What car to use... what do you think?
10-26-2007, 12:07 AM
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What car to use... what do you think? i realize this is a very broad, open topic...
but this is step one of a big project. i just set aside close to $25,000 for a project car. something that has no deadline, to be assembled by me. similar to the fd rx7, but something unique.
my "goal" is a car, powered by an LS1, h/c in the future, on a painless wiring kit. after basic motor work, hopefully in the 11's.
right now, i haven't done much research on bay dimensions and such, but for sheer pleasure value, i've narrowed it to a few possibilities.
300zx - shells are cheap, style is beautiful. stock rear is reuseable.
audi tt - might be possible on one that was awd.
slk230 - small, solid, classy, mature. getting cheap. no idea regarding stock rear.
s2000 - stock rear sucks. as light as rx7.
rx8 - kinda blah styling. last choice. know nothing about the car.
again, not sure if any of those cars will be too small.
i am open to any suggestions on other small cars. please feel free to reccomend something similar.
but this is step one of a big project. i just set aside close to $25,000 for a project car. something that has no deadline, to be assembled by me. similar to the fd rx7, but something unique.
my "goal" is a car, powered by an LS1, h/c in the future, on a painless wiring kit. after basic motor work, hopefully in the 11's.
right now, i haven't done much research on bay dimensions and such, but for sheer pleasure value, i've narrowed it to a few possibilities.
300zx - shells are cheap, style is beautiful. stock rear is reuseable.
audi tt - might be possible on one that was awd.
slk230 - small, solid, classy, mature. getting cheap. no idea regarding stock rear.
s2000 - stock rear sucks. as light as rx7.
rx8 - kinda blah styling. last choice. know nothing about the car.
again, not sure if any of those cars will be too small.
i am open to any suggestions on other small cars. please feel free to reccomend something similar.
Last edited by jbell; 10-26-2007 at 12:41 AM.
10-26-2007, 08:57 AM
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The 300zx and S2000 have been done so at least there would be some info out there to help you get it done. I think the S2000 is the better looking of the two. However, personally I would just do the Rx7 so it would just be a bolt in deal(as bolt in as an ls1 swap can be) and be done with it.
10-26-2007, 12:08 PM
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As far as the rx-8 goes, hinson is currently working on making a subframe for it. Says he should be done in a couple months if not soon IIRC. He is also working on kit for the 350z, and at least one of those has been done. May be outside of your budget considering the cost of the 350, but something to look into.
10-26-2007, 01:19 PM
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10-26-2007, 01:48 PM
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Are general handling dynamics or weight much of a concern to you? In order of importance what do you value? Comfort, weight, handling, straight line speed, being unique, budget.
Mine are handling, weight, budget, straight line, comfort, unique. Makes it easier to suggest one of youir choices or suitable alternatives. I went with the second gen rx7 because of my requirements, likley one of the cheapest platforms for these swaps around. But you know about rx7's.
Mine are handling, weight, budget, straight line, comfort, unique. Makes it easier to suggest one of youir choices or suitable alternatives. I went with the second gen rx7 because of my requirements, likley one of the cheapest platforms for these swaps around. But you know about rx7's.
10-26-2007, 02:08 PM
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i just want something thats going to be reliable (not a problem with a relatively stock ls1)
i want it to go like a scalded ape.
i want it handle as close to, or better than stock.
is something like a tt even feasable?
should i save myself the effort and go straight for the z?
is it worth the headache of the german car to have the luxury and pimp roof?
i want it to go like a scalded ape.
i want it handle as close to, or better than stock.
is something like a tt even feasable?
should i save myself the effort and go straight for the z?
is it worth the headache of the german car to have the luxury and pimp roof?
10-26-2007, 03:15 PM
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I think the TT would be feasable. Someone put a ls1 into a evo, as well as miatas. I think the biggest problem would be the transmission, but it may fit as well. Out of what you listed, I would either go with a 300zx or the rx-8. I think a rx-8 with a good powered motor would be awesome.
