Is it time yet?????

Ok, the Merc is almost ready to be farmed out to a 'glass company not determined yet and be offered for sale so it's time to start considering the next big project..

With the price of fuel, and the regs being the way they are I'm considering an ultra-light 2 seat roadster project that will utilize a modern engine and driveline combo that could be purchased at a salvage yard, or pulled from a donor car. But instead of the usual V-8 powering it, I'm opting for a 4 banger powered car with either a 5 speed or AOD that would not only be a great cruiser, but knock down some fuel mileage approaching the 40's....

Being the blue oval guy I am, my first choice would be the Zetec engine that Ford has out, the SVT guys at Ford have a package engine available for the Midget circle burner guys that is awsome, basically is a hot rodded Ford Focus engine. The body would be my own design, probably more sports car looking then T-bucket style..

Just wondering what you guys might think of such a project.... Body would be 'glass, frame would be a simple rectangular tubing affair with IFS and a late model readily available differential... So, here's a poll for ya:

I think this would be a great project and exciting to see being built. Not only would the engine combo pull down some good MPG numbers, but in a lightweight roadster it would fly.

Do you have a body design worked out in your head? Maybe something like the Old Yeller cars would be cool. :) :)

Don

How about a Massey Fergeson 4cyl like used in the British sports cars ( MG, Triumph Spitfire ect... ). mod to use a Holley 2300 2bbl, J pipe a turbocharger in, but use a cable operated exhaust cutout before turbo, then pipe the cutout side back into the exhaust, so you could open up the cutout, to act as a bypass, so when you wanted no turbo, you didn't need it, just pull a . they still got pretty decent MPG numbers. run 5-8 psi, you would still have a fun little car, when u wanted, and it would have a neat motor. 80's-90's Volvo 4cyl station wagons often had turbo's, there small and would work perfectly for what you would want. 2" hose outlets, 2" hose inlets, smaller Garrets is what they are. check for shaft end play, and make shure no oil is in intake side, if so, it's an oil burner. I could have had a couple for $40 each at the junkyard, but they were 2 small for my 6. there bolted directly to the exhaust manifold from the inside so you have to remove manifold to remove turbo, bolts are easy to get to. volvo motors are 2.4's

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Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I think this would be a great project and exciting to see being built. Not only would the engine combo pull down some good MPG numbers, but in a lightweight roadster it would fly.

Do you have a body design worked out in your head? Maybe something like the Old Yeller cars would be cool. :) :)

Don

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Yup, I do have some ideas, if I was any kind of an artist I could show you.... Unfortunately I have to use a ruler and a compass to draw stick people!!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: Hopefully you can visualize better then I can draw, but what I have in mind is more of wedge shape ala TR-7 or Fiero....then take out the sharp edges in favor of a tight radius.... I think this would leave room for a decent sized trunk that you could at least hide a fuel tank under and have room inside for a couple small suitcases.... Maybe a removal hardtop for us geezers who no longer appreciate being rained on???? I don't know, just kicking some ideas around I guess.....

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Originally Posted by Matt167

How about a Massey Fergeson 4cyl like used in the British sports cars ( MG, Triumph Spitfire ect... ). mod to use a Holley 2300 2bbl, J pipe a turbocharger in, but use a cable operated exhaust cutout before turbo, then pipe the cutout side back into the exhaust, so you could open up the cutout, to act as a bypass, so when you wanted no turbo, you didn't need it, just pull a . they still got pretty decent MPG numbers. run 5-8 psi, you would still have a fun little car, when u wanted, and it would have a neat motor. 80's-90's Volvo 4cyl station wagons often had turbo's, there small and would work perfectly for what you would want. 2" hose outlets, 2" hose inlets, smaller Garrets is what they are. check for shaft end play, and make shure no oil is in intake side, if so, it's an oil burner. I could have had a couple for $40 each at the junkyard, but they were 2 small for my 6. there bolted directly to the exhaust manifold from the inside so you have to remove manifold to remove turbo, bolts are easy to get to. volvo motors are 2.4's

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All of that is kewl for one off cars, I'm more after something that is easily obtainable at the wrecking yard.... Eventually if there's any interest in the car it would follow the path of the Mercs and the molds would be farmed out to an established 'glass company to reproduce and sell....

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

All of that is kewl for one off cars, I'm more after something that is easily obtainable at the wrecking yard.... Eventually if there's any interest in the car it would follow the path of the Mercs and the molds would be farmed out to an established 'glass company to reproduce and sell....

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I see. and your far from any boating bone yards I'd immagine, so that even leaves out Chevy 151 and 181 4cyls. Dosn't leave out the iron dukes tho

What about Chrysler 2.2 Turbo engines, well, there actually mitsu engines? or Ford 2.3 OHC Turbo engines? both are redially available, in the papers or junk yard. I see mid 80's T Bird turbo coupes go for $500 drivable. Turbo Lebarrons, and, Eagle Tallons, Eclipse, Lasers ect.. all had 2.2 turbos available. I guess, I'm hooked on Turbo's, but as a bennifet. turbo's will sell to the general public, because there viewed as some huge HP adder in the general market.

