Starting the build of a Shell Valley Coupe

Scott S · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2005, 07:19 PM

I finally got time to get a few hours in on the coupe, let me say first that working on the front end and engine bay is way easier than a roadster.

The funny colored block is a "mock-up" that I got off Ebay. It is the actual size of a 302 and you can mount the water pump, oil pan, intake, exhaust, distributor, and even the trans. It weighs about 15 pounds, this is the way to go if you can find one, you can handle it by hand and you don't have to worry about getting crap into your new engine.

I am just starting to get things lined up. Pretty much the same drill as a Cobra, IE working to get the engine height right for the intake and still get the sidepipes to fit. One thing that has been really nice besides no fenders to work over is that SV has made a HUGE amount of room around the engine and bellhousing. I bet a big block would go in there with no problem.

Anyway I will try to keep this thread up to date, with photos.

Scott S

Scott S · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2005, 01:29 PM

Getting some more time in on the project, the front control arms are from Pole Position. I really like the easy adjustment on the upper arms. The shocks are from QA-1 and have adjustable damping.

I used this type of engine mount on my Lone Star Cobra and found that it really easy to shift the motor up and down and back and forth. The isolator is from NAPA and you can get several thicknesses.

Scott S

MikeB · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 09:10 AM

Hi again Scott,

ANy new pics or progress?

BTW - do you have to cut out the doors, or are they separate parts?

Regards,
Mike

Scott S · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 07:58 PM

Starting to come along nicely.

This is my favorite part of any build, the thing us coupe builder have to remember is that all mounting locations have to be on the fire wall or somewhere else.

Comments?

Scott S

MikeB · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 09:52 AM

Thanks Scott - looking good!

If you get a chance, would like to see a pic of the SV rear suspension also

Mike

Scott S · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 06:23 PM

Getting closer....

Wiring too...

Scott S

Scott S · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 08:56 AM

One whole day on carberator linkage, who would have thought

I may get to hear it run soon!

Scott S

CoupedUp · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 08:59 AM

Scott,
She is really looking nice!!! I have a LOT of respect for your building skills. Keep the updates coming!!!

Doug

Brent Mills · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 12:16 PM

Looking great Scott!! When are you going to have that sucker on the road/track?

CobraKid427 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Hey Scott,

The coupe is looking great! I'm looking into one right now as well. I have a Shell Valley roadster currently and I was wonder how the driver room looks so far. I've heard the Shell Vally would be tight for some one 6'1" or taller. What do you think?

Scott S · #11 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 02:00 PM

He is here on CC and has two Coupes. I have never met the gentleman but I think he is over 6'.

I am 5'10" and 200+lbs and fit fine.

Scott S

jeff priest · #12 (**permalink**) 04-09-2006, 06:17 PM

Beautiful motor, keep the pics coming.

Scott S · #13 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 05:20 PM

I got to drive it today! I live in a very rural area so went down the county road for a mile or two and back home.

Everything seemed to work great, I think I even have the front end close.

The webers ran well without a spit but boy do they make an incredible amount of noise! What a rush

Scott S

CoupedUp · #14 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott S

I live in a very rural area...

Scott,
No kidding?! Couldn't tell from the pics!

Looking really good! You've built a coupe from scratch faster than I could get an engine and transmission put in!

Good work!

Doug

MikeB · #15 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 04:01 PM

Scott,

Awesome - Thats really great!! Please keep the pictures coming as you finish the car

Thanks,
Mike

FiaCobra · #16 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 05:16 PM

Totally awsome job you're doing on the coupe. I'm enjoying the pics....keep 'em coming.

nanard289 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-06-2006, 07:39 AM

VERY nice job. A new star is coming in the Daytona coupe's sky. As say astronomer people: its a nova! Scott, you are in the good way

Scott S · #18 (**permalink**) 08-06-2006, 02:53 PM

I got a little time to work on the coupe today and finally got around to installing a JBL steering wheel quick release. Anybody looking for a high quality item Richard has done himself proud with such a great product! No shake, slop or wobble this is the best hub I have seen.

I found a nice MOMO wheel on ebay and put it all together with the new roadster column from Flaming River(another nice product)!

So if it steers has brakes, and the throttle works why not go for a spin?

Again I live in pretty rural area, so the spirited jaunt without licence or lights was not much of a concern, I didn't even take the cell phone with me, how's that for trusting your building skills?

Drove for over 5 miles, the little 331 with webers is way to much fun! The lightweight flywheel spins up so quick and the torque is incredible, who would have thought?

Anyway, I think the coupe is going to get paint soon, the wife still says purple.......

Any ideas on how I can get around that?

Scott S

FiaCobra · #19 (**permalink**) 08-06-2006, 04:12 PM

Scott, tell the wife your car is as close to an original as it can get and purple was not an original color. Tell her guardsman blue is a lighter shade of purple and paint it that.

stuartb · #20 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 08:11 PM

Looking at a roadster. How was dealing with shell valley