Decisions, decisions...

[GFlinders]

Hi All,

Well like most of you I imagine, I have been dreaming of building a kit car as long as I can remember. It looks like I may soon have the funding and the space to make a start so I have begun my research.

Looking at different manufacturers I have come up with perhaps the obvious 3; AK, Dax & Gardner Douglas. Each have their merits and drawbacks. I think the biggest decision for me is which engine? I'm not trying to build a perfect replica but more of a modern version and I will want to drive it, not just display it. For these reasons I have thought about the Chevy LS3 for it's power/economy balance, however, It just looks a bit boring visually compared to a custom 350 Small Block Chevy and I would also like to experience the process of building it from scratch.

I would appreciate any thoughts or advice on the subject of selection.

Cheers

Gav

[cobracol]

Hello and welcome Gav to the world of big smiles and empty pockets!, Yes i was a dreamer too for many years untill taking the plunge, I also prefer the look of the custom old school chevy engine, i also like the drama of it, its not meant to be civilised or tame, im definately not a fan of electrics/electronics in cars, but you can buy systems that look like old school, but some can also be very expensive, you should enjoy looking round as many cars and manufacturers as possible, untill you are happy with your choices. Good luck and have fun!. Regards Col

[GFlinders]

Hi Col,

Thanks for your reply. I've been pondering more about the engine selection dilemna and am wondering if there is someway I can reach a happy medium. Either by building a 350 and fitting EFI or buying a LS3 and making it look pretty. Athough the latter option will mean I won't have the joy of building it, but I could always take it apart and paint it etc. Also, the former option has the potential to become much more expensive.

Gav

[Lloyd Barnes]

Hi Gav, welcome to the forum,

Depends on your budget, but if you wanted fuel injection (I shudder as I say the words ) but a great custom look, have a look in Craggles gallery at what you can make a 350 Chevy look like with some TWM throttle bodies. Not cheap but I can't see how you can make an LS engine with those manifold runners look anywhere near as good. Frankly no yank lump is cheap to bulid properly anyway so may as well stretch the budget and go with what you want.

As regards the kit choice, any of them can be made into a stunning car, the end result will be far more an outcome of your patience and planning than the individual kit. Worth taking a day out and going to see all three to see their operation and get to know the people at each one.

Club meets are a good chance to see some owner built cars in the flesh and get a warts n all perspective on the build process. Also a good place to find people who can be roped into helping lift bodies into place etc

Enjoy the project.

[Steve]

you can use TWM, throttle bodies, or a carb on a Ls engine, just need to ensure you remain compliant with the emmisisions police depending on the date of the engine. as a new engine (post the emmissions data anyway) itll be subject to tighter emmissions, but that is something you can consider

ive seen ali LS engines completely deburred, mirror polished all over, and blinged with polished and billet everywhere.....

but it really depends on what you want to achieve. but remember pulling the EFI off will leave you with a very nice LS base, but with no more controllability than any old school chevy....so the manners you seek are part of the control mechanism you dont like the look of unless you go TWM or such

[Steve]

an LS twm............

and you can always relocate the coil packs elsewhere in the engine bay and polish the rocker covers.....

[Clarkson]

an LS twm............

and you can always relocate the coil packs elsewhere in the engine bay and polish the rocker covers.....

Those would look smart on your TVR.

[tonym]

Those would look smart on your TVR.

Jenveys on a RV8

[cobracol]

As Always Gav, many options, mostly decided by your budget, nothing to stop you buying a "Long" engine (re-Built Minus, Starter, water pump, intake manifold, ect), and bolting on the blingy dress up parts yourself, that will make you feel like you have done a fair bit of it

[Dixie]

Jenveys on a RV8

Hell yes. I love those.