Project SHOrona - SHO engine into 1973 Toyota Corona Wagon !

[SuperCobra4Me]

Hi all,

My name is Sergio, lately I find myself reading many of the Projects here on Pro-Touring.com as I keep on learning more and more, all of you are very talented builders with great ideas and I am here to learn and copy some of your ideas... why? - because they are cool ideas !

I have played with cars for a few years mainly restoring a couple of Novas, then at some point I got into building Shelby Cobra Replicas, (mainly Factory Fives - because You have to build it yourself ! ), I built 2 FFR Roadsters, and I still own the 03 Cobra Powered One (see my Projects (http://venomxs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=8&Itemid=54)), this was the first in the world to be built using a Lot of the parts from a wrecked 03 Cobra, I bought the wrecked 03 Cobra in 2003 ! so it was so new that it only had 5k miles and no one knew what a Terminator was .... yet.
anyways, I am also working (slowly) on a couple of other projects, a 1970 Nova (at some point I owned 3 Novas (69SS, 70 and 72) and 2 Camaros (69, 71 split bumper) at the same time ! I know, I should have kept them). - the plans for the Nova is just a restoration of existing stock parts and Install a LSx powerplant, but that is going slow.
and the second project is what I have named "Project SHOrona" - put a SHO engine to drive the rear wheels of a 1973 Toyota Corona Wagon that I bought off eBay for cheap.
The SHO engine came off a 1991 SHO Taurus that I also got on eBay for 400.00 and I have sold off parts from it and made a Profit , and kept what I wanted, the engine, gas tank, fuel lines, wiring, etc
Many ideas went thru my mind.... make it like the SHOGUNs Festivas and install the SHO subframe to the rear of the Corona Wagon....or Perhaps make the Wagon FWD?... nah , I opted for making it a Rear wheel drive Wagon(so the orientation of the engine will change) , but this SHO engine is not small is rather tall also, so I then decided to make it a Mid-engine car, leaving me plenty of space under the hood for Suspension, Radiator, coolers, Turbos, etc.
While I am doing all of this as a hobby, I don't have a lot of tools, I don't have a lift, etc.
However, I have been reading as I said a lot of your threads here and that keeps me going. this project now has evolved and I am doing a full frame and trying to make a nice suspension for it, doing the Pro-Touring theme , and I'll be also building my own Jig/Table just for this project, I have time and patience.

many ask why? and I kept on saying to myself... why not? It is cheap and it is fun !

Here is the place for all the updates on this Project (http://venomxs.com/index.php?view=category&id=46%3Aproject-shorona&option=com_content&Itemid=54).

I need some ideas and advice on how to build the Table / Jig !

Like where do I buy the adjusters for the legs? or do I just use nuts and bolts?

Thanks for listening

Sergio

[Jim Nilsen]

Ma ma ma ma my Shorona !

Cool idea for a project, my nephew loves SHO's and I think he would be envious.

I built the fixture to build my frame and just used nuts and bolts for the adjusters, just use 1/2" grade eight bolts and you will be good to go. my floor would change thru the seasons and I just adjusted it as needed. Get a rotating laser level or rent one when you need it, it is an indespensible item when aligning the frame and the body since you can measure from the top or the bottom of the beam and can raise and lower the beam on a tripod or hang from the ceiling. You might be able to see how I built my fixture to build mine on my Angelfire site that you can find by going to my homepage attached to my sig in the top corner.

Goodluck with the build and I can only think that this car will outdo your expectations and maybe even the F5 cars you have built.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Welcome!

actually my shop is crazy with classic japanese.. i am a TE72 owner myself.

we have 3 corona wagons.. one with a 1UZFE.

[craigs73]

sweet let see some pics cant wait

[SuperCobra4Me]

Thanks Guys!
thanks for the welcome and thanks for the ideas so far.

for those who want to see pictures here in this very thread.

Introducing Project SHOrona:

1973 Toyota Corona wagon Deluxe
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Original 18R-C engine
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Original Interior
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Rear Hatch door
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Pass side
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[SuperCobra4Me]

started sanding some of the parts, I think I'll just go buy paint stripper and go faster.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Jul1908008s-1.jpg

The current state of the wagon project (July 2008) (I told You I am going very slow)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Jul1908009s-1.jpg

the engine 18R-C will come out and to the trash
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Jul1908010s-1.jpg

The interior, most of the stuff will go to the trash
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Jul1908012s-1.jpg

still a lot of work ahead for me
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Jul1908013s-1.jpg

[SuperCobra4Me]

Here are some images of the 91 SHO donor that I bought on eBay for 400.00, in the end I kept what I needed from it and sold tons of stuff for a profit.

