Another build thread? Yep, my track-style T

[ScooterCO]

So... Tell us again what class this car was made for?
Your students look to have done a great job!

[The Bat]

OK with out going back over about 3 years post;
Did ya get the Holley 2bbl intake for that 4banger? and is it a 4 cly iron duke motor,? If so I got a lot of parts for that taking up space,we need to talk if that's the case

[J. Robinson]

Scooter - It's an Electrathon car. Electrathon America sanctions races for these cars. They have some very strict rules about safety and the cars are limited on battery power, but the design is up to the builder. Racing these is quite a challenge; ya have to combine aerodynamics, lightweight construction, low rolling friction, and motor/ battery efficiency while still trying to outrun everybody else. You can get all the info at: www.electrathonamerica.org and www.electrathonfl.homestead.com .

Also, I did a build thread on that car here on Club Hotrod. Take a look at it here: http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41183

[J. Robinson]

Bat - The engine I'm using is a 2.5L four-banger out of a 1987 Chevy S-10. Is that considered an "Iron Duke"? The manifold I got came from a local mini-stock racer. He wasn't sure where it came from, but our best guess is probably from an '80 - '82 Chevy Citation. They used this same engine, but the early ones were carbureted instead of injected. It includes an adapter to run a Holley 2-barrel carb. I also got the HEI distributor that has the coil in the cap and only requires one wire. The stock distributor had the coil separate and had a really weird wiring harness (computerized?). As soon as I get the porch project done I will get back on this project; my first objective will be to get some "fire in the hole". Let me know what you got... Do you still have my home e-mail address? Also, how's the roadster coming?

[The Bat]

My son is working on his 23 T-bucket,so I'm not doing much rite now on my 28"A" roadster,cus of space to work in..
What I have too much of,is 2.5 Fiaro"Iron Duke" parts from Mini stock racing, including alum Holley 500 2bbl intake and a complete street 1984 Fiaro,plus as I remeber 2 extra motors that are the same but newer design with roller cams,all covered up in shop some were to dig out. And a ported head.
Need to just trade off or sell super cheep-O.
Or a old V6 Nisson(Datson} complete car 4 parts,but runs for free,both power steering and AC are junk on this free-B to any one that will come git it. All to good to trash,but I may have too,get some space.

[J. Robinson]

Well, this sucks! I finally get all the home improvements done so I can go back to work on the roadster and I hit a real snag. The manifold I got from my neighbor (see my last post above) doesn't fit! The bolt holes all line up, but the intake ports are different. The ones in the head are higher up in relation to the older manifold... The Bat tried to help me by offering one of his old Fiero race car manifolds, but it won't fit either. At this point I have two alternatives: (1) I try to fabricate a manifold or (2) I pull this @#$%&! 4-banger out and replace it with a 350 Chevy. Every hotrod I've ever built has been small-block Chevy powered and I'm beginning to believe I should have stuck with the old "tried & true"... Here's a piece of advice for anyone considering using an S-10 engine in something - DON'T! There simply aren't any aftermarket parts for these things. I can't even find a chrome rocker cover, let alone an intake manifold. I'll keep you all posted...

[Itoldyouso]

Jim: Just the other night while I was working at the shop it dawned on me we hadn't heard from you for a while and I was wondering if you were ok. I was going to do a "where are you Jim post." Maybe I've been missing your posts on other subjects.

That really is tough about the engine. Are you sure nobody makes anything for these motors? With the 10 bazillion S10's they have built there must be something out there.

I know what you mean about availability of stuff for a sbc...........you can almost run to McDonalds and pick up parts for them. I'll do some internet snooping and see what I can find for your motor..........but as smart as you are I bet you've already done a bunch of that.

Don

[Itoldyouso]

Hey Jim, I read through your thread to try to find out what S10 engine you have, but didn't see that info. (OK, now I see it) However, I did find this on JC Whitneys website:


CARBURETOR CONVERSION KIT
Fits: Chevrolet S10 Pickup
Our Low Price:
$399.99 - $432.99
Financing Available:
Customer Review:
Availability:
All items ship in 5-7 days




* Genuine Weber carbs are NEW, not rebuilt!
* Replaces old carb for better performance, improved fuel economy
* Includes everything needed for an easy conversion and direct, bolt-on installation
* Designed for street use

