Mark'S Ke55 Sedan Build

[project_KE55]

Okay so I bought a 3.8 v6 with computer and loom for the rolla at the start of February. :dance:

 

So plans for it so far are as follows:

 

Probably a welded diff under it, until i find a reasonably cheap alternative. (won't be road registered)

 

Seam weld areas under most stress.

 

Might have a crack at making up some bracing for front end, behind front guards.

 

Take interia out except for front seats until I get sone racing seats and harnesses.

 

Most likely have to shorten the tailshaft.

 

Things i have done so far:

 

- Cut the mounts off Corolla cross member.

- Taken exhaust manifolds off to be modified.

- Cleaned engine, free of oil, grime, dust ect..

- Removed alot of the wires i wont need

 

 

 

So, the engine is sitting in the engine bay, need a gearbox to bolt up so i can make it all dead straight, then make up some mounts. Got a good mate that is an auto electrician by trade who is more than happy to wire it up for me for a carton.

 

 

I'm after a T5 commodore box and belhousing if anyone knows of any? The wrecker wants way too much for them..

 

Also if anyone believes that the T5 won't fit in the gearbox tunnel of the corolla, let me know. :hmm:

 

I've tried finding a supra box and modified bellhousing but I can't get hold of one easily. If and when I do come across one they are really expensive.

 

Obviously, the w58 supra box would be ideal, although funds and ease of getting one keep getting in the way. :bash:

 

Anywho these are some pictures of the progress ive made so far, this is just before i cut crossmember mounts off, so the engine sits alot lower now and due to taking the exhaust manifolds off it sits alot further back. :)

 

 

 

 

Not much more visually to add at the minute, just a heap of fiddly stuff that is not camera worthy.

 

Cheers everyone,

 

Mark. :y:

[SLO-030]

I got a mate with a 3800 in a KE70. can get pics of the mounts if you like?

 

Its got a Turbo700 in it and absolutely FLIES!

[carbonboy]

Whoa, I think this will be the first Ecotec powered vehicle that will actually be fast! :wink:

 

What brakes are you thinking of upgrading to?

 

This will be a weapon, keeping an eye on this build! :y:

[project_KE55]

Yeah pictures would be much appreciated thanks mate :)

Turbo700 is an automatic, is that correct? If so, how does he like it being automatic? I would probably prefer it being a manual for hillclimbs ect. But any info would be great .

 

Not an ecotec mate but it will still be much quicker than the stocko 1.3 :P

 

Brakes will eventually be VP commodore, I'll just modify the whole VP strut to suit. Then start worrying about the master cylinder ect..

 

Thanks for the replies fellas.

 

Mark.

Edited April 3, 2011 by project_KE55

[project_KE55]

Still havent found a gearbox, so i'll just skip that step and start doing other stuff, new lowered king springs next week with some kyb shocks. Is it worth my while getting the struts powder coated while they are disassembled?

 

After that, new brake rotors and rebuilt calipers, new brake hoses.

 

Might even rebuild the brake master cylinder, depending on how the brakes perform after everything else.

 

Mark.

[project_KE55]

Today I painted a few small things, bonnet hinges, those plates on the firewall a couple of small mounts and a few other things.

 

Afterward I started modifying my exhaust manifolds to clear the steering box, cut and shut style. Although I have only cut so far. Shutting will be done around the same date as engine mounts and gearbox crossmember is made ect..

 

If anyone has a half decent bonnet in tassie I'd be very interested in having a look.

 

Thanks, Mark

[SLO-030]

Yeah pictures would be much appreciated thanks mate :)

Turbo700 is an automatic, is that correct? If so, how does he like it being automatic? I would probably prefer it being a manual for hillclimbs ect. But any info would be great .

 

Not an ecotec mate but it will still be much quicker than the stocko 1.3 :P

 

Brakes will eventually be VP commodore, I'll just modify the whole VP strut to suit. Then start worrying about the master cylinder ect..

 

Thanks for the replies fellas.

 

Mark.

 

Yep, Turbo 700 is the 4spd auto from the VN/VP's

 

Even being auto is MOOOOVES. Keeps up with XR6 turbos and imports.

 

Had 5 people and a carton + various car parts in the boot. Still peeled both tyres leaving the lights and had no problems kicking it out.

 

Running a locked corona disc brake diff (ST141 avante) std struts up front with whiteline fat swaybars front and rear.

[project_KE55]

Pics would be great if possible :) sounds like a beast.

 

I need to make a decision soon. Auto or manual.

 

Prefer manual but auto is so much easier to set up in my circumstance.

[SLO-030]

Will try to grab some if i can get ahold of a decent camera.

 

Mounts looked easy enough to do. 100x50 rhs, cut to the profile of the x member, welded off the front of the x memeber.

 

Rubber mount on te top of the RHS. then a 90 deg mount off the block on to the mount.

 

As for the exhaust,They have used a set of extractors, lopped the ends of them off right after the collector and faced the outlets down, under the car and joining into 1 pipe the same as commodores do.

[project_KE55]

That would be great if you can get pictures but if it's too much hassle don't worry about it :)

 

Alright, I think I understand the design? From how you've explained it?

 

Extractors will be a bit further down te line as ive 70% finished off my modified standard manifold.

 

But after I get everything in and running sweet I'll start thinking about modifying/customising/improving things.

 

Hopefully it will be worth the hassle of doing the conversion in the end.

 

Thanks heaps mate :)

 

Mark.

[project_KE55]

The corolla is now in my garage. So now it doesn't matter what the weather is like. It's all go from now on. Found myself a gearbox very cheap :) so I'll pick that up on the weekend and then mounts will be on the cards as well as some pictures :)

 

Cheers

[daveske55]

so where are you going to be driving this beast. if u ever up launceston way with the car send me a pm. would love to see it finished

[project_KE55]

It'll just be a track car/ hillclimb car mate. I don't think I'd be able to register it legally.

 

It should be a load of fun. Power to weight ratio ;)

 

Cheers for the comments mate

[daveske55]

check with service tas but there is a way it may be possible .they will point you in the right direction for getting it on the road .i was thinking about doing the same style of conversion but look pricey .good luck

Edited April 11, 2011 by daveske55

[project_KE55]

Yeah mate I'll have to check it out. But my first concern is making up the engine and gearbox mounts haha

 

Engine bay is tidied up now.. Well better than it was anyway. Put new brake lines in it.

 

Over the Easter weekend there will be alot of work going into it I do feel :)

 

Wiring will have started, if not finished.

At least engine mounts will have been made, maybe the gearbox crossmember as well.

 

Got some wheels ready to be picked up this weekend. Nothing too special just some 13" by 6.5"-7" with no tires. Came off a datsun which I'm 99% sure are the same PCD both 114.3 I'm sure?

 

Just need them for the extra tread ;)

 

That's about it for now.

 

Cheers, Mark.