Images:

http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup001.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup002.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup003.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup004.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup005.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup006.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup007.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup008.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup009.jpg
http://www.cobra4me.com/SHOrona/SHOpickup010.jpg

[SuperCobra4Me]

and when I introduced this projects to my Factory Five Roadsters builder buddies they came out with these modified lyrics to the song My Sharona:

Oo my little pretty one, pretty one
When you gonna give me some time, SHO-rona?
Oo you make my motor run, my motor run
Gun it coming off of the line, SHO-rona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up with a touch of the younger kind
My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!
Ma ma ma my SHO-rona

Come a little closer, over here
Close enough to look in my eyes, SHO-rona
Keep a little mystery, kissin' me
Runnin' down the length of my thigh, SHO-rona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up from a touch of the younger kind
My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!
Ma ma ma my SHO-rona
Ma ma ma my SHO-rona

When ya gonna get to me, get to me
Is it just a matter of time, SHO-rona
Is it a destiny, a destiny
Or is it just a game in my mind, SHO-rona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind
I always get it up from a touch of the younger kind
My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!
Ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma
Myee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!

Ma ma ma my SHO-rona
Ooooh my SHO-rona

OR....

Little SHO, you're really lookin' fine
Four cams and a 5-speed in a Corona of mine
Listen to her tachin' up now, listen to her why-ee-eye-ine
C'mon and turn it on, wind it up, blow it out SHO

[SuperCobra4Me]

Video of the SHO engine running while it was in the Taurus:

http://www.facebook.com/v/2158387733212

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[SuperCobra4Me]

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[SuperCobra4Me]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona7y-1.jpg?t=1289705430

here we go:
finally after many months of being outside I decided to re-start working on this project again, due to me crashing my Mustang Project Double Displacement and finally almost finishing it, I moved the Mustang out and moved "SHOrona" in the garage and the Nova where this wagon was sitting, so I am getting closer at having ALL of my cars being in driving condition, of course that is still far away from happening, but still closer to that goal.

the rest of the images:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona6y-1.jpg
as you can see I already removed the wheels and the suspension is next

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona4y-1.jpg
the engine bay will need a lot of help and some transformation to accept the bigger SHO engine

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona3y-1.jpg
the weak stock suspension and braking system will be removed and tossed away in favor of a more modern and capable one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona2y-1.jpg
all the sheet metal is straight (with the exception of one front fender), all trim was removed and the holes will be covered by welding them close.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ProjectSHOrona1y-1.jpg
the driver's side

well, that's it for now... today is Saturday November 13, 2010 and also watched San Diego State University ALMOST beat # 3 ranked TCU !

[SuperCobra4Me]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011007s-1.jpg?t=1303080958

Project SHOrona update:

Going really slow, just a lot of sanding and planning, just to keep me motivated I put the driver's side fender back on and presented a 19 inch rim and tire into the wheel well to see how it looks, I might use an air ride system with this project, still early and things are developing rather slowly. In the meantime here are a few more images:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011008s-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011009s-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011010s-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011011s-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/projectSHOronaApril172011012s-1.jpg

[SuperCobra4Me]

Everything changed once I started reading lots of build threads here in Pro-Touring, I decided at this point to trash the floor and frame and build my own frame and suspension, also I saw this cool truck driving on the freeway and that thing was wicked and low to the ground ! older truck that was a work in progress that had no hood and I can see a newer LSx engine in it, so my plans are now to lower it to the max !
images:
I welded some braces to support the walls and keeping them from moving while I cut off the floor
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Aug142011016s-1.jpg?t=1313365002

The hood was sanded down to bare metal, applied some very small about of bondo to a couple of spots and primed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Aug142011017s-1.jpg?t=1313365122

I will add even more braces since the whole floor will be gone
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Aug142011018s-1.jpg?t=1313365185

ahh yes, I intent on using these tires on this project
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/Aug142011019s-1.jpg?t=1313365263

[SuperCobra4Me]

August 20th 2011:

Today, I removed some more material from the front fender wells and tried on the wheels I am going to use, these are wide !

also added more bracing in the front as I will be cutting off lots of the metal, including the old frame and floor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08081s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08080s-1.jpg?t=1313897325

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08078s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08077s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08076s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08075s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08074s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08073s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08072s-1.jpg?t=1313897529

and that is where I am right now.... Next is to build a Table !

thanks for looking

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

this is gonna be good..

[craigs73]

oh boy is that car gonna be bad ass looking when done....

two questions.

1- what you doing with the front grill area... not so good looking

2- what was wrong with that sho to get it for $400 that car looked very clean

[johnny68]

sergio call me dude and ill come help just let me know just down the road ya know looks great need to find out how you stripped down so clean good job
john

[SuperCobra4Me]

oh boy is that car gonna be bad ass looking when done....

two questions.

1- what you doing with the front grill area... not so good looking

2- what was wrong with that sho to get it for $400 that car looked very clean

Yeah, the front grill area.... all that metal I am going to cut off, leaving just the strip of metal on top to mount the fenders and hood, the rest will be tubing.

