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Downsides to not using a single donor?
morcus - 4/4/13 at 01:46 PM

After years of waiting it finally looks like a I can start building, I'm not bothered about total cost or how long it takes but i want to avoid spending big money in single transactions and to buy things when I need them/have spare dosh, mainly because I want to get started after years and years of waiting.

I need a car with an autobox (Or one with a hand clutch, but that involves taking another driving test so I'd prefer not to) so the simplest way seem to be to buy the bits all seperately as I'd like something close to a book car, and I'd like to buy a chassis so don't want something anymore unusual than it has to be already. I've seen a couple of autos and they had sierra boxes but I don't think buying a sierra with the autobox is likely to be an option.

Other than a Q plate, which doesn't bother me, are there any other problems to look out for?

On a side note, newer autoboxes have ecu's, will this make them completely unfeasible as Omegas are everywhere.

loggyboy - 4/4/13 at 01:49 PM

You only need 2 major items from a donor, it doesnt have to be gearbox and engine, it could engine and drivetrain, drivetrain and steering, suspension and steering etc etc..

Theres no real way of the DVLa knowing what items you ACCTUALLY used. DVLA can only check and go buy your documents, reciepts and photos.

Barkalarr - 4/4/13 at 02:16 PM

Just sent a PM

mark chandler - 4/4/13 at 02:43 PM

Old ford C3 auto boxes are sluggish 3 speeds, some BMW's of around 1984 - 1993 will have been equipped with a ZF 4 speed with lock up in top, same box as fitted to classic range rovers which are mechanical only.

These boxes are very strong, not huge and will change faster than a manual with nicely spaced gears.

morcus - 4/4/13 at 02:47 PM

Thanks for the tip as I would prefer a 4 speed. Are they the same boxes in 6 and 4 cyclinder cars?

mark chandler - 4/4/13 at 06:20 PM

Your looking for a ZFHP22 box, common to a number of cars, you just need to have a google.

Fitted in BMW 3&5 series, Volvo's ambulances all sorts really.

gremlin1234 - 4/4/13 at 08:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by morcus
Downsides to not using a single donor?

with a single donor, you have the advantage that you know the engine/clutch/'box (or in your case, engine/torque converter/autobox) all work together, similarly diff ratios should be about right, and drive shafts match diff etc.

also probably cheaper to buy a complete car, and use lots, rather than piecemeal