New Guy Dreaming to Make AWD Chevette

[assquatch20]

Hey, new guy here, looking to poke brains and eventually document a Chevette project. What I'm hoping to pull off might be considered foolish, but I'm hoping to get a lot of it on paper so the pulling it off part isn't so bad, given a lot of time to piece it together.

Here's a picture covered in cell phone filter. I'll try to get some better ones up of the thing sometime, but it's not quite "done" or even beginning, really.

94494

What I'm shooting for, there isn't necessarily a forum for, or a completed build that I know of, but this seems like the best place to put it all together. I'm hoping for a street car that can handle, isn't designed for any particular class of racing, and could function okay as a DD.

Pretty much I'm looking to use an Ecotec in front of a T5 or T56, putting power to all wheels with a 4472 TC, and whatever diffs would fit and handle the power I'm hoping to put down, which could ideally be anywhere from 225-300hp or even more with a lot of tuning and meth or nitrous. If I can keep this car under 2500lbs, the power should be more than enough for something on the street. A Miata IRS with an 8.8 would be great and preferably some sort of LSD in the front but that's a tall order. Lots of fabrication to go IRS.

The AWD part probably doubles the difficulty of this project, and it is just an idea I'm playing with, but I think worth entertaining. I'm just in the parts-collecting stage right now, and this could take a few years, but that's fine by me. Any recommendation on diffs or tips for clearance would be great. The only good point of reference I've got to go on so far is an AWD 76 Vette I'm sure some of you have seen, but it's working with a bit more motor.

Anyway, there's a lot to be said about what I've gathered so far, but if anybody has any input, it's appreciated.

[mitch_04]

I've always wanted to trick out a Chevette for the challenge. I'd look into AWD vehicles like Equinoxes and use that drivetrain, I don't know if you'd have room for a regular transmission & transfer case combo. No matter what I'm sure it'll be a challenge. There was a guy who started making a pro-touring Chevette but moved and was forced to sell it, either here or on Lat-G.

[andrewb70]

Welcome to the forum!

Andrew

[NOT A TA]

See this thread

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/35479-Project-Chevette-Turbocharged-Ecotec?highlight=chevette

[cornfedbill]

The Ecotec LNF direct injected turbo motor would be a good start. It is bigger than the stock motor, but should fit with some coaxing. It makes 260HP and 260 lb-ft of torque right out of the box and even more with the GM stage 2 kit or aftermarket tuning.

The only AWD T56 car I know of was built by Summit Racing years ago called the Quadra deuce. It was later converted to an automatic. You should be able to look it up. Mark Stielow was the brains behind the original build.

The Equinox and modern small AWD SUV's have a transverse layout that may not fit in the Chevette. To use a longitudinal setup will mean making a new floor to fit the transfer case.

I would look at AWD Bravadas or Jimmys for the driveline parts. The track is wider and would require narrowing or big flares to fit. I would go for wider fenders like the early 80's IMSA cars if it were me.

Either way it looks interesting. Have fun.

[BMR Sales]

Welcome!

T.C.

[raustinss]

I swear I've seen a company that produces a adapter plate to use a t56 awd.... and I agree with Bill look into Olds bravada...astro,safari, syclone,typhoon they all used the same chassis and from what I know the transfer cases can take 300 hp easily. if you uses corvette spindles C5 and C6, you can use 4 rear hubs on all four corners also allowing you to use corvette brakes. Keep us updated and good luck

[assquatch20]

See this thread

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/35479-Project-Chevette-Turbocharged-Ecotec?highlight=chevette

I've read through that one and learned some pretty handy stuff for sure, not to mention a good deterrent for anybody smarter than me.


The Ecotec LNF direct injected turbo motor would be a good start. It is bigger than the stock motor, but should fit with some coaxing. It makes 260HP and 260 lb-ft of torque right out of the box and even more with the GM stage 2 kit or aftermarket tuning.

The only AWD T56 car I know of was built by Summit Racing years ago called the Quadra deuce. It was later converted to an automatic. You should be able to look it up. Mark Stielow was the brains behind the original build.

The Equinox and modern small AWD SUV's have a transverse layout that may not fit in the Chevette. To use a longitudinal setup will mean making a new floor to fit the transfer case.

I would look at AWD Bravadas or Jimmys for the driveline parts. The track is wider and would require narrowing or big flares to fit. I would go for wider fenders like the early 80's IMSA cars if it were me.

Either way it looks interesting. Have fun.

I'm considering the LK9 right now, but I haven't joined up at the Ecotec board yet, so who knows where that's gonna go. They're cheap and low miles in Saab 9-3's, put out 200hp with their top stock turbo, and I could swab over LSJ heads, cams, and sensors and have it blown or even twincharged with possibly just junkyard parts and a good tune. The Saab turbo and the LSJ SC are different in diameters I think, but it's a viable option. Stupid to twincharge, but possible and a little cool.

My focus is to keep the engine longitudinally mounted, so a Sy/Ty setup is a good one to copy. I've seen one of those with a T56 (Tranzilla) and I know now that the adapter for the TC is going to be a hurdle, but it's doable. The floor and firewall are getting redone, so that should help. My biggest worry is front diff clearance from the oil pan. I can move the engine back, and do some good stuff for balance, but I just don't know what's possible until I have a lot of accurate measurements and/or the drivetrain Lego'd out in the garage.

I've just got some learning to do, because I'm shooting for independent front and rear. That coupled with the wider track lengths I might have to work with, and that means some geometry work I don't know how to do just yet, but I'm staying hopeful. The fender flares will be tough to make look good, but I like your thinking. I'll probably have to take some cues (and maybe body parts) from the Vauxhall cars, but they aren't the prettiest of their time to me.




I swear I've seen a company that produces a adapter plate to use a t56 awd.... and I agree with Bill look into Olds bravada...astro,safari, syclone,typhoon they all used the same chassis and from what I know the transfer cases can take 300 hp easily. if you uses corvette spindles C5 and C6, you can use 4 rear hubs on all four corners also allowing you to use corvette brakes. Keep us updated and good luck

Corvette hubs are a good prospect, but just about anything would be an improvement. I'm probably looking at a 15" wheel when it's all done so there is that to consider.

Clearance is a big issue, and ultimately I'm just worried the drivetrain won't even fit. Depending on the transmission, there's some big differences there. I'm not sure which T5 would ultimately be my best still yet, if I wanted to go that route. I think it's a good cheap option for the power I'm aiming to put down.


Anyway, thanks for the welcomes. I'll make a thread one of these days. I'm just collecting for now.