GUISE

"Kailand09" (kailand09)
06/30/2014 at 18:35 • Filed to: None

I'm becoming obsessed with this idea I've had for a year or so:

I want to grab an old Opel GT and throw newer components in- suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, and possibly a nicer 6 cylinder.

Current prices of these cars with a decent body and no frame damage are lower than $1k. If only I could fast forward a bit in life :( .

That and a corvette. I want one of those too. But this could become a perfect track day car.

DISCUSSION (19)

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:42

Corvette isn't as awesome. Put a corvair motor in the opel GT.

 > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:46

The important question to ask is whether or not you have money, time and dedication for a project like this.

I am in the process of doing something similar with a different car and it's taking a lot of time and dedication. Money wise it hasn't hit too hard yet but I am sure the total amount will be up there.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:46

Bob lutz aproves. Get a turbo LNF in it and you'll be golden.

jkm7680 > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:46

Ls1 swap :)

Jedidiah > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:47

The front suspension in these would be difficult to modernize. The transverse leaf looks like it is off of a pre-war car.

I saw a 1970 GT on my local craigslist for $750 but it needed a transmission rebuild.

The engine is mounted really far back for weight distribution, but it wasn't very effective. 54:46 at best. A 6 cyl would make the weight distrubtion crap; swapping the old iron Opel motor for a newer aluminum i4 would be a better idea.

I've had this idea for a for a while and I've been dying for another project, but my life would have to fast forward too.

Kailand09 > Jedidiah
06/30/2014 at 18:57

Yeah. Despite those issues, I still think it would be a great project car. And I thought i4 as well, like an ecoboost or something. Those are really lightweight. Or even the i3 they have.

Kailand09 >
06/30/2014 at 18:58

Yeah. I know I really don't right now, but it is more of a future thought that I might start planning out before I get to that point. Then it will be internal debate between this project, or a corvette which needs much less work.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 18:58

2.0L Turbo and drive train from a Solstice GXP

Jedidiah > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 19:05

The biggest issue would be rust if you plan on getting one for less than a grand. They won't technically have frame damange because they don't have one since they are unibody.

They rust out below the doors because it is a common place to trap water. In a unibody car, this is an important structural area.

I read on a forum that these catch fire easily because of their headlight wiring.

I'd considered buying one of these as a while. If you do decide to get one as a project; do alot of research. These typically weren't taken care of well over the years.

Kailand09 > Jedidiah
06/30/2014 at 19:13

thanks for the pointers. I definitely will refer back and do my research if I look into actually nabbing one. I still think given the right car without much rust, it could be a great project.

KatzManDu > Kailand09
06/30/2014 at 19:19

*grumble* — you gave me an idea to look for one of these as a toy/project car after I move. Entry price in the EU is €3000 or so. I can make a pretty-penny importing them. Hmmmm, new side business after I move :)

Kailand09 > KatzManDu
06/30/2014 at 19:20

Right? It just seems like such a gem