What do you all think would be a better project.?

[442w30]

As what others have said, the Firebird is high. I assume it's a 400/330? They made plenty of 'em.

Z/28 sounds like it's a nice car. LT1s are cool.

The 351W from 1969 is not too impressive. The 351C of 1970 is more so. Nix the Stang.

The Cutlass never had a 400 unless it had the Turnpike Cruiser package. It was a 2bbl. so that does you no good. If this car has a 4bbl. and it's not a 442, it's either a TC car with the carb replaced or someone's doing some fibbing.

For the money, a '68-69 442 is a good deal. They are not too popular but they have style. Make sure you get a stick because the autos have less hp. Or, as an alternative, find a big Poncho with 428 power. They are great cruisers and, with the 428HO, are 14-seconds fast and extremely rare.