LT1 V8 + 6Spd: 1973 Nissan 240Z

Nissan's athletic 240Z was sold in the USA with a Datsun badge and a silky smooth inline-6 to go with its ninja-like reflexes.  For years, folks joked that Japanese cars would never be collectable, and 240Z prices hovered above scrap value, so many were (for better or worse) turned into hot rods. Today we've got one of those hot rods and it looks like it could use some freshening...but could be fun when done. Find this 1973 Nissan 240Z offered for $6500 in Phoenix, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

5Speed Manual LT1 Power: 1986 Porsche 928

The Porsche 928 was released into the wild in 1977 as the presumed replacement for the aging 911, but the complex mechanical design and less than thrilling driving experience meant it played second fiddle to the tail happy OG Porsche.  Today, prices for the 928 haven't appreciated nearly in the same psychotic manner as the 911, so you can still pick one up for cheap and power it by an American V8.  Find this 1986 Porsche 928 offered for $15,900 in Charleston, SC via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

LT1 6-Speed: 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

While the later LS1 powered Camaro (launched in 1998) might get all the glory for being the cheapest way to go fast..but there was an older Camaro that was almost as fast and also available with a 6-speed gearbox.  Find this 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 offered for $4000 in Los Banos, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

1A2 "Coprice": 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon

The fourth generation Chevrolet Caprice was sold from 1991 to 1996 as the last hurrah for the Caprice name launched in 1964 (until the Caprice name was brought back for fleet use in 2011).   The Caprice Wagon shares most of its parts with the Buick Roadmaster Wagon but it lacks the faux wood sides, which ain't a bad thing at all. This next example is offered as a "1A2" package cop version and by 1995 it was powered by the mean LT1 V8, so this unicorn gets a two horns up from DT. Find this 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon here on eBay bidding for $3702 reserve-not-met with 3 days to go. Tip from Lou.

SSix SSpeed SSwap: 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS

GM wasn't messing around when the seventh generation Impala was launched in 1994 because it was only available as the SS version which meant power from a 260 horsepower LT1 borrowed from the Corvette.  Unfortunately the Impala SS didn't come with a manual gearbox and was only available with GM's 4-speed 4L60E slushbox, but that is something that can be fixed with the remnants of a wrecked Camaro, an afternoon, a good buddy named Fred, and a case of Coors. Find this 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS 6-Speed offered for $6900 in Seattle, WA via craigslist.

No Title, No Problem: 1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Convertible

This next car comes as a tip from Art C who writes: Some seriously cheap fun here. 275 hp, 6 speed, posi... strip it and turn it into an auto x toy??  Art is onto something here because this thing should be fun and the missing title shouldn't scare away the guy who wants to race this thing in the 24 Hrs of LeMons. Find this 1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Convertible offered for $1700 in Derry, NH via craigslist.

Lots Of Engine: 1993 Chevy Corvette 383

If you like the 1980's styling of the C4 Corvette, the later 1992+ cars are appealing because of the more powerful LT1 engines and nicer interiors.  The LT1 V8's don't get a ton of love now nowadays because of the LS series of engines, but they are still capable of putting down respectable amount of horsepower.  A stock 93 Vette is a quick car, but today's feature should seriously move out as it has been enhanced in good ways.  The best part of the C4's is the amount of dollars needed to enjoy this level of thrust.  Find this 1993 Chevy Corvette for sale in Tucker, GA for $7,400 via craigslist.

Seller Submission: 1987 Mazda RX-7 LT1 V8

(Update 5/30/2018, the beast is still for sale with new lower price of $5900). The second (technically third) generation (FC) Mazda RX-7 debuted in 1986 with new streamlined styling and more power from the available Wankel rotary engines.  For the first time in the US market, a turbocharged version was available, but the chassis featured the same fantastic reflexes and sporty seating....but power/torque from the Wankel isn't going to excite anyone in the 21st century...but a turbocharged V8 version with 500 whp might make an impression.  Find this 1987 Mazda RX-7 LT1 V8 offered for $8,000 here on DailyTurismo from seller Ahmad (see final paragraph of listing for seller contact info).