These Weber Carburetor Conversion Kits are precalibrated based on use with a stock engine in YOUR specific vehicle. If your engine has been modified, recalibration may be required. Kit includes carburetor(s), manifolds or adapters, air filter(s), linkage, hoses, hardware, a complete set of installation instructions and technical support for sixty days.
Please note: These carburetors require only 2-1/2 to 3 lbs. of fuel pressure; you may need a new fuel pressure regulator if your vehicle has higher or inconsistent fuel pressure.
Year/Make/Model Additional Info Item Item # Unit Price Order
1982 - 1985
Chevrolet
S10 Pickup

* Engine Type: L4 1.9L 119CID, GAS, CARB, Aspiration:Natural, Vin:A

w/ Hitachi 2 Barrel Carburetor Carburetor Conversion Kit ZX538091F Kit $432.99 Ships in 5-7 days
1982 - 1985
Chevrolet
S10 Pickup

* Engine Type: V6 2.8L 173CID, GAS, CARB, Aspiration:Natural, Vin:B

w/ Rochester 2SE Carburetor Carburetor Conversion Kit ZX538123F Kit $399.99 Ships in 5-7 days


Whoops, just noticed you did post that it is an 87.........I'll keep looking. There might be some info in this thread for you too.......... http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f106/e...b-help-381838/
Don

[J. Robinson]

Thanks for researching on my behalf, Don. I hadn't thought of good ol' J.C.Whitney. If that system would fit a 1987 S-10 I would order it ASAP. Apparently, '86 was the change year. I have looked everyplace else I can think of, but I guess these engines are just unwanted bastards; nobody seems to make anything for them.

I saw one of these engines a couple years ago that had a homemade manifold and a pair of Harley Davidson carburetors. If I can get a flange made that won't break the bank, I will attempt to weld up one for myself to use a pair of Holley 94's or Stromberg 97's. If the machine cost on that flange is too exhorbitant, I will trash the 4-banger and go with a small-block. I really wanted to do something different (for me) this time, but maybe it just isn't worth the effort.

Sorry if I seem rather gloomy; I am just disappointed to get this far and encounter such a stupid problem...

[falconvan]

Looking good, Jim. Have you thought about just keeping the fuel injection? You could always build a harness from the s-10 harness and just eliminate what you're not using. Surely someone out there could reprogram the PCM to eliminate the emission controls that would be out of the picture. That four banger looks pretty darn cool sitting in there.

[J. Robinson]

Thanks, falconvan. I like the looks of it, too. I'm just frustrated by the lack of parts availability.

There are a couple of reasons why I don't want to use the fuel injection. First, the ugly looking manifold has a water jacket around the injector body that sticks out too far and interferes with my louvered hood side. Secondly, and most importantly, I don't know the first friggin' thing about working on EFI systems and I don't know anybody around here who knows enough to modify it and make it work. Finally, I'd like to have a more traditional looking system with one or two carburetors that I can fix myself if it breaks down on me somewhere.

One way or another, I'll whip this problem...

[Itoldyouso]

I know you are discouraged Jim, but you've overcome bigger obstacles than this one building cars. The way I look at the problems that crop up during construction is that this isn't a car I have to depend on every day to get to work and all. It is only a hobby, so if I have to walk away for a day or month or year then go back to it with renewed enthusiasm, that is what I will do.

Maybe the pre 87 head will bolt on the later block, then you could use one of the intakes that are available. Or take the intake gasket to someone who can cut out a flange the same shape and weld up your own intake.

Just back away from it for a while and remember that this is "supposed" to be fun. Plus, you already have a cool coupe to tool around in, so it isn't like you are rodless.

You will figure it out.

Don

[BradC]

Jim, A friend of mine has an extra S-10 4cyl (yes I paid him this month to be my friend) I will call him and see what year.
BradC

[J. Robinson]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. You're absolutely right, Don. The coupe is a permanent member of the family and it is a pleasure to drive.

I have decided to build a manifold from scratch. My long-time good friend, Dick York (http://dickshotrodplace.com/), is sending me a carburetor gasket to use as a pattern for the carburetor flanges. I will build a log type manifold for two carburetors and then ship it to him to have the carbs set up and plumbed. I have no idea what Dick has in mind, but I know it will be really nice. He is an absolute fanatic for meticulous detail. Check out the gallery on his website and you'll see what I mean...

[Itoldyouso]

See. now wasn't that easy! Glad you found a solution. Sounds like it is going to be a nice piece too. With the current interest in back to roots rodding a lot of guys will benefit from you posting how you build the manifold.

Don