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.