Build Thread: '66 Convertible Mid Engine S/C 3800 V6 6 Speed
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 10:08 am
Project started in 2011.
I've been dreaming up this project for the last 6 years after the day a club member asked me what I would do different when building a V8 Corvair. I told him I would use a GM supercharged 3800 (L67) instead of that thirsty V8. I spent a good year or so trying to convince him to build such an animal, but then realized I would have to do it myself. So here we are. I've been collecting pieces and parts and its time to do a little more white board planning and get this thing on track!
Car: 1966 Corsa Convertible, I bought this 2 years ago, it was fully restored, partially reassembled. All suspension, 140, etc was brand new. New paint job is about a 6/10, and the reason the seller did not want to finish putting it together. He was flipping the car and another paint job would have killed the deal. Great candidate for a sawzall!
Engine: 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix L67 3800 Supercharged V6, 240 HP from the factory, will be over 300 when installed. Engine was pulled out of a babied car that had 120,000 miles on it. Lots of life left in her!
Transmission: 2006 Pontiac G6 6 speed manual (F40) This transmission is brand new and will bolt up to the L67. The Stage 3 clutch will be custom made by Spec, and a stock 3.8 powered Camaro flywheel will bolt to the engine.
Brakes/suspension: S10 2wd drop spindles and disk brakes up front. For the rear, I am custom building trailing arm with a custom SLA setup. The trailing arms are longer than stock so the locating arms clear the rear of the engine cradle. Coilover shocks and stock Pontiac G6 front disk brakes w/ factory G6 wheel bearings are being used.
Cooling: Front mounted radiator, as small as possible with openings under the bumper like my V8VAIR.
Frame upgrades: I am thinking a semi tubular frame incorporating a somewhat hidden semi roll cage with a roll bar. Mostly to stiffen the car (convertible) and allow me to race/autocross in Corvair/vintage events.
Goals: 25+ MPG on premium pump gas
300+ HP
100% turn key reliability
Good trunk space (front and rear)
Good heat and A/C
4 bucket seats (Yes this car will have a backseat)
LED lighting where possible (it is 2014 afterall)
Front mounted battery (help w/ weight distribution)
Stock gas tank
Those of you who have seen my V8VAIR build page should know this is within my reach.
I've been dreaming up this project for the last 6 years after the day a club member asked me what I would do different when building a V8 Corvair. I told him I would use a GM supercharged 3800 (L67) instead of that thirsty V8. I spent a good year or so trying to convince him to build such an animal, but then realized I would have to do it myself. So here we are. I've been collecting pieces and parts and its time to do a little more white board planning and get this thing on track!
Car: 1966 Corsa Convertible, I bought this 2 years ago, it was fully restored, partially reassembled. All suspension, 140, etc was brand new. New paint job is about a 6/10, and the reason the seller did not want to finish putting it together. He was flipping the car and another paint job would have killed the deal. Great candidate for a sawzall!
Engine: 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix L67 3800 Supercharged V6, 240 HP from the factory, will be over 300 when installed. Engine was pulled out of a babied car that had 120,000 miles on it. Lots of life left in her!
Transmission: 2006 Pontiac G6 6 speed manual (F40) This transmission is brand new and will bolt up to the L67. The Stage 3 clutch will be custom made by Spec, and a stock 3.8 powered Camaro flywheel will bolt to the engine.
Brakes/suspension: S10 2wd drop spindles and disk brakes up front. For the rear, I am custom building trailing arm with a custom SLA setup. The trailing arms are longer than stock so the locating arms clear the rear of the engine cradle. Coilover shocks and stock Pontiac G6 front disk brakes w/ factory G6 wheel bearings are being used.
Cooling: Front mounted radiator, as small as possible with openings under the bumper like my V8VAIR.
Frame upgrades: I am thinking a semi tubular frame incorporating a somewhat hidden semi roll cage with a roll bar. Mostly to stiffen the car (convertible) and allow me to race/autocross in Corvair/vintage events.
Goals: 25+ MPG on premium pump gas
300+ HP
100% turn key reliability
Good trunk space (front and rear)
Good heat and A/C
4 bucket seats (Yes this car will have a backseat)
LED lighting where possible (it is 2014 afterall)
Front mounted battery (help w/ weight distribution)
Stock gas tank
Those of you who have seen my V8VAIR build page should know this is within my reach.