unusual project ideas?!?! what do you have?!?!

[96Stang]

OK guys...so I may have the opportunity to get a new job soon and if I do, I will be making alot more money than I do now...cause know I make crap (but thats another story)...but I am thinking of starting a project car to last me the next year or 2 to build and work on and completely redo to my liking...but the trick is, I dont want something normal, something everyone does (wrx, 240, civic, etc.)

I wanna do something that not that many have ever done before but shouldnt be the hardest thing in the world cause I know less than most of the guys on here. I will try to do as much of the work as I possibly can by myself and with the help of anybody willing but things such as a full on motor swap or anything like that with the wiring will have to be done at a shop.

Anyone have anything interesting in mind?? I would like to spend as little as possible obviously on a decent shell or body to use, and build around that, but end up spending $15-20k in the end....maybe this may take longer hahaha probably 3 years of work and money and time and all.

I am just curious as to other peoples crazy ideas that I find interesting or anything like that. Thanks in advance.

[teh DIRT]

get a shadow. the rest will be history after we dig into it.

We shall call it the shadow of destiny.

[96Stang]

get a shadow. the rest will be history after we dig into it.

We shall call it the shadow of destiny.

I love you pete...I have been thinking about that project for so long recently...
I wanna talk to you to see how possible it is

[yellow2000S/R]

I have an idea but not sure if I am going to do it and if I do, when...

Put the engine / drivetrain setup from my ZX2... into the rear of a Festiva when I do the whole RWD thing in the ZX2. Festiva would then weigh around 1,620 lbs... then throw together a basic turbo kit and put SVT internals in the engine and run around with 225 - 250 rwhp. Festiva is 4" narrower than a ZX2... so I would probably put some flares on it or something. So I would have around $2,000 invested, I already have SCT for tuning and could do the turbo setup / internal swap myself along with fabrication so that saves a lot of money.


OR you could build a ZX2? LOL. There are a lot of guys running around in the 200 - 300 whp and a few in the 400 whp range. If you swap SVT Focus internals in ($400 used), piece together a turbo setup for $2,200, SCT for tuning ($389) you could safely run high 200 whp range... there are a few running that setup in the low to mid 300 range also. If you want more power, you would have to go with aftermarket rods/pistons etc. The differentials are week in our transmissions so you could A: Weld it, or B: spend like $1,400 and get custom axles and run a Mazdaspeed LSD.

[96Stang]

I have an idea but not sure if I am going to do it and if I do, when...

Put the engine / drivetrain setup from my ZX2... into the rear of a Festiva when I do the whole RWD thing in the ZX2. Festiva would then weigh around 1,620 lbs... then throw together a basic turbo kit and put SVT internals in the engine and run around with 225 - 250 rwhp. Festiva is 4" narrower than a ZX2... so I would probably put some flares on it or something. So I would have around $2,000 invested, I already have SCT for tuning and could do the turbo setup / internal swap myself along with fabrication so that saves a lot of money.


OR you could build a ZX2? LOL. There are a lot of guys running around in the 200 - 300 whp and a few in the 400 whp range. If you swap SVT Focus internals in ($400 used), piece together a turbo setup for $2,200, SCT for tuning ($389) you could safely run high 200 whp range... there are a few running that setup in the low to mid 300 range also. If you want more power, you would have to go with aftermarket rods/pistons etc. The differentials are week in our transmissions so you could A: Weld it, or B: spend like $1,400 and get custom axles and run a Mazdaspeed LSD.

dude that first idea is awesome...exactly what im talkin bout but not gonna take your idea...id love to see you do that and see how great that thing is...festiva ftw!!!

the zx2 isnt a bad idea but not as exciting as some others to me...the festiva is a win for sure and you HAVE to do that in the future man

[96Stang]

no one else has any crazy ideas that they would love to do???

this is more just seeing what people would love to do rather than stealing peoples ideas if that is what was thought.

[Ender81]

Buy my 77 beetle (rust free solid car) and swap in a WRX motor, they swap the boxer motors into the busses all the time but a WRX swap into the back of a bug would be insane. The car weighs something like 1500 throw on some basic mods and it would be crazy.