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Originally Posted by Matt167

I see. and your far from any boating bone yards I'd immagine, so that even leaves out Chevy 151 and 181 4cyls. Dosn't leave out the iron dukes tho

What about Chrysler 2.2 Turbo engines, well, there actually mitsu engines? or Ford 2.3 OHC Turbo engines? both are redially available, in the papers or junk yard. I see mid 80's T Bird turbo coupes go for $500 drivable. Turbo Lebarrons, and, Eagle Tallons, Eclipse, Lasers ect.. all had 2.2 turbos available. I guess, I'm hooked on Turbo's, but as a bennifet. turbo's will sell to the general public, because there viewed as some huge HP adder in the general market.

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Good ideas, but availability and condition would become an issue. The Zetec engine, or GM Ecotec is new and current and available from a multitude of sources. I've had a few Turbo's, too. The Turbo Coupe engine was great but now the majority of them would be at the age and condition when you find one they will be needing some major repair and overhaul work.... Doesn't make sense but the Merc body on the Crown Vic chassis generates more interest then the Merc on the custom chassis with the air ride suspension.... Most people want something simple, affordable, and maintenance free.

Ecotec from the Pontiac or Saturn roadsters comes with a fore and aft setup already and a 6 speed trans. Just glue a blue oval on the cam cover, nobody will know the difference.:LOL:

I can see that. lots of great ricer motors too ( I kno, I kno ) that make good power stock, find them wrecked all the time from kids, but there's no RWD trans for most. what about an AWD platform, using Suburu WRX parts?

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Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Ecotec from the Pontiac or Saturn roadsters comes with a fore and aft setup already and a 6 speed trans. Just glue a blue oval on the cam cover, nobody will know the difference.:LOL:

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Well, now 2 of us would know, and that's too many to keep it a secret for very long, though I have to say I admire the degree of dysfunction your mind is currently at!!!! It closely resembles my own!!!! Now there's something to be concerned about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Hey Dave, How about a retro look ala 53 ford 4dr shortened to 2dr,and then sectioned. Think t-bird proto type,just abit smaller and at least a ton lighter,lift off top,maybe even stealing windshield frame and glass etc from the newer T-bird so it's readily available. Just a thought, Hank

Dude, Dave, put down the pipe.

What we gonna call it, a "MEEK ROD"? :LOL: I guess unless you are putting an 800+ hp Cosworth in there :eek:

Kitz

This is exactly why I'm doing the flathead six rod, Dave. I think it'll be a good selling point and something different.

Many years ago when I was young (about 16) I wanted to build a fiberglass sports car (roadster) in the worse way, but my dad refused to go in that direction. So not having the funds to do it alone, I gave up on the idea. Now of course, when I am older and have the finances, the car I so dearly admired back then, is no longer sold to day. There are still some around in finished condition and very expensive I might add.

The car I was hot for then was the "Devin". A nice little 2 seat fiberglass roadster that could be built with a variety of platforms and engines, anything from a VW to a heart stopping 327. Unfortunately my dream of yesterday year will likely not come to be. But it would be fun to build one, even with a 4 banger like the supercharged Eco-Tec engine from GM or a nice little V8 like a 289. Here's a picture of the car in race trim.

There are a few Devin's around, seen a couple show up on eBay and sell at a reasonable price... Don't give up yet!!!!

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Originally Posted by kitz

Dude, Dave, put down the pipe.

What we gonna call it, a "MEEK ROD"? :LOL: I guess unless you are putting an 800+ hp Cosworth in there :eek:

Kitz

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Sure Kitz, send me all the Cosworth parts you have!!!! Man, would that be a blast!!!! Some of the Zetec's with Turbo's or Supercharges are putting down a healthy 160-180 RWHp, not a huge number but if done right in an under 2,000 pound car, could be fun and cheap to run!!!!

Thanks Dave. That's good to know. I think the last time I saw a new one for sale was probably back around 1964. They used to advertised them in various mags, like Sports Car Graphic and even Popular Mechanics.:LOL:

I'll have to keep an eye out for one, maybe there's still hope yet.

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Originally Posted by mopar34

Thanks Dave. That's good to know. I think the last time I saw a new one for sale was probably back around 1964. They used to advertised them in various mags, like Sports Car Graphic and even Popular Mechanics.:LOL:

I'll have to keep an eye out for one, maybe there's still hope yet.

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Also saw one digging through the classifieds on one of the SCCA sites, and have seen a couple, or maybe the same one twice, on racingjunk.com awhile back...

PS, here's a link to probably one of the nicest one's I've ever seen.... .tomstrongman.com/ClassicCars/Jerry%20Ward/Index.htm

Dave, While at the Goodguy thing here in Columbus, a Thom Taylor inspired roadster with Focus power was in attendance. It was cool with weber side draft carbs protruding from the side panel. The body was bobbed in back with a quick change rear end. A bud is building a 32 cabbed truck with a 2800 chevy motor trans combo from a 04 Colorado truck. As soon as my camera is replaced I will try to get some pics.

