Seeking opinions on automotive project

[Genghis Khan]

I don't have the funds for this, so for now, it is purely academic.
How feasible is this project? Keep in mind that my order of priorities are: Cost (bargain basement budget), coolness, speed and power.
I like the idea of a souped up pickup. It would be a small body pickup, preferably 4WD, although rear wheel drive is not out of the question with a big engine.
what is the cheapest way to go about such a project?

[M-14BULLETTS]

grand theft auto

[Ellar]

Everybody is pulling junkyard Chevy LSx motors from trucks and building sick speed and power for the strip. So for the speed and power, I'd start with a Chevy truck that came with an LSx motor. For coolness, you'd really have to find a rolling chassis from 1972 or prior and transplant.

[NYDeer]

Find a body/chassis first.. Then weigh out your options.. 'Coolness' is purely an individual thing..

[rts414]

How small of a body? Chevy S10 pickup with a V6 motor is a small block with the last set of cylinders cut off. You can swap in a V8 fairly easy . Ford Ranger will take a 302 with a little help. Do not go for a 351 as the block is wider and will interfere with the steering box. Early to mid '90 F150 short box look cool and were the basis for the SVT Lightning. Any short box Chevy that isn't rusted to shit will work also and will take small and big block motors. Stay away from '96 and up because of OBD II emissions compliance. Have fun dreaming.

[NorthForkSportsman]

Did you not also travel this road exploring building a hot road car but funds were low?

[Paté]

I can tell you from experience that you'd be better to save some cash and buy something drivable and have fun with it. You can do upgrades as funds allow until you decide to go "all in" and spend 10 X what you could ever get out of it. Getting a model that's not as collectible makes the cost to buy cheaper, but may make getting parts tough and cost way more.

[jxoh]

my vote is for the S10 with a V8 swap. those LS motors go for pretty cheap. you can even get em on ebay if you can't get to the junkyard.

[Genghis Khan]

Did you not also travel this road exploring building a hot road car but funds were low?

Yup. I am still honing my project once I pay off my debt. I was set on a mid 90's mustang, but the thought of a fast pickup is also interesting me.
Some excellent ideas here.

[01TA]

Chevy LS is the way to go. You can get motors fairly cheap.

[Idiocracy]

As someone who has played in the performance truck world for the last decade or so...your cheapest option for a stout truck is to buy a chevy 2500 truck with the gas motor...the 6.0 Liter. Then put a Magnusen TVS blower on it. That will get you close to 500 wheel HP, through a 4L80e or 6L80e depending on the year, and a 12 bolt rear end.

[Genghis Khan]

As someone who has played in the performance truck world for the last decade or so...your cheapest option for a stout truck is to buy a chevy 2500 truck with the gas motor...the 6.0 Liter. Then put a Magnusen TVS blower on it. That will get you close to 500 wheel HP, through a 4L80e or 6L80e depending on the year, and a 12 bolt rear end.

In round numbers, how much does something like that cost?

[Airbrush art]

I would look for a Chevy S10 with a V8 already done, you can find them right here on LI and nearby states.Then you can add more handling & power as you go.

[The Blur]

Everybody is pulling junkyard Chevy LSx motors from trucks and building sick speed and power for the strip. So for the speed and power, I'd start with a Chevy truck that came with an LSx motor. For coolness, you'd really have to find a rolling chassis from 1972 or prior and transplant.

Yep. The LS motor resto-mod is big. I have an LQ4 motor (6.0L) in my 200,000 mile Yukon, and I'm going to stuff it into something. Most likely a classic pickup truck. My LS motor will go another 100,000 miles, no problem. These LS motors are in every GM truck for many years. Very easy to find in any junk yard, and the after market is big. The sky is the limit. So just about every swap has been done. The Escalade LQ9 motor screams through the entire RPM range, and with a mild cam, you have 400++ HP. I seen one stuffed into a rat rod Nova at Bellmore. It's best to find a drop-out assembly on ebay, or a local yard. You just need money.

[NorthForkSportsman]

My 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk. A bit of work but worth it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgdJXrSEm3c