Sorry I have not posted in awhile. The project has taken a definite turn...
A gentleman by the name of Steve Graber ( www.grabercars.com ) saw my project and asked if I would be interesting in changing my plans around a bit. Here is his idea:
Put my twin-Busa drivetrain into one of these...
This car will be significantly lighter than my Fiero (1200 lbs VS ~2650 lbs) and will be propelled by the same 350hp. That's a power-to-weight ratio of 3.43lbs/hp. The C6 Z06 is 6.17lbs/hp...
The car will use components from my '88 parts car such as front and rear hubs/uprights and steering rack as well as the body. It will look like an '85 GT when it's finished. I am looking for GT ground effects and front/rear fascias. I still need to swap my sunroof top for a slicktop plus $$$ if anyone is interested.
I will post updates as soon as they happen. Stay tuned, this project will run in some form or another.
Now I need to think of another unique engine swap for my '88 GT. I'm thinking EVO VIII 4G63 with a Lancer trans or a Nissan SR20DET with a G20 trans...
------------------ Power is nothing without control.
Looks like your project is coming out allright. You know I am going to paint my car, but this wont happen for a bit. Maybe if you still have not found a hard top for your GT by then, I am intrerested in a sunroof. -Roy
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01:06 AM
pavo_roddy Member
Posts: 4351 From: State with a city named Gotham Registered: Apr 2004
Currently there is only one copy. Mine will be #2. I believe the creator is planning on putting the plans together once everything is finished and fine tuned.
Welded up some startup stands for the Busa engines last weekend. I will be out of town this weekend but hope to have video of BOTH of them running by the next.
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08:29 PM
Nov 25th, 2005
Greg Z Member
Posts: 1218 From: New Orleans Registered: Jun 2004
Hmm.. with that setup layout, in order for it fit in the fiero, it looks like the engines would have to be poking into the passenger cabin, either that or the chassis extended to move the uprights back. Just looks too long from the pics. Maybe its the angle, but I dunno...
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12:33 PM
268 GT Member
Posts: 139 From: Tucson, AZ USA Registered: Jul 2005
I received my wheels for the car on Tuesday. They are Enkei RPF1's sized 17X8 and 17X9. The fronts weigh 15.4 lbs and the rears weigh 15.9 lbs. I snagged them with worn Victoracers for a great price.
As far as the actual building of the frame? We are still obtaining critical suspension components so we can design the proper geometry. I was going to use Fiero ball joints but they are $$$ and put the pivot points too far apart for our liking. We will be using heim joints throughout the entire suspension. That is where the project is right now.
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01:02 AM
Scurvy Member
Posts: 865 From: Richmond, Va Registered: Nov 2005
How do you register and title a hand build custom frame?
Have the thing safety checked... It can be done here, I am un sure about in the states, but any car can legally get a new VIN as a kit car if it is home built as long as it passes all the safety checks up to date.
------------------
Custom Fiero Fiberglass
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02:47 AM
268 GT Member
Posts: 139 From: Tucson, AZ USA Registered: Jul 2005
I don't know if this has been brought up yet but looks like it could be copied for the Fiero or now the tube frame car. This could inspire a new main page update from cliff if we upped the most power from 508 to 1000!
Sorry it's been so long guys. I didn't give up just been very busy with other stuff lately (trying to buy my first home...) I will keep you guys up to date, don't worry.
Unfortunately no progress hasbeen made in quite awhile... Steve Graber is still busy finishing his car and I work 60 hrs per week (crammed into 4 days) so I don't have a lot of energy to spare. rest assured, it WILL happen...someday.
This is a very important project for me and I don't see myself giving up. I already have all of the important parts, I just need to bolt/weld tham all together.
Robert
------------------ Power is nothing without control.
I am still working 60 hr weeks and a buddy and i are getiing ready to start our fabicating business here shortly. Just ordered a TiG, bought a tube bender, vertical press, etc... The project is still VERY important to me and it will run someday. i will be sure to keep checking back here when I have time.
Thanks to all for the support, it means a lot.
Rob
------------------ Power is nothing without control.
I say since your going plexyglass and everything is off.. and you want to cut some poundage... And you actually had the balls to start putting Busa engines into a fiero.. What the hell lol why not chop the top a few inches? Maybe use a small helicopter engine for a powerplant?
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01:14 AM
thumper_64735 Member
Posts: 704 From: Lebanon, MO, USA Registered: Sep 2006
My idea has always been to try putting a APU out of a helicopter into a car. Its the same engine used on the Y2K bike. Lightwieght - only about 80 lbs, 200HP, and around 20,000 RPM, if I remember right (I'm airframe, not engines, lol) I figure if they can put it in a bake, why not a car? Maybe one of these days I'll try it. I could just see the Wal - Mart oil change guy's eyes would do when he opened the hood to change the oil, lol. ahhh well, maybe one day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
------------------ Hmmmmmmmmm.......now if I can just talk the Army out of an engine, I bet I can get it to fit hehehehehehe >:)
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02:02 AM
Chris Hodson Member
Posts: 3093 From: Carpentersville Registered: Aug 2006
HA! lol, Howd i know out of everyone, you were going to reply to that. The sound of those engines are addictive. Ive heard a crown vic with a similar engine and its like nothing else youv ever heard in a car.
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03:16 AM
Dec 7th, 2006
Gokart Mozart Member
Posts: 12143 From: Metro Detroit Registered: Mar 2003
Hey guys, it's been awhile I know. Still nothing major to report. I've been spending most of my time working on my twin turbo Z trying to get the new engine finished. The Fiero is still a priority and I will not let it get pushed to the back burner.
On another note I finally purchased one of my dream cars. I have been lusting over this car since I was 13 years old....
------------------ Power is nothing without control.