Biggest question is the intent of the car. It sounds to me like you want it to be a daily driver. So . . . that means small block. 350's (especially in the southern states) are a dime a dozen and for $500-800 you can get one turning out some decent power, depending on how savvy and patient you are on ebay and kijiji.
Next question is, how original do you want to keep it? sbc 350 with th350 trany? Or, if you really want to make it a decent driver (with some nuts) you can put in an LSx motor and 4 spd auto transmission - more power and better fuel economy but you'll get heckled every time someone looks under the hood.
Personally, I think $13k is a great start for a Chevelle. Near me (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) there was a guy trying for months to sell a base 72, all done for $ 11k. It eventually went.
Best advice . . . be patient and don't rush into a purchase. Do some reading on here about what to look for when checking out a car. Anything can be fixed, just a matter of time and money.
Next question is, how original do you want to keep it? sbc 350 with th350 trany? Or, if you really want to make it a decent driver (with some nuts) you can put in an LSx motor and 4 spd auto transmission - more power and better fuel economy but you'll get heckled every time someone looks under the hood.
Personally, I think $13k is a great start for a Chevelle. Near me (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) there was a guy trying for months to sell a base 72, all done for $ 11k. It eventually went.
Best advice . . . be patient and don't rush into a purchase. Do some reading on here about what to look for when checking out a car. Anything can be fixed, just a matter of time and money.