[96Stang]

Buy my 77 beetle (rust free solid car) and swap in a WRX motor, they swap the boxer motors into the busses all the time but a WRX swap into the back of a bug would be insane. The car weighs something like 1500 throw on some basic mods and it would be crazy.

that is also a crazy idea and wild but not into the beetle thing...i have my own idea and waiting to hear about this job to know if i can actually start it by getting the project car soon...and have to talk to pete (teh dirt) about the work and how possible it is...but definitly close to what you are talking about

[Ender81]

Well if you get bored check this out http://bb.bbboy.net/vwengineconversions I am always tempted to keep the bug and drop a rotary into it and have it as my daily driver.

[NJGOAT]

I've always wanted to do a "Monster Miata" using either a Ford 302 or a LS1...preferably a LS1. I know it's common, but I just think it's pretty cool. It's also a cheap project with plenty of support out there for both the donor car and engine choices. When venturing down the custom path, I would stick to something that a few people have done and keep it with cars and engines that are common and have a good following...at least for the first time out.

[Scapegoat]

Buy my 77 beetle (rust free solid car) and swap in a WRX motor, they swap the boxer motors into the busses all the time but a WRX swap into the back of a bug would be insane. The car weighs something like 1500 throw on some basic mods and it would be crazy.

How difficult would this be exactly... How easily does the wrx motor bolt in, and what else needs to be done to get it hooked up to the drivetrain...

tempting idea...

pm pics of beetle

[Scapegoat]

I've always wanted to do a "Monster Miata" using either a Ford 302 or a LS1...preferably a LS1. I know it's common, but I just think it's pretty cool. It's also a cheap project with plenty of support out there for both the donor car and engine choices. When venturing down the custom path, I would stick to something that a few people have done and keep it with cars and engines that are common and have a good following...at least for the first time out.

Personally, I'd say get an MGB and do it to that :) Instant Cobra lol

[Ender81]

How difficult would this be exactly... How easily does the wrx motor bolt in, and what else needs to be done to get it hooked up to the drivetrain...

tempting idea...

pm pics of beetle


Pm sent :)

[Loserkidwac]

I had the idea of trying to shoe horn a Grand Marquis transverse FWD V8 into the back of a Festiva...or maybe a metro...though about it after seeing both cars at the local junk yard...

just think outside of the box if you want something different...anything is possible with money and fabrication!

[NJGOAT]

Personally, I'd say get an MGB and do it to that :) Instant Cobra lol

MGB would be cool...but the Miata is a much easier project.

[96Stang]

i like that ideas are flowing...my idea has been for a while and i told pete (teh dirt) about this years ago or so...but taking a dodge shadow es around 94 or so..the 2 door coupe with slight wing and wierd bump on hood...and pretty much using a wrx drivetrain and motor...awd, turbo, dodge shadow....this i think is my ultimate dream

[yellow2000S/R]

Jay Leno has a festiva with a 3.0l SHO v6 in the rear...

http://www.shotimes.com/SHO4_jayl.html

A LOT of pics: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/photos/89Shogun_shell.shtml?img=1

[ToyotaTat]

2jz + 1990 Camry = Unusual (and helluva sleeper)

[yellow2000S/R]

2jz + 1990 Camry = Unusual (and helluva sleeper)

Lot of work... not sure how the body would stand to the twisting of being RWD... and if it doesnt hold up, you start flexing a lot and cracking your windshield.

[Keeper1343]

cobra motor in a Focus

[yellow2000S/R]

cobra motor in a Focus

Been done... same with in the ZX2.


The 1st one that we know of on the forums: 351 with c4 tranny, its a tube front tho. Links of vids on the car domain page below:


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/365874/11

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365874_148_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365874_151_full.jpg



Recent ones...

This is an InTech 32valve V8... similar to the Cobras engine... just not "hand built".

