New to pro-touring and looking forward to learning more.

[V8SuperBeetle]

Hey guys,

I joined mainly so I could talk to one of my V8 bug buddies, but since I joined I know I'll pick up a few pointers to make my ride more "pro-tour-esk".

My ride is a 1973 VW Super Beetle on top of a 94 S10 frame (shorten). It has a 400 hp 383 SBC upfront backed by a built th350 with a 2500 stall, and 3.08 gears (stock 7.625 rear). It's more of my pro-street car, but it's a continual work in progress. It has a 10 point roll cage and the interior is very minimal.

For now, I just roll around the streets occasionally. Upgrade plans are a 3000 stall, steeper gears (3.73 or 4.10), four link rear suspension in place of the leaf springs, a stronger rear (either Ford 8.8 or 9"), and set of wheels that are more suitable to the pro-touring style.

Here she is as it stands. I did 99.9% of the work myself. Well, my buddy buffed and polished the car, but I did the paint in my garage.

This build was done on a shoe string budget, so I have a lot of Summit Racing and Jegs brand parts, where I can. Even the paint is Summit brand.

Enjoy.

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[John Wright]

just a thought for you.....a 78 or so Granada (or Versallies) 9" rear is about the right length to stuff under an S10 chassis. I had one in my S10 when the lil 7.5 in rear came all apart. It's just a matter of cutting off the Ford perches and adding the chevy stuff in the right location.

[CruizinKev]

very nice project! looks great so far! welcome aboard!

[V8SuperBeetle]

Thanks! I hear a 8.8" from a Ford Explorer or a Mercury Mountaineer is a good candidate. Only problem is, it would be 2" too wide to fit under my already widen 4.5" fenders. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a Granada when I'm ready to hit the junkyard for a stronger rear.

[John Wright]

IIRC, the Granada is something like 58" backing plate to backing plate....and IIRC, the stock S10 was around 60"

[V8SuperBeetle]

Awesome, thanks! I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled. Would you happen to know if the drive shaft would need any changes with this particular swap?

[John Wright]

You'll need a Ford/Chevy conversion joint....I used to sell them when I was a counterman. I used the stock S10 drive shaft behind a 355/700R4 combo.