2 - The tranny was acting up and both halfshafts were bad, I guess I could have fixed it, but I already have too many daily drivers, so it served just as a free donor for the powerplant.

[SuperCobra4Me]

John,

I can only really work on my projects during weekends, I will call you one of these weekends, I'd like to see your Nova as well !

Sergio

[craigs73]

Yeah, the front grill area.... all that metal I am going to cut off, leaving just the strip of metal on top to mount the fenders and hood, the rest will be tubing.

2 - The tranny was acting up and both halfshafts were bad, I guess I could have fixed it, but I already have too many daily drivers, so it served just as a free donor for the powerplant.


cool cant wait to watch this progress!! i was just meaning the grill itself are you making mods to it? what about the first set of wheels you have in pics on front are you not running them? I also like who you used a unique engine with a unique project instead of just sticking in a ls or newer ford engine and that motor just plain looks bad ass with all the tubing for the intake

[SuperCobra4Me]

cool cant wait to watch this progress!! i was just meaning the grill itself are you making mods to it? what about the first set of wheels you have in pics on front are you not running them? I also like who you used a unique engine with a unique project instead of just sticking in a ls or newer ford engine and that motor just plain looks bad ass with all the tubing for the intake
I am considering yes making mods not only to the grill but the fenders as well, and yes also considering using the other wheels, they are 19s but skinnier than the 03 cobra modified rims, I'll have to take some images with those rims.

[craigs73]

cool sorry to keep bugging you but im digging this thread..................... with a shovel lol

[The Stickman]

This is such a cool and original project. I love wagons. I love mid-engined projects. So this is just killer for me. Good luck with it.

[Mr. Anderson]

Ho-lee poop what a cool project!!

[Ash]

I originally planned the 81 Monte Carlo turbo with a boosted 3.2 SHO V6 and a T5. Amazing engines with stellar performance. Boggles my mind why RWD swaps with these are so scarce. They were engineered and designed to be both longitudinal and horizontally mounted, just turn the manifold 180 degrees and BAM!. A real treat to see this engine used in a PT build.

[R0gueNomad]

Great build! I really like your idea of using the SHO motor in the Corona. I was thinking about replacing my BMW 4 cylinder with a turbocharged Buick 3.8 , but it's hard to find those motors and keep it legal. I'll have to reconsider my options.

[SuperCobra4Me]

thank you guys!
Yes, I plan on using a T5 from a Mustang.

Currently working on fabricating a Chassis Table:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSC08084s-1.jpg?t=1314509015

[chunger]

Wow, what a NEAT build! Dunno what's with these SHO motors, they were pricey back in the day (had a family friend that owned one very similar to this) and he paid some silly premium to get a SHO and now ... well, last time I went to my local Pick-A-Part, there were no less than 3 SHO's in the yard...

Mad props to you sir - I have a feeling this will be a special build!

[Code Red]

lol I'm loving the stance with it on the ground like that, I know most mini trucks would love it lol

[ModedCB2]

the Yamaha-Built SHO engines are incredibly reliable. Do the 60K mechanical valve train adjust and they will go forever. They have a VERY strong, almost cult-like following. I have a good friend in Illinois making 450fwhp naturally aspirated. Supercharging is even more insane.

there was a shop call;ed the SHO Shop run by a guy named Vadim that had stage I-IV ported heads, extrude honed everything, custom cams, rods, rotating assemblies... the works... and a trans shop in Atlanta was THE place for having the ATX trans built full tilt. My buddy John and I road tripped from Illinois to Atlanta, hung out 2 days, they did the trans swap and Derilin front subframe bushings and we got to watch, the drove the tar out of it back to Illinois.

I have (2) SHO engines hoarded away for future use. One of my Mustang II's will eventually be SHO powered. Likely the car my now 8yo will have as his first car. 1975 Mustang II coupe.

Awesome project.

Rob

[bigshotsho93]

http://shoforum.com/

this site has all the information you will ever need about doing a rwd swap with a SHO engine. and any maintenance, performance info you will need also. there's some good people over there too. check it out, il be tuned in to your build as i am in the works of putting one in my 65 mustang, pro-touring car as well.

[Hunter68]

build should be sick! very different good luck with those massive tires! badass!

[ponjohn]

very cool project!!

[Tig]

Very Cool. It'll be like an old school 4dr ShoGun.

[craigs73]

oh come one we need our fix :)

[SuperCobra4Me]

well, I have not done much to it....

Put it on the Chassis table, then welded the body to the table and now I am cutting the original floor and frame off

53278

53279

As you can see, going pretty slow....

[craigs73]

well only took four more months since my last post but i got a lil fix......... :machine: gonna be a fun little ride :lol:

[go-fish]

Where you at in SD? I'd love to see this thing. Maybe John Dioli (member here) and I can meet up with you.

