I'm in the early stages of planning my build, but want to start picking up the parts I'll need. I haven't decided what engine/trans to use, but that won't be a big deal. The big question is what donors to use for the spindles and rear axle? I don't care what brand I end up with as long as I end up with the same bolt pattern and service parts are easily accessable.

I assume the steering rack from a Pinto is pretty generic and will work.

I'll probably go with a Flaming River or other steering column, unless I find a donor to use which will have a very clean, basic column. The key switch and starter button will be on the dash.

Recommendations?

hi Mate
a lot of stateside builders use chevette uprights or you could try TOyota Hi ace , Terago or Prieva . I have used Lite ace in my build and the diff from the van is also suitable (about 4 to 1 ratio) asuming that you want to do a live axel build . are you on the Yahoo "Locost North America " list lots of discussion in the archives about this question that may help you .
Best wishes
Iain

I've noticed a lot of people use the Chevette uprights, and that would be fine with me. I do plan on using a live axle.

Any idea what axle bolt pattern would match up to what's found on the Chevette?

Go for:
Chevette
Mustang II
Pinto
Toyo corolla (early rwd)
S10 pick up
early import pick ups
Alfa Spider

the list goes on and on


David.

YOU SCRAP ALFA SPIDERS?they are worth pots of money over here

Hi Mate
the Chevette uses 4 x100 PCD which is the same as mazda so a diff that matches will not be to hard to find and nice wheels are out there .
best wishes
Iain
Ps I know that we all Have user names here but please sign your posts with your name it is a friendly place here and we do not have to be totally anominus here

Who, me? My name is right at the bottom of the post above my website address. I'm friendly in a lazy kind of way. Thanks for the info, it'll give me something to look into.

Hi Jeff
My apologies for preaching mate from a lazy reader
best wishes
Iain
Ps I had never thought to ad my name to that section

quote:

---

Originally posted by theconrodkid
YOU SCRAP ALFA SPIDERS?they are worth pots of money over here

---

There happens to be a Alpha Spider on my street thats in pretty good shape for $1500. I'll try so post a pic.....................................sorry someones got my camera, (hope the wife has it)

I guess some of you (in Texas maybe?!) don't have the salted wet roads for winter that we have in the uk.

Alfa spiders don't like that treatment much!!

Texans don't get to experience salty roads, so their cars tend to last a LOT longer. I'm living in the "rust belt", so unles the underbody and the rest of the car has some added rust protection, it won't last long around here!

Will chevette brakes do for a car this high-performance? If so they would make a great donor for everything but the engine, which I've found a really good donor for:
It turns out that the Suzuki Swift GTI 1.3L DOHC engine will bolt to a Samarai RWD tranny with no mods. This is a pretty potent little EFI engine (can make 120-160HP just NA), it's Aluminum block and has a forged crank and rods. Supposedly good for 8600 RPM with a different cam and EFI tuning. The Samarai trannys are also light, have decent gear ratios (first is really short but it's really close ratio past that), and are practically given away.
I found all this out when I was looking for an easier alternative to a bike engine but with as little weight as possible. Here is a useful 1.3L link:
http://www.ado13.com/dohczuke/dohc.htm

Grant

Actually, I found a co-worker who is planning to get rid of his V6 Chevy S10 later this year. Manual trans, good working condition, etc. It'll probably cost me under $500 and should give me plenty of parts to work with, plus the V6!

Sounds like your set. I assume your gonna go with a larger frame such as the McSorely 442?
I'm hoping to keep my build as light and small as possible for Autocross.
Grant

I'd probably be forced to do the +442 either way, regardless of the donor. At 6'3" 240 pounds, the stock size body wouldn't give me much room to move, assuming I'd fit at all!

I'm 6' 195Lbs and I'm wondering if I'll fit okay. It seems that it all depends on how long your legs are, I'm tall in the saddle so I should be alright. From what I understand the wider/longer chassis doesn't make much difference in weight so it's mainly the difficulty finding bodywork, but I'm making my own when the time comes so I'm not overly stressed about that. I sort of prefer the look of the smaller cars but I've never seen anything larger in person so it's hard to say. I'm also going to go with a very simple bench seat with a fairly slim back so that should help as well.
Grant