Have a rolling chassis - now what?!

[jfunkdelicious]

So I've had this fantasy of having a swapped roadster for years and when I bought my 67.5 1600 to be the donor car I found myself struggling to pull out the perfectly running R16 motor and tranny...

Pics of my current car are listed here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tarmstron ... 345829231/#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(It's listed for sale, but I'm not actively trying to sell it as I want to enjoy the car for the Pacific NW summer. Plus, is it really bad to have two roadsters? )

So I chickened out and bought this rolling chassis: https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=4 ... =folder%2c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now I have a rolling chassis that needs some body work, some paint, and a motor. My question to you experts out there is, in what order should I begin this process? My thoughts are to just buy an SR20DET motor and get it mounted to the frame and begin the intercooler / turbo plumbing work and then address the bodywork last. Seems like the obvious play but figured I'd poll you experts out here and see if I'm missing something.

Am I wrong with this thought process?

[notoptoy]

WOW! You're 1600 is stunning, I can't see selling that until you have a drivable replacement!
There is lots of advice and many threads on the SR20 swaps here, search is your friend!

[fj20spl311]

Very nice......
Fix the rear bumper before you sell..........You might get away with just new brackets.......If you are handy.....they are very ease to straighten.

Phil

[spriso]

That sure is a beautiful 67.5 you have there! Like you say, I think that you should leave that one alone and convert your rolling chassis...

We have lots of great build threads here on 311s for SR20DET cars, and I can supply you motor mounts, alternator install kits, big brake conversions, etc. We even have a rental JIG that will place the motor in the correct tilt and rake by using our mounts-- makes the install of the SR into the chassis much easier!

I have lots of details and parts in stock here: http://www.spriso.com

I am more than happy to provide technical assistance for your swap as well... and since you are in the PNW, you are more than welcome to come down and visit us at the shop too...

Let us know how we can help!

Michael

[jamesw]

I agree - work on the rolling chassis and enjoy the other car this summer.

Cheers
James

[ladydriver]

I should begin with starting to look what you can spend. And how much time you have.
Figer out what you can do yourself or have someone else done. You want to make it as nice as your 67.5? Or save some and make the inside and underside as new and the body more like a ratlook.
Make a list of which parts you need, you can buy them before you start or along the way, anyway that list can give you also an estimate on the costs.
Starting with an engine with tranny and the frame is best. Than go on with the body. (You can put the body a few times on the frame to figure somethings out along the way).
Read other's SWAP's and dream all the pictures. Become one with all.

Hope this helps a bit

[dbrick]

Never thought of that, and SR20 Turbo Swap Rat. Do all the chassis work and drop on an un-restored body and non-descript wheels.
Even if it's just while the final body is being done, it's a cool concept and a fun way to work the bugs out.

[spl310]

That is the route that TR went. He did the swap and didn't touch cosmetics. I wonder whatever became of him...

[jfunkdelicious]

Thanks for the compliments and additional thoughts. It's funny... the Swap Rat is definitely something to consider. Hmmmm.... you guys got me thinking.

Spriso: I went on your site to buy the mounts, alternator bracket, etc.. but it doesn't look like you have a shopping cart on your page. I'll give you guys a call and place an order. You're actually not that far away so perhaps a trip down to your shop is in order. Plus we have a mutual friend down there who's putting an SR20 in a Miata - probably time to see him as well.

I'll keep you guys posted on my progress and like those before me, I suppose I should put a build thread together.

Cheers,

Jesse

[exit64]

Worth the trip to go see Michael. He keeps a mop bucket in the shop to get rid of all the drool marks all over the floor. Get the full tour and get a ride in his car on the "Test Track".