PROJECT UPDATE / suggestions welcome

[da-man]

Well, it's been awhile, but here's an update. Plus, looking for some ideas / opinions.

I finally got the rotisserie built, and the body on it. It worls out very well, adn I'm into it less than $250, including welding rod. Body spins freely, and I can roll it around at will.

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Once I got it turned over, all of the previous "restorers" treasures came to light. things like wire cloth stuffed in the rocker panels so the bondo would have something to stick to.......

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Anyway:
So now I'm getting closer to needing to make a decision on powertrain. I'm debating LS1, but it seems like I can do a SBC for much less. Then I'm debating T56 vs T5.....
and lastly: Independent rear susp., with new suspension / steering up front as well, and brakes all around.

I like the real modern approach, with the LS1/T56, and an IRS from either a corvette or a Lincoln. I can likely source the front suspension goodies the same way (Corvette or Mustang). Brakes would then be a no-brainer. Steering could be as simple as an aftermarket rack.

BUT: maybe I decide to go old school (cheaper?) and do a standard SBC with either EFI or even a carb. Then the T5 probably makes more sense. And at that point, is the IRS such a big deal? probably not. It's not a race-car.... just a fun driver's car.


talk to me. I can't really spend any money 'til march anyway... so I have FAAAR too much time to keep changing my mind......

I have a lot more time than money these days..... so that's a big factor. I don't mind fabricating stuff at all.... if it'll save some $$.
I also don't mind looking at other options, as long as the potential exists to get to a relaible 500hp with readily available aftermarket parts (or junkyard ingenuity)

"feel me?"

[Dave]

It's not a race-car....just a fun driver's car....as long as the potential exists to get to a relaible 500hp....

If a 500 HP roadster is your idea of a fun driver's car, I'd love to see you build a race car!

[da-man]

If a 500 HP roadster is your idea of a fun driver's car, I'd love to see you build a race car!

TEEHEEHHEEE
Yeah, I guess that sounds funny on the surface.
but what I was meaning to say was that since it's not a road-race car, I don't need to look at class structures, nor is the engineering quite as important to me. (as a matter of fact, deliberately building myself OUT of a class structure will help me stay out of the racing addiction that's been on my back for 15 yrs.)
And since it's not a Drag-Race car, I'm not gonna go all crazy doin' 1000hp big-blocks or anything.

500hp is plenty for what I'm lookin' for: a Bad A** street toy, that's fun to run up the canyons in, and maybe do a track-day every spring, just for kicks.

[Dave]

Well, my vote is for the LS1! I understand wanting to keep things low cost though. I guess the nice thing is that you can "get it running" with a junkyard 350 for pretty cheap and be able to enjoy the car for a few months/years while you build up a killer LS1 on the engine stand. Then, just swap it in.

[da-man]

Well, my vote is for the LS1! I understand wanting to keep things low cost though. I guess the nice thing is that you can "get it running" with a junkyard 350 for pretty cheap and be able to enjoy the car for a few months/years while you build up a killer LS1 on the engine stand. Then, just swap it in.

except that the LS1 is wider than the SBC. and lighter. which means WHERE I put it will be different between the 2 motors.......

I only wanna engineer this once.

[datsunrides]

My thoughts...

If you feel you want a LS1 with a T56 6speed then that is the direction to go. As you stated, the LS1 and regular SB Chevy are different and the T56 is quite a bit bigger than a T5. No need to have to redo it later just to "cheap out" now. You did say you have plenty of time so save your pennies and get what you want the first time. Beat up 4th gen Camaros can be had for cheap to get your drivetrain from. As for your steering/suspension, do you really need an IRS or are you looking for the WOW factor. I see no advantage to an IRS unless you plan to road race it and even then.... Now, if you want it for show purposes or just because, then go for it, it would be cool. Same would go for the front, lot of work for little benefit for a stret car, but would have the WOW factor. Just make sure you have a plan in hand and everything you want there as you start the fabrication, as there will be plenty and the Roadsters have very little real estate. Nothing worse than doing something like painting the frame and then finding out the trans or something won't fit as you had envisioned and now you have to go back and fix it. Check clearances with the body often!