I voted earlier, but failed to comment. Imagine that, Dave. I think that would be a good idea. MPG plus performance makes sense it these days. :) :)

Here is a customer's "other car". This is in addition to his '40 Chevy.

I don't think I would go that way, but many are trying to recreate the earliest cars, so that would help sales.

The key would be choosing a rugged, moderate cost, and easily found engine, with speed equipment available. Obviously, it should have good performance potential, as some might want an added blower or turbo. I don't know how easily found a Pinto motor is, but I would consider that myself. If possible, it should also have a "generic" appearance. If there is a good candidate, I would go with a domestic engine, rather than an import, as I think that would make this combo most acceptable to a wide range of enthusiasts.

Sounds cool, would you dress up that little 4 banger and leave it out to show or close the hood? Trying to visualize....:confused:
Either way, sounds like a neat project!

Dave, my 2007 Chevy Colorado (Isuzu) 4-banger is rated at 185 hp. They also make a 5-cyl engine if you want something unique. You could use the engine, trans (5-speed or AOD), and rear end out of one of these - they are available with posi.

How about something that looks like an old Allard..?

I want to use the 94 ford v-6 out of a areo star ,good power ,200,000 mile engine ,auto overdrive ,rear wheel drive.You could probably use a good part of the areo star as a donor.They run forever and are plentiful and are at about the right age to purchased cheaply everywhere.

We used ours to tow a 20 ft extremely heavy car trailer from cali to kansas the north route there{very hilly} then the south route back ,just for a change.
We even idled the thing all night in needles at about 90 degrees ambient all night long:LOL: with the air running all night long at idle...................i.e. a very good engine.
My point is ,get too new on the engine and its too complicated for most and pretty exspensive,I would think you could build the whole thing for what a special 2007 or 2008 engine will cost.

I have thought very seriously to make a slant 6 T bucket. There is a guy here in town that has had a pinto powered T for years but doesn't show it because he got tired of hearing "Why a 4 banger?" and has had no luck trying to sell it. I would build one like the black one sort off and I would think it would be cool to run the wheels off of a rod without worrying about finding good fuel...often!!

I am for it Dave! You still may be double dipping your meds but thats beside the point!!

Dave, I have toyed with the idea of a mini T with motorcycle engine and trans. One with a shaft drive, havn't found one with a reverse gear yet, so you can't back up..........lol
Brad

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Originally Posted by BradC

Dave, I have toyed with the idea of a mini T with motorcycle engine and trans. One with a shaft drive, havn't found one with a reverse gear yet, so you can't back up..........lol
Brad

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Some of the newer Honda Gold Wings have a reverser!

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Originally Posted by HOTRODPAINT

Here is a customer's "other car". This is in addition to his '40 Chevy.

I don't think I would go that way, but many are trying to recreate the earliest cars, so that would help sales.

The key would be choosing a rugged, moderate cost, and easily found engine, with speed equipment available. Obviously, it should have good performance potential, as some might want an added blower or turbo. I don't know how easily found a Pinto motor is, but I would consider that myself. If possible, it should also have a "generic" appearance. If there is a good candidate, I would go with a domestic engine, rather than an import, as I think that would make this combo most acceptable to a wide range of enthusiasts.

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The "generic" look is exactly what I would be after, there is a copy of every copy already being built! I would imagine it would have a bit of this or that showing in the body, with so many cars built over the years, it would be impossible to have a body with a totally unique look!

I really appreciate all the input guys! At this point everything is just in the "think about it" stage.... Think next I will get some engine and driveline measurements and a sit down session with an artist buddy of mine and work out some sketch ideas... As always, the CHR bunch can be counted on for some very constructive input!!!! Again, thaks a bunch!

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Originally Posted by BradC

Dave, I have toyed with the idea of a mini T with motorcycle engine and trans. One with a shaft drive, havn't found one with a reverse gear yet, so you can't back up..........lol
Brad

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I think the Honda Gold Wings have reverse. I have seen some of the trike conversions have a reverse gear. Or maybe it's an aftermarket add-on.

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Some of the newer Honda Gold Wings have a reverser!

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Sort of like this??????????????

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/20...g-powered-grx/
Don

could get a supercharged 2.0 ecotec motor from a wrecked cobalt, i almost bought one of those cars :eek:

1 day left, just a thought. shouldn't be hard 2 create a 'glass mold http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Repli...QQcmdZViewItem

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Originally Posted by Matt167

1 day left, just a thought. shouldn't be hard 2 create a 'glass mold http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Repli...QQcmdZViewItem

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Those cars were never a hit first time around... It would have to be unique, not just another copy......

I love this part...

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Please note the wheels. These are rare, early sand buggy type.

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lololololol...... Rare, yea right thats a laugh as cheap as $54 here & new...joe

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Originally Posted by TooMany2count

I love this part...

lololololol...... Rare, yea right thats a laugh as cheap as $54 here & new...joe

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About as rare as white spoke wheels on a pickup!!!!:LOL: :LOL:

I saw price, and location, didn't even notice the wheels