|
Axman -> RE: A 350 (5/15/2006 11:33:43 AM)
|
Let me enlighten you on this subject. Big engines in small cars have long been favorite past projects of mine. I have successfully completed drivable cars including a 73 Vega hatchback with a 327, a Plymouth Arrow with a 318, and a 302 powered Pinto.
First things first, a Chevette has no frame. They use unibody construction as does the Monza/Sunbird/Vega/Astre/Skyhawk/Firenza line. Although some Monzas came factory equipped with 305's, they had no frames. To add a more powerful engine to the unibody would surely subject the unibodied Chevette to body twist. It would be advisable to find a Camaro/Firebird or a Nova donor car to salvage the subframes from. You would want to strip the entire front clip and rear suspension from the Chevette. Now keep in mind that the subframe is not a direct bolt in for the Chevette body, it would be also advisable to cut out the entire floorpan from the rear seat to the rear floor just ahead of the taillight bezel. The donor subframe and drive axle would then likely have to be narrowed slightly to accomodate the narrower Chevette body. Same can be said for the front subframe. After narrowing the frame/axle assemblies they would then have to be positioned so the wheels/tires are centered in the wheel wells. Once the rear sub-assembly is positioned it can be bolted into place, don't forget to use body grommets to cushion the body from the frame rails. After bolting in the subframe you can then focus on the large hole in the floorpan just over the drive axle. If you choose to use wider tires then you may want to use oversized wheel tubs, otherwise you can refrabricate the floor and wheelwells using sheet aluminum.
On to the front of the car. Once you have the front subframe positioned, it too can be bolted into place using the same rubber bushings to cushion the body. I would recommend converting the entire front clip to a front tilt design. That would allow for easier access to the engine for repars and adjustments. Eliminate the front wheel wells when doing this also. The engine can be placed into the front frame using Camaro or Nova mounts, depending on which donor you use. As a side note, the steering column will have to be used from the donor car also. You may also wish to use frame rail connectors to strengnthen the assembly even more.
Anyway, that's the short version as there is more adjusting and fabricating that may need to be done. Building a car like this can take time and money but it's more than just lifting the hood and dropping an engine in. Even if it were possible to just simply sit a V-8 into a Chevette, the driveline and suspension would never handle the torque.
As far as the S-trucks with SBCs in them, the S-trucks have a full frame and a drive axle similar to those in the Malibu's and Camaro's. Those being a typical 10 bolt rear diff that will hold up in situations up to around 350 hp. Besides they sell V-8 swap kits for S-trucks.
|
|
|
|