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3282/img01172dt9pa5.jpg



Another guy... putting a 302 in his,

Engine comming from donor mustang:

http://www.masterfred.com/random/IMG_0186.jpg


Donor rear end...

http://www.masterfred.com/random/IMG_0185.jpg


Installed

http://www.masterfred.com/random/IMG_0285.jpg

http://www.masterfred.com/random/IMG_0267.jpg

[amp]

...but I am thinking of starting a project car to last me the next year or 2 ...
not to sound parental but.. how about startin to save your hard earned dough to last you more than the next year or two..

[96Stang]

not to sound parental but.. how about startin to save your hard earned dough to last you more than the next year or two..

haha i was waiting on that...i will be obviously saving money...i have to...just this new job i may get will be alot more money than i make now so i can save most of it for a house or somethign and the other extra cash can go towards somethign i have wanted to do for a while.

[Action Park]

Buy my 77 beetle (rust free solid car) and swap in a WRX motor, they swap the boxer motors into the busses all the time but a WRX swap into the back of a bug would be insane. The car weighs something like 1500 throw on some basic mods and it would be crazy.
93
Well, to clear things up a bit for an interested Scapegoat.... There is a lot of room in the back of a bus that is not afforded in the beetle, although there is a bit more room in the later bugs than earlier ones. There is a reason all the quickest bugs have built up versions of the factory T1 engine. Sure, there are a bunch of different engines you could toss in but you end up hacking a bunch of poop up, you have a much heavier engine in the back(t1 is ~ 225 Lbs), and you still need to drop a good deal of money on a solid trans and suspension. A swap would be different, for sure, but it is never the better way. Just keep in mind that it is a fallacy to suppose that it is cheap to build a quick and reliable beetle. A '77 standard beetle, dry and with the stock bumpers removed, weighs right around 1820 Lbs. The earliest split and oval window bugs weighed in the low to mid 1500 range stock, and they got progressively heavier from there.
For one interested in a quick bug, trust me when I say that the best route is to get one already done up, even if you want to change things about. This is not to distract a sale for Ender's bug, I just think it's market potential is better for those who wish to keep it stockish.
For the op, you have oodles of choices and it all comes down to preference. Rotary in a samurai? Built probe engine in an mx3? 80's town car with a blown 347? Gremlin! Fiat x 1/9 with a built T1 engine?MkI or II celica supra? Jaguar xj6 with a 350(makes me cringe, but I guess I put it out there)?
93 93/93

[poolmike]

Mini Moke with a Hayabusa swap. Mokes are getting difficult to find, but they are low and light. A Moke handles like it is on rails no matter what the drivetrain is.


Also....an early Datsun 1600 ragtop would be sweet. I always think of an S2000 drivetrain swap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-Datsun-Model-1600_W0QQitemZ280190796889QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item 280190796889

[rocco]

wow i dont know what to say . as far as the vw bus my friend has one on craigslist for 800 but hed sell it cheaper it has no motor and he has no job. i have a few ideas for you but could you tell me a little more about what you want? are you looking for a car for some type of racing? is it a slow car im sorry i meant to say show car?

[96Stang]

wow i dont know what to say . as far as the vw bus my friend has one on craigslist for 800 but hed sell it cheaper it has no motor and he has no job. i have a few ideas for you but could you tell me a little more about what you want? are you looking for a car for some type of racing? is it a slow car im sorry i meant to say show car?

im looking for somethign to be a complete car...quick...doesnt have to be 10's or anything but maybe 12 or so, clean with full interior and even ac would be cool to keep...guess a show and go kind of deal...like dmitris' wrx or somethign like that...the complete package...everything there and way show too...i just want somethign to be different and yet somethign i can have fun with...take to track, take to shows, meets and not be there with the same thing as anyone else

[TROLL]

i say a monster miata like mentioned above, a mini with a type-r engine swapped in, or a SC300 with a 2JZ-GTE swapped in. they've all been done before but they're all crazy and awesome. it will be exponentially more difficult and and expensive to be the very first person to do something, but any of the things mentioned above are all mapped out for you already, you've just gotta have the balls to go for it.

