[Alan Roehrich]

Nice early Camaros between G and A are bringing less than $40K, ready to run. No doubt, a Corvette will run you double. A Nova will bring less than a Camaro. The one thing you do not see for sale a lot is a Chevelle.

Example: If it is still for sale, one of the Ryans has a really nice Nova for sale for about $12K as a roller. Pete (Biondo) has a nice 396 for sale for about $10K. You need a transmission (store bought is only $5K or so, plus maybe $600 or so for a converter), a set of headers (Stahls for $1500, or Elstons for $3500 or so), and the usual add ons. So you could be running A or AA in a really nice car that would probably be real competitive for less than $35K. And that is if you do not negotiate on anything. Also, it would be a real pretty red Nova with a 396/375, you could probably get your money back if you could race it and hold on for a while.

I have not done any research into the Ford or Mopar stuff, so I am not qualified to comment on what that stuff costs, but it is a bit pricier than the Chevy stuff.

But if you can do a lot of the work yourself, shop smart, and do not get in a hurry, you can build for less.

A real bargain can be had if you find an abandoned project. And unfortunately in these economic times, they will get easier to find.

If you must have every trick in the book, buy everything, and pay to have it installed, then no doubt, you'll spend $50K plus. Maybe closer to $70K.