Stealthy
He's right. NSW is quite different to some other states. Installing a non standard engine is ok provided the original maximum factory engine size is not exceeded. An exception provides for reconditioning, where the maximum engine size may be exceeded due to boring etc.
The only provision would be that the original braking and suspension systems are upgraded where necessary to match the brakes and suspensions offered by the manufacturer for the largest engine option.
In an early model, upgrading these systems is easy and these days, brakes and suspensions can be far better than the original factory specs.
As for a cheap project car, most Holdens qualify, but the older "classics" are no longer cheap to purchase. My avatar was a 350 GTS Monaro I restored during the late 80's. I got the shell for nix, but to put it on the road twenty years ago cost $8,000, doing most of the work myself. Unforttunately, classic car values were'nt all that great back then and I eventually sold it for $5,000. The job took over four years to complete.
Early Commodores up to VK, which all ran the old red/blue/black sixes and eights, are very cheap now and it is still possible to find one with a reasonably clean body. Perhaps the VK with fuel injection (a rare animal even when new) or a Turbo VL (just as rare, but probably thrashed) would do the job. Mechanical parts are still easy to come by, and the Holden engine bits are still cheap (know nothing about the Nissan motor so no comment). The interiors were cheap and nasty from new, so a total rebuild of the interior will be a certainty. Brakes lend themselves to easy upgrade to later model four wheel discs, suspensions are easily modified with excellent results for a live rear axle. The car would be suitable for daily use and, if the final result was as good as it could be, you would have a real head turner. Early Commies in top nick are getting pretty scarce now. An SLE or Calais would be the best starting point.
Plenty of style
