I bought a super clean 82 amc spirit for my sons 15th birthday.I have until next November to build it.It's a 4 cylinder automatic with disc brakes,ac,bucket seats and floor shift.It has a nice interior but will need paint.I have a $7500 budget for the build.We plan to buy ffr 500 wheels but that's the only thing decided so far.Any input from this crew is appreciated.
What purpose is it going to serve? If the plan is to make it his daily driver, might want to avoid making it too quick, or maybe pick up a beater for that purpose...
LS swap
It's going to be a daily driver.I tried to talk him into a miata or mustang or something but he wants this car.I bought his sister a new mustang when she graduated in 08.I just can't see putting more then $7500 or so in the spirit.I've been an amc/rambler guy for 25+ years and know they don't have much resale.I've raised him around old cars so that's probably a factor in him wanting the spirit.
If you've gotta go V8, I'd think an AMC 304 would be more than enough. You could drop in a 4.0 six too to have something different and more economical. Good paint will eat up a fair bit of that budget. At that age, a high quality (and properly installed!) stereo will be an awesome addition as well.
In your shoes I would start with the knowns (put those wheels on and paint it), then see where the project takes you.
Also, make sure he knows he's a lucky kid; I got a E36 M3box $300 Mazda 323 from my dad at that age, and still loved the thing...
SlickDizzy I got a clapped out 70's opel kadett from my dad for my first car.I went through a stereo phase and have built some high db systems.We'll probably put a small ipod compatible system in it.I have a spare 97 4.0 in the shop.It has a gm iron duke engine in it now.To put an amc engine,of any size, in it the underhood wiring,front suspension crossmember,etc needs changed.To put any brand engine other then the iron duke in it is going to take about the same amount of work.
Here is some inspiration for you: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/1982-amc-sprit-challenge-build/78512/page1/
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