[96Stang]

i say a monster miata like mentioned above, a mini with a type-r engine swapped in, or a SC300 with a 2JZ-GTE swapped in. they've all been done before but they're all crazy and awesome. it will be exponentially more difficult and and expensive to be the very first person to do something, but any of the things mentioned above are all mapped out for you already, you've just gotta have the balls to go for it.

i like the mini ideas alot...and i like that there is alot of info there for the swaps and all...and it doesnt help that i dont know as much as most of you guys...but i think it would be fun to take on somethign not done before and see what troubles i run into, chassis wise, motor fitment and all that along with a car not made for it at all

[TROLL]

for the mini you basically buy a kit to do it... all of the parts are already prefabricated and available. of course this doesnt mean they're commonplace at all. they're awesome.
of course i really like the 2JZ SC idea :)... thats a sleek luxury cruiser with an easy 5, 6, 700 hp... but obviously a lot different than a super light nimble mini.

[rocco]

just let it ride out your next project will come along. id hate to say it but its all been done before.

[96Stang]

just let it ride out your next project will come along. id hate to say it but its all been done before.

yeah i am in NO RUSH at all...i dont even have any of the money now haha...i wanna pick up maybe a decent shell in a few months and just strip the interior, do and light body work that needs to be done and fix anything else that needs to be done...then it can get painted and then swapped and then interior last...more than likely 3 years from now haha

i know what you mean with its all been done before but im sure there are some things people havent really thought of yet haha

[Spocknasty]

http://fatlace.com/amrafel/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/apopa14.jpg

Mmmmm.

[240sxDann]

vw vanagon + porche 911 turbo motor = mmmm fast

orrr....something like an audi quattro w/ a vr6 swap and turbo'd

orrr.....idk....anything you can imagine really

[96Stang]

http://fatlace.com/amrafel/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/apopa14.jpg

Mmmmm.

sexiness

[Roto]

This with an LS1...

http://i26.carguru.ru/97/28/2897/27/27/11772_11671742071.jpeg

[96Stang]

anyone know how truely difficult it is to put a different interior from a completely different car into another...if they were around the same size and all...just curious

[xEJ20x]

A go-kart with a GSXR motor....

[jdm free]

awd gst spyder....that would be an awesome project

[96Stang]

not interested in convertibles really....but the ideas are pretty cool still..especially the datsun one

[240sxDann]

1973 skyline with an rb26dett. Actually I stole that, a guy was selling one on nico. effin....sick.

s14 240sx with a twin turbo 3 rotor.....

[S.Milone]

There are millions of combinations all doable.

[DropTopChevy]

98 - 01.5 passat V6 (for engine mounting reasons) with a 2.7TT Audi S4 transplant.:mrgreen:Just my dream.

[87fierogt]

fiero gt with a fully built 400 smallblock in the trunk with a gt40 turbo strapped to the underside :devil: its my dream and it will come true. slam it on some draglites and a pearl white paint job

[poolmike]

http://fatlace.com/amrafel/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/apopa14.jpg

Mmmmm.

NO! NO! NO! F those Hondas. Hayabusa swap in the back of the car. No stupid looking extended front clip. No stupid looking wide body kit. Just a Mini, a cage, and crazy power.

[96Stang]

NO! NO! NO! F those Hondas. Hayabusa swap in the back of the car. No stupid looking extended front clip. No stupid looking wide body kit. Just a Mini, a cage, and crazy power.

lol...i agree with you that it should just be like you said...but i just thought it looked sexy haha

[PUREKDM]

AWD RB26DETT swap in a Z33....some bolt-ons and puttin down 700+ daily driven......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MNQf_t6Qgc

[Spocknasty]

Mike, the minitec kit doesn't require an extended front clip or a wide body kit....

http://superfastminis.com/Mini-HondaProducts.htm

[RSX Type-Slow]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flmomb1cLS4&feature=related
what mike said

[enigma]

A yugo with a big block.

[Scapegoat]

NO! NO! NO! F those Hondas. Hayabusa swap in the back of the car. No stupid looking extended front clip. No stupid looking wide body kit. Just a Mini, a cage, and crazy power.

I'd love to do that, only with an Opel.

My ideal project would be to create the same exact car they used at Disney Worlds awesome stunt show :)

[the4g63]

90-94 (I think?) Mazda Protege with a GTX or GTR JDM turbo motor swap. Its the best if you can find a rare AWD one, because both swaps come with an AWD transmission. That's a sleeper. I have one sitting in my garage right now. Just need the cash for the swap.

