'66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...

[watahyahknow]

whell if it doesnt work this way theres allways the turbo you could add in the mix
makes it even better when you pass someone with that wasegatesound on full boost comming from under the car

[thor]

DD Nissan 350Z is 10.6 lbs/hp. Sad days compared to the rest of the list. Thankfully, it's still faster than many peeps out there, especially considering all the mouth breathers. How do they ever get driver's licenses. Ha, ha, ha.

Since math is fun, I decided to run some calcs for my 72 blazer complete with 307. I got conflicting info on the amount of hp these stroked 283s made. Depending on whether the 307 made 200hp, 130hp, or 115hp, that puts the weight to power (using 3677 lbs) at 18.4 lbs/hp, 28.3 lbs/hp, or 32.0 lbs/hp respectively. The days are getting more sad.

But not to be outdone, I calc'd my first car, the glorious 1980 Dodge Aspen with 225 slant six and 1 bbl carb. It weighed 3200 lbs and made a whopping 90 hp. Side note: the engine bay warned that my lil engine did not make enough power to be equipped with AC (min. 100 hp). Anwyho, this beast of a car calcs at 35.6 lbs/hp. But with a lil weight transfer (pitch it hard in the corners) and wet pavement, I was able to get the 245 to screech for a bit, thx to the peg leg. Good times. And for those not sure what the Aspen looks like, all I heard from everyone was "Nice Nova!"

OK, sorry about the detour.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by thor

Sorry 'bout that. I made the assumption that Super meant super-fast which meant super-engine which meant 1.7L vs 1.6L (though this is all brand new to me outside of the Sunbeam Tiger being the birth car of the Shelby Cobra). I also used wiki for the curb weights too which I'm sure was my ultimate undoing.

Anywho, all this to say that my original intention of posting was to show how awesome this swap is, not simply for the cool factor, but for the performance factor.

Can't wait for the next update.
Posted via Mobile Device

No prob mayn! I dig the fact that you 'get it!' Super Minx's were kinda fugly (not in a good way like this one)

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

The real "Grin Factor" will be when you first blow the doors off of a S2000.
I can barely believe the forethought and craftsmanship that went into this build.It just amazes me that you also did it while keeping so much of the original intact and stock looking.

Thanks brotha! It will be interesting to see how I do off the line with 3.73 gears instead of the 4.10 in the S2k. I'm banking on my power/weight advantage. But there's always gear swaps and forced induction if all else fails

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Flat out awesome. Now if you could just figure out how to get rid of that honda crap and fit an LS7...

just kidding, can't wait for the first drive video!

I could have done a ls1/2/3 cheaper than this But then everyone puts those in everything ...plus I like the corner-carvation aspect of the zippy alloy 4banger.

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

i love blowing doors off cars with my 6500lb truck..
i had my doors blown off in the STi a few years ago by an f350... really opened my eyes..

getting my camaros doors blown off by a SUNBEAM...
i would never tell a soul it happened...
i would lie..
lie
and lie some more claiming it's my buddy driving with a throttle restriction..

It would require a long explanation no doubt

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

whell if it doesnt work this way theres allways the turbo you could add in the mix
makes it even better when you pass someone with that wasegatesound on full boost comming from under the car

I know turbo is very popular and effective on these but I've read up on S/C's a bit. Theres roots blowers made for these that give instant torque and plenty of top-end. I think I'd go that route so I don't have to mess with my exhaust.

Originally Posted by thor

DD Nissan 350Z is 10.6 lbs/hp. Sad days compared to the rest of the list. Thankfully, it's still faster than many peeps out there, especially considering all the mouth breathers. How do they ever get driver's licenses. Ha, ha, ha.

Since math is fun, I decided to run some calcs for my 72 blazer complete with 307. I got conflicting info on the amount of hp these stroked 283s made. Depending on whether the 307 made 200hp, 130hp, or 115hp, that puts the weight to power (using 3677 lbs) at 18.4 lbs/hp, 28.3 lbs/hp, or 32.0 lbs/hp respectively. The days are getting more sad.

