Hey everybody. It has been several years, but I'm FINALLY back starting on a project.
This time around it is a '32 ford coupe. The very first item I've purchased toward the project is an LT1 from a '97 Trans Am (yes I got all the wiring and the computer) that had a leaky head gasket. I got it so I could have something to work on over the winter and I could feel like I was making progress. I got it for $400, which I thought was a pretty good deal. I've purchased 3 Gen1 style blocks only to get them back from the machine shop and be told they were unusable for one reason or another.
Anyway, on to my question. The LT1's profile(height) is really short. I'm going to have a LOT of room above the motor because the '32 engine compartment is so tall. Aesthetically it just looks kind of empty.
I thought about creating my own turbo setup, or going with a supercharger, but stock '97 LT1s create ~300 horsepower. I'll be porting the heads a bit and maybe going with a larger diameter TB and bigger injectors, so that will up the power a bit. With the 32 coupe (fiberglass) weighing about 1800 pounds, that is going to put the power to weight ratio at about .16. That is close to Carrera GTs and Ferraris. I know the problem is going to be traction, not power. FYI I'm going to put a 6 speed from a 90's era F body in there.
So, I really don't need any more power (I know, I know HERESY!), and keeping it stock would keep it very reliable.
So what can I do to fill the void? My brother suggested fabricating some sort of intake that uses empty stromberg housings up top. Not to make it REALLY look like they are being used, but almost as a stylistic tribute.
Any thoughts or photos or ideas?
Thanks!
This time around it is a '32 ford coupe. The very first item I've purchased toward the project is an LT1 from a '97 Trans Am (yes I got all the wiring and the computer) that had a leaky head gasket. I got it so I could have something to work on over the winter and I could feel like I was making progress. I got it for $400, which I thought was a pretty good deal. I've purchased 3 Gen1 style blocks only to get them back from the machine shop and be told they were unusable for one reason or another.
Anyway, on to my question. The LT1's profile(height) is really short. I'm going to have a LOT of room above the motor because the '32 engine compartment is so tall. Aesthetically it just looks kind of empty.
I thought about creating my own turbo setup, or going with a supercharger, but stock '97 LT1s create ~300 horsepower. I'll be porting the heads a bit and maybe going with a larger diameter TB and bigger injectors, so that will up the power a bit. With the 32 coupe (fiberglass) weighing about 1800 pounds, that is going to put the power to weight ratio at about .16. That is close to Carrera GTs and Ferraris. I know the problem is going to be traction, not power. FYI I'm going to put a 6 speed from a 90's era F body in there.
So, I really don't need any more power (I know, I know HERESY!), and keeping it stock would keep it very reliable.
So what can I do to fill the void? My brother suggested fabricating some sort of intake that uses empty stromberg housings up top. Not to make it REALLY look like they are being used, but almost as a stylistic tribute.
Any thoughts or photos or ideas?
Thanks!