[96Stang]

awesome ideas from everyone...i wish everyone was able to do their dream project...that would make for a world of interesting cars on here haha

[poolmike]

MINI MOKE!! I want one.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyWmL3ToknA&NR=1

[dragonfly2k3]

try to find an elusive awd integra and build the hell out of it. ha.

[240sxDann]

They made an AWD teggy?!

For escort...with a cosworth in it.

[xEJ20x]

For escort...with a cosworth in it.

Like in Getaway in Stockholm 2....nice

[SovXietday]

I really really want to build a 70 GNX.

[dragonfly2k3]

yes, they made a jdm awd teg. I dont think ive ever seen anyone that has imported one though. Also, if you walk into the honda dealer and try to buy parts for it they will look at you and tell you it didnt exist ha. Im im not mistaken there was an awd eg made as well.

[poolmike]

I really really want to build a 70 GNX.

What is a 70 GNX??

[NJGOAT]

98 - 01.5 passat V6 (for engine mounting reasons) with a 2.7TT Audi S4 transplant.:mrgreen:Just my dream.

Why not just buy a '00 - '04 A6 with the 2.7TT already in it? It's your dream so that's cool I was just wondering why anyone would do that...

[Scapegoat]

What is a 70 GNX??

maybe he meant gtx

[turbo4g63]

unfortunately i don't have time/space/money for any projects....but i'd always like to have an old Mitsubishi mighty max w/ a 4g63 swapped into it.

[96Stang]

unfortunately i don't have time/space/money for any projects....but i'd always like to have an old Mitsubishi mighty max w/ a 4g63 swapped into it.

time/space/money is the problem everyone has...it was just to get out some cool ideas from everyone to see what everyones odd dreams were...like something most wouldnt just think of off the top of their head...i dont even know what a mighty max is...gonna have to look that up

[turbo4g63]

or even one of these is on my list of things i'd love to have...but this is more of an actual possibility for a next vehicle.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-f3xDWNVag&feature=related

GMC Syclone 4.3 turbo

[96Stang]

im a typhoon fan myself..the syclone is sick though

[poolmike]

maybe he meant gtx

I was thinking more like a '70 Buick GSx. I don't know, but then again...I's a 'tard.

[347gtvert]

nothing special, ls2 into a fox :)

[96Stang]

nothing special, ls2 into a fox :)

vw fox or foxbody?? lol

[99SL2_Modder]

Geo Metro with the caterpillar 3cyl diesel swap.

Should drop right in. Err, fit, I mean.

Assloads of power and torque. That **** be flyin, yo.

[Cutlass372]

Not really a wierd project, but I think my next is to take a Datsun z-series and swap a L28ET from a 280zx and upgrade the **** out of the suspension. Fun daily drivers FTW! :)

[96Stang]

Not really a wierd project, but I think my next is to take a Datsun z-series and swap a L28ET from a 280zx and upgrade the **** out of the suspension. Fun daily drivers FTW! :)

i dont know that motor or nissan motors too well in general...but i think a motor from a 300z...the tt motor would be sick in somethign else lol

[TurboTagTeam]

I think my dream "odd swapped" car would be a Mazda RX-3 with a N/A 4 rotor. But, since building a 4 rotor will deep into the 6digit price range, I think a 3 rotor will settle me :mrgreen:

[justinlansdale]

RB-swapped hardbody.

mmmm fast trucks :-)

[Spocknasty]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6JXAfBvvvQ

1300 lb cars FTW.

[yellow2000S/R]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6JXAfBvvvQ

1300 lb cars FTW.


Festiva... even know they are 1,600 lbs


just imagine something like this but the setup thrown in the rear... thats what I want to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogHfsnnt2cc

[BIRD]

:mrgreen: :thumbup: third gen camaro :supz::banana:


or a fiearo i saw a really nice one about two weeks ago on my way home from work it was at night too bright orange paint looked very clean and with an engine swap in it too. that think took off and there was the rotting oem exaust.