Brainstorming a new project, what's your opinion?

[Brewtal66]

Hey gang,

So I have a 66 Chevelle that's somewhat "pro touring" but turned into more of a show car. Ive been kicking around about making a real serious track car, that's pretty much go, not so much show.

I can get my hands on a 1971 Elky. This car was actually a race car that's been in the garage for the last 15 years. It has a full cage, tubbed, fiberglass front end, etc etc. My thought was that since this is already cut up, it would make the perfect candidate.

What is your thoughts? The goal is to have a really competitive car at the end of the day that's street legal. Is this car not worth it? I've seen plenty of super fast A-bodies, so this should work. Or is it too big and top heavy?

Thanks for entertaining my thoughts!

[DBasher]

I can dig it! But I gotta ask, competitive in what? HPDE and Time Attack or some wheel to wheel racing?

I've been kicking around the same idea of a purpose built car with a few friends. It always comes back to building a car you like and are passionate about. I can get an 80's G-body cheap, not sure I want to put the effort into something that new, we'll see.

Let's see the Elcky

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by Brewtal66

Hey gang,

So I have a 66 Chevelle that's somewhat "pro touring" but turned into more of a show car. Ive been kicking around about making a real serious track car, that's pretty much go, not so much show.

I can get my hands on a 1971 Elky. This car was actually a race car that's been in the garage for the last 15 years. It has a full cage, tubbed, fiberglass front end, etc etc. My thought was that since this is already cut up, it would make the perfect candidate.

What is your thoughts? The goal is to have a really competitive car at the end of the day that's street legal. Is this car not worth it? I've seen plenty of super fast A-bodies, so this should work. Or is it too big and top heavy?

Thanks for entertaining my thoughts!

Now are you talking about doing the Elco or chevelle body on that chassis?

Vince Asaro built a sweet Elco a few years back. I learned a few things about that body.
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/show...5&postcount=59


Advantage....you can get them super light and there is tons of room in the bed for suspension, mount the fuel cell right up against the cab, batteries, cooling systems....etc. all covered by tonneau cover.
The a body cowls are huge and not needed since its covered by the hood. You can cut that section out and push the engine back and have some fun with your center of gravity.

Im working on a few cool suspension components for a bodies. Give me a hollar when you get started. I can help you where I can.

[Flash68]

That was the same Elco I thought of Vince.... go for the Elky!

[65_LS1_T56]

Originally Posted by Brewtal66

Hey gang,

So I have a 66 Chevelle that's somewhat "pro touring" but turned into more of a show car. Ive been kicking around about making a real serious track car, that's pretty much go, not so much show.

I can get my hands on a 1971 Elky. This car was actually a race car that's been in the garage for the last 15 years. It has a full cage, tubbed, fiberglass front end, etc etc. My thought was that since this is already cut up, it would make the perfect candidate.

What is your thoughts? The goal is to have a really competitive car at the end of the day that's street legal. Is this car not worth it? I've seen plenty of super fast A-bodies, so this should work. Or is it too big and top heavy?

Thanks for entertaining my thoughts!

I'd say do the Elky. From what a lot of guys have said, the weight balance front to rear is better than you'd think. With a front clip in glass, maybe real close!
Mike Holleman runs his sweet 65 Elky, very nice truck, errr car. Herb Lumpp also has a 66 that they've competed with. I'm personally a fan of them. We will have a '70 in our stable in a few short years for my oldest son's first car.
I'm sure you know that the Elky had the boxed side rails (like convertible) so it would require less mods to make it better than the 66's frame. Plus, you're 66 is already a nicely done car.

My dream Elky would have the bed open to display my trick built adjustable 3-link with a Watts

[Rick D]

Originally Posted by Brewtal66

Hey gang,

So I have a 66 Chevelle that's somewhat "pro touring" but turned into more of a show car. Ive been kicking around about making a real serious track car, that's pretty much go, not so much show.

