These days its really hard to find a vehicle that will be emp proof. New vehicle can be converted over to the old style technologies but it would be a real pain. I will break things down in a list of what can get fried in an emp and what you can do to avoid them being a problem.
1. Computer(s) almost every 1996 and up vehicle has at least 3. One for the engine, one for the transmission, and one for all the interior goodies (power seats, door locks, windows, alarm etc. etc.)
2. Ignition control module (on older vehicles IE still has a carb. but electronic controlled ignition, no points)
3. Fuel pump( still an electric motor run too much power through it an its dead.)
4. Coil
5.Shift solenoids in your automatic transmission
1.So how do we avoid having any computers in a vehicle, buy one pre 1974 or buy something newer domestic and with a v-8. If you buy say a early to mid 90's suburban with a 350 in it, you will not have a hard time at all doing away with the computers. Change the trans to a turbo 350 or turbo 400 (eliminates the tcm). Change the intake manifold throw a new carb on it, and a new distributor (non electronic uses points). Granted there will be all sorts of lights on on the dash and you probably wont pass emissions but it will run.
2. The ignition control module (like I said older vehicles 70's to late 80's), This one is easy just go to an older style distributor that uses points.
3. The fuel pump most v-8's up until the early 90's still had the old mechanical fuel pumps that's what you want. If you are looking for a vehicle just to be emp proof this is a must, check to verify that it is mechanical before you buy it. The mechanical fuel pumps are on the side of the engine block so there is no way to retro fit one if didn't have the allowance for it from the factory.
4. The coil may be able to take an emp but it never hurts to have a couple lying around. The coil is just 2 sets of wire windings in a container so frankly why risk it.
5. Shift solenoids are extremely sensitive to voltage and easily fried. The only way to get rid of them is to change out the transmission. The reason I mention the solenoids is because even if you have a spare transmission control module in a Faraday cage the trans is likely going to be shot.
Also remember on most new vehicles they have a passive anti theft system in them, i.e. the chipped keys, that info is programmed into the power train control module( main engine computer). So if you have a nice new computer in a cage waiting when you plug it in, it wont do anything.
If I were looking for a plain looking just blend in emp proof vehicle, I would by an early 90's Chevy suburban or truck 4x4 preferably manual transmission. I would look for one with a 350 and no power options. Why the 350? The parts you are going to be looking for are likely going to be on the shelf at your local parts supplier. Well why is that? The Chevy 350 is the most raced engine in america and most race cars dont run an electronics, its just more stuff to go wrong. And 350 parts are cheaper for this reason. If your not a Chevy guy or lady, go with a for 302 or a dodge 360.
What tools and parts are a must? Points (and lots of them they should be changed every oil change) and a point file, feeler gauges, spark plugs and wires, distributor caps and rotor buttons, A good quality set of basic mechanics tools(they dont have to be snap on or mac, get craftsman), radiator, then your oils and fluids and of course gas.
This is just for gas engine vehicles I'm not a diesel guy if someone has the info on them comment away.
