Help Choose Next Project

[stroker1]

I'm having a tuff time choosing my next project. I love my S-10 but I want to build something else. GM has just about nothing to choose from when it comes to putting big power in late model cars. I really want a 68-72 Nova but don't want to chop it up to make a race car. I'd love to restore one. What I'm really looking for to make a race car is a later model, something around 10-15 years old.



I have had a pair of vegas, but they're getting scarce. New model camaros are a pain in the a** to work on. Can't afford a vette. Rear wheel drive Monte Carlos are heavy. The late 70s and early 80s Malibus are OK but not exactly what I'm looking. I would kinda like to do a late model Cavalier, or Cobalt but they're front wheel drive. How hard is it to convert to rear wheel drive? How much chassis and floor pan work has to be done?



I know, if I get a Mustang I woulldn't have to do all that. But I really want to keep it GM. Preferably Chevy.



Any suggestions as to what would make a nice race car project?



Stroker1

[rusty_cage520]

Well it sounds like you've covered your bases! I don't know what to suggest that's still Chevy. I guess if the monte's are too heavy, but its a race car, you could gut it like crazy? I LOVE the LS engine swap into the pontiac solstice or saturn sky. Still GM, but not chevy. Have you considered just sticking with chevy power? Like stuffing one into a datsun/nissan Z car or into an rx7? If you've ever heard of the grassroots motorsports competition (I think), for the past few years they've done a kind of budget race car theme. (example: in 2002 you were only allowed to spend $2002. In 2003 you were only allowed to spend $2003 etc.). Each entry was tested on 1/4mile, cornering, braking, showing and so on. To get the best all-around vehicle was the goal. Those Z cars and 7's with v8 power consistently did great in the drag aspect (no-brainer).



gotta run, good luck. If you open up your own rules just a tad, the possibilities get much more plentiful.

[Melonhead]

Stroker, This looks fun to run. (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/685f6453-2402-4b6a-9cb1-99bb0127fb5a.htm) Could care less about the bike. http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

[stroker1]

On 2007-11-21 13:55, rusty_cage520 wrote:

Well it sounds like you've covered your bases! I don't know what to suggest that's still Chevy. I guess if the monte's are too heavy, but its a race car, you could gut it like crazy? I LOVE the LS engine swap into the pontiac solstice or saturn sky. Still GM, but not chevy. Have you considered just sticking with chevy power? Like stuffing one into a datsun/nissan Z car or into an rx7? If you've ever heard of the grassroots motorsports competition (I think), for the past few years they've done a kind of budget race car theme. (example: in 2002 you were only allowed to spend $2002. In 2003 you were only allowed to spend $2003 etc.). Each entry was tested on 1/4mile, cornering, braking, showing and so on. To get the best all-around vehicle was the goal. Those Z cars and 7's with v8 power consistently did great in the drag aspect (no-brainer).



gotta run, good luck. If you open up your own rules just a tad, the possibilities get much more plentiful.

Thanks man. Yeah, it's got to be chevy power and at least GM body. Man I wish I could do a composite/fiberglass body and tube chassis. But here in the real world not gonna happen. I would like to know more about the Saturn Sky conversion and Solstice conversion. I'll research this.



Thanks, Stroker1 KEEP EM COMING!!

[stroker1]

On 2007-11-21 14:11, Melonhead wrote:

Stroker, This looks fun to run. (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/685f6453-2402-4b6a-9cb1-99bb0127fb5a.htm) Could care less about the bike. http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

Hey, I missed that. Looks fun!

[adh383]

A chevy monza would be a great choice--if you can find one---- some used to have a small v8 in them from the factory--

[gs97chevys10]

chevy chevette seen one last week w/434 in it it was pretty cool though i wouldnt want one..

[bstef]

Stroker. Was at the Buick show in Bowling Green Ky couple of years ago and saw a Corvair sat on a Buick regal frame with a 455 engine. Really neat and ran good too. Pretty extreme but neat. Bernie. Steffen

[rusty_cage520]

I would like to know more about the Saturn Sky conversion and Solstice conversion. I'll research this.





LS7 solstice.



http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/hdrp_0607_ls7_pontiac_solstice_road_test/index.html



And I always just kinda liked this '71 c10 project



http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/113_0406_1971_c10_truck_street_machine/index.html

[rusty_cage520]

Ls7 solstice (http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/hdrp_0607_ls7_pontiac_solstice_road_test/index.html)



71 c10 lol (http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/113_0406_1971_c10_truck_street_machine/index.html)

[stroker1]

OK the Solstice and Sky projects are gonna be out of my price range. And time frame also. Interesting but not dooable. Also not race car material. I guess I'll check more into the new F-bodies. And maybe see how much work it would be to do a cobalt or cavalier. I know there would be extensive floor pan and chassis work to do one of these. Hey, maybe a hybrid body car. Borrow a floor pan and subframe from a Z-car or something else. Who knows, but it's fun thinking about it.



Stroker1

[gs97chevys10]

http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff199/gs97chevys10/?action=view&current=blownvega.jpg

[gs97chevys10]

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[farleyd]

How about a early 80's olds Cutless Big block

[rayL]

how about instead of building a complete new vehicle, just build a different motor for your truck. You could convert to a blazer!

[adh383]

I think a chevy colorado would make a hell of a nice tubbed-big tire ride. If you could find one fairley cheap.

[mudy851]

Hey stroker, I've got a 46 chevy if you care to check it out look on racejunk.com my profilr name is mudy851 and have video of it running new motor.

[ricky-kline]

ls7 colorado is what i would like..

[bigdsr56]

Stroker, there's quite a few things sitting around here in North Carolina. You mentioned Vega? A '76 Vega wagon a friend of mine has.All original 4 cyl./auto with power steering,power brakes & 77,000 correct miles.Good body,great interior. Can be bought for about $400. Easy to V8 for sure. Narrow rear end,no problem. On the front,S-10 spindles/brakes go under it with no problem. I've got a V8 motor mount kit for one of these. So, there's one possibility. Another friend has a '62 Nova ex-drag car,rolling body.Narrowed 12 bolt,coil overs& 4 link.Full cage. Can get it pretty reasonable.Another possible. So,take your time,look around. It'll catch your eye sooner or later.Good luck!

[Mishoe62103]

What about a late GTO???? Im a fan of em......look kinda like a caviler/cobalt not chevy but GM.......its a thought!!!!

[racer1182]

I was down at a drag strip in Medford, OR and saw a newer cobalt with a 406 and rear wheel drive and a oldsmobile cutllas calais with a 406 and rear wheel drive. it all depends on what you plan on doin with it.

Greg