LT1 V8 Swap: 1992 Chevrolet Astro LT

It happens three or four times a month without fail, strangers approach me in hushed tones and ask "what is the best platform for an engine swap?"  At first, I'm taken back by the fact that I'm being asked such a strange question in the middle of Sunday Mass, but then I shrug my shoulders and whisper in a hoarse but brief reply-- "Chevy Astro Van". Really...as if there is any other answer to this question.  Find this 1992 Chevrolet Astro LT offered for $9995 in Colorado Springs, CO via craigslist.  Tip from Barbpaddles via engineswapdepot. 

Clean G: 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo LT1 Swap

In 2018 the number of two door coupes available from car manufacturers are few and far between, but back in the 1980s they were literally everywhere.  The General Motors G-body cars included the Chevy Monte Carlo, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Pontiac Grand Prix.  With the exception of the Grand National and T-Type, these were not particularly sporting or fast cars. However, they coupes are one of the last rwd body on frame designs which make them desirable to muscle car fans without a baller budget.  Starting about ten years after these cars were discontinued, V8 engines started making a ton more power stock than the roughly 140 hp wheezed out from the factory.  Today's Monte features a 300hp engine/trans swap from a 1996 Corvette. The G-body cars now also have a host of modern suspension components via the aftermarket that can turn these into a decent handling and much more modern feeling car.  Find this 1987 Chevy Monte Carlo for sale in West Babylon, NY for $6,000 via craigslist. 

Jaguaint: 1980 Jaguar XJS with LT1 V8 6-Speed

Last week we posted a few questionable Jaguar machines that had been Chevified with a carburetor fed small block mated to a TH350 slushbox, but today I've got a fuel injected Jaguaro with a 6-speed manual box...but you've seen this car before when it sold for something above $7k.  Find this 1980 Jaguar XJS with LT1 V8 offered for $17,500 near St Louis, MO via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Dubbya El Tea One 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 5.7 V8

Let's see, I really love the style of the W108 chassis Mercedes-Benz sedan, but I want the driving experience of a Chevrolet Impala SS. What to do, what to do?  Oh...I know, drop an LT1 into the W108 and call it done.  Find this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 5.7 LT1 V8 offered for $5,500 in Spokane, WA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

V8 Swapped! 1987 BMW 325i LT1

The E30 generation Chevrolet 325i was built only for the 1987 model year with an LT1 powerplant and German styling.  Wait...that isn't right.  Except, it is right...allllll right.  Find this 1987 BMW 325i LT1 offered for $3,000 in Woodland, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Rock On!

Chevy LT1 V8: 1988 Volvo 740 Wagon

The Volvo 740 (aka 745) wagon was a fine piece of engineering from safety focused guys at Volvo, but even in turbocharged trim it won't open any eyes with acceleration...so...an entire boutique industry has been born to fix it with injection of American V8 power -- even Paul Newman shoved a V8 into his Volvo wagon...but today we've got a special treat.  Find this 1988 Volvo 740 with V8 offered here on eBay for $2,900 buy-it-now located in Belen, NM with 4 days to go.

A Real Kick In The: 1986 GMC Jimmy LT1 V8

The compact Jimmy was the GMC branded version of the Chevrolet Blazer produced from 1982 through 2005.  Power from the factory came from a variety of inline-4 and V6 engines, but if you want to go really fast you can find one that has been re-powered by something with 8 cylinders. Find this 1986 GMC Jimmy LT1 V8 offered for $7795 near Skagit, WA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

C4 Me: 1995 Chevrolet Corvette

If you grew up after mid 1970's and into the 1980's, the amount of horsepower found in today's cars is literally insane.   I'll give you a new Tesla can hit 60 mph faster than I can pass wind, but is there any real fun in doing it?  To my mind, cars from the 1990's represent the sweet spot of price, ease of maintenance, computer involvement, and performance.  The C4 Corvettes are at the very bottom of the depreciation curve and offer ton of value and performance for the dollar.  Find this 1995 Chevrolet Corvette for sale in Avon, CT for $5,500 via craigslist.

El Tea Juan: 1990 Mazda RX-7

Good deals on original classics on craigslist tend to go faster than rum cake at an AA meeting, but what about engine swapped beasts?  They can last for a few days or months because finding the right buyer who is willing to live with a Frankenstein's monster can be tricky, something to consider if you ever plan on selling.  Find this 1990 Mazda RX-7 with LT1 offered for $9,000 in Louisville, KY via craigslist.