Keith wrote:You should be able to fix that with a shifter modified like a Shelby Cobra.Derick Freese wrote:That's true, the F20C is a pretty tall motor. I'd have no problem with a new transmission tunnel, though.
You'll end up with the shifter back by the rear axle :)
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Feb. 11, 2012 12:44 p.m. DeadSkunk Dork
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Feb. 11, 2012 1:34 p.m. ansonivan Dork
Lancia Scorpion any day, cannot deny the wedge.
9 second Opel GT video I shot this fall: http://youtu.be/CMvzhiQozhE?t=26s
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Feb. 11, 2012 2:25 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork
Opel swap shifter position fix:
Just turn it the other way (put body mounted shifter in front of the transmission part, run the rod forward).
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Feb. 11, 2012 7:49 p.m. Ian F SuperDork
In reply to Curmudgeon:
I've seen that set-up a 100 times, but I still can't wrap my brain around how it actually shifts the transmission and doesn't just flex like mad.
If based on performance, probably the Lancia... but if based on desire, I gotta go with the Opel. I've always liked those.
I wonder how well a rotary could fit in a GT?
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Feb. 11, 2012 8:14 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork
The secret is the two ends of the rod have rigid bushings, not rod ends. Whichever way the remote shift lever goes, the rear one will too. Works like a charm. The first one I saw in real life was in the Thunder Midget at the '06 Challenge, it worked great.
Rotary Opel GT: BTDT. You need to build a header for it because there is no way the stock cast iron manifold will work. The engine will easily fit under the hood, EFI intake and all. The radiator mounting area is pretty dang small, an aluminum 'Scirocco' radiator like the drag race guys use is the best solution. I think a Jeep Cherokee radiator could be mounted way down low in the front but I'm not seeing a real big reason to go to all that trouble.
On the RX7 transmission, it's easy to move the shifter forward about 4" and that puts it in a good spot. I have done this on three different transmissions, it's easy. I moved my engine way back because I wanted the whole thing behind the front axle centerline, this got the bellhousing too close to the floorpan on the drivers side which meant sheet metal modifications. If you aren't really concerned about that and scoot the engine forward a couple of inches, there will be minimal interference between the engine and firewall.
The Opel has a cable clutch, you'll need to modify the stock clutch pedal for a clevis hole and reinforce the firewall so you can mount a clutch master cylinder, it's a snug fit and will require dinging the inner fender to clear the clutch M/C. Or, as I did on my rotary J-H, you can make a mechanism to let the RX7 clutch fork work with a cable setup. That takes some fabrication but is not what I'd call difficult.
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Feb. 11, 2012 10:40 p.m. amg_rx7 HalfDork
The Opel is TINY. Makes a Miata feel big. Friend of mine had one back in the day...
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Feb. 11, 2012 10:52 p.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork
Swmbo also votes Scorpion fwiw.
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Feb. 12, 2012 7:54 a.m. FlightService SuperDork
This one isn't so close as the last one. Fiat wins
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Feb. 12, 2012 7:55 a.m. FlightService SuperDork
Meant to say Lancia LOL
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Feb. 12, 2012 3:52 p.m. oldeskewltoy HalfDork
oldopelguy wrote:
Give me an Opel Manta over both.
The winner.......
one for the box flare crowd...
The first genertion Manta was one of the prettiest econo Euro rides out there.... remember 1970
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Feb. 12, 2012 4:22 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork
that's funny.. my Father brought a Kadett Rally car over from Europe that he bought new there.. (and this was a homogulation special too, not the spotlight and tape version) and he hates the manta
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Feb. 12, 2012 5:37 p.m. fast_eddie_72 SuperDork
oldeskewltoy wrote:
The first genertion Manta was one of the prettiest econo Euro rides out there.... remember 1970
One of... but second to the car it was inspired by.
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Feb. 12, 2012 6:22 p.m. FlightService SuperDork
fast_eddie_72 wrote:
oldeskewltoy wrote:
The first genertion Manta was one of the prettiest econo Euro rides out there.... remember 1970
One of... but second to the car it was inspired by.
Love the Capri, maybe the next fight -
Feb. 12, 2012 7:06 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork
Lancia for me please
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Feb. 13, 2012 11:02 a.m. oldeskewltoy HalfDork
FlightService wrote:
fast_eddie_72 wrote:
oldeskewltoy wrote:
The first genertion Manta was one of the prettiest econo Euro rides out there.... remember 1970
One of... but second to the car it was inspired by.
Love the Capri, maybe the next fightI've owned 3 mark 1 Capris... 2 - 2600, and 1 - 2800. I very much LOVE the Capri... and its performance versions(Group 2 box flared warriors)... but the exterior styling of the 1st gen Manta is so much more sculpted. And you guys need to learn about that orange one... with the suspension poking through... boosted 5 cyl Volvo power makes that little Manta OUTRAGIOUS
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Feb. 13, 2012 3:17 p.m. racerdave600 Dork
um...my sister had an Opel in HS, Lancia hands down. Sorry Opel people, but it was very unispiring, except for the cool flip over headlights!
The Lancia is a sweet driving car by comparison.
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Feb. 13, 2012 3:20 p.m. fast_eddie_72 SuperDork
oldeskewltoy wrote:
And you guys need to learn about that orange one... with the suspension poking through... boosted 5 cyl Volvo power makes that little Manta OUTRAGIOUS
I read about that car somewhere- it really is very cool.
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Feb. 13, 2012 7:50 p.m. wlkelley3 Dork
racerdave600 wrote:
um...my sister had an Opel in HS, Lancia hands down. Sorry Opel people, but it was very unispiring, except for the cool flip over headlights!
The Lancia is a sweet driving car by comparison.
No worries, I agree and I own one. That I know of the only running one in our area. Those cable operated headlights are cool though.
It is basically an economy car with a sports car body. They aren't nearly as fast of people claim. I think it's funny when I take mine out and people come up and say they had a friend that had one and they would peg the speedometer. Yeah right, speedo goes to 160-mph and car specs say it tops at just over 100. Starting to get irratating. Mine was given to me by my dad and 1st owner was a family friend so I have all the original paperwork and it is an all original numbers matching car. Plus it was in good shape, no rust. So I restored it. Because of history in the family and it was my first complete resto, I'll keep it. And enjoy it for what it is.

