Another feature of the article would have to be those line drawings overlays that let you see exactly the difference in sizes between all the manufacturer's V8s so you could see WHY the LS series.
Another feature of the article would have to be those line drawings overlays that let you see exactly the difference in sizes between all the manufacturer's V8s so you could see WHY the LS series.
Challenge car crazy ideas? One that has been rattling around my brain is an early Impreza. The twist is keeping it AWD. The truck based LSx's use a diff that bolts to the side of the motor so you use the Chevy front diff and the stock Subie rear diff. IIRC you can find ratios that match using the stock front diff from certain Chevy trucks. The downside is no cheap manual trans is available with AWD. The stock 4l65 should be good enough and a paddle shift setup could be fabbed with stock chevy parts. I know the center diff can be electronically controlled to vary front to rear slip so your preferred bias can be set with a fairly simple pwm circuit. I would think you could probably set it in the factory computer if you knew where to look. The engine would be set back quite a bit farther than the Subie mill so weight distribution should be pretty good.
Less nutty: Test the swaps offered: Vorshlag E46, a Hinson RX8, a Flyin Miata Miata, the guys with the XK8 kit, etc... Good advertiser tie in going that route. 
To the OP . Mid engine early sixties Falcon. Enjoy the festivities at Daytona.
Every time I see the thread title I have to scratch my head to remember what it's about.
The first thing that always comes to mind is:
I've got the fever - Boogie Fever!
Margie is on the front row (3rd from the left) right next to Tim. Tim's looking a little shaggy. I'm thinking it's time for a trip to the barber.
Tommy is far right on the front.
Warren v wrote:tuna55 wrote: For my interests, a Europa, a Seven or a ExocetPLEASE! I really, really want to see this as soon as possible.
If they did a kit car it would be the Factory Five thingy, since the design contest was GRM-affiliated.
Crazy is Better:
Big block trabant, track aztek
Hmmm.. "The Aztrack"
it does have a ring to it... 
I am surprised no one has said this.
GRM already has a Subie wagon with a blown motor in the fleet. I think this would be a really cool car. I don't know if you would want to try and keep it 4wd or convert it to 2wd. Either would be really interesting.
I like this build as if it was not to hard to do there seem to be a lot of subaru wagons around with bad motors. This combined with the availability of LM7's and the more rare LM4's make for a inexpensive 400 hp subie wagon. However with hood clearance issues probably going to be a factor you would probably want a motor from a camaro or corvette.
E36
RX-8 (give it the torque it deserves, eliminate triangle issues)
5-series (build your own M-car)
996 (less GRM, but we all want one)
Any Ferrari, but a 400i would be awesome
Volvo wagon, but only if you make it mid-engine
David
I like the BMW Z3 idea. Also thought of a Subaru SVX, 8-Series BMW, or Early-mid '90's 300ZX
Already suggested
Jag XK8 then do a test against an Aston Martin if someone is stupid enough to loan you one.
Or the Catera and then test against a CTS-V.
dean1484 wrote: I am surprised no one has said this. GRM already has a Subie wagon with a blown motor in the fleet. I think this would be a really cool car. I don't know if you would want to try and keep it 4wd or convert it to 2wd. Either would be really interesting.
It's been done, but not often, and never professionally publisized, that I've seen.
AWD will be all but impossible, there just isn't enough length in front of that monster transmission. It's a good chassis for rwd, but keep in mind you simply MUST use the STi's R200 and good halfshafts or make up a whole new rear end, the R160s and R180s won't stand up to that torque AT ALL. Even the R200 won't often hold to over 400hp when it's the sole diff.
Hood clearance isn't a big deal, but the central bit of upper rad support basically needs to be relocated a few inches forward depending where everything ends up, so kiss the factory hood latch goodbye.
Cool swap, but an invasive one.
See also: LS into GRM rallycross Mercedes, the Corvair, or the Edsel.
ValuePack wrote:dean1484 wrote: I am surprised no one has said this. GRM already has a Subie wagon with a blown motor in the fleet. I think this would be a really cool car. I don't know if you would want to try and keep it 4wd or convert it to 2wd. Either would be really interesting.It's been done, but not often, and never professionally publisized, that I've seen. AWD will be all but impossible, there just isn't enough length in front of that monster transmission. It's a good chassis for rwd, but keep in mind you simply MUST use the STi's R200 and good halfshafts or make up a whole new rear end, the R160s and R180s won't stand up to that torque AT ALL. Even the R200 won't often hold to over 400hp when it's the sole diff. Hood clearance isn't a big deal, but the central bit of upper rad support basically needs to be relocated a few inches forward depending where everything ends up, so kiss the factory hood latch goodbye. LS into WRX Cool swap, but an invasive one. See also: LS into GRM rallycross Mercedes, the Corvair, or the Edsel.
See my post at the top of the page for AWD suggestions. The Chevy front diff is on the front half of the motor not the trans bellhousing like the Subie. Instead of shoving the motor forward like Subaru does you shove it backwards. Great for clearance in front of the motor but he tunnel will have to be modded. How much tunnel modification would determine whether it could be a street/kit type conversion or would have to be a one off race car type conversion.
GTwannaB wrote: Or the Catera and then test against a CTS-V.
Cimmeron. Make a beast out of the most unloved caddy ever.
Old racing cars are cheap. Old Cosworth DFVs and DFXs are expensive. They are the same size as an LS1.
I vote Williams FW07, but you are more likely to find a "needs engine" road course Indycar from before 1992 (pre-Illmor B) for a decent price.
AverageH wrote: I vote a Mercedes with the w123 or 124 chassis. They are more readily available, and engine swamps are typically only done with later Mercedes running gear. They handle well too! Make it interesting and convert a diesel over to the LS. -Hamid
Poo Leaze do this one!
<a href="
">Or this,
Want something different? Something original? A vehicle that has been mentioned on this board before?
AMC Eagle SX/4
dekon-clone monza!
AngryCorvair wrote: dekon-clone monza!
^^^^^ Hell yes!
Street/track/autox toy out of disused circle track car. Not sure how Florida is with titling custom/scratch builds, but it would be a heck of a thing, provide a home that can cope with LS power comfortably, and show what can be done with reasonably-priced circle track hardware.
It's probably not much longer or heavier than the 5 cyl.
I'm liking the W123 suggestions. Of everything proposed, this seems like the most likely one to get done.
I've been wanting a W123 beater for a while as I just had my second kid, but I'm still with a miata and a spitfire (wifey drives a Patriot). She likes the Mercedes idea for the room and comfort. I like it for the same reasons, but I really want it for the potential! If GRM can cram an LS in that cram-hole, I'll be stoked! It will give me something to dream about when the kids are asleep.
-Hamid
I've never understood the "I can't do that because it's popular" aspect of car modification myself. I didn't build the LS1 MGB GT because it hadn't been done, I built it because it was the car I wanted when I was done. It's a much better reason than just trying (too) hard to be different. Seriously, an Eagle?
chaparral wrote: Old racing cars are cheap. Old Cosworth DFVs and DFXs are expensive. They are the same size as an LS1. I vote Williams FW07, but you are more likely to find a "needs engine" road course Indycar from before 1992 (pre-Illmor B) for a decent price.
Now THAT sounds interesting. Can you make an LS engine into a stressed member, as a DFV often is? Sure, you couldn't really run it anywhere other than track days, but the UTCC falls within that category...
You'll need to log in to post.
