I would think the reason there will be few examples to be found, is in the nature of the majority of cars that have been produced since 1980, "downsizing" along with the increasingly complexity of electrical systems, (IE dashboards and instrument clusters that will not work without being connected up to the dozens of OE sensors and switches) and the massive switch to front wheel drive which has left us with very few RWD cars that would be suitable candidates for engine swaps of any kind.
There really are no candidates left that can fill that void left by the discontinuation of all the old RWD compacts and sub-compacts, with the few remaining RWD American sedans left being lumbering four door behemoths, other than Camaro's and Mustangs, there is nothing suitable left to build modern equivalents of a big block Nova, or a V-8 Vega or Pinto.
As both the Camaro and Mustang have already been developed and tweaked to the limits, and quite desirable by enthusiasts as is, there would be nothing of merit to be gained by the swapping in of any antiquated drivetrains.
Just the way it is now, and likely to continue, I'm thankful that I've had the pleasure and opportunity of living through those decades that encouraged and applauded the imagination, initiative, and talents of backyard builders and hotrodders.
Working at Oldsmobile for 30 years (RIP)I have had the pleasure and experiences inherent in owning SS396 Camaro, a Street Hemi, an AMX and a SCJ 428 4 speed Cougar Eliminator and more, and also had a hand in building a Chevy powered Rambler, an Olds powered Hudson, a Buick powered MG, and a whole slew of like unique vehicles, and with my half dozen Studes on hand, I'm still quite involved.
But it is a far different world than the one which my son and my grandson now have to live in, sure I can tell them the stories, but it is difficult for them to relate or to understand my passion for my old 'junk" cars, because the "world" that they are now part of has changed, and outside of my influence, does not allow them the types of exposure, opportunities and experiences that existed for me "way back when".
There really are no candidates left that can fill that void left by the discontinuation of all the old RWD compacts and sub-compacts, with the few remaining RWD American sedans left being lumbering four door behemoths, other than Camaro's and Mustangs, there is nothing suitable left to build modern equivalents of a big block Nova, or a V-8 Vega or Pinto.
As both the Camaro and Mustang have already been developed and tweaked to the limits, and quite desirable by enthusiasts as is, there would be nothing of merit to be gained by the swapping in of any antiquated drivetrains.
Just the way it is now, and likely to continue, I'm thankful that I've had the pleasure and opportunity of living through those decades that encouraged and applauded the imagination, initiative, and talents of backyard builders and hotrodders.
Working at Oldsmobile for 30 years (RIP)I have had the pleasure and experiences inherent in owning SS396 Camaro, a Street Hemi, an AMX and a SCJ 428 4 speed Cougar Eliminator and more, and also had a hand in building a Chevy powered Rambler, an Olds powered Hudson, a Buick powered MG, and a whole slew of like unique vehicles, and with my half dozen Studes on hand, I'm still quite involved.
But it is a far different world than the one which my son and my grandson now have to live in, sure I can tell them the stories, but it is difficult for them to relate or to understand my passion for my old 'junk" cars, because the "world" that they are now part of has changed, and outside of my influence, does not allow them the types of exposure, opportunities and experiences that existed for me "way back when".
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