I want to share my new project...

[Tobynine9]

I've been amassing parts for a few weeks now for this: http://www.chesnutmotorsports.com/

It's a 427 Cobra replica based on C5 Corvette suspension and Gen III running gear. It uses the IRS diff from the Vette only with an adapter that converts it from a transaxle to a standard driveshaft input. The track and wheelbase are the same as the original Cobra so there's no room for the transaxle. The chassis is set up with mounts for a LS and T56. The really cool part is this - the kit was originally designed around a semi-monocoque, all-aluminum frame. That was deemed too expensive and unmarketable. But he still built one chassis... He's since switched to a tubular steel chassis that is only about 50 pounds heavier but significantly cheaper. Lucky me, he agreed to sell me the one complete aluminum chassis. Depending on how much stuff I put in the interior, the finished weight should be around 2,000 lbs WET!

My powertrain comes from a 2005 Goat.


I'm swapping the heads for a set of Patriot 243s with 2.02 intakes and 1.57 exhausts.


I've got a 92mm FAST intake and a black 92mm cable-style throttle body as I'll be switching from the drive-by-wire.



The cam is a Guerra Motorsports spec'ed stick turning 227/231 at .050 up to .614/.617 with LSL lobes at 112 LSA +1. The headers are routed over the footbox and are true longtubes all the way to the sidepipes. I'll be using TSP pushrods on top of LS7 lifters all underneath a set of Jesel Sportsman shaft-mount rocker arms. I still need to find some 42lb injectors.

Transmission is the M12 T56 out of the same Goat. The clutch is a McLeod Magnum Force twin disc.



The wheels are 18x12 rear and 18x10 front Fikse Profil13s with black center sections and a polished rim. I'll be using 2002 Viper spec tire sizes - 335 rears with 275 fronts.


The rest of the details are still undecided. I'm thinking AutoMeter Carbon Fiber gauges to match the carbon fiber valve covers I'm dreaming about. I want to use modern high-back seats for better lateral support and neck protection, just in case. If I can find room for a stereo, I'll definitely fit something together.

I've narrowed it down to two color schemes - either solid Sunset Orange Metallic with no stripes or a very, very deeeeeep purple with dark, gunmetal gray racing stripes. I'm keeping the accenting details mostly black. The anodized fittings in the engine compartment will all be black. The wheels are black. The rollbar is black. Black seats. Throttle body is black. Etc.

Whaddy'all think?

[dpinson]

bite me man i hate you, lol

that is going to be sweet

i think purple but i might cut the stripes

[Tobynine9]

Hahahaha, screw this!


Sarge calling out Chellzers is much more entertaining!

[02Sweet]

I am so jealous of you. Congrats on the progress. Take as many pictures as you can and post them up. That will be a fun toy

[Zapper2003]

lovin' the wheels. any pics of the full model when completed?

[Tobynine9]

There are a few pics of the kit builder's personal car on the website linked at the top of my first post. He's using chrome C6 wheels and more chrome than I'll be using in general. The body is supplied by Shell Valley and, from what I understand, is a very close replica of the original Shelby body.

[Tobynine9]

Update: I got the engine last night but ran out of daylight before I was able to get much done.

[TempleU_WS6]

This is amazing!

wow! I wish I had the money to build a car like this.

Please keep us updated every step of the way!

[B34M3R]

That car would become my DD... fuck worrying about dieing!

[Tobynine9]

That's the plan. If I don't need to haul anything large or heavy for work and if the weather isn't too hot or wet - I'll be in the Cobra.

[Tobynine9]

[pecha]

Sv1000 - nice!

[juiced99ws6]

awesome man, I am def. gunna stick around to see your progress with this project.

[hutch1999]

magical

[Tobynine9]

Haha, I'm starting to scare myself. There's a whole lot more to this motor than the AMC I took apart in my old Jeep.

[Zapper2003]

Painless makes a wiring harness dont they?

[Tobynine9]

I think I'm gonna get one made by Current Performance. Slightly cheaper than the Painless harness and they'll custom make it to work with the LS2 sensors and an LS1 computer... which I'm stuck using since I'm changing over to the drive-by-cable throttle.

[Tobynine9]

Patriot Heads.


TSP Pushrods.


Jesels on.


FAST 92mm on.


Close up of Jesels.

[Zapper2003]

A lot of people are going to hate you.

[cammed goat]

Lightweight chassis+MODDED LS2=WHEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!