I can get my hands on a 1971 Elky. This car was actually a race car that's been in the garage for the last 15 years. It has a full cage, tubbed, fiberglass front end, etc etc. My thought was that since this is already cut up, it would make the perfect candidate.

What is your thoughts? The goal is to have a really competitive car at the end of the day that's street legal. Is this car not worth it? I've seen plenty of super fast A-bodies, so this should work. Or is it too big and top heavy?

Thanks for entertaining my thoughts!

I love the idea of the Elky, it's already a race car so it shouldn't be to hard to make it fit the racing you want todo!

As the question was asked, what kind of racing series do you want to compete in? You say be very competitive? That cost A LOT of money which I'm sure you know and if your thinking Optima you still have to go up against the newer more aerodynamic cars.

[Brewtal66]

Thanks for your support! I'm definitely in love with the idea, just trying to make sure it makes sense on paper.

When I say race and be competitive, I'm talking about autocross events and things like the Optima series. Nothing too terribly crazy. I'm not even worried about finishing first as I know I lack in the driving department, but I'd just like to have a car that's capable of being competitive haha.

I'll have to go over the car again. I know that it has some heavy work done to the bed. It has a full four link, fuel cell, and rear mounted batteries. The owner was telling me the car/truck weighed 2800LBS with him in it! His best was a high 8, with a single carb'd N/A 540.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by Brewtal66

Thanks for your support! I'm definitely in love with the idea, just trying to make sure it makes sense on paper.

When I say race and be competitive, I'm talking about autocross events and things like the Optima series. Nothing too terribly crazy. I'm not even worried about finishing first as I know I lack in the driving department, but I'd just like to have a car that's capable of being competitive haha.

I'll have to go over the car again. I know that it has some heavy work done to the bed. It has a full four link, fuel cell, and rear mounted batteries. The owner was telling me the car/truck weighed 2800LBS with him in it! His best was a high 8, with a single carb'd N/A 540.

going from drag to road race/autox should be easy. With the right oil pan and back up oiling system that 540 should be just fine. You might need a cam and gear change though.

Post up some pictures when you get it. I wanna see that suspension. You maybe able to use some of it too.

@ 2800 lbs and running a 3000 lbs limit group gives you 200 lbs to add and move around. Which is a huge advantage.

[camcojb]

I like the idea Tim, if the Elky can be bought at the right price. I've always loved the El Camino's, my second car was a 65. I got to drive a friend of my Mom's 71 El Camino for a few weeks in high school, and can still remember that car.

[Brewtal66]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

going from drag to road race/autox should be easy. With the right oil pan and back up oiling system that 540 should be just fine. You might need a cam and gear change though.

Post up some pictures when you get it. I wanna see that suspension. You maybe able to use some of it too.

@ 2800 lbs and running a 3000 lbs limit group gives you 200 lbs to add and move around. Which is a huge advantage.

I should mention that the 540 and PG will stay with him. I'd much rather have a modern LS and T-56 anyways. I probably won't use the rear end either...I'd have to have it widened, rear geared, etc...by time its all said and done I might as well just pick up something new.

Originally Posted by camcojb

I like the idea Tim, if the Elky can be bought at the right price. I've always loved the El Camino's, my second car was a 65. I got to drive a friend of my Mom's 71 El Camino for a few weeks in high school, and can still remember that car.

Funny, the guy that owns this 71 Elky, use to own a 65 Elky as well. He sold it about 5 years ago though. When I first started hanging around him he had all the toys: massive motorhome and enclosed trailer, this 71 Elky, 33 Chevy street rod, 67 Nova(drag car), 65 Elky, Sand car, Harley, etc. He's slowly sold everything off. Right now his focus is on a '65 Chevelle.

I know there's no way to prove it, but he said this was a real SS too. Not that it means much to me, but that's kind of cool. Pretty sure I can get this car for a song and a dance. Right now I'm figuring out the registration end of it.