Perfect cars for a resto mod?
Discussion
Hi all,
Must admit that whilst I've yet to do one, I definitely love the idea of "restomods", but I've always felt that it should be done to the cars that had aspect of them that were brilliant, but also that had major issues that were in dire need of sorting out. Two that spring to mind that I'd love to do are as follows.
1.) Mid 80's Alfa GTV V6. I look at these and they are achingly pretty, with great handling and an epic engine note from the busso V6. But suffer with so many other issues, that prevent it from being anything other than hideously bad/unreliable.
2.) Capri 2.8 Injection - I've had one, but cannot help but think that a Jaguar Alloy V6 transplant and tune, coupled with major rear suspension work, total replacement/upgrade of the brakes and various other bits, could make it awesome.
What cars spring to mind for you guys if you think of the best resto mod candidates?
Must admit that whilst I've yet to do one, I definitely love the idea of "restomods", but I've always felt that it should be done to the cars that had aspect of them that were brilliant, but also that had major issues that were in dire need of sorting out. Two that spring to mind that I'd love to do are as follows.
1.) Mid 80's Alfa GTV V6. I look at these and they are achingly pretty, with great handling and an epic engine note from the busso V6. But suffer with so many other issues, that prevent it from being anything other than hideously bad/unreliable.
2.) Capri 2.8 Injection - I've had one, but cannot help but think that a Jaguar Alloy V6 transplant and tune, coupled with major rear suspension work, total replacement/upgrade of the brakes and various other bits, could make it awesome.
What cars spring to mind for you guys if you think of the best resto mod candidates?
Basically, just about everything!
My thoughts are usually to keep it subtle, but it'll still upset the purists anyway
Big engine from later model, uprated brakes, suspension, lowered a little bit and slightly bigger period style wheels.
That would do me.
I've done plenty over the years that would be classed as "resto mod" now, and still own some of them.
Mk1 Golf GTI with tuned Corrado G60 engine, quaife diff in close ratio gear box, uprated brakes, standard bodywork.
Mercedes 190 2.6 with factory Cosworth kit, AMG C36 engine, 5 speed box, LSD, SL500 4 pot brakes.
I'd really like to do these:
Jag Mk2 or S Type with Supercharged 6 cylinder or V8
Citroen DS with modern torquey engine
Audi 80 quattro with RS4 running gear.
BMW E24 635csi with E39 M5 running gear.
BMW E30 with M3 V8 engine.
Mercedes 190 with Cosworth body kit, E55 AMG engine, but manual gearbox.
Mercedes S123 Estate with E55 AMG running gear
Volvo 240 Estate with V8
My thoughts are usually to keep it subtle, but it'll still upset the purists anyway
Big engine from later model, uprated brakes, suspension, lowered a little bit and slightly bigger period style wheels.
That would do me.
I've done plenty over the years that would be classed as "resto mod" now, and still own some of them.
Mk1 Golf GTI with tuned Corrado G60 engine, quaife diff in close ratio gear box, uprated brakes, standard bodywork.
Mercedes 190 2.6 with factory Cosworth kit, AMG C36 engine, 5 speed box, LSD, SL500 4 pot brakes.
I'd really like to do these:
Jag Mk2 or S Type with Supercharged 6 cylinder or V8
Citroen DS with modern torquey engine
Audi 80 quattro with RS4 running gear.
BMW E24 635csi with E39 M5 running gear.
BMW E30 with M3 V8 engine.
Mercedes 190 with Cosworth body kit, E55 AMG engine, but manual gearbox.
Mercedes S123 Estate with E55 AMG running gear
Volvo 240 Estate with V8
Something like this?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lada-riva/193012004636?...
Fiat do a nifty twin cam that'd fit without too much work.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lada-riva/193012004636?...
Fiat do a nifty twin cam that'd fit without too much work.
