future project idea

[dxdean3]

well, heres an idea ive had for a while and here it goes

i want to take a 95-99 Sunfire GT, completely gut it to the bare shell, convert it to RWD and have a 350sbc for the power plant, while at the same time trying to keep the stock appearance, after i have my 03 finished, and my 01 sunfire sedan done the way i want, this will be my next project

thoughts?

[killerspeed101]

um. i dont think that the greatest idea. i think it would try to kill you anychance it could get. thats just my opinion . on the brightside it would be a great drift car

[valid]

well, heres an idea ive had for a while and here it goes

i want to take a 95-99 Sunfire GT, completely gut it to the bare shell, convert it to RWD and have a 350sbc for the power plant, while at the same time trying to keep the stock appearance, after i have my 03 finished, and my 01 sunfire sedan done the way i want, this will be my next project

thoughts?

I always thought a RWD j-body would be epic. I would do it to a 82-87 Sunbird hatchback though because I'm crazy.

Ultimately if you have the time and money to do it, why not? Who cares what other people think. As long as you do it safely I see nothing wrong with it.

[dxdean3]

well it wouldnt be rushed thats for sure, i would do everything i have to to keep it road legal, and make it look as stock as possible, it would be a long project as im only 18, but i have a really good job, and the space/tools to do it, just need a donor car

[Killiger2009]

just do a fiero itll be less of a hassle

[dxdean3]

if i could find a feiro around here that isnt swiss cheese it would be a miracle

[killerspeed101]

if i could find a feiro around here that isnt swiss cheese it would be a miracle

ill keep my eye out for you on this side of canada.

[Ghost]

didnt someone have a lot of hundreds of them?

[[ChaosweaveR]]

Buy a back halfed Sunfire?

I've seen a few back halfed FWD cars for competetion use on eBay and the like.

[Ringo64]

Ultimately if you have the time and money to do it, why not? Who cares what other people think. As long as you do it safely I see nothing wrong with it.

[killerspeed101]

if i could find a feiro around here that isnt swiss cheese it would be a miracle

i found a deal 2 Fiero's for 1700 1 84 4cyl 4 speed man and a 85 6 cyl auto.

[snowblindburd]

Here's some motivation. It's not a J but close enough. http://www.beretta.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=8329

[[ChaosweaveR]]

Read the whole Beretta thread. He's gonna twist up those rear towers.

[notallthere]

Check into finding a 2wd S10 blazer frame for the swap they are close in wheelbase within a few inches. The v8 will drop in when using 4.3 litre mounts. No matter what the body will need surgery but it may save you engineering headaches with something like that.

I have seen several v8 cavaliers and the largest motor I have seen is a 572. If it is the same one I had seen there was an article where it blew the motor on the dyno.

[snowblindburd]

Here's another one I remember: http://www.ls1.com/forums/f75/ws6-formula-v8-z34-lumina-re-body-71662/

[Young gun]

Check into finding a 2wd S10 blazer frame for the swap they are close in wheelbase within a few inches. The v8 will drop in when using 4.3 litre mounts. No matter what the body will need surgery but it may save you engineering headaches with something like that.

I have seen several v8 cavaliers and the largest motor I have seen is a 572. If it is the same one I had seen there was an article where it blew the motor on the dyno.

That looks pretty good, seems like the hood and fenders were just stretched which shouldn't be too bad!

[Young gun]

Here's another one I remember: http://www.ls1.com/f...-re-body-71662/

HOLY F0CK DUDE!!!! I just read that whole thing...ok i skipped a couple but omg that is sorta like my dream only with a different combo!

[Frosty]

Notallthere is spot on about using a full frame to manage the torque a high performance small or big block will produce. I have heard of similar ideas, and it is very feasible. The downside is you will virtual have to re-engineer the entire car to do it. It not impossible, just expensive and time consuming, but not impossible. Let's look at some of the engineering tasks you have to accomplish:

1. Start with an existing frame/chassis (the S10 frame idea) or substantially strengthing the entire unibody - frame connector rails at a minumuim, mounting/strengthing points for the front and rear ends.

2. Mock-up the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and rear end. This will include building custom motor mounts (if you use stock unibody), modifying the fire wall, floor pans to to fit the transmission, driveshaft and rear end. You will also have to build the mounting points for the rear end (depending on if you use 3-link, 4-link system, panard bar, in addition to the coils, shocks, shackles, leaf springs, etc.)

3. Widening the rear wheel well tubs to manage wider rear tires. This may also impact the rear passenger seats.

4. Build/modify the front suspension to handle the higher weighter of the engine and drive train. Coil overs, struts, sway bar, etc.

5. Build a custom dual exhaust system, including custom headers since no one builds a header for your engine/car combination. You may also want to catalytic converters if you have to remain smog legal too.

6. A wider engine or if you decide to use rack and pinion steering may necessitate engine oil pan mods, steering shaft mods, and impact how you build your headers, It could also impact your steering set-up

7. New larger brakes front and back to bring this beast to a stop reliabily.

8. New electrical system that accomodates your new motor, transmission, gauges, lights, etc.

9. Engine compartment mods include a new radiator, electric fan (probably), move/alter mounting locations for the A/C condenser and transmission cooler.

10. Any corresponding sheet metal changes to accomodate the tires or other mods

11. Custom rear seats to manage any wheel tub mods

12. Complete body sealer, primer, paint sealer, and paint job top and bottom - back to a stock look or custom

13. Custom or modify gas tank and fuel system

14. New sound system?

So you have to be prepared for a project of this magnitude. It is hugely expensive but not an insermountable project. Conservatively speaking, I am willing to bet that you have less than 50% of the original car that will be left original or unaltered.

[Ringo64]

Everything is possible with the right amount of money and time

[Frosty]

Everything is possible with the right amount of money and time

Anything is possible given infinite time, money, and resources!

[[ChaosweaveR]]

>back halved Sunfire

Seriously, find one.

[havoc1482]

Everything is possible with the right amount of money and time

My dream of a 442 or a Firebird