Projects...

Oxbow · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:48

I'm itching to get something crazy under my belt in the form of a project.

I'm fairly mechanically savvy (can remove engines, strip them, rebuild them, sort timing, make looms, brakes, suspension, etc, etc), but I want to do something silly for a stupid track day car really.

Believe it or not, I'm thinking along the lines of the following.

A Nova / Corsa shell converted to either RWD/4WD, then shoving a BMW M lump (from a E46 3 series) in.

I know it may seem impossible, but I think its worth a go.

Has anyone any experience of this kind of thing, links to sites, etc. I'm really not afraid of the work involved and if it takes me 5 years to complete to get a proper job done then so be it.

Perhaps some other shell suggestions, i'm not just looking at GM set ups. I would be willing to even look more retro and assess Mantas, Mk1 Escorts, etc.

Thanks

Zip · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:49

How about a Toyota MK1 MR2 With the Toyota/Lexus V8(1UZ-FE) in it?

Firestar_3x · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:51

Personally id want to start with a sold base that didn't require loads of patching up, so nothing as old as a manta.

Oakesy2001uk · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:53

Zip said:
How about a Toyota MK1 MR2 With the Toyota/Lexus V8(1UZ-FE) in it?

not be a bit heavy engine? better off with a mk1 and a tuned MR2 turbo, that would be a nice project but has been done before I'm guessing.

Calibra turbo nova/corsa/astra are all common (and a bit chavtastic), there is loads you can do, try and find something origonal.

A properly done Mk 1 escort with something tasty in it would be good. MK1 escort cosworth! I can see it now!

Zip · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:55

Oakesy2001uk said:
not be a bit heavy engine? better off with a mk1 and a tuned MR2 turbo, that would be a nice project but has been done before I'm guessing.

Calibra turbo nova/corsa/astra are all common (and a bit chavtastic), there is loads you can do, try and find something origonal.

IIRC The UZ-FE is only 30 Kgs heavyer then the MR2 turbo and Camry engine.
They are light for what they are

Firestar_3x · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:55

Put a twin turbo RX7 lump into a MK1 MX5, it will be as fast as but also great great fun round the corners!

Oxbow · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:56

What I am aiming for is what looks like a white minter GSi (nova) that looks completely standard.

I know all the conversions of 2l Novas, 3.2V6 astras, etc, but an M lump in a GM shell....unique or not?

merlin · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:59

Hi Oracle.

Zip · 18 Aug 2006 at 10:59

Oxbow said:
What I am aiming for is what looks like a white minter GSi (nova) that looks completely standard.

I know all the conversions of 2l Novas, 3.2V6 astras, etc, but an M lump in a GM shell....unique or not?

Its a nova, no matter what you put in it it wont be unique

Try using a different car, it seems most people like to use novas and barinas for this kind of thing

Firestar_3x · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:00

merlin said:
Hi Oracle.

if true!

merlin · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:02

Firestar_3x said:
if true!

Pure speculation on my part.

But dont you just get a feeling he's someone with a new ID?

Zip · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:04

merlin said:
Pure speculation on my part.

But dont you just get a feeling he's someone with a new ID?

Why did he get banned? :confused:

merlin · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:05

Zip said:
Why did he get banned?

An excellent question.

Oxbow · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:11

merlin said:
Hi Oracle.

eh!?

Oh, just searched his username.

Oakesy2001uk · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:12

Firestar_3x said:
Put a twin turbo RX7 lump into a MK1 MX5, it will be as fast as but also great great fun round the corners!

get a 3 rotor in there :-)

Oxbow · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:16

I dont mind Jap cars, but I'd like to stay away from the turbos. Light with no lag is what i'd like. Although there wouldnt be much lag in a light shell anyway

Firestar_3x · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:17

Oxbow said:
I dont mind Jap cars, but I'd like to stay away from the turbos. Light with no lag is what i'd like. Although there wouldnt be much lag in a light shell anyway

Lag has nothing to do with how light the car is, thought you knew things about cars?

I'm fairly mechanically savvy (can remove engines, strip them, rebuild them, sort timing, make looms, brakes, suspension, etc, etc), but I want to do something silly for a stupid track day car really.

Must be thinking of someone else....

Zip · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:18

Oxbow said:
I dont mind Jap cars, but I'd like to stay away from the turbos. Light with no lag is what i'd like. Although there wouldnt be much lag in a light shell anyway

Check out this website and you will see what i mean by the MK1 with the V8

Once it has the V8 in it, It will end up weighing as much as the MK2 Mr2

www.twobrutal.co.uk

burns · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:21

Firestar_3x said:
Lag has nothing to do with how light the car is, thought you knew things about cars?

Holy witch hunt batman. Maybe he wants a light responsive car with no turbo lag?

I'd stay away from converting fwd to rwd. It's always struck me as likely to screw about with the cars handling, not sure though TBH. Plus it's waaay to much work

. A 205 with a CTR engine would be pretty cool but chances are it wouldn't fit. Just wondering what you'd likely be able to get one in.

Oakesy2001uk · 18 Aug 2006 at 11:23

burns said:
Holy witch hunt batman. Maybe he wants a light responsive car with no turbo lag?

I'd stay away from converting fwd to rwd. It's always struck me as likely to screw about with the cars handling, not sure though TBH. Plus it's waaay to much work. A 205 with a CTR engine would be pretty cool but chances are it wouldn't fit. Just wondering what you'd likely be able to get one in.

just stick something light and bg ghp in the back of a mini! hours of fun, great for a sleeper to!