Malibu310

I can't get a straight answer on engine weight... according to the conversion crowd, the original Porsche 928 engine weighs about 6 tons, whereas the Chevy iron block weighs 5 ounces. All, I know it's lighter.

As for the carb issue, I may have made a mistake, but on a race engine, I saved about $2,000 to do it right. I also thought the carb setup looks cleaner, or more "Traditional" which may be stupid, as I'm not exactly going places and raising my hood all the time. The carb runs fine, so I'm not sure it's that big of a deal. However, to clear the hood, they had to modify the Demon carb and eliminate the choke. Even in our sub zero cold, it seems to start fine.

As for the front springs, they removed coil until the car settled to about stock height... very unscientific, but Renegade did not provide very useful advice concerning springs.... just the fact that we removed one full coil revolution testifies to the lightness of the engine.

I also decided to bite the bullet and in a few weeks do the exhaust with Flowmaster 2 1/2 inch pipes. S & S Performance thinks it will produce a bit more power than the standard exhaust and sound a bit deeper, but still quiet.

rob rossitto

nice job!

as a stroker dude, I'd be a hypocrite to scoff at anything someone does to a P car... pistons, crank, cam mods, valves, bla bla bla all from domestic sources... does have the OEM valve covers and intake, but hardly all P car...

IMO, if it runs like you want it to, and looks like you want it to - then mission accomplished... heck, any shark that's running has me green w/envy...

happy holidays all!

Earl Gillstrom

Many years ago someone asked "why would you put a heavy IRON SBC in place of an all aluminum Porsche engine?" The answer was "because an IRON SBC is 120 pounds LIGHTER!" Which begs the question, how many coils do you have to remove from the front springs if you install an all aluminum SBC?

Malibu310

One full revolution

jserio

Malibu, Very nice. Who said money can't buy love. I'm in love. All engine...That's the ticket.

Nicole

Uh, Oh, Lagonda... What a car! I've never seen one in real life, but read about it when it was introduced, read about the challenges they had with the electronics, and always hoped to see and maybe drive one some day.

Like kthe 928, that car was a shocker at its time. Its shape so radically different from anything Aston, and the electronics. I'm glad to see one that survived.

<drool - tongue ssticking to keyboarrrdd...Hhoow caan II gett it offfffffff?????>>

GUMBALL

Malibu310:

Not trying to rain on your parade, just some suggestions:

-if ft ride height is too high, replace springs with something softer (from Hyperco or H&R)...DO NOT start cutting coils, as it is almost impossible to get them even.

-if you want the car to drive properly, alignment and corner weights are a must.....

-it might be necessary to install a swirl pot or surge tank in the cooling system, instead of the rad cap in the rad hose.....you have left no room for coolant expansion, or de-aeration.......

Malibu310

Thanks for the suggestions... I think it will take time to set up the suspension right... I did not feel that comfortable just cutting the springs...

I'm taking the car back to the shop tuesday (the windshield washer was not hooked up) and I'll ask about the expansion tank.

GUMBALL

Malibu310:

Another point that I should have added - the expansion tank must be that only, a "flow-thru" tank does not seem to work as well. And you should find the highest point, and make a provision for bleeding air from the system when filling.
Custom installs take some time and effort to get all the little bugs worked out, just bear with it.

kshipp

hhmm...how does a mashed cat run (better yet - how does one sound)? I haven't seen one of those lately.

docmirror

I'd say you've accomplished the hosing.

I bought a 1990GT fixer for $6000. So far I've got a perfect running car, new interior, belts, batt, AC, and some gew-gaws for under $8000. When I paint it next year, should be about $11,000 invested for a like new car.

Gretch

That was cold, man...............

Rufus Sanders

Rick

Hey, You know how I feel about your Porschevys. I love em. and I know you and Adam and all the rest of us MN boys will have more fun with our cold water sharks than all the "purists". It's the balance that makes a 928 what it is, and if you need to replace a motor, why not a modern common repairable one. If I ever had the unfortunate need to swap a motor, it will be a PMC Chevy, marinized Corvette motor. Why the hell not. - Ruf

Mike LaBranche

Kelly.. I get this a lot. If you've ever stepped on a cat's tail... and see the speed that they exit the scene with... you'll know what I mean. lol

Kevin Michael

rufus i'll agree with common and repairable to an extent , but more modern? the 928 engine is an engineering masterpiece,especially the later ones. HIGHLY reliable , potent, and still leaps if not bounds ahead of some of gm's current offerings save some of the newer electronic gadgetry, but i'm talkin' engine for engine. 350? go for it but my 130k s4 will still pull strong and tight when that 350 craps out. if i need more power i will call andy or tim.(soon i hope!)
kevin