Late-Model Power

John D's Garage

Late-Model Power

My objective for this car was to have year 2000 performance, convenience, economy, reliability, and driveability wrapped into a classic '60's muscle-car shell. The ability to turn the key and go anywhere, pull 25+ MPG, and get repair parts at any auto parts store.

I tried very hard to maintain a "theme" to this build. I tried to acheive something that genuinely looked like GM took a '65 El Camino and installed a '96 LT-1 powertrain into the car.

(I realize that I'm about 10 or so years "behing the curve" - installing an LT-1 / 4L60e - but going to a LSx setup is not in the budget!)

The donor car was a 72000 mile Buick Roadmaster Wagon.

The car was listed in our local Craigslist, the owner was stripping it for parts. I got there early enough to actually drive the car (why it was being parted out I'll never know...)

I purchased everything from the firewall forward, and the gas tank - pulled and waiting for me in 3 days - for $500.

The only thing I did to the engine & trans was to pull the "tins", check & clean everything, reassemble, and paint.

**Most Pictures are Click-able**

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