LocostUSA.com

So my head is at it again. Was reading about a Alum. GT6 build and it got me thinking.
What would be a good repower,in the 200 to 250 HP range?

After looking at the chassis I found it was a swing axle. Think VW Bug / Corvair system. To me this would need to be replaced with a IRS.

TooBusy, has pointed me at the Miata ? Will start looking into will it FIT ?

Just a dumb idea but it keeps me young. What would you do ?and with what ?
Randy

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American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
908-3 Sti.

Randy,
It all depends on the year of GT6 you're after. The middle years of production had "rotoflex" rear suspension, so no swing axle. The downside is the rotoflex coupling, but there are ways around it. Some of the cars raced in the 70's and 80's swapped the stock diff out for a Datsun unit, and a friend has managed to machine the rear uprights to take Dastun 510 (I think) hubs and bearings. So you could keep the "stock" suspension but change out the weak bits.

Engine wise, anything that's lighter than the stock cast iron 6 cylinder will be an improvement. A more modern aluminium block straight 6 would be awesome in my mind.

Rod

Thanks,Rod ! Could you ask him more about the 510 info ? Or give him my Email.

I was thinking with some flairs it could have a Daytona look ? Or maybe the 1965 GT6 LeMans winner ?

As hor motor what about a S2000 or maybe a Miata .

Rod,what are you working on now ? I still need to get back on the Lotus15, my bad.
Randy

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American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
908-3 Sti.

Randy,
I'll see if i can find his email address. I havent talked with him in over a year as I missed out on this past years All British Field Meet here in Vancouver (and wont be at this years either due to a Grand Prix i have to attend in Monaco).

In regards to motors, anything can work. Either the S2000 or Miata would be great options. Personally though, as it came with a 6 i'd want to keep it a 6, but with twin cams and a lot less weight.

As for what I'm up to, still slowly working on the Europa restomod. I'm still working on the rear uprights/brakes, the Girling calipers I had earmarked for the uprights fouled the wheels, so I've switched to Miata calipers which should "just" work. I'm planning on finishing the rear suspension links this weekend and hopefully tack weld the suspension pick-ups on the chassis, as I'm very curious as to how much toe change there will be in bump and droop.

Rod

Randy, I've always loved the little GT-6, and thought it would be a great base for a power swap project. Any modern, light weight engine would be an improvement over a cast iron, rocker arm, straight six. How about the Isuzu v-6 that Kickerfox is swapping into a Mazda RX-8. It's all aluminum, compact, and thoroughly modern in design! Just a thought.

Rod, what do you think of this idea?

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Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/

That sounds like a great idea!

Now Mike has me thinking !

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American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
908-3 Sti.

A little chassis inspiration:
http://www.spydercars.co.uk/lotus-elan-2-chassis-rollover-bars/


For power, I like the idea of sticking with a six However, isn't that engine already kind of wedged in there anyways? I don't think there is such an animal as a compact and lightweight I6 exists, let alone one that makes decent power. I think the GM's new EcoTec3 (LV3) 4.3L V6 would be a great way to go, although you will probably have to wait a couple of years before they really start becoming available from salvage yards. If any of the common late model OHC 60 degree V6's would fit under the hood, they would be another good option. I know that there is also supposed to be an adapter kit becoming available to mate the Honda V6 to the Miata transmission, as found here. And actually, if it fit the best, I wouldn't even be opposed to the old-school GM 60 degree OHV V6's regardless of peak power output. I've long had similar such chassis and powertrain upgrades thoughts to complement with my secret desire to build a WWII aviation themed Spitfire.

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-Justin

"Orville Wright did not have a pilots license." - Gordon MacKenzie

Would be a fun project. Here is one that was repowered with a supercharged Miata. Then modified again to be turo'd instead http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/139115

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

I would finish the damn R1 lotus...but that's just me

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The B-3 build log: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=13941

The Jag Special Build Log: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=19012

Nag,nag,nag ! I'm working on it !

I do have 3.4 HO out of the Jimmy that I put the 3.8 SC into ? Would need to find a flywheel.Bell, T5 to use it but it is cast Iron. But it is payed for !
Randy

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American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
908-3 Sti.

Howzabout mashing all the mechanical components out of a 240,260 or 280Z Datsun . There must be thousands about over there and it would keep it straight six with plenty prod under the loud pedal.

Bob

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Build Log viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16640&p=187700#p187700

Mancave http://s1116.photobucket.com/user/mypic ... ow/mancave

here's everything you need in one neat little package.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/pts/4833669555.html

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Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216

Thanks TooBusy.
I had Z's back in the day. Think I would go V6 first ? And I have one.

But found this GM Motor. LTG , 272 horsepower and 295
lb.-ft. of torque.Turbo 4 cylinder. Only problem is the $7500+- price !

Randy

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American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
908-3 Sti.

Ahh, the luxury of multiple projects

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The B-3 build log: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=13941

The Jag Special Build Log: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=19012