Printable View
After using the collective knowledge gathered here so many times, I though I would contribute back and show you an unusual build.
The car is British, it is from the 60s. I will let you try to guess what it is before show you everything. So, here goes:
From this:
Attachment 183474
To this:
Attachment 183475
So this was the original car:
Attachment 183509Attachment 183510Attachment 183511Attachment 183512Attachment 183513
cool !
i'm in for updates!
Very cool! That car is not big and will be a handful with the LS swap.
Looking forward to more updates!
Andrew
Right hand drive and the speedometer shows mph, not kph. I think it's a Rover?
I am guessing the car is a Bristol?
I think you’re right. Bristol 408. According to the internet, the round transmission select buttons mean it’s either a 1963 or 1964. Cool car.Quote:
Originally Posted by gto406
Yes! 1965 Bristol 408
Here’s the car prior to stripping
Attachment 183527
I am thoroughly digging this car already! Definitely keep up updated. That is cool and will be a fun handful to drive and enjoy too! Cheers, Brew
Unfortunately I dont have a full photographic record of all the work, but will try to give you relevant highlights.
First order of business was to make the car left hand drive. I managed to source an original Bristol LHD steering box. These were made by ZF and are excellent with a good feel. Here’s the new steering column
Attachment 183528
Engine mounts were a challenge. In the end, I used Cadillac Escalade mounts welded to the chassis
Attachment 183529
Attachment 183530
Cool, my sister lives in the UK and I saw a similar model in London (had window roof pillars like the one tucked behind yours in the pic above). The car passed us and sounded nice. I realize your installing an LS but my recollection (friend in high school had a thing for Bristols - early 80’s) that Bristol Beaufighter (sp?) had a v8? That model looked brutish.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zorglub123
The cars reminded me of Jensen’s - perhaps they even came with big Mopar v8’s. Not available in the US or Canada. Not even certain they are still making Bristols?
I will be following your project very cool!!
Cheers,
Brian.
The Bristol original engine was a Mopar 318 (Canadian version) with a few tweaks. I chose to go to a much more modern alternative, but could not find a Hemi engine that would work. The easy choice was an LS 376/480 with a 4L70E gearbox. It is great from a weight and location standpoint, effectively bringing the center of gravity much more towards the middle of the car and reducing weight on the front axle. The big issue was how to fit the alternator and AC compressor. I needed them to be as low as possible to clear the hood, but width became a problem. Solution for this was to craft “ears” in the engine compartment to fit everything.
Attachment 183622
Attachment 183624
Attachment 183625
Attachment 183626
Attachment 183623
Great project. I shall follow this with interest, as I'm right into engine transplants in oddball vehicles.
Nice - looks a little akin to an old Facel I worked on in the past... that 318 is the old polysphere - looks like a 4bbl intake on it? That intake is very valuable to the right person
Work on the braking system :
Attachment 183710
Attachment 183715
Attachment 183717
Attachment 183719
sweet !
nice upgrades.
The Bristol has an aluminum body on top of a steel chassis. When I got the car, everything was coated in heavy tar...but supposedly rust free.
Well, not really !
Attachment 185407Attachment 185406Attachment 185405Attachment 185404Attachment 185403Attachment 185402Attachment 185401
Attachment 185408Attachment 185416Attachment 185415Attachment 185414Attachment 185413Attachment 185412Attachment 185411Attachment 185410Attachment 185409Attachment 185417Everything was stripped, and where needed redone