Sonofa... WTB Miata; Ugly Is Perfect!
Ok guys A friend and I are looking at looking at building a $2009 Challenge car. We have an available 5.0 but we need a chassis to swap into. I was thinking an 2nd gen RX-7. Any other suggestions?
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Oct. 6, 2008 11:24 p.m. 96DXCivic New Reader
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Oct. 6, 2008 11:28 p.m. Osterkraut Reader
I hear they're really easy to swap into Foxbody Mustangs...
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Oct. 6, 2008 11:46 p.m. ReverendDexter New Reader
Osterkraut wrote:
I hear they're really easy to swap into Foxbody Mustangs...
You'd think that. But then you have to deal with the horrible non-parallel 4-link rear suspension that makes it all not worth it, or replace it with a torque arm (which means fab or $$$).
My list of candidates, in no paticular order: 240 or 280Z 200SX 240SX (screw SR20s!) N/A 300ZX (Z32) Mk III Supra, 3rd gen Camaro 2wd Minitruck The aforementioned FC Pinto Miata Locost TE Corolla (pre-AE86 bodystyles)
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Oct. 7, 2008 12:48 a.m. fiat22turbo SuperDork
Use a minitruck frame and build a Track "T" roadster replica.
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Oct. 7, 2008 1:20 a.m. thatsnowinnebago Reader
E30?
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Oct. 7, 2008 1:41 a.m. curtis73 Reader
They fit E30s quite nicely with a little trimming.
They do fit Fox bodies and they're cheap. For the cost to design and build your own rear trailing arms, it might be a pretty cheap thing.
They fit into G-body GMs if you modify the oil pans and the crossmember... but its not cost effective for a $200X challenge.
But.. talk about cheap... How about a Ford Ranger? Its not an inspired performer, but I've seen some C4 IRS's swapped in. That would kick ass... a Ranger with a 302, mustang front bits, and a C4 IRS.
I had a buddy who did an LT1 in an X-cab S10. He mid-mounted the LT1 with half of it in the bed and half in the X-cab, and a short driveshaft to the D44. It was a nice ride.
Think about this... how about the 302 with a C5 T56 transaxle (modified with a ford input shaft and front adapter plate) mid-mounted in the bed of a Ranger? I'd vote for it.
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Oct. 7, 2008 6:04 a.m. ddavidv SuperDork
Volvos. Tons of room and sturdy enough to take it.
Ranger frames are not the strongest things in the world. Not exactly a great basis for a corner carver.
I'd love to dump one into an early 1970s Mercedes.
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Oct. 7, 2008 6:24 a.m. SoloSonett Reader
Got a torch and a welder? Then it'll fit into ANYTHING
I was planning the SoloSonett for a 5.0 ( you know swap a Ford V-4 for a Ford V 8) But could find none at a reasonable $$. Seems everyone wants them for Cobra kits and parts guys know it.
My bud deciced to re-place his C P Camaro L-98 with a crate 350 so I bought his engine and trans and freshened it up.
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Oct. 7, 2008 6:54 a.m. jwdmotorsports Reader
ddavidv wrote:
Volvos. Tons of room and sturdy enough to take it.
I second the Volvo. I think it would be cool to build an old wagon as a challenge car.
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Oct. 7, 2008 7:00 a.m. cwh Dork
Early first gen RX7's are lightest, at under 2400#, have plenty of room. If you have fab skills you can make your own mounts, or a Granny's Speed Shop adapters for a no-weld swap. Rear end will hold 400hp, but are a high ratio. Check Granny's web site for lot's of encouragement. Not much "WOW" factor now with this swap, but still a lot of goodness. Yeah, I want one.
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Oct. 7, 2008 7:25 a.m. Jensenman UltimaDork
Zamboni. Oh, wait... been done.
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Oct. 7, 2008 9:04 a.m. 914Driver HalfDork
I put a SBC in a bugeye when I was 18. Little frame twist but I'm smarter now.
What was Andy pushing that bug with at the Challenge?
Dan
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Oct. 7, 2008 10:05 a.m. skruffy Dork
240z. I've driven a stock ranger and it was scary enough without a bunch of horsepowers.
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Oct. 7, 2008 10:16 a.m. pinchvalve SuperDork
Mid-engine Escort EXP. If you can find one.
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Oct. 7, 2008 10:18 a.m. JThw8 Dork
914Driver wrote:
I put a SBC in a bugeye when I was 18. Little frame twist but I'm smarter now.
What was Andy pushing that bug with at the Challenge?
Dan
Andy's an SBC guy. Pretty sure that was a 350 chevy.
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Oct. 7, 2008 10:49 a.m. 96DXCivic New Reader
Right now, we have limited access to a welder but I am hoping to get a welder for christmas.
