Thread: Is it time yet?????

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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

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

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!!!!! 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.....

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

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....

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....

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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"? I guess unless you are putting an 800+ hp Cosworth in there

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!!!!