But not to be outdone, I calc'd my first car, the glorious 1980 Dodge Aspen with 225 slant six and 1 bbl carb. It weighed 3200 lbs and made a whopping 90 hp. Side note: the engine bay warned that my lil engine did not make enough power to be equipped with AC (min. 100 hp). Anwyho, this beast of a car calcs at 35.6 lbs/hp. But with a lil weight transfer (pitch it hard in the corners) and wet pavement, I was able to get the 245 to screech for a bit, thx to the peg leg. Good times. And for those not sure what the Aspen looks like, all I heard from everyone was "Nice Nova!"

OK, sorry about the detour.

I like the 350Z. I'm sure the power adder market is a-plenty for it too.
Aspen

[Frizzle Fry]

Little more...
Here's the full shot of the rear towers I never posted:

I needed a break from the suspension rat-hole I've been in, so I worked on the hot-rod heater install (universal type from Summit). Pics of that to come later... Also started reshaping the trans tunnel to refit and close off the Flinstone's floor for good.


Honda shifter seal flange adapting to Minx tunnel piece:


Test fit with shifter:


...and I got the front tires today!

Now I must admit I am not fully sold on the super-low profiles just yet. They are lower pro that I expected for sure. I am kinda diggin the hot-rod big/little vibe it has with them though. Don't get me wrong, I love how the stance turned out ...just want to get the wheels/tires just right. What do you guys think?

[watahyahknow]

looks ok , for daily use i wouldve picked a bit more sidewhall , but thats because the roads here arent supersmooth aspecially after a perioud of frost

[454_72_4X4]

So it's an official roller now then right? Cool!
I'm not usually a fan of big wheels/rubber band tires but I like the stance and tire/wheel package on there. Those fronts are pushing the limits but still look good. Just watch out for things laying in the road...! LOL
I ran over what I think was a 4x4, (post, lumber. Not a truck), in the road years ago with low pros and bent the lip of my wheel. It was late, dark, and really foggy.

[Frizzle Fry]

It is a roller! I won't hesitate to swap out the tires if I decide I'd really rather have a little more rubber on there. The back is 235/40 and the fronts are 215/35. Probably should have gone 215/40...

[65Pickup]

I love this thing, pics are not enough!! Perhaps Speed Hunters can assist in organizing a little track challenge. Your Minx2000 vs a Bugatti something stupid expensive, and you can hammer it. Once you get some miles on it of course, a video would awesome. Have fun.

[nickp51chevy]

I think it looks great, even with the low pro's.

[watahyahknow]

the minx would prolly be able to keep up with the bugaty untill a certain speed where things start to lift
the minx is about as aerodynamic as a brick at speed not as wedgeshaped as a veyron

[dammitmitchell]

id give it mroe meat that front tire well looks mighty open.
i still cant believe the exterior came out so well..
this is definatley magazine material some day..
screw flash it's all about style and ability..
wear your adult diaper when you go out to play.

[454_72_4X4]

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

the minx would prolly be able to keep up with the bugaty untill a certain speed where things start to lift
the minx is about as aerodynamic as a brick at speed not as wedgeshaped as a veyron

While I think the Minx is going to be a fun ride I can't see it being even close to competition against a veyron.... 1000+ horse, 4 wheel drive, traction control, etc.

I guess the gauntlet has been thrown FF. Fire up the Minx and whip out the vid cam!

[Frizzle Fry]

It's not a supercar guys
Posted via Mobile Device

[454_72_4X4]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

It's not a supercar guys
Posted via Mobile Device

I think everybody would agree that that depends on how you look at it. Performance, maybe not supercar level, but definately fun!
Build quality, definately supercar level!

[watahyahknow]

i think people would be suprized , i suspect the first drive is going to get the seat firmly wedged between the butcheeks its a realy light car with good gearing it will go fast for sure but like i said at a certan speed the air hitting the car will feel like tapioca pudding

[VA72C10]

I think it looks great and the lower profile tires will help in the handling dept also...

