I'm really late to this thread, because I was a Ford guy for the first few years that the car was built. Most of you already know about the changes, but just because it's so far out there, here's a summary...
MKIII, early white gel-coat, SRP (Ken Pike) paint job
5.0L BMW V12, all aluminum, 2V, four-bolt mains, all forged internals
Electromotive TEC3R engine control
Twin Garrett ball-bearing turbochargers
Getrag (OEM BMW) 6-speed manual
Back running on the road
Cheers, John
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FFR1004105RD - world's first twin-turbo BMW V12-powered FFR Roadster
2011 Dodge 2500 Cummins 6.7L - biodiesel-fueled daily driver JHETTO: 2001 VW Jetta TDI, intended as G3F donor, FOR SALE
New here and I am in the process of getting setup for a MKIII build. I have been reading and trying to get smart on before I start.
Here's the deal. I currently have a 383 (550hp)/ w/TKO 600/4:11 gears in my vette /awesome setup! I am in the process of swapping the original trans and eng back into the vette and selling the vette. The 383 and TKO trans have about 2K and I am very happy with the performance. Selling them with the vette is kind of foolish since the car brings more money with the orig trans and eng anyway. Therefore, I figure I am ahead of the game in terms of cost since I already have a kicka$$ motor and trans.
I assume 550hp should do the trick...
Anyway, my intent is drop the 383 and TKO600 into a MKIII. Even though I have a three car garage I am limited on space [read wife's car has to be parked in the garage] so I have to get the vette outta here but other wise I am all set for a MKIII build.
I have figured out that exhaust is an issue when going the non-Ford route...what else am I going to have to fight through with using a Chevy engine?
Welcome. Along with exhaust you'll encounter motor mounts. Both can be fabricated fairly easily (interpretation: money buys anything). The rest is just a build. The Mark 3 has a nice open engine bay and is pretty adaptable to just about anything.
Although there are a lot of "big" HP guys here, 500 hp is a lot of grunt for such a light car. Controlling it really becomes an issue. I have a tad under 400 and it scares the hell out of me.
I'd contact Mike Forte (vendor here) about the motor mounts, if he can do it then exhaust is the other big hurdle but a good local fabricator can handle that.
I hear you on hp...my vette scares me now. Since I already have a great eng/trans setup it doesnt make sense to buy another setup for a MKIII build or should it? Maybe an LSx build is a better way to go.
i now have a 408 small block waiting to take place of the 4.6 lump .but out of cash.need to get headers mounts and a trans adaptor or chevy 5-6 speed trans.
Hello just checking in. Well along in the build attached is a photo from our 1st go cart ride.
Just installed the windshield yesterday will go to the chassis dyno on thursday and carpet in that afternoon. Only things left after that are rear hatch reinstall and put the doors on then off to licensing at the state.
Ahh very nice!!! I'm almost there like you. Just finished up all the wiring and doing the final little things before mounting the body, doors, then off to registration. I'm debating on doing carpet after registration cause I'm anxious to get her legal.
Just found this. I don't venture far from the Roadster forum maybe offtopic or the clubhouse occasionally. Anyway mine is ford based but is an alternate power plant.
jem44357
MKIII
309 inline (0.06" OB 300cid)
TCI AODE
It ain't pretty yet but one day it will be...
The drive train needs to be removed so I can mod the trans mount and tunnel.
Never be afraid to live your dream... it's yours and nobody else's
Hello Everyone,
I've been interested in building an MK4 for a few years, but I haven't followed through with it because I really didn't want to build a Ford. Seeing that their are people that have made other drive-lines is very encouraging. Does using a engine, other than Ford, make the build more difficult? Where can I go to acquire an engine block.
August '09 I purchased a GM crate motor (#19213229) to replace the 454"BBC" that I had in my roadster for 7 years. It was an easy installation with a Tremec TKO-600 (.82 fifth ratio). The only problem encountered was with
the MAF from GM being defective. It is noticeably lighter on the nose, LOTS
of torque, and you have got to love 3X the mileage I was getting before !
The 480 hp version of the LS3 has a noticeably nice sound but the manner in which it pulls increasingly harder as you continue to shift is very rewarding.
The loop around the Olympic National Park is 330 miles and I really enjoy taking a day to make the drive.
Hello everyone, this will be my first post; I thought I'd finally check in.
cosprings (even though I live in vegas now!)
daytona coupe
mast motorsports ls7 SS - 645 engine dyno
t-56 magnum
just got it started the other day, so I should be driving it soon!
New to the forum. Mark IV with 383 First gen SBC. TKO 600 with mid shift..
What radiator are people using with the small block Chev? I was thinking about modifying the inlet and outlet on a FFR unit. Any P/N's or measurements would be appreciated.
Thanks Al
Here is another one;
Mark III
Stroked Chev 350 bored 0.060" over giving around 389 ci.
Demon 750 carb
March Pulley system
AFR 195 Aluminum Heads
MSD Ignition
Scat rotating assembly
Electric Water Pump
Comp Cam 282-HR Grind
T56 Tremec 6-speed transmission
Should be good for around 480 HP and 500 ft-lb
Thanks Randy. For the headers I took the Ford 351 headers offered by FFR. I cut these apart and mated them up to a new flange mount at the cylinder head using Jegs p/n 520-11622. I tig welded everything back together and then had them re-ceramic coated. I wasn't cheap but it did the trick. One good thing with custom headers, there are no worries about having level side pipes or the headers not aligning properly to the body cutouts, everything fits the way they should provided you measure twice and cut once.
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