So I picked up a parts car today. Evil thoughts occurred.

This is probably a bad idea.

I picked up a Samurai today. It's rough, no title, scrap engine, rusty. I need the transmission and rear axle out of it. I figured I would sell some stuff, put the rest on the shelf, and haul the hulk to the scrap yard.

The then evil occurred. My axle would hold up for 10-15 drag passes and a dozen autocross runs. That's enough to make it through the challenge.

Slammed, simple 3 link front and rear with ebay coil overs. Enough sheetmetal to be recognisable. Throw a V6 at it with a auto (Camaro) so the transfer case and axles would survive.

I bet the finished product would be well under 2000 pounds. The 4WD would put all the power to the ground, so the drags should be a hoot. It probably won't turn for crap but maybe well enough to get the job done.

The possible victim.

Someone tell me this is a bad idea.

Please.

I'm into it for $300. I'm betting I could recoup all of that selling unneeded parts.

Well, the answer is obvious. That thing is almost done.

High levels of awesomeness, at the cost of merely delaying your original plan for the vehicle slightly?

I think you know the answer here. And it's not Miata.

cmcgregor wrote: I think you know the answer here. And it's not Miata.

So if he dropped this on a Miata drivetrain would that make it a Siata? Oh wait, never mind...

Not a bad idea unless it goes up in flames at the end of the drags, and if your ok and it's on video then that to would be Kool!

And you've got a buyer/trader when it's done.

(This guy.)

Bonus points if it's barbie-jeep pink with a t-shirt cannon mounted in the stink.

Do it. Do it now.

Ill loan you a 250 shot nitrous plate system foe the drags if you do it.

And ill buy you a sammich.

In Michigan, that Sammy would still be considered to be in very good condition.

Do it!

The 4.3 fits along with the 200R4! You can't NOT do it!

ebonyandivory wrote: The 4.3 fits along with the 200R4! You can't NOT do it!

That's an idea, and should be fairly cheap.

Lowering it is going to be a problem. I'm already running into interference issues with the front axle and the oil pan on my tin top. I'm either going to have to move the engine back a couple of feet or move the front axle forward. Maybe like a Highboy with the front axle all the way at the front of the body. Snaking the front driveshaft past the engine should be fun.

I guess I need to sit down with the Challenge rules and actually read them to find out what I can and can't do. How radically can I change wheelbase, track, sheetmetal, etc.

This might be a tough one for sure. It might have to make two trips to the Challenge. One for the mechanicals and one for the concourse. 6 months isn't that long.

A Tracker suspension would be easier for sure (as far as oil pan clearance is concerned).

I've seen Sammy axles and suspension swapped into Trackers/Sidekicks but not the reverse.

A purely rwd setup might be fun!

Well, the rules are certainly short and sweet. I don't see anything about wheelbase or track modifications.

As I read it, anything off my shelves would be counted at fair market value, but can I swap stuff off the new Samurai, for stuff on my shelves even? Say I have a set of 3.40:1 axle gears that came with this Samurai, and a set of 5.30:1 gears on the shelf that came with my other Samurai. Can I use the 5.30s without taking a hit on the budget?

How do incidentals count like bolts and hardware. I've got bins of used fasteners. Are they free and purchased hardware counted? Steel? I've got tons of that too.

Bonus points if you manage a roll during the autocross

ive seen 302 swapped trackers but mother of god would that tiny tin can be fun with a bit of power

I'd keep the stock 3.73:1 R&P myself. Just leaves more time for other things.

drummerfromdefleopard wrote: Bonus points if you manage a roll during the autocross

I assume you mean a complete roll and then drive on? If it's the Reliant Robin tip over where somebody has to upright you before continuing I think it becomes automatic last place (even behind those that did not compete).

Samurais are easy to get back on all-fours after rolling onto it's side.

Just ask my wife (who's never been off road since!)

In reply to ebonyandivory:

You're right, they are 3.73:1. They swaps wouldn't take too long. I've had practice at it.

I was thinking they would be an advantage at the drags and would help a automatic transmission leave the line better. I guess it will depend on what I can come up with for an engine.

I've been on craigslist and the only possibility so far is a iron 5.3 Chevy with a auto for $1000. That's probably too much and too heavy. There isn't much local at the moment. No 4.3s at all so far.

Don't you just LOVE drop-out third members!

No $500 S-10 Blazers or pickups that you can scrap and/or recoup money after ripping out the 4.3?

I sold mine for $400 running and driving.

Not yet. I've got to be up early in the morning so further digging will have to wait until tomorrow. Something will turn up.

Slam it as low as you can and it will handle. . . Or at least not flip over.

Use an AWD astro van transfer case, or the whole 4.3/4L60E/tcase.

I'm thinking you sit it on it's nuts and work out an awd drive train swap, perhaps turbo wagovan ala gutty.

This one almost has to be 2wd, but something like this.

Maybe with a custom oil pan and very limited suspension travel, I could wedge a front axle in there.

How hard is it to shorten a Outback drivetrain? Do they use a regular driveshaft and rear differential?

3.0L AWD, $500.