It has begun - G-Pete's 289FIA Scratch Build

[G-Pete]

Well, here is another paint scheme...

[*13*]

I almost went that color with mine. Don't know if I could handle it for the long term. It would be different...

[G-Pete]

For now the both of them sitting on my desk at work. It will be a few month until the paint job - let's see which one I prefer after that time.

[G-Pete]

Upper frame progress





The cross square tube stays in place until the body mounts are welded in



Front end of the frame prep



Body mounts fiber-glassed and the tabs tacked to the pipes



Front end and upper main are done



Progress on the back bone and tranny brace. The SVT IRS modified and locked in the final position

[JBCOBRA]

G
You have awesome skills!

[Fullchat289]

G:

Great build thread. Is the Charger Po-Po cruiser your DD?

Considering no track modifications appear to have been made to the IRS, what backspace have you calculated to ensure the wheels sit correctly within the wells?

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

My DD is a Suburban, we build the law enforcement parts for the PD's and Sheriff DPS.

The IRS track is stock and the body get flared 2 inch both sides. It will look pretty "muscular"...

The final decision is not made yet, I need to see the flares on the car and take a look.

Bryan in MO shorten his half shafts 2.5 inches and made new upper and lower A-Arms. he sent the units next week down here and I will take some pictures and post them here.
I talked to him on the phone this weekend and his project moves along pretty well. He will sell some accessories, bodies and frame parts - like the a-arms on his website (under construction).

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by Fullchat289

G:
Is the Charger Po-Po cruiser your DD?

BTW, good eye

[G-Pete]

Picture update here:

AC Cobra 289FIA

[*13*]

Looks like a fun project! Why are you locating the fuel tank in the trunk as opposed to placing it behind the seats?

[G-Pete]

Well, now you got me thinking.

I like to use as much as possible from the donor and spent the money on more on engine, wheels and tires...

BUT, these alu fuel cells are not that expensive and I have to change the fuel pump anyway to feed the 42# injectors.

Not a big mod, but it would clean out the lines from the back view and leans on the original design.


Guess I have to do that.

[*13*]

It's your car, I was just curious if there was a reason for it. Being the 289 cars are for guys who really know the differences between the models they would be more likely to notice a tank sitting below the body line.

[Fullchat289]

Originally Posted by *13*

It's your car, I was just curious if there was a reason for it. Being the 289 cars are for guys who really know the differences between the models they would be more likely to notice a tank sitting below the body line.

I agree fully with Hyde.

In addition, I also think that if you are doing this as an FIA/USRRC car, the fuel filler should be in the correct location, e.g. on the rear deck behind the passenger seat. Like Hyde said, the 289 guys pick that stuff up quickly...

..but that's just my $0.02. I'm going to continue to enjoy this thread regardless, I'm sure.

Crack on!

- Allen.

[G-Pete]

Yep Guys, Hyde and Allen you're right - next picture update will include the fix of that faux pax.

The next step will be to mount the engine and transmission. With the front suspension installed, the chassis goes on the scale. I need to know the weight for ordering the right springs of the coil overs.
The coil overs are the last part for the suspension, with these placed I'm able to make the brackets for the sway bar with adjustable links.

[tkb289]

G ...

Hyde and Allen are definitely onto something ... the fuel tank behind the seats, fuel filler on the rear deck, go hand in hand with the cut back doors and forward roll bar brace of an FIA.

It's a real treat to watch you fabricate the frame to integrate the suspension and drive train components with the body ... very cool, keep up the great work.

- Tim

[*13*]

Thats right! You post around here, you gotta listen to our nit picking! Mostly cause' we wish we had the money and/or the space for another project ourselves...

[G-Pete]

Month going by fast...dang.

It's been a while, got my fuel cell now and tossed completely the idea to use the donor tank.
The front suspension is done and I'm working on the rear. This will be the subject on the next update.

The power plant is close to be completed.


The mayor replacement components were: Water pump, dampener, belt tensioner, power steering pump, spark plugs and water/oil adapter gasket

Upgraded replacement parts: High volume Oil pump, crank shaft dampener, 39# Injectors, 78mm intake plenum/throttle body, 7 quarts oil pan, modified for fit between the frame rails - "lost" 8oz; and the aluminum valve covers.

Last and not least the ATI super charger Stage 3.

Next weekend I will be back on the frame and put that engine in so the foot boxes and all the other stuff can be measured and fabricated. It have been gotten hot very soon here ---100F pffffffffff..........

[*13*]

That's hot!

[G-Pete]

The timing guides looked good and had hardly wear makes. Same with the cams, that just went along with the early on compression test. Before I took the motor out of the donor, she sounded pretty smooth too.

No sludge on top or on the bottom, the bore scope (sorry not the picture one) made the internal inspection easy and I did not find anything.















For more pictures - here is my picture website.... Albums By Peter Fritsche - ImageEvent

[G-Pete]

Originally Posted by *13*

That's hot!

you did not see the rest...that was a fast reply!!