For two years I've been toying with taking an MG ZA Magnette and transplanting a Rover V8, adding aircon, a Tremec box, modernising the suspension and brakes and adding power steering. Plus cruise control if possible. But I want a Q car, not flared wheel arches, 3" exhausts, etc, just a properly engineered conversion that won't look out of place but will scare the pants off them when I use the not-so-loud pedal.
lowdrag said:
For two years I've been toying with taking an MG ZA Magnette and transplanting a Rover V8, adding aircon, a Tremec box, modernising the suspension and brakes and adding power steering. Plus cruise control if possible. But I want a Q car, not flared wheel arches, 3" exhausts, etc, just a properly engineered conversion that won't look out of place but will scare the pants off them when I use the not-so-loud pedal.
I've a second Riley One-Point-Five in my garage that is awaiting something similar transformation. Originally I was going to use an early MGB three-main engine but the more I think about it, the more I'm tempted to go the Rover V8 route. Suspension is already telescopic all round, brakes are an easy job but haven't yet thought about transmission - Tremec now a possibility (thanks!).I have a very low mileage CAT D Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa sitting in a Carcoon doing nothing and I’m pondering the economics of transplanting the whole drivetrain and Skyhook suspension into a rescued Alfa 105 saloon body of some sort at some point to make a 21st century “GTAm”.
Not an original thought but I don’t think it has actually been executed by anybody yet.
Not an original thought but I don’t think it has actually been executed by anybody yet.
bigdog3 said:
Jaguar Mk10 with a 5.3L V12 engine - wonderful 
Dennis Jenkinson went to the factory one day and was allowed to try out a Mk X on the condition he didn't look under the bonnet. They had transplanted the new XJ13 quad cam 5.0 litre V12. It went like hell he said. But here's another transplant that was very successful:-
lowdrag said:
For two years I've been toying with taking an MG ZA Magnette and transplanting a Rover V8, adding aircon, a Tremec box, modernising the suspension and brakes and adding power steering. Plus cruise control if possible. But I want a Q car, not flared wheel arches, 3" exhausts, etc, just a properly engineered conversion that won't look out of place but will scare the pants off them when I use the not-so-loud pedal.
A mate is currently restoring three Austin Westminsters 
One, standard, for his dad to run around in, as the family has long history with them.
Two, standard, original, very clean for him to potter about in.
Three, full resto mod, 4.6 V8 on fuel injection, 5 speed, LSD, major BL parts bin special, MGC ARBs, Rolls Royce/Princess front end for the big brakes, banded steel wheels to get modern tyres, but under standard arches etc, guaranteed to upset the rivet counters at shows!
It should be very good when he's finished!
lowdrag said:
Dennis Jenkinson went to the factory one day and was allowed to try out a Mk X on the condition he didn't look under the bonnet. They had transplanted the new XJ13 quad cam 5.0 litre V12. It went like hell he said.
Jaguar Quad Cam V12 with SU carbs ready for that Mk 10 ?
sim16v said:
Mercedes S123 Estate with E55 AMG running gear
This just sold for €150k. Not the E55 motor but the M117 from the contemporary W126 - still, it's a great combo. Would have been a great sleeper in stock 280TE trim without any of the external AMG-fication. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/es19/essen/lots...
sim16v said:
I've done plenty over the years...
Mercedes 190 2.6 with factory Cosworth kit, AMG C36 engine, 5 speed box, LSD, SL500 4 pot brakes
Is there any more info on this anywhere? I’ve a 4 cylinder w201 and constantly think about an engine swap. I’m familiar with the limitations of a 4 cylinder chassis but I wonder whether a v6 might fit more easily rather than I6? Otherwise I’m on the look out for an 8v 2.3 m102 for a straight swap but they are rare as they only came in the w124. I’d like the 8 rather than 16v as revvy doesn’t really suit the chassis as it’s an auto and not a sportline. Thoughts?Mercedes 190 2.6 with factory Cosworth kit, AMG C36 engine, 5 speed box, LSD, SL500 4 pot brakes
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff