Tech School Auto Shop Creativity Challenge

Confirmed: we're getting a 2003 Jetta 1.8t/automatic, with a bad engine (sludged/no oil pressure)

Based on the info, you have a good variety of engines and drivetrains to provide exposure to different designs and their unique features. Here are my suggestions based on the info so far:

1) 2005 Taurus - use to teach basic maintenance and repairs. Simple things like fluids, brakes, tune up. I would expect this to be typical of the type of car they would run into for normal repairs/maintenance after leaving the program. Sell (if allowed) to provide funds for other projects.

2) 2005 Stratus - I'm not sure about the aftermarket, but it could be an example of what they could find for reasonable cost. Attack it in stages so the kids can see their part of it to completion.

• Its an auto, but is can still be made to have a better stance and handle better. Make look better and handle better through some suspension improvements (ride height, spring rate, sway bars).
• Forced induction - Add turbo (from 1.8t?) or supercharger. This would supplement the handling improvement and allow you to use the auto as a way to maintain boost.
• Also See above, regarding maintenance.

3) Fusion - Get a dealer to donate a key, There must be one on Memorial drive or along I-91 that would be willing to help out. Start out like the Taurus, with maintenance and an understanding of how the hybrid system works. Sell to support other projects.

4) Saab - This could be take a similar approach to the one proposed for the Stratus, but much more fun. Handling first, performance next, and then upgrade the parts that break.

5) Blazer - Get everything working and current on maintenance. This could be an opportunity to learn what goes on inside a transfer case. Once everything is working, start with incremental modifications. Suspension lift (work on fab skills), body lift, lockers, roll cage, rock rails, and/or skid plates.

6) Dodge - This one is tough because you really need to know what you will use for a drivetrain before you can do too much prep. If you are allowed to sell any of the others, or seek out donations then I would suggest sticking with a Dodge drivetrain, but maybe try to find a newer 5.2 or 5.9 with an OD trans. The mid 90's truck had FI and OD, but the trans was mechanical except for OD and the lockup converter, so the trans controller wouldn't be difficult and could be done with a toggle switch to start.

We're a program for 18-25y/o at-risk youth.

I guess you could say something similar about the school i teach at. I've basically written off our school-owned vehicles as they won't even get us repair parts for them.

In your position i would bypass the limited power of the 4.3 Blazer by building it as an off-roader and gearing the ever-loving-crap out of it until it tops out at 56mph and does nutso 4lo launches in the parking lot.

I would slam out the dodge and build whatever driveline you can get someone to donate for it. It's old enough to be a 'hot rod' to most casual onlookers. Give it the look and the sound and they'll like it.

M030 wrote: Confirmed: we're getting a 2003 Jetta 1.8t/automatic, with a bad engine (sludged/no oil pressure)

Any kid that gets all the cels off.....gets an a?

Are jy field trips out of the question? I bet you could scare up enough donations to find a workable modern v8 dodge drivetrain (hint: ask here). Learning how to find a decent one in the yard could be a good lesson, too.

An important, yet often overlooked question: what do you think they would be interested in building with the limited resources available?

In reply to penultimeta:

I hope so! We can only work with what we've got. If their dreams were to come true, the school would get a GTR and we'd build stuff like RSX-swapped Civics. Honestly, I'd love that,too, but the reality is decrepit old Taurus and Stratus like. Those are the cards we're dealt and we do the best we can with it. Both of us (teachers) bring in our own cars fairly regularly, to keep it interesting. I've got an old Boxster with RoW M030, and fellow-teacher, "Sesto Elemento" has me completely outclassed with his manual-swapped IS300 SportCross with remote-reservoir coil overs and his turbo Elise powered MR2. The kids love his cars!

I too vote for the "Muscle Truck" theme on the Dodge.

Inspiring these guys to be future gears heads MUST include exposure to the Chevy LSx V-8's. It's clear the future of cheap power is this engine platform. TONS & TONS of aftermarket now, and continuing to grow every day.

How about a complete Engine/tranny/computer swap into the Dodge for the first semester/year and then after it's running/driving move on to swapping on Go-Fast parts.

Both of us (teachers) bring in our own cars fairly regularly, to keep it interesting. I've got an old Boxster with RoW M030, and fellow-teacher, "Sesto Elemento" has me completely outclassed with his manual-swapped IS300 SportCross with remote-reservoir coil overs and his turbo Elise powered MR2. The kids love his cars!

Students love my turbo minivans. Too bad neither one of them has AC and i live in South Texas.. Students haven't seen either one in months!