This project has stalled out for too long. I am tired of it sitting in the weeds and don't think I will ever get to it. I'm only listing here for a challenge build (doesn't have to be a challenge car, just want it to go to a board member).
It is very much just a shell with suspension loosely attached. I have some seats to go in it. It does have a clear title.
Here is the build thread for it with a few pictures.
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/opel-kadett-caravan-2018-challenge-build/140073/page1/
There is rust since it came from MN, it is still fairly solid though.
Options:
Rolling shell: $200
Add VFR750 engine: +$100
Add BMW K100 engine: +$500
Located in Columbus, OH
Prices negotiable if you want a package deal or everything, I just want to see someone do something with it.
The wheelbase is 5.9" longer than a Miata.
Oh man that's way too tempting.
You don't by chance have headlights or headlight trim for this thing?
RacetruckRon said:
Oh man that's way too tempting.
You don't by chance have headlights or headlight trim for this thing?
It's possible i have the headlight trim. I'll have to take a look inside it.
Want is high. Need is so so. My financial ability is way low. But then I saw price. And K100 engine. I have a VERY low miles K1100... we need to talk! How we gonna get it down to lower AL?
This thing is in my head as one of two things. The first is an angry little 4cyl autocross monster with more Miata suspension or as a snorting V8 drag car, the Swedes love turning these into grudge cars.
In reply to RacetruckRon :
Snorting LS swap in Miata suspensioned car for best of both worlds?
Stampie said:
In reply to RacetruckRon :
Snorting LS swap in Miata suspensioned car for best of both worlds?
Snorting, mid-engine, LS swap in a Miata suspensioned car for the best of all worlds
Just got a chance to look at the build thread. Great stuff. To think about the K-bike engine; although the horizontal engine is quite wide, and driveshaft output is on the right, could the tail shaft be rotated upside down? Despite owing Ks, I've never been that far into the transmission / output shaft. I wouldn't mind modifying a housing, but doubt the gears would tolerate being turned upside down.
Have also thought about just the K-bike engine, with a Alfa transaxle in the rear?
I'd hate to give up the HP potential of the 100 or 1100 4 cyl, but a K75 3cyl is shorter!
If you go through Atlanta on the way to the challange, I could meet ya on an interstate exit!
I checked inside the car and couldn't find any headlight trim with a quick search.
I also forgot to mention that the K100 engine probably isn't suitable to go back into a motorcycle. I cut some of the aluminum housing around the driveshaft to try to make it fit in the engine bay better. It doesn't affect anything for use in a car but it won't bolt back up to the torque tube/swingarm on a BMW anymore.
In reply to EvanB :
Is it still on Miata rear suspension as shown in some of the build thread pics?
In reply to Indy "Nub" Guy :
No, it has the stock rear axle. The Miata suspension is gone.
Damn... I wish I had the space and time for this. A Kadett wagon would be so much fun.
It's like a cooler Nova II.
I'm glad this is on the other side of the country.
I need to figure out how to convince the wife driving up to Ohio for a weird little wagon is a good idea.
EvanB sending you an email.
If race truck Ron passes on it, how soon would it need picked up?
Edit: I may be interested after talking to wife and checking on trailer, and when I could get down to Columbus.
It doesn't need to be gone immediately, it is stashed in the back yard right now with all the other projects that are being ignored.
I'll post some additional pictures to show the rust issues when I get a chance.
The rust looks worse than I remember, maybe just because it has been sitting a couple years. I took the rear axle out to test fit the Miata rear subframe and all the unibody chassis rails looked good, the rust is mainly the rockers/quarter panels in front of the rear wheels. The stock axle is back under it now (kinda, just held in enough to roll).
Driver side quarter/rocker in front of rear wheel:
Driver side front fender/rocker:
Floor behind driver seat:
Passenger rear floor:
Looking back from driver seat to rear quarter and rear wheel well:
Passenger rocker:
I'm gonna pass on this one, this go round. I don't know when I'd be able to make an 18 hour round trip to Ohio and back.
In reply to EvanB :
I think I am out too. A little too much rust.
You can fix the rust when you modify the wheelbase 5.9" for the Flyin/Monster style Miata v8 skateboard
