vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/24/24 12:58 p.m.

Elky

So it has the 3.8L v6. I have the 350 from the Astro build, plus a TBI set up. Bad idea?

Add a cap and it becomes a hotel room on wheels for track day shenanigans.

Bonus points, the wife thinks they're ugly.

 

RacingComputers
RacingComputers GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
8/24/24 1:02 p.m.

We raced dirt bikes out of one for about 4 years back in 19 ' O SH$$

 

Only issue was the 307 Ci boat anchor in the front.

 

More power, good shocks and springs, rebuilt tranny, go for it

 

Enjoy

I could see that one hiding a lot of rust damage but it's cheap enough. 

How strong is your mullet game?

vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/24/24 1:15 p.m.
stanger_mussle (Supported by GRM undergarments) said:

I could see that one hiding a lot of rust damage but it's cheap enough. 

How strong is your mullet game?

I was a hockey player for ten years if that tells you anything!

11GTCS
11GTCS SuperDork
8/24/24 1:46 p.m.

In reply to vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) :

The fact that the "package deal" including the trailer is only $200 more than what they're asking for the El Camino is enlightening.   I'll agree with others that rust is likely a major issue for that one and no way is it worth the $1,800 asking price especially since it's missing a title.  ( I know you're in Vermont but that changed a year or so ago right?)

Tom1200
Tom1200 PowerDork
8/24/24 2:27 p.m.

I used a 65 Ford Galaxy for a tow vehicle for 2 years. I was towing my 1200 (1600lbs) on a 600lb trailer. It did just fine.

vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/24/24 3:13 p.m.

In reply to 11GTCS :

Over 15 years old not necessary.  I think there was enough push back about that. The loophole for out of staters is gone though I believe.

 

vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/24/24 3:15 p.m.

In reply to 11GTCS :

Yes, I agree. I have asked for pics of the undercarriage.

Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter)
Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
8/24/24 5:36 p.m.

They were rated for 4-5k trailering from the factory if you checked the right boxes. Go for it. You could dual purpose it as a Challenge car!

SV reX
SV reX MegaDork
8/24/24 6:06 p.m.

In reply to Gearheadotaku (Forum Supporter) :

 

They were rated for up to 4,000-5,000 lbs if you checked all the right boxes. The 3.8 Elky should have a 2:73 rear. They were only rated for 2000 lbs with a 200 lb tongue weight. 

Even with a V8 they maxed out at 5000 lb rating. 
 

So, it depends what you are towing! (They were all towing challenged)

 

The package deal price with the trailer looks like a good opportunity- tow the car home, then sell the trailer and get back most of your money. 
 

I think that one has some rust...

 

93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo UberDork
8/24/24 8:42 p.m.

Its basically a 2 door G body wagon without a rear wagon roof, so anything you can do to a G body you can do to one of these.  This one looks pretty rusty, chances are the frame is hopes and dreams aft of the rear wheels.  

They can tow OK as they are body on frame, V8, straight axle, RWD.  For what you spend on buying this, refurbishing it, putting decent rubber and brakes on it, put that money toward the newest and biggest engine (unless Ecoboost vs V8) F150 or Chevy 1500 you can find in a southern state, toss a cap on it if you want to sleep in the back, and tow anything you want safely and happily.  

93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo UberDork
8/24/24 8:44 p.m.

This 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1152498122708857?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Af50213c3-03bb-4701-a918-a7f5c9db161f

Plus a new engine is a no brainer and at the end of the day will tow 100000x better AND cost the same.  

 

Even something like this

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1245508486438901/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Af50213c3-03bb-4701-a918-a7f5c9db161f

Once de-hillrodded, would be a decent truck and well in the McBudget of the final deal.  Plus you can just drive it.

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy MegaDork
8/24/24 9:20 p.m.
93gsxturbo said:

This 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1152498122708857?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Af50213c3-03bb-4701-a918-a7f5c9db161f

Plus a new engine is a no brainer and at the end of the day will tow 100000x better AND cost the same.  

 

Even something like this

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1245508486438901/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Af50213c3-03bb-4701-a918-a7f5c9db161f

Once de-hillrodded, would be a decent truck and well in the McBudget of the final deal.  Plus you can just drive it.

At that price, and considering neither one lists which engine they have, I presume they both have 5.4's. Those are both overpriced, since there is not a decent used 5.4 on the planet.  So, new engine it is.  

SV reX
SV reX MegaDork
8/25/24 8:36 a.m.

If you are wanting a cheap Elky and a good sized project (and a possible Challenge car), it's got a lot of potential. 
 

If you are wanting a decent tow vehicle there are better starting points that will be cheaper in the long run. 

maschinenbau
maschinenbau GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/25/24 8:43 a.m.

For towing a dirt bike trailer or jet ski? Fine, just fine. Anything bigger, like another car on a trailer or even a dolly, and every drive is white knuckle. They just aren't heavy enough and the long rear overhang makes it easy for the tail to wag the dog. And I have one of the earlier, heavier 350-powered A-body Camino's which are 3600 lbs. The G-body ones are 500 lbs lighter.

vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/25/24 11:13 a.m.

End of thread. No longer interested. Thanks folks!

A 401 CJ
A 401 CJ GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
8/25/24 9:33 p.m.

Put a different engine in it.  Not a BBC.  Everybody does that.  And for sure not another LS.  An Elky of that vintage deserves a Cadillac.  472/500.  Even a low compression '75 model will wake that thing the berk up.  It'll love the too tall malaise gears too.  And the best part?  They actually fit in the G-body quite well.

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