[inovermyhead]

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

wear your adult diaper when you go out to play.

that's quote material there hahaha

Frizzle I think the tires look great on there. I'd say run them until you need new ones and that should give you enough time to decide if you want more meat on the sides. And by the way things are turning out on this car I'd say it won't be long until you do need new ones

[65Pickup]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

It's not a supercar guys
Posted via Mobile Device

Ok I went too far with the Bugatti, but my need to see how she'll perform in a video, still stands!! Your changes are so cool and extreme seeing it at work would be fun. Test and tune track day would produce a cool you tube moment without putting the car at risk.

The math says super car, how close did you get???

[thor]

Originally Posted by inovermyhead

Frizzle I think the tires look great on there. I'd say run them until you need new ones and that should give you enough time to decide if you want more meat on the sidewalls. And by the way things are turning out on this car I'd say it won't be long until you do need new ones

I agree. Run them at first to get a feel. Everyone is different. I had a 93 Honda Civic HB Si that came with 185/60/14 stock. Nice ride but squishy in the corners. I then ran 195/50/15 - great ride and good handling in the corners. I then ran 195/45/16 - bad ride but amazing in the corners. So, overall I enjoyed the tires with 50% aspect ratio. They gave the best ride and handling, BUT that was for my taste.

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by 454_72_4X4

I think everybody would agree that that depends on how you look at it. Performance, maybe not supercar level, but definately fun!
Build quality, definately supercar level!

No carbon fiber or titanium to speak of ...

Originally Posted by watahyahknow

i think people would be suprized , i suspect the first drive is going to get the seat firmly wedged between the butcheeks its a realy light car with good gearing it will go fast for sure but like i said at a certan speed the air hitting the car will feel like tapioca pudding

Yeah, I'll have fun with it in the twisties. No need to find top speed.

Originally Posted by VA72C10

I think it looks great and the lower profile tires will help in the handling dept also...

This is definitely a pro for the 35s

Originally Posted by inovermyhead

Frizzle I think the tires look great on there. I'd say run them until you need new ones and that should give you enough time to decide if you want more meat on the sides. And by the way things are turning out on this car I'd say it won't be long until you do need new ones

I was kinda leaning that direction too...

Originally Posted by 65Pickup

Ok I went too far with the Bugatti, but my need to see how she'll perform in a video, still stands!! Your changes are so cool and extreme seeing it at work would be fun. Test and tune track day would produce a cool you tube moment without putting the car at risk.

The math says super car, how close did you get???

Well, I received and estimate weight of the old 1725 at 450lbs from a Hillman lister. Seems high. He also thought the alloy 6sp would be approx 50lbs lighter than the old auto. So for the sake of simple math lets give it 2100lbs. To achieve the same lb/hp ratio as the Veyron (4.2), the Minx would need 500hp flat

There will be a drive vid, fo sho!

Originally Posted by thor

I agree. Run them at first to get a feel. Everyone is different. I had a 93 Honda Civic HB Si that came with 185/60/14 stock. Nice ride but squishy in the corners. I then ran 195/50/15 - great ride and good handling in the corners. I then ran 195/45/16 - bad ride but amazing in the corners. So, overall I enjoyed the tires with 50% aspect ratio. They gave the best ride and handling, BUT that was for my taste.

I may just do that. Saves some extra hassle too. I checked it out again today. Looks f'n sweet (if I do say so ).

Bad news: I will be travelling for work some more over the next couple months, so ole project driftbeam will slow down again. I'll be making a list of additional parts needed and order now to avoid further delay...

[thor]

It does look f'n sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND, the rear shock towers/buckets look awesome! I like how you angled the portions leading into the center of the trunk. It's as factory-looking as it's going to get. Perhaps a before and after pic in the same post? Anywho, your metal skillz are amazing!

[inovermyhead]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

Bad news: I will be travelling for work some more over the next couple months, so ole project driftbeam will slow down again. I'll be making a list of additional parts needed and order now to avoid further delay...

A flip side to every coin right? At least it will feel like Christmas when you get back home

[cam.man67]

I'd add a little more tire if it were me. Looks awesome, though!

[NONHOG]

"What do you guys think?"

I think I better get out in the shop and do something. Nice progress!

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

It's not a supercar guys
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It is supercool!

[R.A.D]

another amazing build