10-26-2007, 03:29 PM
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i agree, but the rx8's are still a bit expensive, plus im not really a fan of the styling.
anyway- the 300zx is my failsafe. i know its possible and (relatively) easy.
the tt would be the coolest in my opinion.
i am not sure if the fwd and awd chassis are the same...meaning tranny tunnel size.
i have no idea if the hole for the awd tranny is big enough to fit the t56 or 4l60e (what is bigger t56 or 4l60e?)
anyway- the 300zx is my failsafe. i know its possible and (relatively) easy.
the tt would be the coolest in my opinion.
i am not sure if the fwd and awd chassis are the same...meaning tranny tunnel size.
i have no idea if the hole for the awd tranny is big enough to fit the t56 or 4l60e (what is bigger t56 or 4l60e?)
10-26-2007, 05:51 PM
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i think what it comes down to is me being torn between the slk and the z.
i have no idea if the benz is big enough though.
i cant find any stock trans photos
i cant find any enpty engine bay photos
i cant find any undercarriage shots.
they do fit a big blown v6 in the slk32 though... that rear should be solid enough to hold the v8's power.
i wondrer if i could stick a ls1 with t56/4l60e in there and use the stock rear.
i have no idea if the benz is big enough though.
i cant find any stock trans photos
i cant find any enpty engine bay photos
i cant find any undercarriage shots.
they do fit a big blown v6 in the slk32 though... that rear should be solid enough to hold the v8's power.
i wondrer if i could stick a ls1 with t56/4l60e in there and use the stock rear.
10-26-2007, 10:45 PM
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the slk320 (same body) uses a v6, so it should be wide enough to fit the ls1.
the slk230 (the cheaper of the two) uses an inline 4, so it should be long enough to fit the v8.
the slk32 amg (special amg model) uses a v6 with a roots style blower, with the stock hood, so the ls1 should fit depth wise.
here is the bay of the 320 (v6) http://photos2.ebizautos.com/1306/2191273_23.jpg
if all that **** on the sides was removed i really think the ls1 will fit.
im picturing:
black slk
multispoke wheels, possibly (http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheel...r_gt_ci3_l.jpg)
lowered
tinted tails
ls1 in a bay with tucked wires and fuse boxes and carbon fiber fuel rail covers.
4l60e automatic trans, paddle shifters (http://news.hspn.com/content_images/...k_f1paddle.jpg and http://images.superchevy.com/technic...er_display.jpg)
giggity.
the slk230 (the cheaper of the two) uses an inline 4, so it should be long enough to fit the v8.
the slk32 amg (special amg model) uses a v6 with a roots style blower, with the stock hood, so the ls1 should fit depth wise.
here is the bay of the 320 (v6) http://photos2.ebizautos.com/1306/2191273_23.jpg
if all that **** on the sides was removed i really think the ls1 will fit.
im picturing:
black slk
multispoke wheels, possibly (http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheel...r_gt_ci3_l.jpg)
lowered
tinted tails
ls1 in a bay with tucked wires and fuse boxes and carbon fiber fuel rail covers.
4l60e automatic trans, paddle shifters (http://news.hspn.com/content_images/...k_f1paddle.jpg and http://images.superchevy.com/technic...er_display.jpg)
giggity.
Last edited by jbell; 10-26-2007 at 10:53 PM.
10-27-2007, 12:11 AM
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4l60e automatic trans, paddle shifters (http://news.hspn.com/content_images/...k_f1paddle.jpg
giggity.
giggity.
Where can I find more info on the paddle shifters?
Oh and I would do a G35 Coupe.
10-27-2007, 12:35 AM
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I agree, if you want to be the first do something, you will have to be creative. I am currently trying to see if I can put a ls1 into a MKIV supra, and nobody has done that to the best of my knowledge. Going to be hard to do.
10-27-2007, 02:54 AM
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thats the most complete kit i've seen. it lets you eliminate the big goofy automatic shift handle. would be nice to be able to elimate that, and use the space for something like a lcd touch screen.
g35 would be fun, but:
i think i need a shell in the 10k range.
that leaves 10k for engine, managment, etc and mounting.
and 10k for misc & supporting mods. (body work, suspension, wheels, brakes, etc.)
i've seen a picture... somewhere.