How bad an idea is it to try to build a mid-engined El Camino? We were thinking about cuting a hole in the bed and relocating a SBC back there. Are there any major problems you could see us running into? I though of the shifter linkages and cooling system.
You may end up with a driveshaft about 1" long.
There was that problem to. What is the distance between the back of the cab and the rear axle?
Why not drop a Toronado drivetrain back there?
Toronado engine and transaxle. It's been done.
I like the idea. I've considered the same type swap on an econoline truck.
Dont think just do!!!! Coolness is sure to follow!!!! 
Now just to find a super cheap El Camino around Northern Alabama.
if I see one on the bham craigslist I'll shoot you a PM
Seems like the kind of vehicle that would be in high demand in Northern Alabama.
I think we are going to wait until the summer to buy one but if you see let me know.
V drive. You reverse the rear end and attach the engine ant trans in the normal position. Its been used for wheel standing drag cars. I think it was adapted from power boats. Find a derelict v-8 jet boat. New is not cheap.
http://www.casalev-drive.com/Home.html
Appleseed wrote: http://www.casalev-drive.com/Home.html
They used those in the Tumbler from Batman? Cool!
I've had a similar idea for a while. I like the V drive solution, but if you want alot more answers you might talk to some of the truck guys. Specifically mud boggers. Many of them have done engines in the back.
I'd go with an lsx and corvette t56 with a very short torque tube. You'd end up with a mid engined IRS el camino. That would suprise people.
In reply to 96DXCivic:
Seen it done, in an issue of Car Craft in the mid-80's.
The cool thing was, there was a 283 still under the hood.
Go with the 71-76 Eldorado drivetrain. 500 inches of Cadillac power will get the job done!
This is an awesomely bad idea.
Cargo space may be reduced....
Fit_Is_Slo wrote: Cargo space may be reduced....
Nah, there's plenty under the new front trunk lid.
GI_Drewsifer wrote: This is an awesomely bad idea.
I mean that in a good way.
Speaking of rear-mounted Toranado engines, there was a local guy who got a wild hair and put one in a tube framed brush buggy. It turned out pretty well, except for one: the steering worked, as did the throttle.
Just not both at the same time. Front end just wouldn't stay on the ground, even at moderate throttle. 
Doh!
Meh...until you put 2 Toranado drive trains in your car, your not as cool as this:
http://www.oldsclub.org/JWO/TheHairyHurstOlds/hairy_hurst_olds.htm
Knurled wrote: In reply to 96DXCivic: Seen it done, in an issue of Car Craft in the mid-80's. The cool thing was, there was a 283 still under the hood.
it was there for ballast.
Too many "big" engines fell to the guns of the 283 during the Super Stock wars of the 60s for that that to be true
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