How bad an idea is it to try to build a mid-engined El Camino? We were thinking about cuting a hole in the bed and relocating a SBC back there. Are there any major problems you could see us running into? I though of the shifter linkages and cooling system.
Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » How bad an idea is this?
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March 20, 2010 1:29 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork
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March 20, 2010 2:03 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork
You may end up with a driveshaft about 1" long.
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March 20, 2010 2:10 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork
There was that problem to. What is the distance between the back of the cab and the rear axle?
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March 20, 2010 2:48 p.m. m4ff3w Dork
Why not drop a Toronado drivetrain back there?
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March 20, 2010 2:49 p.m. cwh SuperDork
Toronado engine and transaxle. It's been done.
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March 20, 2010 2:52 p.m. jwdmotorsports Dork
I like the idea. I've considered the same type swap on an econoline truck.
www.facebook.com/teamdixonracing
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March 20, 2010 3:13 p.m. dean1484 Dork
Dont think just do!!!! Coolness is sure to follow!!!!
Respectfully, Dean
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March 20, 2010 3:47 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork
Now just to find a super cheap El Camino around Northern Alabama.
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March 20, 2010 3:50 p.m. jwdmotorsports Dork
if I see one on the bham craigslist I'll shoot you a PM
www.facebook.com/teamdixonracing
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March 20, 2010 4:10 p.m. pres589 Reader
Seems like the kind of vehicle that would be in high demand in Northern Alabama.
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March 20, 2010 4:15 p.m. 96DXCivic HalfDork
I think we are going to wait until the summer to buy one but if you see let me know.
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March 20, 2010 4:19 p.m. Appleseed Dork
V drive. You reverse the rear end and attach the engine ant trans in the normal position. Its been used for wheel standing drag cars. I think it was adapted from power boats. Find a derelict v-8 jet boat. New is not cheap.
http://www.casalev-drive.com/Home.html
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March 20, 2010 6:09 p.m. DoctorBlade Reader
Appleseed wrote: http://www.casalev-drive.com/Home.html
They used those in the Tumbler from Batman? Cool!
"Meh."
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March 20, 2010 6:21 p.m. TuffWork New Reader
I've had a similar idea for a while. I like the V drive solution, but if you want alot more answers you might talk to some of the truck guys. Specifically mud boggers. Many of them have done engines in the back.
If you're not dirty then you haven't worked hard enough yet.
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March 20, 2010 6:45 p.m. mw Reader
I'd go with an lsx and corvette t56 with a very short torque tube. You'd end up with a mid engined IRS el camino. That would suprise people.
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March 20, 2010 7:08 p.m. Knurled New Reader
In reply to 96DXCivic:
Seen it done, in an issue of Car Craft in the mid-80's.
The cool thing was, there was a 283 still under the hood.
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March 20, 2010 8:02 p.m. zomby woof HalfDork
Go with the 71-76 Eldorado drivetrain. 500 inches of Cadillac power will get the job done!
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March 20, 2010 10:46 p.m. GI_Drewsifer Reader
This is an awesomely bad idea.
Better to be a racer for a moment than spectator for a life time.
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March 20, 2010 10:48 p.m. Fit_Is_Slo Reader
Cargo space may be reduced....
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March 20, 2010 10:53 p.m. aussiesmg SuperDork
Fit_Is_Slo wrote: Cargo space may be reduced....
Nah, there's plenty under the new front trunk lid.
Cornering is like bringing a woman to climax. Jackie Stewart
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March 20, 2010 11:03 p.m. GI_Drewsifer Reader
GI_Drewsifer wrote: This is an awesomely bad idea.
I mean that in a good way.
Better to be a racer for a moment than spectator for a life time.
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March 20, 2010 11:52 p.m. NYG95GA SuperDork
Speaking of rear-mounted Toranado engines, there was a local guy who got a wild hair and put one in a tube framed brush buggy. It turned out pretty well, except for one: the steering worked, as did the throttle.
Just not both at the same time. Front end just wouldn't stay on the ground, even at moderate throttle.
Doh!
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March 21, 2010 1:50 a.m. Appleseed Dork
Meh...until you put 2 Toranado drive trains in your car, your not as cool as this:
http://www.oldsclub.org/JWO/TheHairyHurstOlds/hairy_hurst_olds.htm
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March 21, 2010 1:57 a.m. Opus Dork
Knurled wrote: In reply to 96DXCivic: Seen it done, in an issue of Car Craft in the mid-80's. The cool thing was, there was a 283 still under the hood.
it was there for ballast.
73 Pinto - Toy 96 Nissan P.U. - daily 05 Mazda 3s - Kid car 06 Titan - Tow vehicle 82 Kawi KZ750 LTD - for sale 98 Honda XR400R - Street/dirt 03 Honda CBR600RR - death rattle
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March 21, 2010 5:27 a.m. Appleseed Dork
Too many "big" engines fell to the guns of the 283 during the Super Stock wars of the 60s for that that to be true
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