[SuperCobra4Me]

Where you at in SD? I'd love to see this thing. Maybe John Dioli (member here) and I can meet up with you.


yes John Dioli lives near me here in Alpine ! I haven't been able to meet with him either, I went to a local car show, saw his cool truck but wasn't able to talk to him, cool project you got going yourself John (go-fish).

[go-fish]

Oh, you're in Alpine? It's my goal to move my family out that way eventually. Love it out there. Thanks for the props on the 'cuda. I plan on hitting up Harbison Canyon Road when I get it back on the streets. That Corona looks like it's going to be fun on the roads around there.

[BlownMerc]

Super cool project, can't wait to see it done!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

I love this! My mom had a slightly newer Toyota wagon ('77 Corolla with a 2TC and a 5 speed) when I was growing up, and in spite of my beating on it when my daily driven '57 Chevy was down, I was never able to break it! I was just thinking recently that I wished she still had it, since it would be perfect for a sick swap like this!

[johnny68]

hey no wonder my ears have been ringing a lot laterly haha, sergio ill be getting the nova back from paint friday im always eating in alpine (alpine brewery my favorite() or freds we need to hook up
john

[DrFraZZy]

Any update???

[SRD art]

As a fellow long back and dare to be different fan I think you win the award for the baddest crazy tailed engine swap project. This thing is way cool!

[SuperCobra4Me]

thanks guys, quick update:

going really slow since I can only work a few hours on it during weekends....

I finally removed most of the floor, and also made room for the rear wheels, yes it will have a new centerline and will have to fabricate new flares, but hey, it is just a hobby and need to spend as little money as possible, the rear end will be IRS based on basically an 03 Cobra IRS, without the cradle. since I am very familiar with Factory Five cars, and I have done it in my FFR Cobra (Project VenomXS (http://venomxs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=44:my-ffr-mkiii-venom-xs-roadster-project&Itemid=54&layout=default)).... I will basically copy their design and incorporate it into my frame, I already have some suspension parts from my 2 FFR builds that I intend on using. those are the wheels that will be going in the wagon.... also, if you notice, it is my intention on lowering the car to the floor ! here are some images:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08137s-1.jpg?t=1329799762

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08135s-1.jpg?t=1329799762

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08133s-1.jpg?t=1329799762

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08132s-1.jpg?t=1329799762

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08131s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08129s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08128s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08127s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08126s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/DSC08125s-1.jpg?t=1329799761

[craigs73]

this car is gonna be badass

[wellis77]

GREAT idea moving the rear axle centerline. I want to do a wagon in a similar fashion but C6 driveline and a move like this almost allows for a usable back seat. Nice work so far.

[the dan]

This thing is awesome. Any ideas on front suspension?
You can find corvette c5 front ends for a good price everywhere, I picked mine up rotor to rotor with a rack for $1400, probably a bit to wide for this car but the componants would work well.

[Tig]

Wow, lookin good man.









Oh, project XS is my dream car :) . That is awesome.......................

[SuperCobra4Me]

This thing is awesome. Any ideas on front suspension?
You can find corvette c5 front ends for a good price everywhere, I picked mine up rotor to rotor with a rack for $1400, probably a bit to wide for this car but the componants would work well.


I am still on the fence actually on suspension, my plans are to use air suspension but want to keep the rims I already have. the bolt pattern is Mustang 5x114.3 , I want to use Mustang 99-04 spindles with either GT, Cobra or aftermarket Brakes that fit those spindles. I am probably going to use Factory Five control arms both back and front, I already have the rears.

[dmc69]

Nice!!! This is gonna be crazy!

[454bug]

VERY cool project!!! :twothumbs

Keep up the great work.

I really like the idea of the longer wheelbase. Do you have a picture of the 3/4 view from the side so you can see the front and rear tire in the same frame? I bet it looks a lot more balanced...

[Poopy]

Ooooooo ya! Another weird project. I totally dig it. ;) Hurry up.

[keithq69]

Cool project.
I can't wait to see how you do the mid engine setup.

Here's a car I came across a little while ago, thought it may serve as good inspiration and give you some ideas.

http://speedhunters.com/archive/2010/01/29/car-feature-ultimate-misfit-the-ferrambo.aspx

Keith.

[E.rodz]

I love people who dare to do something different!!!!! can't wait to see the progression of this one.

[ent72olds]

I learned how to drive in my mother's '76 Corona wagon...of course, here on the east coast, the body turned to dust after 12 yrs! What you have done so far...thumbs up my friend! You do posess a large set of cajones(sp?)....can't wait to see more!

[CruizinKev]

WOW COOL PROJECT! can't wait to see more!! :twothumbs

[shovellac]

Nucking Futs. Love it

[nicke]

Awesome! Gonna be watching this one for sure!!!