Another Newbie

Chuck_ · Post by **Chuck_** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:29 pm

Hi all

Been lurking for some time, you guys are a bad influence on me. Given me some very dangerous ideas.

Anyway, Im currently stripping down the donor vehicle for my project, a v8 Manta coupe. It started life as a 1.8 auto but the current plan is a 4.0 Lexus v8 and R154 gearbox. I was going to do an LSx and Corvette transaxle but looking at the prices meant I had to be a bit more realistic, think I can get a donor car for the engine/loom etc for well under 2k where as Corvettes were at least 4 times that, even for a crashed one.

I'm planning to hopefully build a spaceframe chassis for it. Done the theory (at uni) nows the time for the practice, to see if I can actually do it.

Anyway, thats it, thoughts welcome. Please be ready for some daft questions

Cheers

Alley Kat · Post by **Alley Kat** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:33 pm

Welcome...
I'm planning, or at least looking into, similar things, though the electrics has me wondering/worrying e.g. fly by wire throttle. Want to add forced induction so looking into the piggy back route or new chip.
You'll def get a donor for less than 2k, I just passed up on one for £600.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:55 am

Chuck,

there's been a guy on the NSRA forums trying to sell a Lexus 4.3 VVTi plus Dellow bellhousing + Supra box + Lexus auto box all for £1500. PM me and I'll send you his email address or search on the NSRA forum.

I think he said the engine had done 20k. I have no connection to this guy but it looks a pretty good bargain IMHO.

Cheers,

Ian

Alley Kat · Post by **Alley Kat** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:05 am

He offered it to me for less than that too. But someone on the lextreme site said he had doubts over hooking the 4.3 up to a manual box, electronics wise. Didn't look into it any further though, I want the 4.0 (stronger rods & pistons) anyway.
If I remember right, the full kit inc clutch is about £600 before post & duty. Supra box say £150. Cut-out engines can be had for £3-400 or so, minus the electronics & ancillaries though.

Chuck_ · Post by **Chuck_** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 8:19 pm

Cheers guys.

Interesting about the 4.3. I'd kinda ruled them out on the basis of being too expensive. I was quite looking forward to hooning about in a ls400 though