Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

Well Camaro friends, the project officially begins... and my dream car will finally become a reality. Selling the SS wasn't easy but read on and you'll understand.

I'll be building a '63 Grand Sport replica from Mid America Industries. These cars are not a kit like the D&D or GSR cars. They're what Jeff Leech from Mid America calls a "hybrid", since it begins life as an real Vette and becomes basically, 'highly modified'. So far, the '63 Corvette donor car has been procured. I've also secured a front and rear C4 suspension with a dana 44 and 13" brakes which I'll begin disassembly and cleaning next month. Mid America will begin buiding the jig-built 4" tube frame chassis and complete body as soon as they get my deposit this week. I'll be doing most of the assembly myself but will leave the bodywork and paint to the experts.

Here's the general breakdown of what it'll be:

It'll have an American Speed 525hp 383 SB with a Kinsler cross-ram FI intake with the power put to the ground through a T56 six speed trans via a Hurst short throw shifter. Body color will be Cadillac 'Out of the Blue' with a 'Sebring Silver' Hammer Head stripe. The interior will have silver leather seats, steering wheel and door panels (like the '78 Pace Car) with lt. gray carpet. I'll keep my eye on the operations with a full array of Autometer gauges. Red racing harnesses will keep me planted in my seat and big fat Good Year Eagle F1 Supercar tires (275/4017 front & 315/35/17 rear) will keep me planted to the ground... maybe

When it's fully completed I'll probably be selling tickets for rides to help recover some of the costs.

Xsta Z 28

iTrader: (2)

Really? I printed this out! :p

It's gonna be a fun ride. Completing the car and driving the car - dibs on first drive!

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Sounds like a fun project! I vote for a 427ci LS1 with a custom cross-ram intake though

Tony

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

And LS1 would be 80 lbs lighter.

Xsta Z 28

iTrader: (2)

We had been tossing around the LS-1 but Mr. Money bags would only do the C5R version at the low low price of ~ $25,000! But we'll see. The engine is way down the road, and could always change . . . .

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I'm excited to see how it comes together I love the 93 GS Vettes. Just don't do color matched wheels.

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

Alright, I get it. That means Mid America won't be assembling it. Sorry bud. Of course, just so everyone knows - Andy will be helping and I couldn't do it without his help. There.

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

That was the original idea but it's just way too expensive. I can get almost the entire engine for what a 427 LS1 longblock would cost. I'm on a budget.

DARK AGE 53

I hope you will be posting pics as the car starts to comes to life? How long do you think it will take you to complete the project, also will we be seeing at Bergers?

Al

PendragonZ

Good luck, and take plenty of progress shots!

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

Thanks and definately!

Steve1969LS1

iTrader: (1)

Be carefull.. they talked me into an LS1 for the 69

Sounds great Mark.. have it done by next year so I can come out for a ride

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

My goal right now is to have it completed by July of 2005. I'll still be hanging out here keeping everyone up to date on the progress. I'm looking into how to build my own website like Tony's too.

I'll be at all the same shows as Andy, especially Berger since it's an "all Chevy" show. Andy would't help me built it if I were just going to abandon him... I wouldn't abandon all my other F-body friends either just because I'm driving a different kind of Chevy. I'll just be 'that guy with the cool Vette' at all the F-body events. :p

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

Yea, but for some reason, your pockets seem to be bottomless...

If you come out here, I'll definately take you for a spin. By the way, how's your heart? It'll have close to 600hp and weigh a scant 2400 lbs.

Sunset01SS

iTrader: (4)

Sounds great Mark! Congrats

OctaneZ28

iTrader: (6)

Congrats on the new project, Mark!
I'll be looking forward to seeing the updates here, as well as the real thing when it's done.

Diesel

Sounds very cool! Can't wait to see some pics Mark.

Ling_650vette

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a kickass build! And altho the 383 is badass, and the 427 would just be insane, i'd say go w/ the orig engines the 63 GSs had and go all aluminum 377

And John, not tryin to be nit-picky...i know its your site, and you're cool as all hell (:p) but, werent the C4 GSs in 96? Unless you were meaning the orig GSs..then i'll take it as a typo from 63 - 93 :p

Todd2001SS

I am really happy for you Mark, I know you have been wanting this for some time now. I know it will be awesome!

Mark IXZD 150

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Todd.