best 80s sleeper muscle cars

jthomas1600 · 02-21-2010, 07:23 PM

I'm not sure if the title really conveys what I'm asking but I think it does. In about two years we will have to add a third vehicle because my son will be driving. Our plan is to designate the car I'm driving now as the kids' car as they each turn 16 and start driving and I will get something different. I'm thinking of picking something up now to star fixing up. I'm thinking like a mid 80s Olds Cutless, or a Monte Carlo or maybe a Buick. Anyone have any thoughts on these cars. I'd want something with a strong v8 obviously.

**scared2mosh** · 02-21-2010, 07:36 PM

Buick Grand National. [/thread]

mulletman · 02-21-2010, 07:59 PM

That was going to be my suggestion.... Although it seems that the price on those is rather high.

It would probably be possible to build an ordinary Buick (of whatever that body style was) into something like a Grand National.

Tim Possible · 02-22-2010, 08:28 PM

*cough*

Fox.

*cough*

Although, I guess not really a sleeper....

stik · 02-23-2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el cabong

*cough*

Fox.

*cough*

Although, I guess not really a sleeper....

Only to the trained eye. Same thing with the Grand National. Also consider S-class Benz and M series BMW's depending on your wallet. eventhough they aren't "muscle" cars.

jthomas1600 · 02-23-2010, 05:00 AM

Those 5.0s are nice, but I'm leaning more towards a car that's not thought of as a sports car, hot rod or what ever. The back seats a little bit of a concern as I will be hauling teenage kids around on occasion.

I do like those Grand Nationals. But I would look for the base model and build from there as opposed to buying one with the Grand National price tag.

I'll check out those Mercedes and BMWs.

Thanks

gtrdave · 02-23-2010, 06:07 AM

The Regal T-type could be equipped with the same turbo 3.8l as the GN, but without the exterior black-out look.
They were sleepers.
I believe that you could also get the Regal w/ a 305 V8 (my nephew had one, before he wrecked it...), but I don't think that it was the Monte SS version of the same engine.
Similar cars: Pontiac Grand Prix (available w/ the Monte SS engine, some models) and Olds Cutlass Hurst/Olds and 442 w/ 307 Olds V8.

Now, if I were looking for the ultimate sleeper from the '80s, I'd go find a Chrysler K-car wagon w/ 2.2l or 2.5l turbo I engine and start shopping for Mopar Performance parts for which to hunt and kill V8s and Buick V6s with.
An alternative would be the Dodge 600 or Plymouth Caravelle w/ the Turbo I engine.
146hp/150hp stock and they could be boosted to well over 250hp w/ not too much time, effort and money.
Plus, the 2.2l is a non-interference engine, so there's no harm done from killing the timing belt while rev'ing at 7k rpm.
Trust me, I know.

fyi: Here's a 10 second K-car killing a Supra:
YouTube - 10 Second K-Car

**redbaron** · 02-23-2010, 09:32 AM

move into the 90's and a whole new world opens to you

(gvr4's, legacy gt's, etc)

in the 1980's though... m5? perfect for what you're looking for

gtrdave · 02-23-2010, 10:55 AM

If you can find one, a SHOgun...

YouTube - SHOGUN With NOS!!!! Jay Leno's Garage!

Than · 02-25-2010, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scared2mosh

Buick Grand National. [/thread]

True story! Although a friend of mine has a Monte Carlo he's done a lot of work with, and that thing tears.

mulletman · 02-25-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

move into the 90's and a whole new world opens to you

(gvr4's, legacy gt's, etc)

Indeed.

90's > 80's.

The M5 is a good suggestion.

jthomas1600 · 02-25-2010, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. My purchase time on this is at least 6 months in the future and could be as much as 10-12 months. Can't put it off much longer than that though.

I'm not much of an import guy for something like this. And I have to admit this is as much about style/personal preference as substance. I was a teenager in the 80s and always had a thing for comfortable cars that had the potential to be souped up a bit. My brother in law had a nice Olds, my folks did too. So at this point I'm leaning towards a Buick Regal, Olds Cutless, or a Monte Carlo. Of course something else could catch my eye in the mean time.

mattslope · 02-26-2010, 12:41 AM

An early '80s Chevy Malibu has RWD, an engine bay designed for SBCs, and almost no resale. In addition, they look mean in black with a steel cowl hood and torque thrusts.

gtrdave · 02-26-2010, 09:32 AM

Other than the "collectables" (GN, GNX, T-type Turbo, Monte SS and Aero, 442 and H/O, Grand Prix 2+2) I'm no fan of the GM G-bodies. I guess I've seen far too many clapped-out and trashed Monte Carlos and Cutlass Supremes to appreciate them.
Plus, I dig underdogs and real sleepers, like 11 second K-cars and minivans.
Nothing like seeing a worked Mushtang 5.0 get it's headlights sucked out by killer Caravan, imho.

All this talk (granted, it's been one-sided) of FWD Chryslers has me searching the web for Shelby Dodges...

mattslope · 02-26-2010, 10:10 AM

Oh! Yes, I forgot the Caravans! Youtube = 12.23 at over 110mph!. Amazing, and they made AWD minivans. Mmmm...