Hey from the UK!
I'm currently working on a project car which will be on the recieving end of an LS1 and T56 in the next few months.
The car I'm working on is a 1972 Vauxhall Firenza (Vauxhall is the UK's main GM brand) which comes stock with a 2.3L slant four motor creating a massive 115hp
The whole thing should weigh around 2300 pounds when done, so I expect it to be "responsive"
I decided to go with the V8 as in South Africa, this car was sold as a Chevrolet Firenza and they made a Can-Am version with a Z28 small block for racing homologation, but they're very rare and very expensive. So far, my project stands me at less than $200.
Look at the attachment to see what one looks like, although mine is currently a stripped and rusty shell!
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In answer to some questions: Rear end-wise, I'm considering using a narrowed 10 bolt. The Firenza already has a 4-link rear end from the factory so I want to narrow the axle to the same width as stock and recreate the suspension pick-up points. I want the car to look stock(ish) so tubbing is out. At most, the LS1 will be getting a cam, headers and intake so the power shouldn't kill the 10 bolt (especially as the weight is much lower than the big ol' Camaro
)As for rallying, yeah they rallied them before the Chevette HS and HSR, but they weren't hugely successful against the Escorts. They really shone in Saloon Car Racing (Old Nail) and Thundersaloons (Baby Bertha).
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/429638-ls1-into-vauxhall-firenza.html