Mark

[da-man]

good advice. I really only want to build it once. I'm not worried about the "real estate" as you say. I'll pass it along to my son someday, and he can do with as he feels.

The IRS is mainly for me. Just 'cuz. Just 'cuz I love the way they look. Just 'cuz I've always wanted to do one. Just 'cuz it'll be a fun conversion.
just 'cuz.

[Dave]

except that the LS1 is wider than the SBC. and lighter. which means WHERE I put it will be different between the 2 motors.......

I only wanna engineer this once.

I was not aware of that. I figured the block dimensions and mounts were the same. You mean GM actually re-engineered something?

OK, I change my vote and agree 100% with Mark. LS1 from the start. Do it once, do it right!

[Alvin]

Finally!
LSx, and if you are undertaking such a tremendous project, don't even think about a SBC, 302, LT-1, 289, or anything carb'd or old and lame.
A pro-touring roadster is what you are after.

LS2 or LS3 at the MINIMUM. LS6/LS7 if you have $$ or find a good deal. LS7 crate engine w/o ECU is about $12k,minus T-56.

Leave room for a magnacharger or twin-turbos.
IRS is unecessary, but neat. A 4-link solid rear form Chris Alston or FAB9.

Leave the fenders alone, mini-tub the rear, or go wide-body.

keep us updated!

[da-man]

I should have guessed Alvin would be on-board with me here!!!

I've been watching the LS2's and LS6's on Ebay.......

anyone have any dimensions on them?

And as for "widebody", I wonder if you mean what I've been toying with in my head: adding a "chunk" right down the middle of the car? I've seriously toyed with that. It'd add 6 months to the project for me, I'm sure of it. But more than that is deterring me: Windshield. What do I do for that?

Or maybe you're talking about something else? speak-up Man!

[datsunrides]

I don't know if they make them for the LS engines (I would think they would) but I know they have plastic mockup engines for the SBC. I still think your best bet would be to pick up a crashed or thrashed 4th gen Camaro for the driveline and wiring harness. I think by widebody he means flairs. Widening the body would pose more problems than just the windshield. Not to say it could not be done. Maybe it would be better to back half the car (to narrow the frame), 4link with a 9" Ford and some mini tubs to keep the tires inside the stock fenders. I think that would look better than the flairs. I'm a big fan of the "stealth" look. It may even be worth your time to look into a full tube chassis. That will definately give you the room you will need to install the V8. I would imagine you will have to substantially modify the stock frame anyways. Plus, you could run either pinto suspension or struts on the front and easily mount up a rack. I know, way overkill, but may be simpler in the long run.

Mark

[Alvin]

Negative on the body "widening"!
I was talking about just adding wide fender flairs, to accomodate wheels/tires large enough to supprt 500hp. I'm sure you've seen pics of race roadsters with those huge flairs on.

Not sure if you are going "big". If you want a "driver" with plenty of hp then a simple LS1 from a F-body can produce 400+rwhp with a cam, headers, FAST intake. My friend found a t-56/lS1 from a wrecked 1999 Camaro SS for $1500. It dyno'd at 430rwhp, in his RX-7 swap.

You really need clearance, brakes and suspension, the interior is the last of your worries!

In the end though, I wonder with all of the bracing and reinforcing needed to support a 500hp...why not just buy a FFR Cobra kit car chassis and slap a Datsun roadster body on!?? Or custo tube frame chassis?

[Alvin]

wow I think Mark and I think alike...weird!

[datsunrides]

wow I think Mark and I think alike...weird!

[da-man]

based on the amount of rust on the frame, and the amount of modifications that need to be done, I may end up with a custom tube frame. But I really need a direction first.
I need to choose WHAT will be going in there.... and then I can decide HOW. I am actively looking for the LS1/T56 combo.... in or out of a trashed 4th gen f-body. But if the right opportunity were to present itself, I could be swayed into an LS6.... or??

I would really like the keep the body looking as stock as possible. I am also a fan of "sleepers", and always have been. I was also drawn to the car, in part, by the lines. I'm reticent to start fouling that up!

so: if any of ya feel like keeping your eyes open for a motor for me...... I'd appreciate it!

as always: I'll keep ya posted.