chevette based MG

[foolthrottle]

I’ve acquired a 52 replica based on a Chevette, never assembled, my plan is to make a v8 powered  open wheel hillclmber/racer. has anyone in this group done a Chev V8 conversion in the kit chassis?

[Paul Mossberg]

Hi

Bill A just completed a V8 conversion and documented the entire process.

Here is his thread: https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/im-gonna-do-a-v8/

• This reply was modified 6 years, 4 months ago by Paul Mossberg.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[foolthrottle]

Thanks Paul

The Chevette has some major differences from the Pinto based car. My plan is to lower and extend the front suspension and lower and mount a different rear axle probably an s-10 the engine trans I have is a 1981 350 4 speed from a Camaro. The front will sit about 12″ ahead of the radiator. The front suspesion I want to use is from an 80’s Fiero a direct bolt in that gives 5 lug, larger disc brakes,etc. a direct bolt into the Chevette chassis. I’ve been looking around for a vintage type wheel and for the moment I have settled on the Rocket igniter wheel. I got invited to a hillclimb event in Baja Mexico.  one of my previous unrelated racers can be seen at https://youtu.be/Dnecgj0idoY

[ricrx7]

Do you know who made your replica?  I just put a GM 60 degree V6 in place of a Chevette engine.  From the space around my engine, it looks like a V8 might have fit.

1986 British Coach Works Type 52 (Sammy)
Chevy 2.8 V6, 5 speed

[foolthrottle]

ricrx7

My kit is a CMC I believe. You may recall seeing Chevettes with v8 conversions, although its been many years since I’ve seen a Chevette in any form. the v8 conversions were fairly common, the rear axle was the next weak point and I’ve seen an s-10 conversion useing the Chevette  coil springs, mounts, etc. I was hopeing to find a complete conversion kit for the v8 in a chevette, I’m sure one exists somewhere, or some one thats done the conversion. My guess is, if you’ve done a v6 you’ve done a v8 technically speaking, all the mounts and locations would be close or the same, do you have pictures of your swap? The v6 swaps are common among these cars in Europe, Vauxals, Kadets, others

• This reply was modified 6 years, 4 months ago by foolthrottle.

[ricrx7]

See under My Project – Refresh Sammy

1986 British Coach Works Type 52 (Sammy)
Chevy 2.8 V6, 5 speed

[foolthrottle]

Ric

What motor mount did you use? what transmission and mount did you use? radiator? I noticed you mention front steering issues, I’m planning on using a Fiero complete front as it is a direct bolt in with a good amount of performance upgrades available.

[ricrx7]

Motor mounts are custom.  Used donut style mounted on a flat plate welded to frame rail.  Then used plate and square tubing from engine to donut. Mount interfered with oil filter so switched to remote filter.  Transmission mount is stock from Camaro.  It just happened fit into the frame cross member that was for the Chevette manual trans.  Front steering issues were fixed by new springs which raised the front end by almost 2 inches but leveled the steering arms.  I am using the Chevette torque tube rear end and that resulted in a 9 inch drive shaft.  Best not to use this rear end.

1986 British Coach Works Type 52 (Sammy)
Chevy 2.8 V6, 5 speed

[foolthrottle]

Ric

Thanks, I’ll be able to find mounts a several sources for the chev v8 at Speedway, Summit, Jegs etc. I’m thinking (DANGER/WARNING) that I’m going to use the tube front mount from Speedway and the rear will be something like you used. I’m now thinking I’ll mount the front suspension about 18″ in front of the radiator shell, someone suggested I use a 70’s/80’s Alpha Romeo rear axle, good choice of ratios plus posi, certainly a cool looking unit, but I cant recall when I last saw one.

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