-free, fully loaded, and very affordable.
Now, my friend suggests that I ditch that disco-ride and get a real musclecar. I argue that while the factory 301 with it's whopping 150 horse it's a musclecar by horsepower definition, it still has the same suspension, interior, and driving characteristics as the early years. Plus, I've added the 455 to it.
So, is my 1980 with a 455 a musclecar? Should I get the rust-free body and be happy with the car??
Give me your thoughts! Thanks!
Brian
I'd actually call it a Pony Car....but that's just me....when you say Muscle car to me, the cars that pop in my lil head are Chargers, Chevelles, Superbirds, and GTO's....but then agian...that's just me..anyways....I'd stick with a 70's era Bird and drop that 455 in between the rails and get after all the Ricers and such...
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 16
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Ok 1960 and the 70 are bad *** no dought: and just five years ago you could pick up a 2nd.Gen.(70-81) Trans am or camaro damn cheap.But look around they are coming harder and harder to find.IMO i would keep it.In five yours from now your F-body want be worth 1/2 of what you bought it for.But your 81 trans am will be worth something.I guess what am trying to say is,you cant loose on a old school ride.
Sounds like your '80 is pretty shredded after a few of those brutal northern winters as a DD. I like the body style, but I'm not sure if you call it a muscle car. It was in that crappy era, where almost nothing had a lot of "muscle." I'd pick up the "new" one and throw that 455 in there. Back it up with lower gears you'll have a pretty sweet street/strip car.
Just my .02 though. It's your car, and you need to do what makes you happy!
Just my .02 though. It's your car, and you need to do what makes you happy!
