I've been lurking here a while. Great forum. Here's the deal, I have an opportunity for 2 cars, a very nice 67 Camaro (I can probably get it for ~$11K), and a nice 70 GS 455 convertible (I can probably get it for ~$8K), neither are numbers matching. I've owned a 68 Camaro and a 71 442. I loved them both, but the Camaro seemed more fun to drive because of it being so much smaller. Whichever one I buy, I will go the pro touring route with it. Let me hear why I should go with the Buick!!
big block and a drop top against a small block ou: buick all the way. just my 2 cents worth scott 1964 wildcat (425 2-4bbls):3gears: 1970 wildcat (455-4)
It looks like I would be at $10K or better to get 500hp out of it. A 502 crate motor is around $6K. This board is swaying me towards the Buick though!
The Buick's are just a small part of the whole experience. I have had gobs of old cars, and after I sold a Harley and bought a 71 GS Convert some years ago, I have changed cars a few times, but I have only shopped within the Buick line-- and it's because of the people, not really the car. Here in Texas there is a really fun group, and I'm sure it's the same everywhere else too... And then there is this board to tie us all together! :beer :3gears:
Buick all the way, you just have to be different to get noticed these days. The kind of attention you want to avoid though, is the comments and head-shaking you'll get if you pop the hood to show off a plain-jane chevy 502. Way bad move there. A high school buddy did a SBC drop into a '70 Skylark in the '80's Every time he showed the car, all he ever got was people walking away wondering why anyone would do something like that. Even some hardcore Chevy guys didn't understand what he could have been thinking. To this day I don't know either. Devon
Devon, I think you misunderstood me. No way would I put a Chevy in a Buick. I too would be one of the guys shaking his head and walking away. I was talking about how building up a Buick motor is much more expensive and what I could get a crate motor for for the Camaro.
since you can build a first gen camaro from the ground up with the new body kits available now,theres going to be more camaros than ever.tons oof 502 on the road(as long as foose doesnt use 'em all)buick numbers decline every day you want the same car everyone else has?buy the camarouzzled: oh,im kinda partial to converts also,nuthin like it on a warm summer evening:TU:
all i have to say is wow another camaro with a 502....does the GS have a 70 block? buy the buick and enjoy!!! with the money you saved by NOT buying the camaro get some parts headers ,exhaust etc....ohh and another set of tires!!!
Unfortunately it is a mid 70s motor. I don't remember the exact year, but it runs on unleaded gas. I would address the motor very quickly. I'm glad I posted this, you almost have me talked into it!! Did I mention its a Wyoming car, NO rust whatsoever.
you should be able to get 500 hp for half of your 10k id guess, just need a GOOD combination. there is alot of folks here who can help. my bro and I just did a 462 that made 560 hp and he had lil over 5 k in it. heck i have the Twin to his short block here id sell ya for 3k fresh maybe 500 miles, with forged pistons arp bolts redone rods balanced, the works , ran 12.18 in the gs in my sig. ud need heads and intake setup.
The guy selling the Camaro bought a 70 GS convertible. This is his. The one I'm looking at is almost identical, but not as nice. This one has had a full resto.
I get the feeling you are leaning towards the Buick. You won't get anyone here to recommend the Camaro that's for sure. We are all Buick fanatics and prejudiced. Just one thing says it all. "FAST WITH CLASS" Good luck.:beer
The guy selling the Camaro got lucky. That looks like a nice GS. I have three 71GS455 convertibles. Tells you where my head's at. Haven't owned a Camaro since I sold my (bought new) 77 Z28 in '81 and have never looked back. It was fun when I was in my 20s but I'm older and wiser now.
What about this buy the Camaro and let someone thats not going to do the pro touring thing get the GS . I bet there is someone here with 8K for a rust free GS 455 vert
I wouldn't get too carried away with the pro touring thing. Probably just a full Hotchkis suspension kit and 18" wheels. No hacking, and nothing that couldn't be put back to original if someone chose to. I'm not into butchering cars, one thing I've noticed the Camaro crowd doesn't mind doing. Right now, I just like the look of the slightly lowered stance and nice wheels. I have only been looking at non numbers matching cars because I don't want to mess up an original one. I'm getting the feeling in the Buick world there is still good value in the non-numbers matching cars too. Would you agree?
I see , well yes a non matching numbers car can still bring some good money . The Buick would be my choice for a resto type car . There is always good Skylark convertables popping up on ebay . I guess when its all said and done it would be your car and what ever you decidse to do with it is your decision . I just was saying what I would do . I am also considering the cost factor to build a BBB . Suspension parts are everywhere to make the Camaro a corner carver . Just seems to build the Buick you will have many more dllars into it . great buy in price if you ask me .
There's good reason he bought that GS convert. Wish I had held out for one! I really love my car though. These Buicks ride, drive, and handle so nice. Then there's the power as well. Go to a car show. How many Camaros do you see? How about A body Buicks? Sounds like a sweet deal to me.
